When other kids were learning to ride a bike you were busy applying make-up to your dolls, giving the family dog a manicure and trimming your little sister’s bangs (our secret). Individuality and creativity have always been your thing. Sure enough, you were born for the beauty industry.

For more than 35 years, the University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts (USCA) has recognized, trained and inspired many of the industry’s brightest future professionals.

The school’s programs are open to graduates of high school or holders of a GED or completers of homeschooling at the secondary level as defined by state law and can provide a secondary school completion credential. The school does not accept Ability to Benefit students at this time. All foreign high school diplomas must be translated, by a third party servicer, and verified that the diploma is the academic equivalent to a US high school diploma. Transfer students must also meet these requirements. Cosmetology and Classic Barbering are the only programs in which transfer hours are accepted. In order to have transfer hours considered for the Cosmetology or Classic Barbering program, an applicant for enrollment must have a completed official transcript of hours and grades from their previous school(s). Acceptance of Cosmetology or Classic Barbering transfer hours are made on an individual basis, and transfer hours, if accepted are limited to 600 clock hours for Cosmetology and 500 clock hours for Classic Barbering. However, a licensed Cosmetologist may transfer in 1,000 clock hours for the Classic Barbering program; a licensed Barber may transfer in 1,000 clock hours for the Cosmetology program; a licensed Nail technician may transfer 55 clock hours for the Cosmetology program and a licensed Esthetician may transfer 85 clock hours for the Cosmetology program. Admission requirements for the Teacher Training courses are the same as for other USCA programs, except a valid Illinois license in your original area of licensure is required. For transfer students into the Teacher Training programs, no credit for hours is given. Any student, who wishes to return after withdrawal from classes, should begin by contacting the Director of Admissions & Financial Aid to request re-admission. This applies to all courses. Re-admission of students who have dropped will be on a space available basis, with priority given to new students rather than returning students. Re-admittance for withdrawn students from the University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts will require the completion of a new enrollment application, the signing of a new enrollment agreement and a personal interview with the Director of Admissions & Financial Aid.