- Quincy Beauty Academy has been in continuous operation since 1945, training students in the skills of cosmetology. It became a Division of Gem City College on January 1, 1975.
School Highlights
Gem City College serves 27 students (100% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 4:1 is lower than the state community college average of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 47%.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Enrollment: 27 students
- Student:teacher ratio: 4:1
- Minority enrollment: 24%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Gem City College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Completion Rates
School Overview
The teacher population of 7 teachers has grown by 75% over five years.
Gem City College
(IL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
Less than 2 years (below associate)
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private for-profit
Public
Total Faculty
7 staff
239 staff

Number of Programs Offered
5
6
Student Body
The student population of Gem City College has declined by 25% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 4:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The Gem City College diversity score of 0.36 is less than the state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has grown by 476% over five years.
Total Enrollment
27 students
2,581 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
12:1

# Full-Time Students
27 students
898 students

# Part-Time Students
n/a
1,683 students


# Enrollment Undergraduate
40 students
40 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
27 students
944 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
22 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
n/a
1,683 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
132 students
% Asian
n/a
5%

% Hispanic
n/a
24%

% Black
24%
12%

% White
76%
53%

% Two or more races
n/a
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
n/a
2%


Diversity Score
0.36
0.64

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
79%
36%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
1.54%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$19,700
$31,800

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
81%
81%

Median Debt for Graduates
$9,651
$8,029

Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,750
$3,500

Acceptance Rate
n/a
89%
SAT Reading
n/a
390
SAT Math
n/a
360
SAT Writing
n/a
355
ACT Composite
n/a
17
ACT English
n/a
17
ACT Math
n/a
17
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Your training at Quincy Beauty Academy is merely the beginning to a whole lifetime of learning. This basic training can be expanded upon to allow you to have many different careers - all in the cosmetology profession. Excellence - it's a well-known tradition at Gem City College School of Horology. Recommendations by master jewelers across the country attest to Gem City's reputation as one of the best training centers available for learning the fine art of watchmaking, clock repair, engraving and jewelry design and repair. We offer training that can give you immediate recognition as a qualified craftsman with skills that are in great demand! Each lesson in the GCC home study program is made up on text material, a self-check test and a practical job assignment. When students have completed a job assignment, they return it to the school for correction, evaluation, and comments by the instructor. Thus, the instructor can spot both strengths and areas in which more work is needed while the student progresses through the training. Instructors will suggest ways for the students to overcome difficulties and answer any questions about the work. Students receive careful, personal attention from their instructor. The instructors engaged in the GCC Home Study Program are experts in their fields. The classroom teaching experience makes them well acquainted with the types of problems commonly encountered by beginning students. Also they have had experience working in their own jewelry and watch repair businesses, so they know the practical problems which face professional jewelers. Specially constructed carousel stations provided attractive working space for the advanced students. Those in the beginning stages of study have access to the facilities. Instruction is implemented by audio-visual aids, and new techniques allow an up-to-date curriculum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gem City College's ranking?
Gem City College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Illinois for: Highest completion rates.
Recent Articles

Simple Mistakes Cost Community College Students Millions
Are you receiving the full financial aid you should? The process of applying for financial aid can be both time-consuming and confusing, especially for first-time college students. Learn about common errors to avoid in order to maximize your financial aid opportunities.

OSHA Training at Community College: Making Workplace Safety Easier
Businesses and prospective employees need to look no further than community colleges for valuable, certified, and affordable OSHA training.

Careers: Smart Grid Tecnology
The "smart grid" presents a myriad of opportunities for green collar jobs. Learn about the job prospects in the industry and how your local community college can provide you with the training to capitalize on this growing industry.