Planning for a career in cosmetology or the beauty industry means preparing to invest in your future with the right training and education. When looking into cosmetology school, the question of cost and affordability are often top of mind for many students.
Whether you’re planning to enter cosmetology school right out of high school or are coming to your passion for the beauty industry later in life, it can help to know you have options.
Each school will approach financial aid a little differently, so let’s take a closer look at what financial aid for cosmetology school looks like, what it takes to apply for federal financial aid via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and how you can make cosmetology school a more affordable venture.
Financial Aid for Cosmetology School
As you narrow your search for the right cosmetology school for you, we recommend putting financial aid resources at the top of your checklist.
Accredited schools like Tricoci University of Beauty Culture accept federal financial aid for those who qualify, which opens the door to many potential grants, scholarships and various student loans.
Federal financial aid is not the only option available, though it is often a great starting point, especially for low-income students. Other options include scholarships, industry-specific, and more.
Applying for FAFSA for Cosmetology School
To determine how much federal financial aid you may qualify for, you must apply for the FAFSA. By filling out the FAFSA with your personal and household income information, you can qualify for:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Grant
- Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans
- Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
- Federal Parent Plus Loan
- Scholarships
Once you’ve filled out the FAFSA, the Department of Education will review your application and determine how much financial aid you’re eligible to receive. This estimated number will be sent to you as well as you listed on your application. Getting this information in the hands of your top school choices is the first step toward understanding the full picture of financial aid you may be eligible to receive.
When looking over the FAFSA decision you receive (the estimated aid number is known as the Student Aid Index or SAI), it’s important to note how much aid offered is in the form of grants (that don’t have to be repaid) versus federal student loans (that do require repayment).
Cosmetology School FAFSA FAQs
When applying for financial aid, especially for trade schools (which are less frequently advertised as FAFSA-eligible than traditional four-year colleges and universities), there are many common questions that frequently arise. Here are a few to consider.
How Much Does FAFSA Pay for Cosmetology School?
The amount of federal aid you qualify for will depend on your individual financial situation (and your parents’ financial information in most instances if you are applying right out of high school). For some, a combination of Federal Stafford Loans and Federal Pell Grants may cover the entire cost of your cosmetology program. For others, eligible aid may only cover part of the cost.
While full-time cosmetology students can complete their program in about a year, part-time students will take longer. If this is the case, and you meet FAFSA requirements by being enrolled at least half-time, make sure to fill out the FAFSA for each year you are enrolled.
How Do You Fill Out the FAFSA for Cosmetology School?
The application process for the FAFSA is no different for cosmetology school than for any other post-secondary educational institution. Simply fill out the forms at StudentAid.Gov ahead of your enrollment period and go from there. The dates of aid for each year’s form go from 7/1 of the current year to 6/30 of the following year. So for students interested in attending cosmetology school before 7/1/2024 should fill out the 2023-2024 FAFSA form.
If you think you may not enroll until the second half of 2024, you can fill out the 2024-2025 FAFSA form starting January 1, 2024.
Get Financial Aid for Your Cosmetology Journey at Tricoci University
No matter what you qualify for in federal student aid, it’s important to remember that you have other financing options as well. At Tricoci University, we are invested in helping each of our students find the right payment options and aid opportunities. We can assist you in filling out the FAFSA, applying for other loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities, and can discuss any concerns or questions you have as they apply to your unique situation.
Ready to get a better understanding of how you can afford to chase your beauty industry dreams by attending school for cosmetology? Contact us today to get started.