Financial Aid Options for Beauty School Students: Grants, Scholarships, and Payment Plans Available in 2024

Unlock Your Beauty Dreams: Complete Guide to Financial Aid Options for Beauty School Students in 2024

Pursuing a career in the beauty industry is an exciting journey, but the cost of education can feel overwhelming. The good news? There are numerous financial aid options available to help aspiring beauty professionals achieve their dreams without breaking the bank. Whether you’re interested in cosmetology, esthetics, or other beauty specialties, understanding your funding options is crucial for making informed decisions about your education.

Federal Financial Aid: Your First Stop

As an accredited institution, we accept payments through Pell Grants and Direct Student Loans for those who qualify. Applying is simple; you can fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form online at https://studentaid.gov/ using our school code 041529. The Pell Grant’s 2024-2024 maximum is $7,395 and students may be eligible for up to twelve terms.

The Department of Education also offers Direct Loans. Cosmetology students may be eligible for either subsidized or unsubsidized loans. The government pays for the interest rate of subsidized loans as long as you’re enrolled in a program, for the first six months after leaving school, and during qualifying deferment periods.

Scholarships: Free Money for Your Education

Scholarships are among the most valuable funding sources because they don’t need to be repaid. Several organizations offer beauty school scholarships in 2024:

  • Beauty Changes Lives: Established as a 501c3 in 2013, Beauty Changes Lives is a non-profit organization awarding beauty school tuition scholarships generously funded by leading beauty brands. The Beauty Changes Lives scholarship portfolio includes tuition scholarships for aspiring hairstylists, nail professionals, estheticians, makeup artists, massage therapists and barbers. Since its inception, Beauty Changes Lives has awarded more than 500 scholarships, opening doors of opportunity that range from working behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week, to opening thriving businesses.
  • Hydrafacial Glow Getter Scholarship: The Hydrafacial Glow Getter Scholarship program, in partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, will provide financial tuition assistance to individuals who are enrolled in esthetics programs that lead to licensure or certification in the United States and Canada, and to support the educational advancement of currently licensed estheticians wishing to elevate their skills even further. Hydrafacial plans to award a total of $60,000 in scholarships over the next two years, with applications for the first round of scholarships opening on December 1, 2024.
  • Industry-Specific Scholarships: Awarding $1,000 scholarships to qualifying barber and cosmetology students, Keller International looks to support the educational journey of those in the beauty industry. This scholarship gives you the opportunity to show off your creativity by submitting a 2 minute video on what makes you unique!
  • Empire Beauty School Scholarships: More than 100 high school seniors will receive a $1000 scholarship to apply towards their investment in their education with Empire. Empire Beauty School students reaching 90 percent cumulative attendance are eligible for a $1000 scholarship. This scholarship is designed for students who complete the full cosmetology program without interruption.

Payment Plans: Making Education Affordable

Many beauty schools understand that students need flexible payment options. College tuition payment plans are an option. Instead of paying tuition upfront at the beginning of the year, students pay tuition in installments. Payment plans are an excellent alternative to taking out loans since plans are generally interest-free.

So, they’re willing to offer payment plans to prospective students who would otherwise be unable to afford the tuition. Often, the school will even offer these payment plans interest-free so that students can comfortably make the payments. So, an interest-free payment schedule can be a huge benefit.

For students in the Fairfax County area, Beauty School Fairfax County, VA options like AVI Career Training provide comprehensive financial aid support. AVI Career Training is approved by the Department of Education (ED) to offer Federal Financial Aid Title IV Funding which includes Pell Grants, Direct Loans for those who qualify.

State and Local Grants

A grant is another way students can pay for college, and grants—like scholarships—do not need to be paid back after graduation. Grants can be awarded by the United States government or the state of Utah. Many states offer specific grants for vocational training, including beauty school programs.

Tips for Maximizing Your Financial Aid

You can combine any number of grants, scholarships, and loans to cover the cost of your education. That’s why we encourage students to apply for as many scholarships and grants as they may be eligible for. Even small amounts can quickly add up!

Here are essential strategies for securing financial aid:

  • Start Early: Start your search early – many scholarships have deadlines months before the program starts.
  • Apply Widely: Apply to multiple scholarships – increasing your chances of receiving funding.
  • Stay Organized: Keep your applications organized – track deadlines and requirements for each scholarship.
  • Proofread Everything: Proofread your applications – typos or errors can disqualify you.

Working with Your School’s Financial Aid Office

Our financial aid teams are knowledgeable about financial aid options, including loans, grants, scholarships, and more. If you are wondering how to pay for your beauty school education, make an appointment with the financial aid office at your campus to learn more.

Most accredited beauty schools have dedicated financial aid counselors who can help you navigate the complex world of educational funding. They can assist with FAFSA completion, scholarship applications, and payment plan arrangements.

Making Your Beauty School Dreams Affordable

The beauty industry continues to grow, offering excellent career prospects for trained professionals. The average price of beauty school is $15,000 to $20,000 a year. Cosmetology students, in contrast, can expect to pay around $16,000 to complete a degree in their field. But beauty school students still borrow $7,100 per year on average.

Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from pursuing your passion. With proper planning and knowledge of available resources, you can make beauty school education affordable. Although student loans can help pay for beauty school, it’s best to start out by looking for other types of financial aid, such as federal or state grants, private scholarships, school scholarships, or school payment plans. By seeking grants and scholarships or payment plans first, you may significantly reduce your overall costs to attend beauty school. Accumulating as little debt as possible will help improve your financial footing.

Remember, investing in your beauty education is investing in your future. With the right financial strategy and available aid options, you can transform your passion for beauty into a thriving career without overwhelming debt.