Cosmetology at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Glendale Heights

Tricoci's Glendale Heights campus produces earnings that trail three-quarters of Illinois cosmetology programs, with first-year graduates earning just $13,970—about $4,000 below the state median. This matters because the beauty industry has relatively little geographic variation in what stylists can charge, yet graduates here start 22% behind their Illinois peers and 18% below the national average. With 71 cosmetology programs in Illinois alone, location can't explain away this gap.

The encouraging part is what happens next: earnings nearly double by year four, reaching $26,495. That growth trajectory outpaces most beauty programs and suggests graduates who stick with the field can build viable careers. The $9,682 debt load sits right at state and national averages, which means the program isn't overleveraging students relative to competitors. Still, that debt represents 8 months of first-year income—a significant burden for new graduates trying to build their client base.

The central question is whether starting so far behind the pack makes sense when Illinois has dozens of alternatives producing better first-year outcomes. Top programs like University of Aesthetics send graduates into the field earning $24,468—nearly double what Tricoci graduates make initially. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to choose this location, families should explore other Illinois beauty schools where the earning potential justifies the investment from day one.