Full-time cosmetology school programs require 1,600 hours of coursework that must be completed before taking the state board exam. Full-time cosmetology programs take a year to complete; part-time programs may take longer to finish. Individual states have their own requirements for state board examinations.
There are federal and state grants available to cosmetology students based on financial need. Once you decide on where you would like to attend beauty school, the next step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Many of the grants available such as the Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) are available once you fill out the FAFSA. There may be an individual application process for other grant opportunities.
The list below is not a comprehensive list of grants available for cosmetology students, but rather an example of the different types of grants available in different programs and states.
The American Cosmetology Education Grant is offered by the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. Many cosmetology programs have a waiting list. Eligibility depends on meeting application requirements, a successful interview, program costs and income level. The grant application can be found online. Choose the cosmetology school in your area and download the application.
The Model College of Hair Design is a unique cosmetology program for women. It offers students the opportunity to live on campus in college dorms while they attend beauty school. Located in Minnesota, it is a high-quality cosmetology program for residents and out-of-state students. Tuition and rent are the same whether you are a state resident or from out of state. Model College of Hair Design also offers part-time jobs for students. If you are interested, you can visit their website to request a free catalog and register for the $2,000 scholarship.
The Joe Francis Hair Care Scholarship Foundation is one example of the many scholarships that are available each year to cosmetology students. The Joe Francis Hair Care Scholarship is only offered to 19 students each year. The deadline to apply is June 1. Students who meet eligibility requirements receive $1,000.
ACE Grants help eligible students with the cost of cosmetology school. Grants are funded by the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, and applications are available at their website. ACE Grants are only available for certain beauty schools.
Federal Work Study is not a grant but a work study program for students to cover cosmetology tuition and program expenses. Students are required to work part-time to pay for school.
Scholarships are similar to grants because there is no repayment required. Scholarships cover some of the costs of cosmetology school, so it is important to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Individual scholarship opportunities do have certain application requirements and deadlines.
Student loans can finance the entire cost of cosmetology school, but student loans must be paid back, usually beginning 6 months after graduation. Before applying for a student loan, apply for grants and scholarships to pay for beauty school. There are many grants available for women, once you find the right beauty school.