Working towards a new career is exciting, but figuring out how to pay for beauty school can feel overwhelming sometimes. We understand that financing for your education is a major step, so we’ll help you explore all the available options. In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of financial aid, grants and scholarship so you can learn how to fund your future in the beauty industry.
How to Pay for Beauty School & What’s Included
The cost of beauty school will vary according to the program you choose. You can choose to study cosmetology, barbering, esthetics or how to become a beauty instructor. Overall, the tuition will cover:
- Classroom instruction
- Practical training
- Study and practice materials
Before you enroll in your chosen program, you should first talk to the school’s staff and learn more about the fees, the deadlines or whether you can pay in installments.
Moreover, keep in mind that later on you will need to pay for your licensing exams. So, planning ahead for these costs is essential.
Once you identify all your expenses, you can make any necessary tuition & fee payments.
Understanding your options early on will allow you to make all necessary preparation for applying for financial aid, grants or scholarships on time!
If you want detailed information on tuition for specific programs, contact us and our admissions team will answer all your questions!
Financial Aid Beauty School – What Is It?
Financial aid helps students cover the costs of their education. This aid may cover tuition, books, supplies and in some cases it can cover living expenses as well.
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy we provide access to a variety of federal aid options for students who qualify.
Types of financial aid available include:
- Grants: Free money you don’t have to repay, such as the Federal Pell Grant.
- Scholarships: Merit- or need-based awards for students across different programs and locations.
- Loans: Borrowed funds like Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal PLUS Loans for parents, which are repaid with interest.
- Work-Study Programs: Part-time jobs to earn money while you study.
If you want to learn more about how financial aid works, contact our admissions office or call +1 815-455-5900 to schedule a free, no-obligation financial aid estimation and learn about current scholarship opportunities.
How to Use FAFSA for Beauty School Funding
In order to apply to federal and state financial aid programs, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Here’s what the process looks like:
- Create an FSA ID at the official FAFSA website
- Gather your financial information (tax returns, income statements)
- Complete the FAFSA application online, listing Cosmetology & Spa Academy’s school code which is 015086
Keep in mind that it’s best to submit your application as early as possible! That’s because financial aid is often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Filing FAFSA for beauty school can allow you to significantly save on your education expenses, no matter which program you choose.
Exploring Cosmetology School Grants and How to Qualify
Grants are hands-down one of the best types of financial aid because they do not have to be repaid. However, they are usually awarded based on financial need or specific eligibility criteria for certain students.
Some of the most common grant types include Federal Pell Grants, state grants for vocational or technical education or private foundation grants focused on beauty industry education.
Some of the basic eligibility criteria include:
- Enrollment Status: Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program at an accredited institution.
- Citizenship or Eligible Noncitizen Status: Be a U.S. citizen or national, or an eligible noncitizen.
- Valid Social Security Number: Possess a valid Social Security number, unless you are from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia or the Republic of Palau.
- High School Completion: Have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
- Financial Need: Demonstrate financial need for need-based aid.
- Default Status: Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a refund on a federal grant.
- Educational Purpose: Certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes.
Our financial aid counselors can guide you through the grant application process to maximize your chances of receiving free funding.
Finding and Applying for Cosmetology Scholarships
Differently from grants, scholarships are usually awarded based on merit or talents. Sometimes they’re given due to specific qualifications such as community service or academic achievement.
Nevertheless, there are many cosmetology scholarships which may fit students pursuing a career in beauty.
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, we encourage students to explore a variety of scholarship opportunities available from trusted industry organizations and foundations.
Here are some options to consider:
- Beauty Changes Lives Scholarships: One of the largest and most well-known scholarship programs in the beauty industry.
- Rosi Reward Scholarship: Offered through the professional network, it supports students excelling in cosmetology or barbering education.
- High School Scholarship Program: Designed for high school seniors planning to pursue beauty education.
- Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship: Focuses on students entering haircare professions.
- Clips Scholarship: Targets future stylists and barbers across the United States and Canada
- AHBAI Scholarship: Awarded by the Associated Hair & Beauty Agents International to support vocational beauty students.
- Farouk Systems USA/AACS Cosmetology Scholarship: Provides financial assistance to aspiring beauty professionals who demonstrate talent and leadership.
- Scholarships360: A broad database of scholarships that includes many opportunities specifically for beauty school students.
Our financial aid teams at Cosmetology & Spa Academy can help guide you through the application process for these scholarships and notify you about any exclusive scholarships we offer.
Don’t hesitate to ask us about available scholarships when you contact us or book a tour!
Other Ways to Pay for Beauty School
Besides financial aid, consider these options:
- Work-study or part-time jobs: Many students choose to work while attending school to cover their study and living expenses. Opting for a part-time cosmetology school program for example can allow you to efficiently balance both your studies and work.
- Employer tuition reimbursement: Some salons or spas offer assistance to employees pursuing education. This is especially helpful if you already have a job in the beauty sector and you’re planning to pursue further education at the same time.
- Payment plans: Make sure to check for flexible payment plans that can help you manage tuition payments over time.
These alternatives can even be used to complement financial aid and make your beauty school education even more accessible.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Beauty Career
Paying for beauty school doesn’t have to be hard. Our dedicated team is here to assist you, so don’t hesitate to contact our admission team if you have any questions!
For questions or to speak with a financial aid advisor, contact us at info@csa.edu or call 815-455-5900.
