Where Barbers are Born
Hands-on barber training in Calumet City and Chicago's Roseland neighborhood. We train students from all over South Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, including Hammond, Gary, East Chicago, and Munster.
For nearly two decades, we've trained students from the South Side of Chicago and Northwest Indiana in the craft, the business, and the licensure requirements that come with professional barbering.
Whether you're starting fresh or making a career change, our hands-on, instructor-led programs get you ready for a real career behind the chair, not just a certificate on the wall.
Credentials determine whether your hours count toward your license and whether employers and lenders take your diploma seriously.
Money shouldn't be the reason you don't chase a career you'd be proud of. If you qualify, you may be eligible for federal financial aid, and we're approved for VA education benefits for veterans, active duty service members, and military dependents.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits is available at va.gov.
Both Illinois licensed programs combine classroom instruction with supervised, on-the-floor training with real clients, plus exam prep support.
Learn the whole trade: cutting, fading, shaving, coloring, chemical services, sanitation and safety, and the business skills to run a career. Built on the Milady Standard Professional Barbering curriculum with digital learning tools. Graduate ready to sit for the Illinois barber licensing exam.
Already licensed? Train to teach the next generation. Cover teaching methodology, classroom management, and advanced technical review using the Milady Master Educator curriculum. For barbers who want to open a school, teach, or lead.
We built this school around one thing: getting students licensed, employed, and confident behind the chair.
Small classes and real client experience in our on-site student salons.
Calumet City or Chicago's Roseland, both easy to reach from South Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.
Support for students who qualify, including veterans and military dependents.
Every hour counts toward your Illinois barber license through IDFPR and NACCAS accredited training.
Our 2023 Annual Report shows 100% placement for completers seeking employment.
Founded by a licensed barber and barber teacher to raise the bar for local barbering.
We keep this transparent. Here are our most recent annual stats, by campus and program, as our accrediting body requires.
Graduation rate
Placement rate
Licensure rate
2023 Annual Report, school-wide.
| Program (2023) | Graduation | Placement | Licensure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calumet City, Barber Stylist | 93.3% | 100% | 25% |
| Calumet City, Barber Teacher | 66.7% | 100% | 100% |
| Roseland, Barber Stylist | 87.5% | 100% | 50% |
| Roseland, Barber Teacher | N/A (new program) | N/A | N/A |
Full disclosures, including our Annual Report and accreditation documents, are on our Consumer Information Documents page.
Both campuses have hands-on classrooms, working student salons, and instructors who know the local barbering market.
508 Burnham Ave, Calumet City, IL 60409
(708) 868-8115
info@networksbarbercollege.com
Minutes from Hammond and East Chicago, Indiana.
325 W 103rd St, Chicago, IL 60628
(773) 928-6785
info@networksbarbercollege.com
Serving Chicago's South Side, including Roseland, Pullman, and West Pullman.
Financial aid and VA benefits available for those who qualify at both campuses.
Our classrooms and student salons are built for real practice, not just lectures. Students train on live models in a supervised salon setting, learn sanitation and safety hands-on, and get comfortable with the pace of a working barbershop before they apply for a job.
Our student salons serve the public at reduced rates, supervised by licensed professionals. Call your nearest campus to book.
Networks Barber College is led by a licensed barber and barber teacher, backed by a team that runs daily operations and guides students through financial aid. Together they keep the school focused on one goal: getting you licensed and working.
Executive Director and Founder
Licensed barber since 2004 and licensed barber teacher since 2008, Kumasi founded Networks Barber College to raise the standard of barber education in the Chicagoland area.
Administrator
Oversees daily operations and supports students on their path to becoming licensed barbers.
Financial Aid Administrator
Guides students through FAFSA and VA education benefits.
Don't just take our word for it. Hear from the people who know us.
“The vibes in here… it's amazing. The people themselves are humble and they take pride in their craft.”Andre Quinn
“Great service, staff, and hair cut pros. They can do it all when it comes to hair.”Joseph Berry
“I get me and my 5 boys a hair cut every 2 weeks. We love those guys.”Sharna Ivy
“I started school in February and it's been a great experience learning something new and networking with others.”House of Dope
Real cuts, real fades, and finished looks from our students, updated regularly on Instagram and Facebook.
Getting started is simple.
Call, email, or use our contact form to schedule a campus visit and talk with admissions about which program fits your goals.
If you qualify, our Financial Aid Administrator walks you through FAFSA and VA benefits (School Code 042244) before you commit.
Complete enrollment, pick Calumet City or Roseland, and start hands-on training toward your Illinois barber license.
The Barber Stylist program requires 1,500 hours of training. Most full-time students finish in about 10 to 12 months, depending on schedule and pace.
Yes. If you qualify, you may receive federal financial aid, and Networks Barber College is approved for VA education benefits under School Code 042244.
The Barber Stylist program (1,500 hours) gets you ready for entry-level licensure and work as a barber. The Barber Teacher program (1,000/500 hours) is for already-licensed barbers who want to teach, and typically requires you to be licensed first.
Both run the same accredited curriculum. Pick whichever is easier to reach. Calumet City is a short drive from Hammond, East Chicago, and Munster, while Roseland serves Chicago's South Side directly.
Graduates are ready to sit for the Illinois barber licensing exam. Our 2023 Annual Report shows a 100% placement rate school-wide for program completers.
Yes. Our student salons offer barbering services to the public at reduced rates, supervised by licensed professionals. Call your nearest campus to book.
Your career behind the chair starts with one step. Whether you're ready to enroll or just have questions, our team can help with financial aid guidance, campus tours, and honest answers about what it takes to become a licensed barber.