Maybe you have decided that cosmetology school is the right fit for you. You are looking forward to following a career path that aligns with your values and financial goals. But how much does it actually cost to attend an accredited cosmetology school and earn your cosmetology license?
Continue reading to learn how you can achieve your career goals with support from the financial assistance team at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture. We’ll cover key cost considerations. You’ll also learn more about financial aid options and other benefits available to qualifying students.
What Determines the Cost of Cosmetology School?
Cosmetology school costs are often based on a few different factors. Where you attend cosmetology school, your preferred education program, and books and materials costs are all important considerations when determining which cosmetology school is right for you.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that determine cosmetology school cost.
Location
Cost of living varies based on your location and this impacts the cost of attending cosmetology school. Tricoci has locations in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The cost of living in these states can be drastically different depending on which neighborhood you choose to rent or live in.
It’s normal for students to rent an apartment or live with family close to their preferred beauty campus. Similar to a community college, a cosmetology school rarely has boarding available.
Program of Interest
You should review available programs at your top cosmetology and beauty school options to ensure you are gaining the education that will support your ideal career. Cosmetology schools have tracks in one or multiple of these areas of interest that guide your education:
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
- Instructor Training (Prior licensing education required)
- Nails
- Barbering
Tricoci University offers all of these programs. Achieving a license in any of these professions is a significant step forward in your career. An admissions advisor can provide more information.
At the time of writing this blog post, a student seeking their cosmetology license can expect cosmetology school tuition costs to range between $15,000 to $25,000. This cost is only a rough estimate. It’s ideal to attend an accredited school that can issue licenses and accept loans.
Books and Materials Costs
Anyone attending college will tell you that the cost of educational materials, such as textbooks and other tools of the trade — can quickly add up. You should plan for these costs similar to how you budget for school tuition and living costs. One of the nice things about cosmetology school is that books and materials you will need are often clearly outlined. At Tricoci University we are transparent about education costs and do our best to factor those into any quoted prices.
Another area to think about is quality of materials. At cosmetology school you will likely have to purchase things like scissors and mannequins. At Tricoci University we prefer to have kits with listed items so that students are getting the recommended materials at a standardized rate.
When you see quotes for “kits” and see $2,000 to $3,000, those prices are factoring in past students’ work and teachers’ input on what works the best for their classes. We recognize that costs rising into the thousands of dollars for materials alone can be intimidating. The good news is that there are ways to lower your costs for cosmetology school and gain financial aid.
Financial Support for Cosmetology School Students
Just like at traditional colleges, financial aid is available to cosmetology students. Thanks to the availability of federal financial aid, you may be eligible for grants, loans, and work-study options.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the largest provider of student financial aid in the United States. This provider, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that millions of students can access education. Other opportunities for financial aid also exist.
Let’s review some popular financial support options for qualifying students at Tricoci.
Grants and Scholarships
These are funds you do NOT need to pay back.
- Grants: Awarded based on financial need
- Scholarships: Awarded based on financial need or merit
Federal and Private Loans
These are funds you NEED to pay back over time and with interest.
- Direct Federal Stafford Loans: Low interest rates, multiple repayment options
- Private Funding: Based on credit and co-signer (if needed)
Other Financial Assistance
Other means of financial assistance available to qualifying students include:
- Tuition Assistance: Tuition reimbursement from an employer
- In-School Payment Plans: Pay tuition in monthly installments
- Military Benefits: Service members are eligible for federal student aid
Additonal Financial Resources
Here are some additional resources to help you along the path toward your dream job.
Complete the FAFSA
Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at:
You’ll also need to create an FSA ID to sign and complete the FAFSA application:
FAFSA completion is a requirement for students seeking federal student loans or grants.
Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
You can learn more about subsidized and unsubsidized loans on the FSA website.
These types of loans offer low-interest rates and multiple repayment options.
Parent PLUS Loans are another type of federal loan based on parents’ credit history. Regardless of the type of federal student loan you are pursuing, you’ll need to complete the FAFSA.
Private Funding
Sallie Mae offers the Smart Option Career Training Student Loan for professional training and trade certificate courses. Students at Tricoci may be eligible for this type of loan.
- Interest rate based on credit history
- Co-borrower often needed
- May need to make loan payments while attending school
Military Benefits
Please get in touch with the Tricoci University of Beauty Culture campus enrollment office or visit the VA benefits website for more information about student aid for service members.
Create a Student Finance Plan That Works for You
Finding a cosmetology school that meets your unique educational and financial needs is the best way to set yourself up for success. Tricoci’s experienced financial aid team can help you develop a student finance plan to take the first steps toward a lasting and fulfilling cosmetology career.
Contact the Tricoci financial administration team for financial assistance planning! You can also reach out to a Tricoci representative by using the Contact Us form available on our website.