Learn How to Pay for Cosmetology School
Students of cosmetology (beauty school) have many options to help them pay for their studies. While students interested in studying cosmetology will not necessarily be earning a bachelor’s degree, it does not mean they are shut out of possibilities for free money to help study cosmetology. If you are considering going to beauty school or taking cosmetology courses, this page is here to point you in the right direction.
Many community colleges offer courses in cosmetology. In many cases, a cosmetology student will earn an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science.
These kinds of cosmetology studies are eligible for free money in the way of college grants. To help pay for beauty school, check out our information on college grants for community college. It is also important not to overlook the Pell Grant as a great source of free college money for low-income students.
Where to Study Cosmetology
If you wish to study cosmetology at a community college, you will find resources available from the Spokane Community College in the U.S. state of Washington. Candidates could earn an associate’s degree here and receive a certificate as a cadet instructor, an esthetician (beautician), or a manicurist.
The University of Hawaii’s Honolulu Community College has a program of studies in Cosmetology as well. In addition to learning how to perform treatments, the program is aimed to help students with licensing procedures, safety and sanitations issues, build a clientele. Students can earn a Certificate of Completion as an esthetician, a Certificate of Achievement, or an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science.
The Salt Lake Community College is another example of a community college offering an Associate of Applied Science Degree for cosmetology students.
Check with the community colleges in your state to see whether they offer a certificate of completion or associate’s degree in the field of cosmetology. If so, it’s a great idea to study in the same state where you complete high school. That way you could benefit from the lower in-state tuition and the possibility to receive free money for cosmetology school in the way of state-issued grants for community college.
How to Learn About Grants for Cosmetology School
If you are still in high school, it’s important to look into this information during your junior year. That way you’ll be ready to take action at the right moment and not miss out on a federal grant to help pay for you to become a hair stylist, barber, esthetician, nail technician (manicurist/pedicurist), or an educator of salon professionals on the latest beauty products and techniques.
The most important steps are to (1) speak with your high school counselor about federal student aid, college grants and scholarships to help pay for the studies and (2) speak with the financial offices of the community college where you will be attending cosmetology courses regarding student financial aid and scholarships.
Once you are armed with some basic information, you’ll be ready to apply for federal and state financial aid during your senior year of high school. We recommend applying in early January, because funds are limited once the money runs out even qualified students will have to wait another year to apply.
Don’t forget to look into faith-based, professional organizations, corporate, and minority college grants and scholarships as well, since this could be an additional way to pay for cosmetology school.
Potential beauty school students will find that with some preparation and research, they could make cosmetology school affordable with the help of college grants and scholarships.




