Cosmetology at University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology

Among Chicago's 71 cosmetology programs, this one stands out—graduates here earn $24,468 in their first year, placing them in the 80th percentile statewide and even higher nationally. That's $6,600 more than Illinois' typical cosmetology graduate and $7,300 above the national median. Only a handful of Illinois programs produce stronger early earnings, putting University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology near the top tier in a crowded field.

The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $11,667, graduates carry slightly more than the state average, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 means they're borrowing less than half their first-year salary—manageable by any standard. With 61% of students receiving Pell grants, this program appears to deliver meaningful economic mobility for students from lower-income backgrounds. Earnings stay relatively stable over the first four years, which is typical for the beauty industry where income depends more on client base and skill development than time in the field.

The one caveat: the sample size is small, so these numbers reflect fewer than 30 graduates. That said, consistently outperforming 80% of Illinois programs suggests real quality in training and career placement. For families considering cosmetology school in Chicago, this program delivers stronger starting earnings than nearly any alternative in the state, with debt that won't become a burden.