This article contains information about financial aid for cosmetology school including grants like the FAFSA and Pell Grant, student loans, and scholarships. There are some scholarships just for those students interested in or currently enrolled in cosmetology school.
Types Of Financial Aid For Cosmetology
Many beauty colleges and cosmetology schools have their own funds that you can apply for, whether it’s a private loan, grant, or scholarship. There are also state government and federal government sources too.
Start With The FAFSA
Begin the process of getting financial aid by filling out the Free Application For Federal School Aid (FAFSA). This can be done completely online or you can mail in your application. The FAFSA takes some time to complete, but your cosmetology school’s admissions department can help you. All of the grants and scholarships you apply for are based on your FAFSA form, so begin this process first.
Cosmetology Scholarships & Grants
Grants are very sought after by cosmetology students because they don’t need to be repaid. Two of the most popular options are the FAFSA and the Pell Grant. There are also grants and tuition assistance for veterans and active military members. Merit scholarships may come directly from the cosmetology school you’re applying to. These scholarships are awarded based on criteria set by the school. Talk to your school’s financial aid adviser for current information.
List of Cosmetology Scholarships
There are scholarships just for students going into the field of cosmetology, or already enrolled in beauty school. These scholarships are offered by a variety of organizations. Here’s a list of some popular ones.
Aurie J. Gosnell Scholarship - $1,250 Aurie J. Gosnell Scholarship, for study and training in the cosmetology field.
OPI Scholarships - Twenty-four selected students annually who are enrolled in a qualifying OPI Preferred nail technology or cosmetology program will each be awarded a $500.00 scholarship from OPI.
Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation - Awards $1,200 per student, paid directly to the cosmetology school of student's choice.
2019 Rosy Salon Software Scholarship - One $1,500 and two $500 scholarships awarded to students currently enrolled in a cosmetology, barber, or esthetics program.
CND Master Nail Scholarship Program - The CND Master Nail Scholarship Program awards $1,000 to students pursuing advanced, continuing education in the professional nail industry.
2020 PBA Lifetime Member Scholarship - For PBA members, five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded in 2020.
Beauty Changes Lives Scholarships - For cosmetology, nail, makeup, massage, and esthetic students. Beauty Changes Lives Foundation has awarded over $2.8 million dollars and over 520 scholarships since 2013.
Sport Clips Scholarship - Sport Clips Haircuts awards up to 20 scholarships each year. Each recipient is presented a $1,000 scholarship to help with cosmetology education expenses.
Student Loans
Private or federal student loans can help cover the cost of cosmetology school, though they must be paid back over a set timeframe and can have high interest rates. Two of the most popular loans are the Sallie Mae and William D. Ford loan programs. These loans usually have lower than the market interest rates, so paying them off may come a little faster.
Sallie Mae Career Training Smart Option Loan - For professional training and trade certificate courses at a non-degree-granting schools.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program - A Direct PLUS Loan for parent borrowers can help you pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid.
Find a cosmetology school near you and get program and financial aid information from the school you choose.
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