Analysis
Trenz Beauty Academy graduates earn barely $10,000 in their first year—less than half the state median for Illinois cosmetology programs and ranking in just the 10th percentile statewide. While earnings do climb to $16,236 by year four, that's still $6,600 below what typical Illinois graduates in this field earn, and well short of the $22,000+ earned by graduates from top-performing programs in the state.
The debt picture makes this especially troubling. At nearly $19,000, graduates carry almost double the debt load typical for cosmetology programs nationally and in Illinois (both around $9,800). This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.84—meaning you'd owe nearly two years' income, a challenging burden on cosmetology wages. Even top-performing Illinois cosmetology programs carry similar debt loads, but their graduates earn $22,000-$24,000 right away, making those loans far more manageable.
For an Illinois family, this program represents poor value when dozens of alternatives in-state deliver significantly stronger outcomes. Your child would start their career $7,000-$14,000 behind peers from better programs while carrying twice the typical debt. Unless there are compelling location-specific reasons, exploring other Illinois cosmetology programs would likely mean better earnings from day one with half the debt burden.
Where Trenz Beauty Academy Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Trenz Beauty Academy graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trenz Beauty Academy | $10,284 | $16,236 | +58% |
| G Skin & Beauty Institute | $18,987 | $29,032 | +53% |
| Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Glendale Heights | $13,970 | $26,495 | +90% |
| Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NE | $13,970 | $26,495 | +90% |
| Professional's Choice Hair Design Academy | $19,587 | $25,612 | +31% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (71 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Trenz Beauty AcademyCalumet City | — | $10,284 | $16,236 | $18,897 | 1.84 |
 University of Aesthetics & CosmetologyChicago | — | $24,468 | $25,347 | $11,667 | 0.48 |
 Illinois Eastern Community CollegesOlney | $4,390 | $24,120 | — | — | — |
 Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-PeruPERU | — | $22,967 | $16,517 | $9,646 | 0.42 |
 The Aveda Institute of Beauty and Wellness ChicagoChicago | — | $22,351 | $24,872 | $9,833 | 0.44 |
 Cosmetology & Spa AcademyCrystal Lake | — | $22,096 | $22,148 | $9,833 | 0.45 |
| National Median | — | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates
Skincare Specialists
Barbers
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Shampooers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Trenz Beauty Academy, approximately 17% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 36 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.