Don't Be a Beauty School Dropout: Learn About Funding Your Cosmetology Education
So, you've decided to enroll in beauty school. You love being around others, and want to help people feel great about themselves through the improved self-image that cosmetology services can facilitate. You have an eye for beauty and feel ready to master advanced techniques in barbering, nail design, skin care, and more. Perhaps you've even begun the application process for one or two of today's beauty schools. Congratulations on choosing to pursue beauty education! With your natural skills and a formal education, you can enjoy a range of exciting career opportunities in the cosmetology field. There's just one problem, beauty school doesn't come cheap.
Paying for Beauty School
Cosmetology school can be expensive. Depending on where you live, comprehensive beauty education can cost anywhere from $6,500 (for schools in rural areas) to $10,000 (for top beauty schools in metropolitan centers). If you plan to pursue a more specialized beauty career, such as hair dresser or spa therapist, schooling is less expensive--typically anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000. The good news is, beauty school can still be a great option even for those with limited finances. Most beauty schools do not require you to pay tuition upfront, and offer students a variety of payment plans and financial aid packages in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships.
Taking Advantage of Financial Aid for Beauty School
Because beauty schools are essentially businesses and want to attract as many students as possible, most are quite helpful when it comes to awarding financial aid packages. Below is a list of some common financial aid options.
- Grants - Grants can cover either a portion of or the entire cost of tuition don't need to be repaid. Examples are the Federal Pell Grant funded by the federal government and the American Cosmetology Education Grant. Your school of choice can usually help with the grant application process.
- Scholarships - Scholarships are often awarded to students who demonstrate excellence in high school or college, but can also take into account your financial need and other criteria as defined by each organization. Competition for scholarships is high, so be sure to apply early.
- Federal Work Study - Some beauty schools offer Federal Work Study (FWS), which allows students to earn money for education expenses by working on campus or for a designated off-campus employer.
- Loans - Some loans are available based on financial need, while others are not based on need. While loans must eventually be repaid, they are an option for students who need additional funds to finance beauty educations.
Other Ways to Make Beauty School Work for You
If you don't qualify for financial aid or simply wish to supplement your financial assistance package with smart lifestyle choices. If work, family, or other obligations prevent you from attending traditional classes, consider enrolling in night school.
Featured Schools
Prepare for an exciting new career at the Milan Institute.
- Clovis
- Bakersfield
- Cosmetology
- Esthetician
Start your career with training from Alameda Beauty College.
- Alameda
- Cosmetology
Get the hands-on training you need to succeed at Blake Austin College.
- Vacaville
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
Get hands-on training for a beauty industry career at the Milan Institute of Cosmetology.
- La Quinta
- Reno
- Fairfield
- Visalia
- Cosmetology
- Esthetician
If you've ever imagined yourself working in the fast-paced beauty industry, Marinello Schools of Beauty has a program to get your foot in the door. Whether you choose cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology or makeup artistry, Marinello will help you turn your passion for beauty into a career.
Marinello Schools of Beauty makes every student's success a top priority. Our schools are designed to simulate a working salon environment to provide students with real-life experience and a practical, hands-on education. Each campus is equipped with the latest visual and teaching aids, including the modern professional beauty equipment used in America's top salons.
- Victorville
- Bell Gardens
- Lomita
- Napa
- Ontario
- Stockton
- Hayward
- Huntington Beach
- Castro Valley
- Seaside
- Bakersfield
- Anaheim
- Inglewood
- Lake Forest
- Chico
- Los Angeles
- Paramount
- Cathedral City
- San Diego
- San Rafael
- Santa Clara
- Redding
- Concord
- Moreno Valley
- San Mateo
- Cosmetology
- Advanced Facial and Body Treatments
