Whether you’re fresh out of high school, changing careers or returning to the classroom for further specializations, finding the ideal program can significantly impact your future success. If you’re thinking about choosing a beauty school but you don’t know where to start, in this blog post we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. Let’s get started!
🎓 Comparing schools? Use this checklist on ours too: see the hours, curriculum and campuses of our cosmetology school in Illinois, then book a tour.
Step 1: Define Your Educational Needs and Personal Preferences
Before you even dive into the rabbit hole of the internet searching for lists of school names, it’s important to understand your own expectations and what elements are non-negotiable. This will help you narrow your focus and identify what matters most.
Educational Needs (Must-Haves)
- Find a program that is state-approved for licensure.
- Check if your school offers hands-on training with real clients.
- Consider if you need flexible class schedules for full-time or part-time study.
- Find a school that offers programs that match your interests.
Personal Preferences (Nice-to-Haves)
- A vibrant, inclusive and supportive campus culture.
- Career placement support post-graduation.
- A convenient location near your home or work.
- Alumni network and community reputation.
- Extracurricular activities or guest events with professionals in your field of study.
👉 At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, our beauty school programs are designed with both your needs and your wants in mind. Whether you’re looking for advanced esthetics programs or want to complete a comprehensive cosmetology training program, we’re here to help you succeed.
Pick the Program That Matches the Career You Want
“Beauty school” is an umbrella term. Each program leads to a different Illinois license, so decide where you want to work before you compare schools. You can always add a specialization later.
- Cosmetology (1,500 hours): the broadest license, covering hair, skin, nails and makeup. Best if you want to work in a full-service salon.
- Barbering (1,500 hours): men’s cuts, fades, beard work and straight-razor shaves.
- Esthetics (750 hours): skincare, facials, waxing and makeup, for spas, med spas and skin clinics.
- Beauty instructor (500 or 1,000 hours): for licensed professionals who want to teach.
Not sure which path fits? Compare them in our guide to cosmetologist vs. esthetician vs. barber.
Step 2: Start Your Research Close to Home
For many students, location is also a key factor. If you’re searching the web for a “beauty school near me”, you’ll probably find plenty of alternatives. However, if you’re looking for a beauty school in Illinois, Cosmetology & Spa Academy is the top choice!
With four campuses in Crystal Lake, Elgin, Rockford and Schaumburg, Cosmetology & Spa Academy makes it extremely easy to find a certified beauty school in Illinois that’s both accessible and highly rated.
📍 Interested in learning more about our school and facilities? Book a tour or contact our team directly.
Step 3: Learn How to Find a Certified Beauty School
Not every beauty school you find online is certified, accredited or licensed to train students for state licensure. So if you’re trying to determine how to find a certified beauty school, make sure to look for:
- State board approval to offer programs leading to licensure
- Accreditation by a national agency, such as NACCAS
- Clear curriculum maps showing licensure pathways
All programs at Cosmetology & Spa Academy meet all Illinois state licensing requirements and are taught by licensed professionals with extensive industry expertise. Rest assured that you’ll graduate fully confident and 100% career-ready.
Step 4: Research School Accreditation
A crucial factor you should consider when making your choice is understanding how to find out if a beauty school is accredited. Accreditation matters for several reasons. First of all, it ensures that the school meets consistent educational standards.
Moreover accreditation is also important if you are planning to apply for federal financial aid or to transfer credits later.
So, make sure to visit the school’s website or contact them directly to check their accreditation status.
Cosmetology & Spa Academy is proud to maintain accreditation and state approval at every single one of our locations. Our programs not only meet regulatory standards, but they also exceed our students’ expectations!
Step 5: Create a List of Questions to Ask Beauty Schools
Once you’ve set your mind on a beauty school, you should prepare a list of questions to bring to your first staff appointment or campus tour. Here are some essential questions to get your started:
- What’s the total cost of attendance (including kits and fees)?
- What financial aid or scholarship options are available?
- What are the class sizes and student-teacher ratios?
- How does the school support job placement after graduation?
- Can I speak to a current student or alumni about their experience?
📞 Ready to ask us your questions? Contact us, call 815-455-5900 or email info@csa.edu. Our admissions team would love to hear from you!
Step 6: Take a Tour and Attend an Open House
We believe there’s really no better way to get a real feel for a school than to visit the facilities in person. Tour our campuses, observe one of our classes and meet our instructor! Here are some things you should look for during your visit:
- Clean, professional classrooms and salons
- Enthusiastic instructors ready to address your questions
- A welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment
- Evidence of student work, community outreach or special events
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, our tours let you step into our world before you enroll. You’ll see firsthand why so many students say our school feels like a second home.
Step 7: Review Costs and Financial Aid Packages
Cost is a major consideration for any student. And while you might be looking for how to find a good beauty school that fits your budget, remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best.
Always make sure to choose an accredited school that also offers accessible tuition fees. Look for:
- Transparent tuition breakdowns
- Financial aid eligibility (FAFSA)
- Different payment plan options
✅ At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, our admissions team helps students access a variety of financial aid programs and explore the payment plan options that best fit their needs.
Step 8: Apply and Enroll
After you’ve done your thorough research and you’ve set your mind on the best beauty school for you, you can begin with the application process right away.
Generally, beauty schools offer online applications and a simple admissions interview. Remember that you may need to also submit proof of education, identification and any other relevant documents.
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, our enrollment process is quite simple. From your initial call to your first day in class, we walk with you every step of the way.
If you want to learn more about which documents you need to prepare beforehand, contact our admissions team. We’re always ready to help!
What Separates a Strong Beauty School From a Weak One
Once you have a shortlist, these are the differences that matter most. Ask about each one on your tour, and pay attention to how comfortably the school answers.
- State board results: ask how many graduates pass the state licensing exam on the first try, and how exam prep is built into the program. (In Illinois the cosmetology exam is written only, so classroom theory matters as much as your clinic hours.)
- Curriculum and clinic time: ask how hours split between classroom theory and the clinic floor, whether you work on real clients, and whether the curriculum is updated for current trends and covers business skills like rebooking clients and building a clientele.
- Instructor attention: ask for the student-to-instructor ratio during practical work. Smaller groups mean someone catches bad habits before they stick.
- Real client time: ask when students start working on real clients and how many services they complete before graduating.
- Career support: look for job placement help, resume and interview prep, and relationships with local salons and spas.
- Graduates and reviews: read reviews and ask to speak with a recent graduate. A good school will connect you without hesitation.
Schools that dodge these questions or push you to sign quickly are telling you something. Believe them.
Choosing a Beauty School: FAQ
How long is beauty school?
It depends on the program. In Illinois, cosmetology and barbering each require 1,500 hours and esthetics requires 750 hours. Full-time cosmetology students usually finish in about 11 months; part-time and evening schedules take longer.
How much does beauty school cost?
Cost depends on the program, the school and what is included, so always ask for the total cost of attendance, including the kit, books and fees, not just tuition. Students at accredited schools may qualify for federal aid through the FAFSA, and many schools offer payment plans and scholarships.
How do you get into beauty school?
Most schools ask for a high school diploma or equivalent and proof of identity, followed by an application and a short admissions interview. In Illinois you can start cosmetology school at 16.
Can I work while attending beauty school?
Yes, many students do. Part-time and evening schedules exist for working adults. Be realistic, though: working full-time while training full-time usually leads to burnout.
How do I know if a beauty school is accredited?
Check whether the school is accredited by an agency such as NACCAS and approved by your state’s licensing board. Accreditation is also what makes a school eligible for federal financial aid.
What is the best beauty school?
There is no single best school for everyone. The best beauty school for you is accredited, offers the program you want, gives you real client time on a clinic floor, has a strong licensing exam record and helps you find work after graduation, at a location and schedule you can keep up with.
What do you do after beauty school?
Graduates take their state board licensing exam, then start working in salons, spas, barbershops or medical settings, or build their own business.
Want to go deeper? Read our guides on beauty school accreditation and licensure and how to pay for beauty school.
Why Choose Cosmetology & Spa Academy?
If you’re looking for a reliable and accredited beauty school in Illinois, you’ve come to the right place. Cosmetology & Spa Academy offers an inclusive environment, endless opportunities to practice your skills in real-salon settings, ongoing assistance from licensed and experienced instructors and flexible scheduling options.
We offer:
- Licensed programs in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics and beauty instructor training
- Supportive and inclusive learning environments
- Hands-on training in student salons
- Job placement assistance
- 4 modern campuses in Crystal Lake, Elgin, Rockford and Schaumburg
Final Thoughts: Trust the Process and Your Instincts
Choosing the right school is an important decision, so know that it’s totally okay to take your time. By asking the right questions, visiting our campuses and checking our credentials, you’re already setting yourself up for success.
📞 Contact us today at 815-455-5900 or send us a message to learn how you can enroll in one of the top beauty programs in Illinois.
