Find Trade Colleges

Study Area & Zipcode

Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois

Find Schools Near

2023 Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing

43 Colleges
$8,104 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$17,041 Avg Salary

Finding the Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate School for You

Out of the majors we analyze each year, cosmetology was ranked 3rd in Illinois. In fact, 3,922 were awarded in the state in 2021-2022.

It's not easy to decide which trade school program to enroll in when you have so many options available. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Trade College Search has developed this Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois ranking. Our analysis looked at 43 schools in Illinois to see which undergraduate certificate programs offered the best value experiences for cosmetology students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

2023 Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois

The colleges and universities below are the best value schools for cosmetology majors pursuing a undergraduate certificate.

Top 25 Best Illinois Schools for Affordable Quality for an Award Taking 1 to 4 Years in Cosmetology

#1

Lake Land College

Mattoon, IL

Our 2023 rankings named Lake Land College the best value school in Illinois for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Lake Land College is a small public school located in the town of Mattoon.

Lake Land College undergraduate students pay an average of $8,104 in in-state tuition and fees each year. After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Lake Land College carry an average student debtload of $4,266.

Full Cosmetology at Lake Land College Report

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at City Colleges of Chicago - Harry S Truman College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best value cosmetology schools in Illinois. Located in the city of Chicago, Harry S Truman College is a public school with a medium-sized student population.

In-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Harry S Truman College are $11,520 per year.

Full Cosmetology at City Colleges of Chicago - Harry S Truman College Report

#3

Cosmetology & Spa Academy

Crystal Lake, IL

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at Cosmetology & Spa Academy helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best value cosmetology schools in Illinois. Cosmetology & Spa Academy is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Crystal Lake.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Cosmetology & Spa Academy accumulate an average of around $9,798 in student debt.

Full Cosmetology at Cosmetology & Spa Academy Report

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Empire Beauty School-Stone Park. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois list. Empire Beauty School-Stone Park is a small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Stone Park.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Empire Beauty School-Stone Park accumulate an average of around $12,906 in student debt. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $81, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Stone Park

#3

Capri Beauty College

Oak Forest, IL

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Capri Beauty College is a great value for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Capri Beauty College is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Oak Forest.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Capri Beauty College take out $10,757 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $108.

Read More…

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois list. Tricoci CNW is a small private for-profit school located in the large city of Chicago.

This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $93, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Cosmetology at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW Report

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Libertyville is a great value for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in the large suburb of Libertyville, Tricoci LBV is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Tricoci LBV accumulate an average of around $9,255 in student debt. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $105.

Read More…

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best value cosmetology schools in Illinois. University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology is a small private for-profit school located in the large city of Chicago.

On average, cosmetology graduates from University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology take out $7,464 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Read More…

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois list. Located in the midsize city of Springfield, University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

On average, cosmetology graduates from University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts take out $5,400 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $94, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Cosmetology at University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts Report

Out of the 43 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Peoria landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in the midsize city of Peoria, Tricoci PEO is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $114.

Full Cosmetology at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Peoria Report

Out of the 43 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Glendale Heights landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in the suburb of Glendale Heights, Tricoci GLH is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Tricoci GLH take out $9,442 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $106.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Glendale Heights

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at Paul Mitchell the School Bradley helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best value cosmetology schools in Illinois. Paul Mitchell the School Bradley is a small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Tinley Park.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Paul Mitchell the School Bradley carry an average student debtload of $9,867. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $137.

Full Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Bradley Report

Out of the 43 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Rockford landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in the city of Rockford, Tricoci RFD is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Tricoci RFD take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $9,421. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $105.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Rockford

#3

Pivot Point Academy

Bloomingdale, IL

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Pivot Point Academy is a great value for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in the large suburb of Bloomingdale, Pivot Point Academy is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Pivot Point Academy carry an average student debtload of $10,559. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $112.

Read More…

Out of the 43 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Sterling landed the # 3 spot on the list. Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Sterling is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the distant town of Sterling.

Full Cosmetology at Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Sterling Report

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Paul Mitchell the School Chicago. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois list. Paul Mitchell the School Chicago is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large city of Chicago.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Paul Mitchell the School Chicago accumulate an average of around $12,684 in student debt. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $117, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read More…

Out of the 43 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, G Skin & Beauty Institute landed the # 3 spot on the list. Naperville Skin Institute is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Oakbrook.

Cosmetology majors at Naperville Skin Institute take out an average of $7,097 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $109, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Cosmetology at G Skin & Beauty Institute

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Bridgeview helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best value cosmetology schools in Illinois. Located in the suburb of Bridgeview, Tricoci BRV is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Tricoci BRV take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $8,560. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $98.

Full Cosmetology at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Bridgeview Report

Out of the 43 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, Empire Beauty School-Vernon Hills landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in the suburb of Vernon Hills, Empire Beauty School-Vernon Hills is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Empire Beauty School-Vernon Hills carry an average student debtload of $12,906. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $81, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Vernon Hills

Out of the 43 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Peru landed the # 3 spot on the list. Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Peru is a small private for-profit school located in the town of PERU.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Peru

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend John Amico School of Hair Design. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois list. Located in the suburb of Oak Forest, John Amico School of Hair Design is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

Cosmetology majors at John Amico School of Hair Design take out an average of $10,046 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $63, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read More…

#3

Larry's Barber College

Chicago, IL

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Larry’s Barber College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois list. Larry's Barber College is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the city of Chicago.

Cosmetology majors at Larry's Barber College take out an average of $4,269 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Full Cosmetology at Larry’s Barber College Report

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Paul Mitchell the School Lombard. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois list. Paul Mitchell the School Lombard is a small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Lombard.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Paul Mitchell the School Lombard accumulate an average of around $12,684 in student debt. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $117, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Lombard

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Hair Professionals School of Cosmetology. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois list. Located in the suburb of Oswego, Hair Professionals School of Cosmetology is a private for-profit school with a small student population.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Hair Professionals School of Cosmetology take out $10,597 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Read More…

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at Professional’s Choice Hair Design Academy helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best value cosmetology schools in Illinois. Located in the large suburb of Joliet, Professional's Choice Hair Design Academy is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

Read More…

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois award.

Rank College Location

Best Value Cosmetology Colleges in the Great Lakes Region

Explore all the Best Value Cosmetology Schools in the Great Lakes Area or other specific states within that region.

State Degrees Awarded
Michigan 2,766
Indiana 1,897
Wisconsin 1,320
Ohio 3,404

One of 4 majors within the trade school area of study, cosmetology has other similar majors worth exploring.

Cosmetology Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist 50,210
Aesthetician/Esthetician & Skin Care Specialist 40,040
Nail Technician/Specialist & Manicurist 13,960
Barbering/Barber 9,893
Facial Treatment Specialist/Facialist 2,907
Other Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts 2,184
Master Aesthetician/Esthetician 1,729
Hair Styling/Stylist & Hair Design 1,238
Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, & Nail Instructor 1,230
Make-Up Artist/Specialist 440
Electrolysis/Electrology & Electrolysis Technician 354
Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager 336
Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup & Tattooing 90

Majors Similar to Cosmetology

Related Major Annual Graduates
Culinary Arts 22,075
Funeral & Mortuary Science 2,186
Casino Operations and Services 385
Other Personal & Culinary Services 95

Notes and References

*These averages are for the top 43 schools only.

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Credit for the banner image above goes to Tiffany Bumgardner.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.