Esthetician School & Esthetics Program at Tricoci University

  • Nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences, Inc.
  • Esthetician school preparing you for state licensure in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
  • Graduate job-ready in as little as 5 months with technology training & career support

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AACS Golden School Awards 2022 School Of The Year AACS Golden School Awards 2023 Placement Top Places to Work Chicago Tribune 2025
Tricoci student apply learned Esthetic techniques

Your future in the beauty industry begins here

At Tricoci University of Beauty Culture, our Esthetics Program prepares students for a dynamic, in-demand career in professional skincare. As a Tricoci-trained esthetician, you’ll learn how to analyze, correct, and care for the skin using both traditional spa techniques and advanced clinical esthetics methods.

What you’ll learn:

  • Customized Facials
  • Dermaplaning
  • Chemical Exfoliation
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Body Treatments
  • Waxing
  • Makeup Artistry
  • LED & Hydro-infused Facials
  • And more!
15,000+ graduates
20+ years of experience
15 campuses
NACCAS accreditedInfo icon

The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a national accrediting agency for postsecondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences and massage therapy, including those offered via distance education.

Our Accredited Programs: Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barber, Nail Technology

Eligible for federal financial aid

What You’ll Learn in the Esthetics Program

Our curriculum blends spa esthetics, clinical skincare, medical-inspired concepts and advanced technology to prepare you for today’s fast-growing skincare industry.

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Esthetics Career Duration

Full Time: 20 weeks

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Part Time: 34 weeks

600–750 total training hours (depending on state)

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Esthetics Career Duration 600–750 total training hours (depending on state)

Full Time: 20 weeks

|

Part Time: 34 weeks

Our curriculum blends spa esthetics, clinical skincare, medical-inspired concepts and advanced technology to prepare you for today’s fast-growing skincare industry.

Esthetics Curriculum
  • Acne & Rosacea Management and Corrective Treatments.
  • Wet & Dry Spa Body Procedures
  • Advanced Skin Care Ingredients & Formulations.
  • In-Depth Skin Analysis & Consultation Techniques.
  • Advanced Facial Techniques & Treatment Protocols.
  • Medical Contraindications & Client Safety.
  • Advanced Esthetic Technologies (Ultrasound, LED, Microcurrent & more).
  • Multiple Facial Massage Techniques (including lymphatic drainage and ayurvedic).
  • Full Body Waxing & Brazilian Waxing.
  • Precision Brow Shaping & Brow Design.
  • Nutrition & Its Impact on Skin Health.
  • Cosmetic Chemistry & Product Knowledge.
  • Professional Makeup Application.
  • Airbrush Makeup for Bridal & Photography.
  • False Lash Application.
  • Eyelash Extension Training.
  • Chemical Exfoliation & Professional Peeling Systems.
  • Superficial Microdermabrasion & Mechanical Exfoliation.
Business, Retail & Client Retention Training

Beyond hands-on techniques, students develop the business skills needed to succeed, including:

  • Treatment Pricing Strategies
  • Client Retention Techniques
  • Retail Sales Education
  • Consultation Scripting
  • Service Customization
State Board & Licensure Preparation

Our Esthetics program is designed to prepare students for licensure and professional success, with:

  • State board–aligned curriculum
  • Hands-on training and theory instruction
  • Exam-focused preparation
  • Education that meets current industry and regulatory standards

We Make Your Dream Career Affordable

  • Explore tuition that fits your campus
  • Access scholarships & flexible payment options
  • Get a personalized plan with financial aid experts
  • No hidden fees – tuition guarantee!
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Tricoci University is NACCAS Accredited

The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a national accrediting agency for postsecondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences and massage therapy, including those offered via distance education.

Our Accredited Programs: Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barber, Nail Technology

  • Meet Industry Standards
  • Professional Training
  • Career Ready
  • Nationally Recognized

Award-Winning Education Recognized Nationwide

AACS Golden School Awards 2022 School Of The Year AACS Golden School Awards 2023 School Of The Year

AACS Golden School Award
School of the Year 2022 & 2023
Back-to-Back Winner

CER Exceptional Educator Award
Maderia Selenica Bridgeview

AACS Golden School Awards 2023 Facilities AACS Golden School Awards 2023 Placement

AACS Golden School Award
Best Facilities & Top Placement
Bridgeview & Bloomington

Top Places to Work Chicago Tribune 2025

Top Workplaces 2025
Chicago Tribune
Tricoci University

Add-On Advanced Training Opportunities

Expand your skills, boost earning potential, and stand out with advanced add-on training.

Certificate included

Chemical Exfoliation & Advanced Skin Treatments

Using PCA Skin professional products, students master chemical peels and advanced exfoliation with AHA, BHA, and enzymes, gaining confidence to treat acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and sensitive skin.

Certificate included

Spray Tanning

Train with industry-leading Norvell sunless tanning products, mastering professional spray techniques, skin tone customization, application, and safety protocols to deliver flawless, natural results in a high-profit service clients love.

Lash kit not included Certificate included

Eyelash Extension

In partnership with Borboleta, this optional certification teaches lash mapping, isolation, application, safety, sanitation, and retention, with hands-on training in classic and hybrid lash sets.

Certificate included

Airbrush Makeup

Develop advanced makeup artistry skills with Kryolan, focusing on HD airbrush techniques for bridal, photography, editorial, and corrective applications while building a versatile, career-ready portfolio.

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Real Skin. Real Clients. Real Treatment Rooms.

Hands-on training is the foundation of Tricoci’s Esthetics Program. Students begin practicing early in the program, starting with partner students, then friends and family, and eventually real clients in Tricoci’s on-campus student clinic.

Throughout the 750-hour program, students build treatment confidence, consultation skills, and service speed using professional skincare equipment, product lines, and clinical technologies similar to what they may encounter after graduation.

You’ll Perform:

  • Custom facials, including deep cleansing, hydrating, anti-aging, and corrective treatments
  • Chemical exfoliation, superficial peels, and microdermabrasion
  • LED light therapy, microcurrent, ultrasound therapy, NanoInfusion, and LuminFusion
  • Full-body and Brazilian waxing, brow design, and lash applications
  • Professional makeup application and airbrush makeup for bridal and editorial looks
  • Lymphatic drainage and other facial massage techniques
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Esthetics teacher demonstrating eyebrow waxing techniques

Specialized Clinic Days:

  • Model Days – advanced technique practice on models
  • Friends & Family Days – supervised discounted services for friends and family
  • Clinic Spa Days – back-to-back treatments in a real-spa flow

Why Choose Tricoci University for Esthetics?

Flexible Day & Evening Classes
Train on a schedule that works for your life.
Train With Premium Professional Brands
Dermalogica, SkinScript, Bio-Therapeutics, Borboleta Lash, Kryolan Professional Makeup, NudeU Wax, Norvell Sunless Tanning & more.
Advanced Technology Included in Tuition
Students receive hands-on training with advanced esthetic technologies including: LED light therapy for acne and aging; Nanoinfusion - a service comparable to microneedling for enhanced product penetration; ultrasound skin tightening, microcurrent facial toning, LuminFusion skin resurfacing and professional microdermabrasion systems.
Hands-On, Real Experience
Give and receive services throughout the program, plus gain service confidence and build your future book of clients during our Model Days, Friends & Family Days and Clinic Spa days.
Career-Focused Training
Build confidence in service planning, client communication, retailing, and treatment customization—skills that drive success in any esthetics setting.
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Accreditation, Licensure & What It Means for Your Career

Accreditation:

Tricoci University of Beauty Culture is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). This means the Esthetics Program meets recognized education standards and supports Title IV financial aid eligibility.

State Board Licensure Preparation:

Licensure requirements vary by state. Tricoci’s program is designed to help students meet the esthetics licensing requirements in the states where they plan to practice.

Illinois (Esthetician License)
750 hours required; scope includes services such as facials, hair removal, makeup application, and superficial exfoliation. Regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Indiana (Esthetician License)
700 hours required; scope is similar to Illinois. Regulated by the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiner
Wisconsin (Aesthetician License)
450 hours required; some advanced treatments may require proper physician delegation and oversight. Regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Student learning esthetician skills rogers park

What This Means for Employers:

Verified credentials
Employers can confirm program accreditation and state licensure.
License portability
Graduates moving across state lines may qualify for reciprocity or reduced additional training.
Federal financial aid eligibility
Title IV financial aid is only available through accredited schools.
Tricoci student learning Esthetics from instructor

Hear the Journey of Our Students

I had an amazing experience during my time as a student at Tricoci. The staff is caring, supportive, knowledgeable, and very helpful. I know they all genuinely care about what happens to us when we graduate. I loved all the events I was able to participate in, the competitions, and classes. So many opportunities to grow at Tricoci, with amazing mentors I know will always be here to support me and anyone else who wants to grow.

-Lindsay Farberg
Tricoci University Student

This school has definitely changed my life and long time goals. They gave me purpose and a calling I’ve never knew I had. The time I have spent here has been great in so many ways! People come and go but experiences can never be replaced. Cosmetology is for sure not for the weak, you need dedication and patience to devour your fears of messing up or even giving a service that the client might not potentially like. I thank all the students and teachers for their support

– Hi’i Lani Steimel
Tricoci University Student

This school is very enthusiastic and I love the educators here! Especially Ms. Donna🩷 she’s just amazing all around, supportive, helpful, funny, real and all around beautiful! Thank you Ms. Donna, and thank you TUBC for helping me build my career!

– Dezjah Jeffries
Tricoci University Student

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Where a Tricoci Esthetics License Can Take You

A Tricoci University esthetics license opens doors across the skincare, wellness, and clinical-aesthetics industries. Graduates work throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin in five distinct career paths

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Employer Categories
  • Day spas and resort spas
  • Medical spas (med spas)
  • Dermatology offices
  • Specialty studios and waxing salons
  • Independent and freelance careers
Role Progression
Most graduates enter the industry as licensed estheticians or junior estheticians, progressing to lead esthetician, clinical esthetician, master esthetician (in states that offer this designation), spa manager, and eventually spa owner. Specialized career paths include corrective skincare specialist, oncology esthetician, brow and lash specialist, and product educator.
Local Market Context
The Chicago metro area supports hundreds of medical spas and dermatology practices, with continued growth in non-invasive aesthetic services driving demand for licensed estheticians. Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and the I-94 corridor (Bloomington to Janesville) all have active spa and med spa markets. Wisconsin's aesthetician scope of practice, with proper physician delegation, opens additional career paths in clinical settings not available under the IL/IN esthetician scope

Tuition, Aid, and How to Pay for Esthetics School

Tuition for Tricoci’s Esthetics Program varies by campus and program length. Core tuition typically includes classroom instruction, treatment room and clinic access, student kit materials, professional skincare product exposure, advanced technology training, and career support.

Advanced Certification Add-Ons (available for an additional fee, kits sold separately where required):

  • Eyelash Extension Training
  • Advanced Chemical Exfoliation Training

Additional Add-Ons:

  • Professional Makeup Artistry Training

Most students qualify for one or more of the following:

  • Federal Pell Grants
  • Federal Direct Loans
  • Tricoci University scholarships and grants
  • Interest-free monthly payment plans
  • Workforce development funding for eligible applicants
Peoria, IL campus building

To get a personalized tuition estimate for your campus and program length, request information or speak with a Tricoci University financial aid advisor.

To get a personalized tuition estimate for your campus and program length, request information or speak with a Tricoci University financial aid advisor.

Request Info

Start Your Career in Esthetics at Tricoci University

Whether you’re passionate about corrective skincare, beauty and wellness, spa therapy, makeup artistry, or medical esthetics, Tricoci University will prepare you to excel.

Request more information today and begin your journey toward a rewarding career in skincare, beauty, and wellness.

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FAQs

Here are a few common questions we receive about what esthetics training really looks like and what to expect as an incoming student

How long is esthetics school?green arrow
Esthetics school length depends on your state. In Illinois and Indiana, Esthetician licensure requires approximately 750 hours of training. In Wisconsin, Aesthetician licensure requires approximately 450 hours. At Tricoci University, you can complete your full-time Esthetics program in as little as 6 months, with part-time evening and weekend schedules available at most campuses. Both pathways prepare you to sit for your state's Esthetician or Aesthetician licensure exam upon graduation
How much does esthetics school cost?green arrow
Tuition for the Esthetics program at Tricoci University varies by campus and program length. Core tuition includes classroom instruction, treatment room access, your student kit (with professional skincare equipment and product samples), advanced technology training (LED, microcurrent, NanoInfusion, LuminFusion), and ongoing career support. Most students qualify for federal financial aid through Pell Grants and federal loans, Tricoci University scholarships, or interest-free monthly payment plans. Advanced certification courses (Clinical Aesthetics, Eyelash Extensions, Chemical Exfoliation, Professional Makeup Artistry) are available for additional fees. To get a personalized estimate based on your campus and start date, request information or speak with a Tricoci University financial aid advisor.
What is an esthetics school?green arrow
Esthetics school (called aesthetics in Wisconsin) is a form of trade school where students learn the skills, techniques, and knowledge needed to perform a wide variety of spa and skincare services such as facials, waxing, chemical exfoliation, makeup application, and advanced treatments using technology like LED light therapy and microcurrent. Most esthetics programs are NACCAS-accredited and prepare students to sit for state board licensure as a licensed Esthetician (in Illinois and Indiana) or licensed Aesthetician (in Wisconsin). Esthetics school combines classroom theory with hands-on experience so students are familiar with the practical application of the skills they learn, preparing them for a successful career in the skincare industry.
What do you learn in esthetics school?green arrow
Depending on your chosen specialty, you will learn a wide variety of skills and techniques pertaining to the career path you wish to pursue after completing your program.

At Tricoci University, the esthetics curriculum is grouped into four areas:
1- Skin Analysis & Corrective Treatments (skin science, ingredient knowledge, acne and rosacea management),
2- Facials, Massage & Advanced Treatments (chemical exfoliation, lymphatic drainage, body procedures),
3- Advanced Esthetic Technology (LED, microcurrent, ultrasound, NanoInfusion, LuminFusion)
4- Hair Removal & Makeup Artistry (full-body and Brazilian waxing, brow design, airbrush makeup, lash extensions). Graduates pursue careers as estheticians in spas, medical spas, dermatology offices, brow and waxing studios, and as independent skincare professionals
What's the difference between aestheticians and estheticians?green arrow
At Tricoci University, the difference reflects state licensing and scope of practice, not just spelling. In Illinois and Indiana, we offer an Esthetics program. Graduates pursue an Esthetician license, which allows them to perform cosmetic skin care services such as facials, hair removal, makeup application, and superficial exfoliation. In Wisconsin, we offer an Aesthetics program. Graduates earn an Aesthetician license, which aligns with Wisconsin's licensing structure and scope of practice. In Wisconsin, licensed aestheticians may perform core skin care services and, with proper physician delegation and oversight, may be permitted to provide certain advanced treatments allowed under state regulations. Because each state defines licensure and allowable services differently, Tricoci's programs are designed to meet the specific requirements where you plan to practice.
What times are esthetics/aesthetics course schedules available at Tricoci University?green arrow
Schedule availability varies by campus and program. Depending on location, Tricoci University may offer daytime and evening class options to help students balance school with work or family commitments. Because offerings differ by state and campus, we encourage you to connect with your nearest location to review current start dates and schedule availability
How long does it take to complete the Advanced Esthetics program?green arrow
Program length depends on your schedule and state requirements. Students must first complete their core Esthetics (IL/IN) or Aesthetics (WI) program and obtain licensure. Advanced Esthetics training builds on that foundation with more specialized techniques and services. Completion time varies by enrollment status, and a campus admissions representative can provide details based on your location.
What is the outlook for esthetician and aesthetician careers?green arrow
The demand for licensed skin care professionals continues to grow as more consumers prioritize skincare, wellness, and non-invasive treatments. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of skincare specialists is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations over the next decade. Graduates may pursue careers in spas, salons, medical spas, dermatology offices (where permitted by state regulations), makeup artistry, waxing studios, or even business ownership. Career opportunities and service offerings vary by state licensure and scope of practice.
Does FAFSA cover esthetician or aesthetician school?green arrow
Tricoci University programs qualify for federal financial aid, and students may complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. Students at Tricoci University often combine various financial aid options to help make the cost of beauty school manageable. Our Financial Aid team works one-on-one with you to explore your options and build a personalized plan that helps turn your education goals into reality.
How do I become an esthetician?green arrow
To become a licensed esthetician (or aesthetician in Wisconsin):
1) enroll in a NACCAS-accredited esthetics program
2) complete the state-required training hours (approximately 750 hours in Illinois, 700 in Indiana, 450 in Wisconsin)
3) pass your state board written and practical exams, and
4) apply for your state Esthetician or Aesthetician license.

At Tricoci University, our full-time esthetics program can be completed in as little as 6 months and includes hands-on clinical training, business and retail coursework, and state board exam preparation.
Is esthetician school worth it?green arrow
Esthetics is a licensed trade in a growing industry, with flexible career paths ranging from spa employment to medical spa work, dermatology offices, and independent business ownership. A 750-hour esthetics program is significantly shorter than a four-year degree, and graduates can begin working as licensed professionals in as little as 6 months. At Tricoci University, hands-on treatment-room training, advanced technology coursework (LED, microcurrent, chemical exfoliation), and state board exam preparation are built into the program so graduates leave job-ready.

Read what people have to say about our esthetics program

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