How Can I Pay For Beauty School?

If you’re passionate about beauty and ready to turn your creativity into a career, beauty school can be an exciting first step. Whether you dream of working in a salon, owning your own business, or specializing in hair, skin, or nails, a cosmetology education provides the skills and hands-on experience to help you succeed.

Beyond technical training, beauty school also offers networking opportunities and the chance to build a loyal clientele before even entering the workforce. Graduates often find themselves better prepared and more confident in their careers compared to those who don’t pursue formal training.

However, one common concern for aspiring beauty professionals is how to afford tuition and other costs associated with school. At Phagans School of Hair Design, we’re committed to helping students navigate their financial options so they can focus on achieving their dreams. In this blog, we’ll break down the typical costs of beauty school and explore various ways to fund your education—so you can pursue your passion without financial stress.

Common Beauty School Expenses

When planning for beauty school, it’s important to understand the costs involved. While expenses may vary by school, here are some of the most common costs you can expect:

Tuition and Fees

The largest expense for beauty school is tuition and associated fees. While beauty school is generally more affordable than a traditional college education, tuition in the U.S. averages around $14,000.

Tuition and fees cover the cost of classes, academic support, and any other service offered at the school. Here is an overview of how tuition and fees support the school:

What tuition covers:

• Cost of instruction and classes
• Salaries of faculty and staff
• General campus support

What Fees covers:

• The cost of services and facilities
• Application and registration fees

Cosmetology Kit

Being a professional cosmetologist means you’ll need the right tools. Students will need a cosmetology kit that provides all the tools needed to perform several styles and techniques throughout the program. Here are some tools you’ll typically find in a cosmetology kit:

• Cutting shears
• Curling iron
• Straightening iron
• Blow dryer
• Apron
• Capes
• Perm rods
• Combs
• Brushes

Licensing Fee

Once your program is complete, you’ll need a license to practice professionally. With that said, beauty schools have licensing fees that cover the cost of the required state board exam. 

To obtain your license, there are usually two exams you have to take, including:

• Written exam: A written exam tests your knowledge by answering questions. These questions are typically multiple-choice.
• Practical exam: A practical exam enables students to show their skills hands-on with a mannequin to a licensing board.

Now that we’ve gone over general fees for beauty school, let’s look at how you can pay for school and enjoy a career as a cosmetologist.

How to Pay for Beauty School

Today, there are many ways to pay for beauty school and achieve your goals. It’s important to explore all your financial options and choose the one that will help you reach your goals. 

1. FAFSA

One of the most popular options for funding beauty schools is using Financial Aid. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form can give you access to government aid that can pay for a part or all of your beauty school program.

To be eligible for *financial aid, the student must be enrolled in an accredited program. If you’re considering financial aid, ensure that your beauty school is accredited to take advantage of the money. 

Here are some types of aid that may be available to students after submitting their form:

• Pell Grant: These grants are awarded to students from lower-income families who have not previously earned a degree. Pell grants do not need to be paid back.
• Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans: Beauty school students may be eligible for a direct loan. The government will pay the interest on the loan while you’re enrolled in a program, for the first six months after leaving school, and during qualifying deferment periods.
• Parent Plus Loans: These loans are available to parents of undergraduate students or professional students. They are similar to direct loans but have higher borrowing limits.

2. Scholarships

There is a lot of free money given out to students enrolled in beauty school. When looking for scholarships, the first place you want to start is with the beauty school you’re attending. 

You should receive an aid letter that outlines scholarships awarded from its program. You can also contact them to see if there are additional scholarships that you qualify for. 

Other resources for scholarships include:

• Professional Beauty Association
• National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology
• American Association of Cosmetology Schools

Apply for as many scholarships as you can. Your scholarships can be combined with other education funding sources to help cover the cost of your program.

3. Private Student Loans

If you need additional sources of funding, private student loans might be a great option for you. A private student loan can come from a variety of institutions, such as banks, credit unions, and online lenders, and can be applied to a range of programs.

When applying for a private student loan, lenders will run a credit check to determine your interest rate and see how much you qualify for. 

Note: While private student loans can be a great option for students, it’s best to exhaust all other resources before applying for them. Private student loans tend to have higher interest rates and do not come with the same benefits as federal student loans. 

Ready to Start Your Beauty Journey?

At Phagans School of Hair Design, we’re committed to helping aspiring beauty professionals like you achieve their dreams. We know that funding your education can feel overwhelming, but with the right financial resources, your path to a rewarding career in beauty can be smooth and stress-free.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a future in cosmetology, we’re here to help! Contact us today to learn more about our programs and explore your financial aid options.*

*financial aid is only available to those who qualify