Jonathan BensonIf you’re passionate about beauty, hairstyling, makeup, and skincare, attending a cosmetology school in Chicago can set you on the path to a successful career. The Windy City is home to top-rated beauty academies and training programs that prepare students for Illinois state licensure and real-world salon experience.
Cosmetology programs in Illinois typically require 1,500 training hours to qualify for licensing. Tuition varies widely — from $8,000 to $25,000 depending on the school, program length, and included supplies. This guide covers the top 20 cosmetology schools in Chicago, including detailed program descriptions and estimated fees.
Top 20 Cosmetology Schools In Chicago And Fees
1. Trenz Beauty Academy Chicago
Trenz Beauty Academy is a top choice for aspiring cosmetologists in Chicago. Known for its hands-on training and professional mentorship, the academy offers comprehensive programs in hairstyling, hair coloring, skincare, nails, makeup, and salon management.
Students train in real salon environments, gaining practical experience with real clients under professional supervision. The school also provides career services, helping graduates find employment in salons or start their own businesses.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $20,000 – $22,000
2. City Colleges of Chicago – Harry S Truman College
Part of the City Colleges of Chicago system, Harry S Truman College offers an affordable cosmetology and barbering program. Students gain both classroom instruction and hands-on salon experience, preparing them for the Illinois licensing exam.
Truman College is ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly route without compromising on quality, and students can also take advantage of financial aid and flexible class schedules.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $10,000 – $12,000
3. Tricoci University of Beauty Culture – Chicago
Tricoci University is one of the most recognized beauty schools in the area. The program focuses on creative techniques in hair, makeup, nails, and skincare, paired with business fundamentals for salon success.
Students work in student salons, build professional portfolios, and benefit from mentorship and job placement programs. This school is ideal for students aiming for high-end salon careers or editorial beauty work.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $22,000 – $25,000
4. Cannella School of Hair Design – Chicago
Cannella School offers programs designed to balance theory and practical salon experience. Students learn essential cosmetology techniques and gain confidence working with real clients.
The curriculum includes hair cutting, coloring, styling, skincare, nails, and salon management skills. Cannella also provides career guidance and alumni support.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $11,000 – $13,000
5. University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology – Chicago
This school offers full cosmetology programs with specialization options in esthetics, makeup, and advanced skincare. Small class sizes allow for personalized instruction, and students receive extensive hands-on training.
Graduates leave prepared not only for licensing but also for managerial and entrepreneurial roles in the beauty industry.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $16,000 – $18,000
6. G Skin & Beauty Institute – Schaumburg
Located in the Chicago suburbs, G Skin & Beauty Institute offers premium cosmetology programs. The school focuses on modern techniques, esthetics, and hair design.
Students gain experience in student salons with professional products, preparing them for careers in both salons and spa environments.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $20,000 – $24,000
7. Bel Mar Beauty Academy
Bel Mar Beauty Academy offers quality, affordable cosmetology education. Students learn hair, makeup, nails, and skincare techniques while practicing in supervised salon settings.
The school also emphasizes career readiness, providing resume support and job placement assistance for graduates.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $11,000 – $13,000
8. Elle International Beauty Academy
This academy provides hands-on training in cosmetology, esthetics, and nails. Students practice in student salons and are exposed to creative and professional opportunities in fashion and freelance beauty work.
Elle International emphasizes artistic development while ensuring graduates are ready for state licensing.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $8,000 – $10,000
9. Chicago Academy of Beauty
Chicago Academy of Beauty offers a comprehensive program combining technical training and professional development. Students learn hair, nails, skincare, makeup, and client management skills.
The program prepares students for the Illinois state licensing exam and employment in a variety of salon settings.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $15,000 – $19,000
10. North Center Beauty School
North Center Beauty School emphasizes creativity and small class sizes for personalized training. The curriculum includes all key cosmetology skills along with business practices.
Students graduate prepared for licensing exams and professional salon careers.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $15,000 – $20,000
11. Deluxe Beauty School
Deluxe Beauty School provides hands-on cosmetology education with real client practice. Students gain skills in hair, makeup, skincare, and nails, alongside professional salon practices.
Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce immediately.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $15,000 – $18,000
12. Elite Beauty Institute
Elite Beauty Institute trains students in modern beauty techniques, customer service, and salon business essentials. The school emphasizes career support and portfolio development to ensure graduates are market-ready.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $14,000 – $18,000
13. Advance Beauty Institute of Chicago
Advance Beauty Institute blends technical training and client interaction, preparing students for careers in salons, spas, or freelance work. Internship and mentorship opportunities are available.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $15,000 – $19,000
14. Platinum Beauty Academy
Platinum Beauty Academy focuses on personalized training and creative development. Students practice in real salon settings and learn both technical and professional skills.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $13,000 – $17,000
15. Chicago Cosmetology Training Center
This school provides flexible schedules and practical, hands-on training. Students learn cosmetology fundamentals while gaining real client experience in student salons.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $12,000 – $16,000
16. Beautyworks Institute
Beautyworks Institute emphasizes salon readiness and client communication. Students graduate with technical proficiency and practical experience.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $14,000 – $18,000
17. New Look Beauty School
New Look Beauty School provides entry-level cosmetology education in hair, nails, skincare, and makeup. The program is ideal for beginners seeking foundational skills.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $11,000 – $15,000
18. StyleCraft School of Beauty
StyleCraft School focuses on trend-driven cosmetology education. Students practice creative techniques and receive professional portfolio guidance.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $12,000 – $16,000
19. Chicago School of Hair Design
Chicago School of Hair Design emphasizes hands-on training and real-world salon experience. The curriculum prepares students for licensing exams and professional salon employment.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $14,000 – $19,000
20. Windy City College of Cosmetology
Windy City College offers immersive training in hair, nails, makeup, and skincare. Students gain practical experience and professional skills for long-term success.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $13,000 – $17,000
Comparison Table of Top Cosmetology Schools in Chicago
| School | Location | Estimated Tuition | Program Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trenz Beauty Academy | Chicago | $20k – $22k | Comprehensive, hands-on training |
| Harry S Truman College | Chicago | $10k – $12k | Affordable, community-based |
| Tricoci University | Chicago | $22k – $25k | Creative + high-end salon prep |
| Cannella School | Chicago | $11k – $13k | Practical salon focus |
| University of Aesthetics | Chicago | $16k – $18k | Small class sizes, esthetics |
| G Skin & Beauty Institute | Schaumburg | $20k – $24k | Premium facilities |
| Bel Mar Beauty Academy | Chicago | $11k – $13k | Budget-friendly, supportive |
| Elle International | Chicago | $8k – $10k | Creative/fashion-oriented |
| Chicago Academy of Beauty | Chicago | $15k – $19k | Balanced technical + practical |
| North Center Beauty School | Chicago | $15k – $20k | Small classes, creative focus |
| Deluxe Beauty School | Chicago | $15k – $18k | Hands-on client training |
| Elite Beauty Institute | Chicago | $14k – $18k | Portfolio + career services |
| Advance Beauty Institute | Chicago | $15k – $19k | Internships & mentorship |
| Platinum Beauty Academy | Chicago | $13k – $17k | Personalized instruction |
| Chicago Cosmetology Training Center | Chicago | $12k – $16k | Flexible schedule |
| Beautyworks Institute | Chicago | $14k – $18k | Client-focused training |
| New Look Beauty School | Chicago | $11k – $15k | Foundational skills |
| StyleCraft School of Beauty | Chicago | $12k – $16k | Trend-driven curriculum |
| Chicago School of Hair Design | Chicago | $14k – $19k | Real-world salon readiness |
| Windy City College | Chicago | $13k – $17k | Immersive hands-on program |
Conclusion
Chicago offers a wide variety of cosmetology schools catering to different budgets, schedules, and career ambitions. Whether you prefer affordable community college options or high-end beauty academies, the city has programs to fit your goals.
When choosing a school, consider tuition, program length, hands-on opportunities, licensing prep, and career support. The right cosmetology education will prepare you for a successful career in salons, spas, or even your own business.