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Cosmetology schools provide students with comprehensive training to work in many different jobs. Students graduate to become hairstylists, nail technicians, and much more.
It might be the dream job, but education is still expensive with costs ranging from $3,000-$15,000.
Luckily, like just about every other area of study, cosmetology scholarships exist! And they can help you pursue your dreams without spending an arm and a leg.
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Check for scholarshipsThis guide will answer some of the most common questions about cosmetology scholarships and we’ll even share a few that you can apply for at the end of this post.
Can You Get Scholarships for Cosmetology School?
Of course, you can! Just like any other field, there are scholarship opportunities for students attending cosmetology school. Students studying at community colleges, beauty schools, and vocational schools can win scholarships.
Cosmetology scholarships can help students pay for tuition, supplies, living expenses, and course fees.
Cosmetology Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Cosmetology scholarships award students who are passionate about the field. Scholarships may have age and financial need requirements.
Many cosmetology scholarships ask applicants for proof of acceptance or enrollment in a cosmetology program. This means that you’ll want to apply and get accepted to a program before you apply for scholarships. Many scholarships are also program-specific, awarding students pursuing a particular career.
Remember, scholarship requirements differ from one scholarship to the next. Always be sure to reach out to the scholarship provider if something isn’t clear to you.
Cosmetology Scholarships
Here are some great cosmetology scholarships that you can apply for.
PBA/NCA Sally Beauty Scholarship
The PBA/NCA Sally Beauty Scholarship awards students pursuing a career in cosmetology. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior or GED holder.
Applicants must plan to enroll in cosmetology school. Seven students win $1,000. Five students returning to school for more training win $500.
Keller Barber & Beauty Scholarship
The Keller Barber & Beauty Scholarship awards a scholarship to one barber or cosmetology student. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, proof of enrollment, and a YouTube video submission. The award amount is $1,000.
Great Clips awards scholarships to students pursuing careers in cosmetology or barbering. Applicants must be high school graduates. Awards amounts are between $250-$1,500.
Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship
The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship awards scholarships to over 20 students. Applicants must be planning to attend or be enrolled in barbering or cosmetology school. The award amount is $1,200.
Beauty Changes Lives Scholarship
Beauty Changes Lives awards many different scholarships. Applicants must be planning to attend or be enrolled in cosmetology school. They must answer a few short essay questions. They must also upload a YouTube video or storyboard.
One scholarship that they sponsor is the Mud Makeup Scholarship. The Mud Makeup Scholarship awards five students with $2,500. Students must study at an esthetics or cosmetology program. The program must offer at least 300 hours of extra makeup curriculum.
The Professional Beauty Association sponsors many cosmetology scholarships. One such scholarship is the Lifetime Member Scholarship. This scholarship awards student members with $1,000.
A second scholarship is the Minerva Beauty Scholarship. It awards $5,000 and $2,500 scholarships to students attending a cosmetology program in the US.
Empire Beauty School awards a few different scholarships to students. The high school scholarship awards over 100 high school seniors with scholarships. Applicants must plan to attend the Empire Beauty School full-time.
Another scholarship is the Cosmetology Educational Endowment Program. Empire Beauty School students living in an anti-domestic violence program shelter may apply. They can win $3,000.
Virginia Ames Cosmetology Scholarship
Students studying at Highland Community College can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be full-time students in the HCC Cosmetology program. Award amounts vary. Students should show academic excellence.
Aveda Institutes awards a range of scholarships to students. The Horst Rechelbacher Memorial Scholarship awards one student at each Nurtur Aveda Institute. Applicants must compete in a contest where they style hair and apply makeup. The award amount is $10,000.
The Brilliant Future Scholarship awards $1,000 to high school seniors. Applicants may attend The Aveda Institute in Columbus, Chapel Hill, or Los Angeles.
Tips On Winning a Cosmetology Scholarship
Here are some tips on applying for cosmetology scholarships.
- Check with the school you plan to attend to see if they accept scholarships. Not all schools do.
- Apply only for relevant scholarships. Some scholarships award new students. Some scholarships award students who are returning to school. Some take academic achievement into consideration while others consider financial need. Make sure to read all requirements before applying.
- Start working on applications early. You might have to write essays, create a video, or submit letters of recommendation. This takes a good amount of time to prepare.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a beauty school dropout. Cosmetology scholarships can help you pay for cosmetology school without getting into debt.
