Search
Close this search box.

217 Today: For-profit cosmetology graduates rarely earn more than high school grads

Tiktok Instagram Facebook-f
A lash tech puts fake lashes on a mannequin head to practice.
Mileena Moss spent $15,000 for an esthetician program at a for-profit college that she said promised intensive instruction from experts. Instead, she mostly had one instructor and a thick workbook to fill out. She graduated this February and had no job lined up in her new field.
  • Photo: Esther Yoon-Ji Kang / WBEZ

Monday, July 1, 2024

Today’s headlines:

  • One local health care organization is being recognized for its inclusive and supportive care for LGBTQ+ patients.
  • Independence Day fireworks started early this weekend and continue in the week ahead.
  • Top Illinois Democrats are reaffirming their support for President Joe Biden after his lackluster debate performance against Republican Donald Trump.
  • Researchers say a bill introduced in Springfield this year could allow more working adults in Illinois to get college degrees.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about some of the challenges cosmetology graduates face after attending programs run by for-profit companies.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Dave McKinney, Lisa Kurian Philip, Esther Yoon-Ji Kang, Alex Keefe, Steven Arroyo and Amy Qin. 

WILL and the Illinois Newsroom are committed to bringing you in-depth, relevant coverage that keeps you informed and engages you with our community and state. Join with thousands of others to keep this important public media-based resource available to all. Donate today >>

Stephanie Mosqueda

Stephanie Mosqueda is a senior majoring in journalism at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with minors in Spanish and public relations. She is the 217 Today producer and a reporter for the Illinois Student Newsroom.