Welcome to the ultimate guide on navigating the world of scholarships for beauty school, where your dreams of pursuing a career in the glamorous realm of beauty and wellness can become a reality.
We understand that the cost of education can often be a daunting hurdle, but fear not! We’ve curated a comprehensive resource that will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to unearth scholarships tailored for aspiring cosmetologists, makeup artists, hairstylists, and beyond.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to enhance your existing skills, our guide will walk you through the ins and outs of finding and earning scholarships that will empower you to shine brightly in the beauty industry.
Why do people need beauty school scholarships?
In a world where beauty and self-expression hold significant value, it’s no wonder that countless individuals are seeking out beauty school scholarships. The allure of a career in the beauty industry extends far beyond the glitz and glamour associated with it. For many, it represents an opportunity to transform their passion for beauty into a lifelong vocation. However, the cost of education can often pose a major obstacle.
According to the Imagine America Foundation, average costs for beauty schools range between $5,000 and $20,000 once you include tuition fees, supplies, and other expenses. At this price point, the financial burden can be overwhelming. This is where beauty school scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance become critical.
Where to find beauty school scholarships?
Like most things these days, if you need more information the easiest way is by doing a search on the internet. However, a quick Google search for something like “beauty school scholarships” will return so many results on so many pages it might be a little overwhelming. So let’s walk through a few different ways to find scholarships that might be right for you.
First, consider your location. If you live in a large city or a pretty populated metro area, you’ll likely have a lot of options for beauty schools near you. If this is the case, the best course of action is to start researching these local schools to see if they offer scholarships. Many providers will promote their scholarship and financial aid options directly on their sites. If you find a local school that’s a good fit for you, you can likely work with their financial aid staff to apply for their scholarships directly.
If you’re in a less populated area, you may have fewer schools available to attend. If they don’t offer their own scholarships you’ll need to look for third-party scholarships. Of course, there are many options for these that you can find with a simple online search. However, we’ve put together our own updated list and segmented them out to help you find scholarships that are specific to cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, makeup artists, and hair designers.
Scholarships for barber school programs
Follow the links below to learn more about individual scholarships if you’re interested in going to barber school.
Scholarships for cosmetology school
For more information on scholarships available to cosmetology students, follow the links below.
Scholarships for esthetician school
Estheticians looking for scholarships can utilize the links below to learn more about various scholarship programs available for those looking to enter this field.
Hairstylist and hair design scholarships
The following scholarships are available to hairstylists and hair design students. Follow the links to learn more.
Makeup artist scholarships
Aspiring makeup artists can reduce their tuition costs with the following scholarships.
| Scholarship | Amount |
|---|---|
| Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship | $2,500 |
| College of Makeup Art & Design Dream Big Scholarship | $1,000 |
| Cosmetology No-Essay Scholarship — Adult Learner Award | $500 |
| Milady Rise Scholarship | $500 |
| Multimedia Makeup Academy | Varies |
| Vocational Scholarship Program | $3,000 |
Nail technician scholarships
Nail tech scholarship links below provide you with more details on deadlines and application details.
| Scholarship | Amount |
|---|---|
| I ❤️ NAILS | $2,000 |
| Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship | $2,500 |
| Cosmetology No-Essay Scholarship — Adult Learner Award | $500 |
| Milady Rise Scholarship | $500 |
| OPI’s “Round Yourself in Color” Student Scholarship | $2,000 |
| Vocational Scholarship Program | $3,000 |
What other financial aid options are there for beauty school students?
Beauty school students have several options to reduce education costs besides scholarships. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Grants: Similar to scholarships, grants provide financial assistance that does not need to be repaid. Many beauty schools offer grants based on financial need or specific criteria. Additionally, various organizations, foundations, and government agencies offer grants for students pursuing careers in the beauty industry. Research local, regional, and national grant opportunities to find suitable options.
- Work-Study Programs: Some beauty schools offer work-study programs that allow students to work part-time while studying. These programs typically involve working on campus or within the school’s salon or spa facility. The income earned can help offset tuition costs and related expenses.
- Financial Aid: Students can explore federal and state financial aid options, such as student loans and need-based grants. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial step to determining eligibility for federal financial aid programs. Keep in mind that loans must be repaid with interest, so it’s advisable to exhaust grant and scholarship options first.
- Payment Plans: Many beauty schools provide flexible payment plans that allow students to pay tuition and fees in installments instead of a lump sum. This can help break down the cost of education into more manageable monthly payments. Inquire with the beauty school about available payment plan options.
- Tuition Assistance Programs: Some beauty schools partner with employers or beauty industry organizations that offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs. These programs may be available to students who commit to working for a specific salon or organization for a certain period after graduation. Explore such opportunities to offset educational costs.
- Sponsorships: Students can seek sponsorships from local businesses, salons, or beauty product companies. Sponsors may be willing to cover a portion of the student’s tuition or provide financial support in exchange for advertising or promotional opportunities. It requires proactive outreach and networking to find potential sponsors in the beauty industry.
- Veterans’ Benefits: If you have served or are currently serving in the military, you may be eligible for education benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA offers several programs, such as the GI Bill, which can help cover the costs of beauty school.
- Crowdfunding and Fundraising: Students can explore crowdfunding platforms and engage in fundraising efforts to raise funds for their education. This option requires effective communication, networking, and leveraging social media to seek support from family, friends, and the community.
Remember to thoroughly research and consider the terms and conditions of any financial assistance option before committing to it. It’s also advisable to consult with the beauty school’s financial aid office for personalized guidance and assistance in finding suitable options to reduce education costs.
