Unlike student loans, grants and scholarships do not have to be repaid.
You're more than ready to pick up some shears and get to work, but the hefty expense of tuition may be holding you back from enrolling in cosmetology school. Don't worry: there is financial aid waiting for you. Both the federal government and the beauty industry provide grants and scholarships to fuel the cost of beauty school so you can keep focused on what matters most: your education.
ACE Grant
The Access to Cosmetology Education (ACE) Grant is the first major industry-wide attempt to aid aspiring cosmetologists with obtaining an education. It is sponsored by three organizations: the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) (aacs.affiniscape.com), the Cosmetology Advancement Foundation (CAF) (cosmetology.org), and the Beauty and Barber Supply Institute (BBSI). To be eligible, you must be planning to attend a school that accepts ACE grants (see list in Resources). You must also be a high school graduate or have a GED, and you must not have started cosmetology school yet. An individual can only obtain the grant once, when starting out at a cosmetology school. The amount varies depending on the school you attend; however, it will not cover the full cost of tuition.
Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship
The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship (joefrancis.com) is award based on both your financial need and academic aptitude. To receive this grant, you must fill out an application that includes an essay explaining why you need the grant and what your cosmetology goals are. Unlike the ACE grant, both new and current college students may obtain this grant. If awarded, you will receive $1,000 to help pay for tuition only. The application period is between January 1st and June 1st of each year.
American Health and Beauty Aids Institute Scholarships (AHBAI)
The AHBAI Scholarship is awarded to cosmetology students who are already in school. To be eligible, you must have completed at least 300 hours of cosmetology school and have a cumulative average of at least 85 percent. When you apply, the AHBAI Institute (ahbai.org) will also consider your involvement in extracurricular activities, community service and your overall performance at school. If you win, you will receive $250 toward your education.
Federal Grants
The Federal government awards grants to students on both the basis of financial need and merit (studentaid.ed.gov). The main grant, the Pell Grant, serves low-income students and awards up to $5,550 per award year. You must be enrolled in school at least half-time and you cannot have already earned previous bachelor's or professional degrees. Other federal grants you may be able to obtain include the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) for students living in extreme poverty, the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) for students who completed honors or advanced programs in high school, and the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant for students whose parents or guardians died in service after September 11, 2001. Have yourself screened for eligibility for all of these grants by applying for federal aid online (see Resources).
Tags: cosmetology school, eligible must, financial need, Francis Haircare, Francis Haircare Scholarship