Tricoci University Tuition: $13K–$19K Across 5 Campuses — Full Review (2026)
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
April 11, 2026
Tricoci University charges $13,184–$19,482 depending on campus. Chicago locations are the cheapest. Illinois MAP Grant can cover most of the cost.
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture carries the Mario Tricoci brand name — one of the most recognized names in Midwest beauty.
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture carries the Mario Tricoci brand name — one of the most recognized names in Midwest beauty. With five campuses across Illinois and Indiana, it offers cosmetology training at prices that range from very competitive to moderately expensive depending on which campus you choose.
Campus-by-Campus Tuition
| Campus | City | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgeview | Bridgeview, IL | $13,184 |
| Chicago NE | Chicago, IL | $13,184 |
| Chicago NW | Chicago, IL | $13,184 |
| Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | $18,463 |
| Urbana | Urbana, IL | $19,482 |
The three Chicago-area campuses are all priced at $13,184 — that is $5,000–$6,000 cheaper than the Urbana and Bloomington locations. If you are in Chicagoland, this is one of the best private cosmetology school values in the Midwest.
The Illinois MAP Grant Advantage
Here is what makes the Chicago campuses even more attractive: the Illinois MAP Grant provides up to $6,678/year for need-based students at eligible Illinois schools. Combined with a Pell Grant ($7,395 max):
- Pell + MAP: Up to $14,073 in free aid
- Chicago campus tuition: $13,184
That means qualifying students could attend a Chicago Tricoci campus at zero out-of-pocket cost — with money left over for supplies. This math does not work at the Urbana campus ($19,482) or the Indiana campus ($18,463, which is not MAP-eligible).
Programs
All campuses offer:
- Cosmetology: 1,500 clock hours (IL and IN requirement), 12–14 months
- Esthetics: 750 hours in Illinois
- Barbering: Available at select campuses
- Instructor training: For licensed cosmetologists
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Try the Calculator →The Mario Tricoci Brand
Tricoci University is named after Mario Tricoci, who built a chain of high-end salons and day spas across the Chicago area starting in the 1980s. The brand carries real weight in the Midwest beauty market — Tricoci-trained stylists are recognized by salons throughout Illinois, Indiana, and neighboring states.
This brand recognition is a genuine differentiator versus generic local beauty schools, though it matters less if you plan to work in a state where the Tricoci name is less known.
Tricoci vs. Competitors
| School | Avg. Tuition | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Tricoci (Chicago) | $13,184 | Midwest |
| Paul Mitchell (avg) | $17,851 | National |
| Aveda Institutes | $20,375 | National |
| Community college | $4,000–$7,000 | Local |
Tricoci's Chicago campuses undercut Paul Mitchell by nearly $5,000 and Aveda by over $7,000. Only community colleges are cheaper — and they lack the brand name and dedicated beauty school environment.
Graduation Rates and Outcomes
Graduation rates vary by campus. Ask your specific campus for their completion rate before enrolling. Nationally, private cosmetology school completion rates range from 50% to 75%.
- BLS cosmetologist median salary: $43,460/year nationally
- Illinois cosmetologist salary: Approximately $38,000–$42,000
- Job growth: 7% nationally (2023–2033)
Is Tricoci Worth It?
Chicago campuses: absolutely. At $13,184 with MAP Grant eligibility, these are among the best-value private cosmetology programs in the country. You get Midwest brand recognition, modern training facilities, and a price tag that financial aid can fully cover.
Urbana and Bloomington campuses: depends. At $18,000–$19,000, they are competitive with national chains but lack the financial aid advantage of the Illinois MAP Grant (Bloomington is in Indiana). Compare them against local alternatives before committing.
Find all Tricoci campuses and compare on GradeToGrad.