Cosmetology at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Peoria

Tricoci University's Peoria cosmetology program performs solidly in the Illinois market, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—though several community colleges and beauty schools in the state deliver stronger initial placement outcomes, with top programs starting graduates around $24,000. What stands out here is the earnings trajectory: first-year graduates earn $17,832, but by year four that figure jumps 37% to $24,463, bringing them nearly on par with the state's highest-performing programs. The debt load of $9,730 is manageable, requiring about half a year's initial earnings to repay, which is typical for the field.

The real question is whether your child can weather those leaner early years while building clientele. With nearly two-thirds of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves working-class families, and the robust sample size confirms these numbers reflect real outcomes. If your child is willing to hustle through the client-building phase—and the family can afford modest support during those first couple years—the trajectory looks promising. But if immediate earning power matters more, programs like Illinois Eastern Community Colleges offer stronger starting positions without the growth wait.