Cosmetology Programs
Cosmetology Program - Chicago, IL
We educate and train our students (or as we call them, Future Professionals) to begin their careers in the beauty industry as licensed cosmetologists. Future Professionals are guided by our Learning Leaders through the cosmetology program’s three levels—Core, Adaptive, and Creative—taking on more advanced techniques and building real-world skills and confidence as they move through each stage. Our cosmetology program curriculum includes Paul Mitchell Advanced Education’s proprietary Cutting System, Color System, Texture System, Short Hair System, and Makeup System.
Our Program Levels
Level 1: Core
Level 2: Adaptive
Level 3: Creative
Phase Two
Level 1: Core
A foundation course focusing on the fundamentals of cutting, color, texture, styling, skin and nails, and an introduction to our Paul Mitchell Schools culture. Future Professionals learn the fundamentals in theory, then practice them hands-on in the safe environment of the classroom. You’ll work on mannequin heads and receive close, personal attention from a Learning Leader guiding you every step of the way.
Technical Areas Covered Include:
- Braiding, up-styling and finishing
- Perming and smoothing hair
- Hair coloring and lightening
- Precision haircutting skills
- Manicure, pedicure, makeup and facials
- And much more
Level 2: Adaptive
The learning continues in the classroom and in the clinic classroom, where Future Professionals practice and perfect the fundamental skills learned in Core. Adaptive-level students work on live models in a salon-like environment with the oversight and support of their Learning Leaders. You will work with professional products and learn how to conduct client consultations and create extraordinary guest-service experiences.
Areas Covered Include:
- Practice on real people in a salon-like environment
- Perfect your skills with help from Learning Leaders
Level 3: Creative
The Creative phase is where Future Professionals begin to expand their skills and learn more advanced and creative techniques. At the Creative level, students prepare to become salon-ready by working more independently. The pace and conditions are similar to those in a salon. You will develop your speed, build a résumé and portfolio and prepare to pass the state board test.
Areas Covered Include:
- Work independently (under the supervision of a Learning Leader)
- Prepare a career portfolio
- Prepare to pass the State Board test
- Develop speed and prepare to start your career
Phase Two
An optional course of intensive study within the Cosmetology program for those Future Professionals who want to be challenged to their highest level of performance. Phase Two students get advanced training and work in conditions that mimic salon reality. By planning, managing and setting team goals, and going that extra mile, you’ll learn to create your own success.
The Phase Two program features:
- A progressive clinic classroom setting environment
- Accelerated guest booking and double-booking
- Team-based guest service systems
- Personal and team goal setting for services and Take Home
- Refinement of creative technical skills
- High level of independence in decision making
- Collaborative and consultative relationship with the Phase Two Leader
- Special Phase Two guest artists
- Guest management training
- Coaching on advanced Take Home and service skills
Student Kit
One of the most exciting days for our Future Professionals is the day they get to unwrap their very own professional kit. It’s packed with all the essentials—hot styling tools, mannequin heads, combs and brushes, scissors and clips, and much more—so you’re ready to succeed in school and launch your dream career.
Digital Support
When you have the latest technology and resources at your fingertips, you’ll be more successful in school and in your career. Future Professionals have on-the-go access to schoolwork, advice from industry leaders, Paul Mitchell cutting and coloring apps, our exclusive Business Fundamentals: Connecting to My Future curriculum and much more.
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CONSUMER INFORMATION
Learn more about our graduation, placement, and licensure rates, and much more.
OUR COSMETOLOGY PROGRAMS
We offer varying cosmetology program options. See below for more details on each of them.
Cosmetology (1500 Hours)
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
School Supplies, Kit, and Tuition Costs
TUITION — COSMETOLOGY (OPTION 1)
Tuition $22,500.00
Application fee (non-refundable) $25.00
Registration fee $75.00
Technical Kit * $2,391.20
Textbooks (non-refundable) $580.00
Digital Kit (non-refundable) $413.00
Sales Tax (non-refundable) $346.88
TOTAL COSTS $26,331.08
TUITION — COSMETOLOGY (OPTION 2)
Tuition $22,500.00
Application fee (non-refundable) $25.00
Registration fee $75.00
Technical Kit * $2,734.20
Textbooks (non-refundable) $580.00
Digital Kit (non-refundable) $413.00
Sales Tax (non-refundable) $382.04
TOTAL COSTS $26,709.24
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
School Required Hours
Commitment to Complete Program: 1500 hours
WHEN CAN I GET STARTED?
Ready to get started? Here are our upcoming start dates for this program:
- 01-09-2025 Cosmetology
- 01-23-2025 Cosmetology
- 02-27-2025 Cosmetology
- 03-13-2025 Cosmetology
- 04-17-2025 Cosmetology
- 05-01-025 Cosmetology
- 06-05-2025 Cosmetology
- 06-18-25 Cosmetology
- 07-24-2025 Cosmetology
- 08-07-2025 Cosmetology
- 09-11-2025 Cosmetology
- 09-25-2025 Cosmetology
- 10-30-2025 Cosmetology
- 11-13-2025 Cosmetology
STUDENT EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
1 The Skill Cards App
1 Makeup Portfolio (avavlible in print only)
1 The Makeup System App
1 The Cutting System App (includes Cutting book)
1 The Color System App (includes Coloring Book)
1 The Barber & Short Hair System App (includes Barbering
Fundamentals)
1 The Business Fundamentals: Connecting to My Future iBook
1 Be Nice (or Else!) iBook
1 Plugged In Access (including access to the Master ‘s Library )
1 The Paul Mitchell Professional Hair Color Pocket Guide
1 Skills Tracker
1 MONEY by Qnity
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
Pivot Point Fundamentals Cosmetology with online LAB access ; $350.00
Pivot Point Fundamentals Study Guide; $146.00
Pivot Point Fundamentals License Exam Prep; $84.00
Cosmetology (1600 hours)
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
School Supplies, Kit, and Tuition Costs
TUITION — COSMETOLOGY (1600)
Tuition $24,000.00
Application fee (non-refundable) $25.00
Registration fee $75.00
Technical Kit * $4,329.20
Textbooks (non-refundable) $580.00
Digital Kit (non-refundable) $413.00
Sales Tax (non-refundable) $545.53
TOTAL COSTS $29,967.73
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
School Required Hours
Commitment to Complete Program: 1600 hours
WHEN CAN I GET STARTED?
Ready to get started? Here are our upcoming start dates for this program:
- 01-09-2025 Cosmetology
- 01-23-2025 Cosmetology
- 02-27-2025 Cosmetology
- 03-13-2025 Cosmetology
- 04-17-2025 Cosmetology
- 05-01-025 Cosmetology
- 06-05-2025 Cosmetology
- 06-18-25 Cosmetology
- 07-24-2025 Cosmetology
- 08-07-2025 Cosmetology
- 09-11-2025 Cosmetology
- 09-25-2025 Cosmetology
- 10-30-2025 Cosmetology
- 11-13-2025 Cosmetology
STUDENT EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
1 The Skill Cards App
1 Makeup Portfolio (avavlible in print only)
1 The Makeup System App
1 The Cutting System App (includes Cutting book)
1 The Color System App (includes Coloring Book)
1 The Barber & Short Hair System App (includes Barbering
Fundamentals)
1 The Business Fundamentals: Connecting to My Future iBook
1 Be Nice (or Else!) iBook
1 Plugged In Access (including access to the Master ‘s Library )
1 The Paul Mitchell Professional Hair Color Pocket Guide
1 Skills Tracker
1 MONEY by Qnity
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
Pivot Point Fundamentals Cosmetology with online LAB access ; $350.00
Pivot Point Fundamentals Study Guide; $146.00
Pivot Point Fundamentals License Exam Prep; $84.00
Cosmetology Refresher
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
School Supplies, Kit, and Tuition Costs
TUITION — COSMETOLOGY REFRESHER (250 HOURS)
Tuition $3,750.00
Application fee (non-refundable) $25.00
Registration fee $75.00
TOTAL COSTS $3,850.00
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
School Required Hours
Commitment to Complete Program: 250 hours
WHEN CAN I GET STARTED?
Ready to get started? Here are our upcoming start dates for this program:
*Please call us.
STUDENT EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
Required Textbooks
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Funding Your Education
Curious about your future as a cosmetologist? There are a wide variety of financial aid options out there—and we’re here to help you find them. Get information about tuition, financial aid, scholarships, and more from our helpful Chicago Financial Aid Leader.
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