Midwest Technical Institute Moline ends enrollment in cosmetology program

Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) announced that it will discontinue new student enrollment in the Cosmetology Program at its Moline campus.

Cosmetology students currently enrolled in the program have been notified of the changes and will be supported through completing their programs. They will continue to have access to the instruction, resources and campus support to progress toward graduation and pursue their career goals. Click here for more information on program changes.

“This was a difficult decision because we understand how much our students and instructors have invested in the cosmetology program,” said Brian Huff, founder and CEO of Midwest Technical Institute and Delta Technical College. “Our current students placed their trust in MTI, and we intend to honor that commitment. We are also deeply grateful to the instructors who have shared their expertise, encouraged their students and built a strong sense of community within the program.”

MTI regularly reviews its programs based on several factors, including student demand, enrollment and retention trends, graduate outcomes, workforce needs, regulatory considerations, operational sustainability and the organization’s long-term strategy. The decision to discontinue the program came after months of analysis.

Factors impacting the decision included the evolving regulatory environment surrounding cosmetology education and the potential impact of future regulatory changes. MTI reviewed these considerations and determined that transitioning out of the cosmetology field was the right long-term decision for its students, campuses and organization.

MTI has communicated directly with affected employees and will treat staff with care, respect and transparency throughout the transition.

“This decision is not a reflection of the dedication of our instructors, the effort of our students or the value of the skills they have developed,” Huff said. “It reflects our responsibility to regularly evaluate where we can provide the strongest opportunities for students and make thoughtful decisions about the future.”

MTI is also discontinuing select healthcare programs at select locations and the campus-based Medical Coding Program across all MTI locations as part of the review. The Online Medical Billing and Coding Program will continue to be offered through MTI Online. No other programs at the Moline campus are affected by the announcement.

MTI is focusing future investment on programs and career fields where it sees the strongest opportunities for students, communities and the organization. This includes strengthening and growing skilled trades offerings, including welding, HVAC/R and electrical while exploring opportunities to expand into more trades, like plumbing.

“The skilled trades are essential to the infrastructure, the businesses and the services our communities depend on every day,” Huff said. “We remain confident in the future of career and technical education and optimistic about MTI’s ability to continue evolving alongside the students, employers and communities we serve.”

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