Discover your passion and start your career at the University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology in downtown Chicago’s Wicker Park.
Established in 2004 with over 4,400 sq ft, our school offers programs in cosmetology, aesthetics, and teaching.
We are located near downtown, right along N Milwaukee between Division & North Ave. You can take the “El” (2 stops are a short walk away), take the bus (the stop is almost next door), or park along N Milwaukee Ave (yes there are spots!).
Enjoy cafes and boutique shopping during your breaks.
Start your new career by enrolling today.

Aesthetics
Your aesthetics career begins in the classroom with an experienced aesthetics instructor. You'll begin by learning all about skin, its conditions, how to recognize skin conditions, & how to treat skin conditions. You'll learn by doing. By practicing on real people in our student-run salon where you'll be supervised by instructors & performing facials, machine facials, chemical peels, facial massage, brow & lash, ultrasound, microcurrent, epidermabrasion, skin scrubber, & much more.
Cosmetology
Your cosmetology career begins with small classes teaching haircutting, styling, coloring, skin care & nails. Our students begin by learning the theory underlying all things hair & participating in demos of the skills you'll develop. You'll further develop your skills in repetition, gradually becoming more & more comfortable. Once you've got the understanding & the skills, you'll practice on real people in our student-run salon where you'll be supervised by instructors.
Instructor Programs
We offer aesthetics & cosmetology instructor programs. Becoming an instructor is the ultimate gift to the industry. Sharing your experience to students new to cosmetology or aesthetics. You'll learn how to make a lesson plan, create fun, inspiring classes, & understand how to evaluate, provide encouragement to prepare students to become licensed professionals.
Aesthetics 750 hours
Cosmetology 1,500 hours
Cosmetology Instructor 500 hours*
Aesthetics Instructor 500 hours*
* with 2 years of licensed experience

FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
We know going to school is tough & we’re here to help you figure it out. Our Admissions Team will help you understand financial aid. Options include federal student aid, VA, alternative funding, & scholarships to those who qualify.
DIGITAL LEARNING & SUPPORT
Today’s students are more tech-savvy than ever. Your expectations for engagement are high. Our job is to provide a comprehensive, engaging learning platform to help you turn your passion in a rewarding career.
That’s why we use CIMA. We add our own proprietary classes into this online platform. We’ll use this in the classroom & you can take it on the go! Learn & study on your time when you want!

CONSUMER INFORMATION
Outcome rates (graduation, licensure, & placement), Security Information, & much, much more.


Disclosures
Policies
Publications
Reports
Rights
Resources
[pdf-embedder url="https://uofac.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Student-Right-To-Know-Updated-071322.pdf"]
*These policies are not inclusive. For additional information; including, but not limited to policies, please see our Official School Catalog.
For Chicago, IL; Downers Grove, IL; & El Dorado, AR Campuses
These are Required IL Reports: Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act
For the Downers Grove, IL Campus:
For the Chicago, IL Campus:
Annually, each campus performs an Emergency Text Alert & Safety Drill & posts the record; including, comments, if any.
Beauty Changes Lives is supported by the beauty industry (schools, professionals, vendors, etc.). Beauty Changes Lives offers scholarships & information to encourage future beauty professionals to go to school & join the fun!
Beauty Changes Lives has also prepared the following documents to help you learn more about joining the beauty industry.
The American Association of Cosmetology Schools is an association of schools that supports education & careers in beauty.
O*Net is the Occupational Information Network. It's free & contains occupation information on many different careers. Below, find links to cosmetology, aesthetics, & instructor careers.
Throughout this website you will find resources for you to determine if a professional career is right for you. Many of these resources will include information about job demand & income potential. However, this information can be misleading; these may be averages or may be outdated. This Institution cannot tell you that you will be able to find a job or earn a specified amount. It is up to you to determine through careful research by talking with potential employers in your desired area about job availability & earning potential.
Veterans!
Student Financial Assistance
Title IX Coordinator
Title IX Coordinator
Leigh Anne Kelley, Director of Schools
Kelley Education Inc.
1357 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
Tel. 773.635.0141
leighanne@uofac.edu