How can I Get Financial Aid for Beauty School?

If you are considering going to beauty school, you have probably asked yourself: how am I going to afford this?  What you should be asking yourself is: how can I get financial aid for beauty school?  There are many ways to pay for beauty school that do not include paying for your education out of your own pocket.  Financial aid options include:

• Federal grants
• Subsidized and unsubsidized government loans
• Work-study opportunities
• Scholarships

Choose the Right School

If you are serious about pursuing your passion as a beautician, consider attending an accredited beauty school. Accredited schools live up to stringent government regulations and provide the most opportunities for financial aid for beauty school.  Attending an accredited school will allow you to apply for and receive Federal student aid.

Federal Student Aid

To be eligible for any Federal student aid, you must first fill out a FAFSA on the web.  Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and follow the instructions to get started.  You will need your social security number, tax transcripts for the previous year, parents’ tax returns -if you are considered a dependent, and the school code of the beauty school you are planning to attend.

How Much Federal Financial Aid Can I Get?

The Department of Education takes into account your estimated family contribution (EFC) when deciding how much Federal student aid you will be eligible for.  Depending on your EFC you may be eligible for a PELL Grant worth up to 5,500 dollars per year and a certain dollar amount worth of subsidized and un-subsidized Federal loans per year.  You can also apply for work-study, which gives students work opportunities.   Additionally, you may be eligible for various need-based State grants.  A combination of these options will usually provide enough financial aid for beauty school.

How is Federal Student Aid Paid Out?

After you submit your FAFSA on the web, the Department of Education sends it to your beauty school for verification.  You must be enrolled at least part time to get financial aid from the government.  Upon validating your application, and after you’ve enrolled in classes, your school will receive your financial aid and apply it towards your tuition directly.  Any balance in your aid will be sent to you by check or direct deposit.

Apply for Scholarships

Scholarships, like grants, provide money for school that does not have to be paid back.  Many institutions offer scholarships to eligible beauty school students.  Consider applying for the following scholarships:

• NCEA Esthetician Scholarship
• APWU Vocational Scholarship Program
• PBA Sally Beauty Scholarships

The more scholarships you apply for, the more money you might receive for your education.  So, apply for as many as you are eligible for and get the most financial aid for beauty school that you can to minimize your out-of-pocket education expenses.