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University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts (USCA) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts

Set in Illinois's capital, the University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts is known for hands-on learning that feels like the real thing. Training floors mirror working salons and spa rooms, with instructor feedback close at hand and a public-facing clinic that builds confidence. The culture is creative and professional at once, shaped by teamwork, client service, and steady practice. And between classes, you'll catch quick lookbook shots, product chats, and the buzz of shears and blow dryers.

Students tap campus resources for career planning, portfolio polish, and help navigating licensure, and the school has a reputation for ties to area salons, spas, and event venues. Springfield's mix of government, healthcare, tourism, and weddings means diverse clients and opportunities. Recreation runs from historic sites to coffee-fueled downtown strolls. What stands out here is the close-knit, skill-focused setting where craft, courtesy, and real client experience carry real weight.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 2913 W White Oaks Dr, Springfield, Illinois, 62704, USA
Phone: +1 (217) 753-8990
Website: uscart.com
Unit ID: 149550

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private for-profit institution (operates for revenue)
Accreditation: NACCAS
Length of Study: Programs of 4 years or more (e.g. bachelor's or graduate degrees)
Calendar System: Other calendar system
Award Levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Other Award
Carnegie Classification: Not available
Campus Setting: Located in a midsize city (population between 100,000 and 249,999)
Tuition: Not available
Student Profile:
Total Students: 165
Undergraduate: 165
Graduate/Other: 0
Male: 16 Female: 149
Applications:
Total Applicants: Not available
Admitted: Not available
Enrolled: Not available
Staff:
Total: 18 Full-time: 14 Part-time: 4

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts (USCA) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Illinois. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Illinois vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Personal Services (6)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
12.0401 Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General. (Cert<1y)
A program that generally prepares individuals to cut, trim, and style scalp, facial, and body hair; apply cosmetic preparations; perform manicures and pedicures; massage the head and extremities; and prepare for practice as licensed cosmetologists in specialized or full-service salons. Includes instruction in hair cutting and styling, manicuring, pedicuring, facial treatments, shampooing, chemical applications, esthetics, shop management, sanitation and safety, customer service, and applicable professional and labor laws and regulations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Illinois Avg IL vs US
39-5012 Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $43,460 $37,690 -$5,770 (-13.3%)
39-5091 Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance $75,410 N/A N/A
39-5092 Manicurists and Pedicurists $36,910 $35,970 -$940 (-2.5%)
39-5093 Shampooers $30,830 $31,080 +$250 (+0.8%)
39-5094 Skincare Specialists $48,670 $38,900 -$9,770 (-20.1%)
12.0402 Barbering/Barber. (Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals to shave and trim facial/neck hair and beards, cut and dress hair, fit hairpieces, give facial and scalp massages, apply cosmetic treatments, and to prepare for licensure as professional barbers at various levels. Includes instruction in facial shaving; beard and mustache shaping and trimming; shampooing; hair cutting; hair styles and styling art; facial treatments and massage; chemical applications; hair and scalp anatomy and physiology; hairpiece and toupee fitting; equipment operation; health and safety; customer service; and shop business practices.

Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Illinois Avg IL vs US
39-5011 Barbers $47,800 $45,270 -$2,530 (-5.3%)
12.0409 Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist. (AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to cleanse, depilate, massage, and beautify the human body and to function as licensed estheticians and skin care specialists. Includes instruction in skin anatomy, physiology, and health; principles of nutrition; decontamination and infection control; health and safety; facial and body massage; body wrapping and spa treatments; temporary hair removal including waxing and tweezing; color and skin analysis; client consultation and care; applicable laws and regulations; business practices; and sometimes related alternative healing regimens.

Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Illinois Avg IL vs US
39-5094 Skincare Specialists $48,670 $38,900 -$9,770 (-20.1%)
12.0410 Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist. (AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to shape fingernails and toenails, remove unwanted skin and blemishes, apply polish and cosmetics to nails, and function as licensed manicurists or nail technicians/specialists. Includes instruction in manicuring theory; skin anatomy; nail growth, irregularities, and diseases; sterilization and sanitation; equipment and table maintenance; cuticle, blemish, and rough skin removal; nail filing, shaping, and polishing; cream application and extremity massage; nail sculpture and design art; product storage and use; customer service; laws and regulations; and business practices.

Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Illinois Avg IL vs US
39-5092 Manicurists and Pedicurists $36,910 $35,970 -$940 (-2.5%)
12.0413 Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor. (Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares cosmetologists, barbers, stylists, nail technicians, and other grooming specialists to teach their specializations in licensed and accredited schools of cosmetology and barbering, and to prepare for licensure as instructors. Includes instruction in cosmetology arts and sciences teaching principles; student learning styles; professional curricula development; instructional planning; instructional methods and aids; student counseling and career assistance; test development; and classroom/clinic management.

Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Illinois Avg IL vs US
39-5011 Barbers $47,800 $45,270 -$2,530 (-5.3%)
39-5012 Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $43,460 $37,690 -$5,770 (-13.3%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
N/A
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
N/A
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
N/A
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
N/A
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
N/A
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
N/A
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

27%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$4,124
Avg. Loan
$5,381
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,381
Additional
Students with Any Grant
46
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
46
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
32
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$316
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

N/A
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
N/A
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$13,364 – $41,821
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$13,364 (25th %) $41,821 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $27,084
Median Salary After 6 Years
$24,853
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$27,084
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
50.6%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
63.7%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$4,584
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 41.0%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 63.2%
Independent 39.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts (USCA)

What academic programs and degree levels does University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts offer?

University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts (USCA) offers 8 academic programs across 1 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care (6 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts?

University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts (USCA) provides financial aid to 27% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $4,124 and average loans of $5,381.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,366
  • State/Local grants: $6,000
  • Institutional grants: $316
  • Federal loans: $5,381

The university supports 46 students with grants and 46 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts graduates?

University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts (USCA) graduates earn a median salary of $24,853 after 6 years and $27,084 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $13,364 (25th percentile) to $41,821 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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