A prospective student drawn to the glamorous world of cosmetology may suffer sticker shock once she sees the price tag. According to Beauty School Network, a complete cosmetology training course can cost upwards of $15,000, with higher costs in big cities. If money is tight but ambition calls, cosmetology school can still be a possibility. Besides working, loans and family help, other methods can help a student foot the bill.
Government Financial Aid
If a cosmetology school is accredited by the federal or state government, students can take advantage of the same government financial aid programs as other college students. To find out which programs fit a particular need, the student must fill out the FAFSA, or Free Application for Student Aid, with a parent or guardian. After posting the application online, or through the mail, the student then gets an award letter outlining all suitable, federally funded programs. The college financial aid adviser can then direct the student in making the correct choices for her educational funding.
Non-Government Financial Aid
Even schools that lack accreditation still attempt to help students pay for classes. Many colleges host their own scholarship and grant programs, or allow the student to pay with an installment plan. Some schools may even let a student offset some of the tuition cost through work-study, which gives the student money toward training in lieu of work hours for the institution. Sometimes, the cosmetology school combines non-government aid with federal funding, which can offer a modest savings on interest and fees.
Grants and Scholarships
Grants and scholarships for cosmetology training give a student the chance to fund training without worry about future payback. Some leading names as of August 2011 include the Sports Clips scholarship for $1,000, the OPI scholarship, the American Health and Beauty Aids Institute scholarship and the ACE (American Cosmetology Education) grant. Each program has its own application requirements, but all target students with exceptional need or talent. One particular post-graduate grant, the Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts Makeup Scholarship, focuses on students specializing in movie and theatrical makeup, hair and photography.
Work
Holding down a job while in school can be tiring, but it's a common way to pay for higher education. If taking a full-time beauty culture course, an evening job can fit right in after class lets out. Keep in mind that many schools close on Sundays and Mondays, the classic off-days for the beauty industry. The reduced weekend availability may limit opportunities in some retail and service jobs. Of course, a part-time course allows for more job flexibility. High wages can take away from possible scholarship and grant opportunities, but may save in lower loan balances and reduced future interest payments.
Personal Loans
Family members may be able to give a modest sum for a beauty school education. A cosmetology certification is a worthwhile and possibly lucrative diploma to possess, and can lead to a rewarding career. If finances permit, pay back the loan in small installments with interest, and draw up a contract outlining repayment. Clear boundaries will do much to stave off confusion and resentment about any personal contributions to a cosmetology school education.
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