Which Chicago Schools Offer Cosmetology Programs?

Illinois Cosmetology License Requirements

In Illinois, you must be licensed to practice as a cosmetologist. The Illinois General Assembly has established requirements to receive such licensure, including the completion of an approved cosmetology program and a cosmetology exam. Licenses must be renewed every other year, and this requires completing at least 14 hours of continuing education. However, you may be exempt from the continuing education requirement if you have worked as a cosmetologist for a minimum of 25 years or you're at least 62 years of age.

Salary and Employment Info for Hairdressers, Hairstylists and Cosmetologists in the Chicago Area

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were about 13,000 hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists in the Chicago metro area as of 2011. These professionals earned an average of roughly $28,000 per year. This was slightly higher than the national average salary for the field, which was about $26,000. The BLS predicted that nationwide employment of hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists would grow 16% over the 2010-2020 decade, which is about as fast as average.

Certificate Programs in Cosmetology in the Chicago Area

College of Dupage

• Program: Cosmetology Certificate
• Program Length: 6 semesters (including 2 summer semesters)
• Tuition: $136 per semester hour for in-district residents; $323 per semester hour for out-of-district residents (costs for Fall 2012)
• Requirements: Must place into categories one or two on reading test
• School Type: 2-year, public; nearly 27,000 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: Addison Regional Center: 301 S. Swift Rd., Addison, IL 60101; Naperville Center: 1223 Rickert Dr., Naperville, IL 60540
• Phone: 630-942-4600 (Addison); 630-942-4700 (Naperville)

A cosmetology certificate program is available through the College of Dupage at its Addison and Naperville locations. You take courses in salon sanitation and safety, hairstyling, salon operations and chemical services. Clinical hours are included as part of the program and upon completion, you can seek a cosmetology license.

Harry S. Truman College

• Program: Advanced Certificate in Cosmetology
• Program Length: 36 credit hours
• Tuition: $89 per credit hour for in-district students; $185 per credit hour for out-of-district students; $237 per credit hour for out-of-state students (costs for Fall 2012)
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 13,000 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 1200 W. Sunnyside Ave., Room 101, Chicago, IL 60640
• Phone: 773-907-3995

The advanced certificate program in cosmetology at Harry S. Truman College meets the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation requirements for becoming a licensed cosmetologist. As part of the program, you complete lab hours in an on-site styling salon, as well as courses in hair styling, shaping and tinting. You also learn how to treat nails and skin. As a cosmetology student, you can earn an Associate in General Studies by completing additional coursework, including 20 credit hours of general education classes. If you want to earn the associate degree, you need to meet with an advisor to discuss which additional courses are necessary.

Associate Degree Programs in Cosmetology in the Chicago Area

College of Dupage

• Program: Associate in Applied Science in Cosmetology
• Program Length: 6 semesters (including 2 summer semesters)
• Tuition: $136 per semester hour for in-district residents; $323 per semester hour for out-of-district residents (costs for Fall 2012)
• Requirements: Must place into categories one or two on reading test; Must pass writing exam
• School Type: 2-year, public; 28,000 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: Addison Regional Center: 301 S. Swift Rd., Addison, IL 60101; Naperville Center: 1223 Rickert Dr., Naperville, IL 60540
• Phone: 630-942-4600 (Addison); 630-942-4700 (Naperville)

The associate degree program in cosmetology requires students to complete a total of 64 credits, as opposed to the 46 credits required for the certificate program. As part of the associate program, you complete 18 credits of general education courses in addition to the same cosmetology coursework required for the certificate. The program is available at both the Naperville and Addison centers.