Visit your cosmetology school's financial aid or student services office. Some schools may be willing to work out a payment plan. Ask whether your school is eligible to receive federal aid. If so, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online. Depending on your financial situation, you may qualify for government assistance. Your cosmetology school may also offer financial assistance of its own.
Apply for outside cosmetology school scholarships. Many organizations, such as the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) and the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) offer funding for cosmetology students. You may be required to fill out a form, write a personal essay, and provide personal recommendations. Read the eligibility requirements carefully before you apply. Some programs may require that you be enrolled in a cosmetology program and have completed a set number of hours.
Look into private loans. This should be a last resort if you were unable to meet the entirety of your tuition costs through other means. As a cosmetology program does not offer a undergraduate or graduate degree, sources of private funding may be limited. In addition, private lenders may only give loans to students attending accredited institutions. Check to see if a private lender offers loans geared toward vocational training. Your cosmetology school may also work with private lenders, such as credit unions, to offer loans. Note that if you have no credit or bad credit, you will need to apply with a creditworthy cosigner.