Pell grants are need-based grants issued by the United States Government in order to promote higher education throughout the nation. Pell grants are different than federal loans; they do not need to be paid back. Pell grants can be used for tuition, housing, books and supplies at any of more than 5,400 institutions, including participating beauty schools and cosmetology programs.
In order to receive a Pell grant for use at a beauty school, the selected school must be accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Science, or NACCAS. NACCAS ensures that cosmetology schools adhere to the licensing requirements of their respective states in order to qualify for accreditation and federal funding. Students enrolled in beauty schools that are not accredited by NACCAS are not eligible for Pell Grants.
Students interested in financial assistance for beauty schools need to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which serves to calculate the financial needs of the students applying. The FAFSA determines a student's expected family contribution (EFC), based on household income figures and number of dependents. The FAFSA also calculates the income and assets of independent students. Students are considered independent if they have reached the age of independence (24), are married or have children, or are wards of the state.
While Pell grants serve to assist lower-income students with education costs, the grants usually do not cover the entire cost of tuition, let alone books, supplies and living expenses. Federal loans are also available.
By completing the same FAFSA, students can determine not only whether they qualify for a federal Pell grant; they may also find out what other funding is available. Federal education loans usually provide low interest rates and customizable repayment plans.
Additionally, other grants are available for beauty schools. The American Association of Cosmetology Schools provides the American Cosmetology Education Grant to some cosmetology students, while individual beauty schools generally offer their own grants and financing programs.