Beauty school costs can range from $3,000 for a short course in nail technology or esthetics to $10,000 for a comprehensive cosmetology program.
To pay for your tuition, supplies, and living expenses, you have several different options to consider:
- Scholarships: While many scholarships are awarded based on academic criteria alone, others take into account financial need, future goals, obstacles overcome, professional promise, and demographic factors such as your age or your ethnic background. Scholarship money never needs to be repaid, which makes this an excellent way to pay for beauty school.
- Grants: Grants are similar to scholarships in that they are both forms of financial aid that do not need to be repaid once you graduate. However, grants are awarded based on financial need and do not consider any other factors. You can apply for grants by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and listing the name of the beauty school you wish to attend.
- Part-time work: Many students earn money for living expenses and other incidentals by working part time while attending classes. If you can find a job as a receptionist in a salon or as a cosmetics salesperson at the local mall, you can earn money will gaining experience to add to your resume.
- Student loans: Student loans can be helpful in paying for beauty schools tuition, but loans should be used as a last resort. Completing the FAFSA will determine if you are eligible for low interest student loans. Subsidized Stafford Loans are preferable to unsubsidized Stafford Loans, as the subsidy will help pay the interest while you are still in school.
- Home equity loan: Some people use home equity loans to help pay for tuition expenses for themselves or a dependent child because of the tax advantages associated with the interest write-off. However, it is important to consider that a home equity loan is using your house as collateral. If you are unable to repay the loan, you risk losing your home to foreclosure.