Frequently Asked Questions

Sections:

Where is the College of DuPage Cosmetology program offered?
At two locations. The program is offered at the college's Addison Regional Center, 301 S. Swift Road, Addison, (630) 942-4600, through a partnership with Technology Center of DuPage (TCD).

The program is also offered at the Naperville Center, 1223 Rickert Drive, (630) 942-4700.

Where can I get information about the program?
Information sessions and tours of the Cosmetology Clinic are available. Call the Addison Regional Center at (630) 942-4600 or the Naperville Center at (630) 942-4700 for an appointment. Appointments are available by request. This is the best way to learn about the program.

Are Cosmetology degrees and certificates available?
Yes. Students may choose to work on a certificate or an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Cosmetology.

Students who successfully complete 1,500 clock hours (46 credit hours) and pass a practical and written exam will be awarded a certificate from COD and a certificate from TCD School of Cosmetology. This certificate from TCD makes graduates eligible to apply for a cosmetology license from the State of Illinois.

Students may choose to continue their education, or take classes while earning their certificate, by completing an additional 18 credit hours in General Education courses. Doing so will earn the students an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Cosmetology.

What is the program schedule?
The two-year Cosmetology certificate program will be offered Mondays through Thursdays from 5 to 9:50 p.m. Students must register for all cosmetology courses that are offered each term. Attendance in summer terms will also be required.

What is the admission and registration process?

Students interested in attending College of DuPage's Cosmetology program must complete the following steps:

1. Apply to College of DuPage by completing the on-line admissions application and paying the $20 application fee. The program code for the degree program is COSME.AAS. The certificate program is COSME.CERT.

2. Students then must earn a Catergory 2 on the COMPASS placement test or submit to the Record's Office a composite score of 20 or higher on the ACT test.

3. Meet with the Cosmetology Program Specialist or the Program Coordinator to obtain a permit for registration. Students must register concurrently (by permit only) for all Cosmetology courses that are offered each term. Students interested in the Cosmetology degree should also register for general education courses each term. Students must register in person at the Naperville or Addison Regional Centers.

4. Students will receive a letter of confirmation as well as information regarding the purchase of their cosmetology kit.

Can I transfer previous college credit to the COD program?
Yes. Students who have previous college credit or cosmetology coursework and hours from a State of Illinois licensed cosmetology school may submit a request to transfer credit to COD. Contact Bea Brown, Cosmetology coordinator, at the Naperville Regional Center, (630) 942-4700, or at the Addison Regional Center, (630) 942-4600, for an appointment to review prior coursework. Students with transfer credit must meet with Ms. Brown for approval of transfer credit and to be advised on what courses to register for during their first semester at COD. Transfer credit is limited to 1,000 clock hours and the first three semesters of coursework. Students may be required to demonstrate competency in order to receive credit for prior cosmetology coursework. This would include a practical and written exam. A fee is required for any proficiency credit coursework that is approved for transfer.

Is testing required prior to admission?
Yes. Testing is required for COD's Cosmetology Program unless the student has scored a composite of 20 or better on the ACT test. Students must place in reading categories one or two on the COMPASS placement test. Testing is available at the Addison Regional Center on Mondays to Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.. Testing is also available at the Naperville Regional Center on Mondays to Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please call (630) 942-4600 (Addison) or (630) 942-4750 (Naperville) to confirm testing schedule. A photo ID is required for testing.

However, students whose goal is to earn an Associates in Applied Science (AAS) degree must earn a category one on the COMPASS placement test for the General Education courses required for the degree unless they have scored a composite of 20 or better on the ACT test. In addition, an ACT math score of 23 or better is necessary for college level math otherwise the student must take the COMPASS test for Math. They should test at a 51 or better for a college level math class.

For more testing information visit http://www.cod.edu/admission/testing/placement.aspx

What are the tuition and fees?
Cosmetology students must register concurrently for all four Cosmetology courses each term. Visit the Tuition and Aid page for current tuition rates. There is a $175 fee for each Cosmetology course. Students also working on their degree should register for general education courses along with their Cosmetology classes. General education courses may be taken at any of the COD locations.

What about supplies and books?
First-year students will be required to purchase an all-inclusive kit to use in class. This kit includes books and all supplies. The fee for this kit is approximately $600 and must be purchased at the college bookstore prior to the first class meeting. Students registering for the program must meet with the Cosmetology coordinator, Bea Brown. Please call (630) 942-4600 (Addison) or (630) 942-4700 (Naperville) for an appointment to obtain a permit to register.

Is financial aid available?
Students may apply for financial aid for the program by calling the college's Office of Student Financial Aid, (630) 942-2251.

Is there a student orientation?
A mandatory orientation will be held every term.