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Chicago State University vs Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW: which has better ROI?

Public, Chicago IL · vs · Private for-profit, Chicago IL

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Chicago State University comes closer — median earnings $42,778 against a $49,340 total, vs $28,554 at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureChicago State UniversityTricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW
Net price / yr$12,335$21,856
Total net cost$49,340$87,424
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,778$28,554
Median debt$30,625$7,307
Payback
20-year net return-$160,980-$483,544

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW?

Chicago State University, at $12,335 a year after aid versus $21,856 — a gap of $9,521 a year, or $38,084 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Chicago State University or Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW graduates earn more?

Chicago State University graduates report a median $42,778 ten years after entry, $14,224 more than the $28,554 at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Chicago State University or Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW?

Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW: its completers carry a median $7,307 in federal loans versus $30,625 at Chicago State University, a difference of $23,318. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

15% of students finish at Chicago State University, against 0% at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Chicago State University vs Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW: frequently asked questions

Is Chicago State University or Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW a better value?
Chicago State University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW?
Chicago State University: $12,335/yr net price after aid versus $21,856/yr at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW — a difference of $9,521 a year, or about $38,084 over four years.
Do Chicago State University or Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW graduates earn more?
Chicago State University graduates earn a median $42,778 ten years after entry, versus $28,554 at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW — a $14,224 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.