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best cities in Illinois to study barbering and cosmetology

Prompt

Last updated 22nd October 2025

Domain count
paulmitchell.edu
1
tricociuniversity.edu
3
cosmetologyandspaacademy.edu
2
Citations count
38
8
21
9
Brands Discovered
29
0
20
12

Original answer

Here are the best Illinois cities to study barbering and cosmetology, with why each is a good choice and quick next steps.

Top cities (why they stand out)

  • Chicago — largest selection of accredited schools and specialty programs (Paul Mitchell, Aveda, Cannella, Tricoci, independent academies), strong client flow for student clinics, plentiful salons/shops for externships and jobs. (paulmitchell.edu)
  • Rockford — multiple established programs (Tricoci and other regional schools), lower living costs than metro Chicago while still offering local industry connections. (tricociuniversity.edu)
  • Elgin / Schaumburg (Chicagoland suburbs) — accessible satellite campuses (Cosmetology & Spa Academy, G Skin & Beauty, Paul Mitchell nearby), good for suburban students and commuting from NW suburbs. (cosmetologyandspaacademy.edu)
  • Peoria — regional Tricoci and community-college-affiliated programs with hands-on clinics and local employer networks. (tricociuniversity.edu)
  • Bloomington–Normal — established local institutes (Hairmasters, community programs) and lower costs; good if you want a smaller-town training environment. (beautyschools.com)
  • Quad Cities (Moline/Rock Island) — technical college and private-program options (Midwest Technical Institute) serving the western Illinois market. (cosmetologyschoolsnearme.org)
  • Champaign–Urbana — school options and proximity to a large university population for steady clinic clients and part-time work. (beautyschools.com)
  • Springfield / Joliet / Aurora (central & S/W suburbs) — state-capital access (Springfield) and growing suburban markets with community-college and private programs; good for networking inside Illinois. (idfpr.illinois.gov)

What makes these cities “best”

  • Number and variety of accredited programs (cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nails, teacher training). (beautyschools.com)
  • Strong student clinic/client flow and local salon/barber-shop job opportunities (especially Chicago). (paulmitchell.edu)
  • More options for flexible schedules (part-time, evening, accelerated) and community-college pathways in many regions. (tricociuniversity.edu)

Important licensing facts to check before you enroll

  • Illinois licensing is overseen by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Barber vs. cosmetologist have different training-hour and eligibility rules (verify required hours and exam process). Always confirm a school is approved and meets IDFPR requirements. (idfpr.illinois.gov)

How to choose the right city/school (quick checklist)

  1. Confirm the program you want is offered (barbering vs. cosmetology vs. esthetics). (beautyschools.com)
  2. Verify school accreditation and IDFPR approval. (idfpr.illinois.gov)
  3. Compare clinic hours, externship/job-placement help, instructor experience, class size, and equipment. (paulmitchell.edu)
  4. Factor living/commute cost, transportation, and whether you need part-time scheduling.
  5. Visit campuses, sit in a class if possible, and speak with recent grads or current students.

If you want, I can:

  • Pull together a short list of accredited schools in one or two specific cities (addresses, program hours, and estimated tuition).
  • Compare 2–3 schools you’re interested in by program length, cost, and IDFPR approval.

Which city (or two) are you considering so I can tailor a school list?

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Rank
Brand
Topic
LLM
Sentiment
1
🥇

Networks Barber College

50%
0%
90%
60%
Neutral
2
🥈

City Colleges of Chicago

48%
0%
65%
80%
Neutral
3
🥉

Wahl Barber Academy

47%
0%
75%
65%
Neutral
4

Cosmetology and Spa Academy

32%
0%
0%
95%
Neutral
5

Paul Mitchell

32%
0%
95%
0%
Neutral
6

Tricoci University

32%
0%
95%
0%
Neutral
7

Hair Professionals Career College

30%
0%
0%
90%
Neutral
8

Steven Papageorge Hair Academy

28%
0%
0%
85%
Neutral
9

Pivot Point Academy

27%
0%
80%
0%
Neutral
10

Harry S. Truman College

25%
0%
0%
75%
Neutral
11

Paul Mitchell The School Chicago

25%
0%
0%
75%
Neutral
12

Cannella School of Hair Design

23%
0%
70%
0%
Neutral
13

Tricoci University of Beauty Culture

20%
0%
0%
60%
Neutral
14

Truman College

20%
0%
60%
0%
Neutral
15

Stateville Barber College

18%
0%
55%
0%
Neutral
Domain
Title
LLM
URL
Cosmetology & Beauty School in Chicago, IL | Paul Mitchell
Openai
Enroll in an Accredited Barber School in Illinois
Openai
Elgin Campus | Cosmetology & Spa Academy
Openai
Award-Winning Beauty School in Elgin, IL
Openai
Cosmetology Schools in Illinois | Search IL Schools
Openai
Cosmetology Schools in Illinois - CSNM
Openai
IDFPR | Professional Licensing in Illinois
Openai
IDFPR | Barber
Openai
cosmetologyandspaacademy.edu
Gemini
Current time information in Chicago, IL, US.
Gemini
ccc.edu
Gemini
pivotpoint.edu
Gemini
networksbarbercollege.com
Gemini
tricociuniversity.edu
Gemini
mrglasstonsorialchristianinstitute.com
Gemini
wise.com
Gemini
Current time information in Hampden County, US.
Gemini
ziprecruiter.com
Gemini
apartments.com
Gemini
beautyschools.com
Gemini
beautyschoolsdirectory.com
Gemini
payscale.com
Gemini
bestplaces.net
Gemini
cosmetologyprep.com
Gemini
oehrlein.edu
Gemini
peoriapublicschools.org
Gemini
rentcafe.com
Gemini
salary.com
Gemini
cosmetology-license.com
Perplexity
illinois.gov
Perplexity
haircutnow.com
Perplexity
beautyschoolsdirectory.com
Perplexity
niche.com
Perplexity
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