Beauty school is a whole experience of its kind! One of the first things that stands out when one is looking at potential cosmetology courses, is the hefty price tag that comes with it. There may have been a time when a career in cosmetology would stand for an economically feasible study option, but not anymore.

There is no doubt that education is expensive in the country and therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise that there are many ways in which aspiring students can get their hands on cosmetology grants.

Besides, it’s no mystery that today more than ever, most people are willing to spend a hefty sum to match the standard of beauty. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lifetime of family savings on your course.

Cost of education
The cost of a cosmetology program largely differs from state to state, so you may either get geographically lucky or have to move in order to afford school. In major cities – think NYC or LA, which are major hubs for makeup and beauty – the cost of a full program can easily go upwards of $10,000.

In smaller cities and suburbs, the same education can be undertaken for anywhere between $6,000 to $7,000.

Grants: Federal and State
If you haven’t already heard, get yourself a FAFSA right now. This is the first step to getting any kind of funding, grant, or financial aid from the government. You’ll have to first pick a school and a course that you would like to pursue.

Once that is done, you need to fill out the FAFSA form – which is free of cost – and make sure it’s submitted on time. The FAFSA helps to understand how and to whom the grants are commissioned. This simply means they’re given on a need basis. To qualify for grants, one must show significant financial need.

Financial support from the school
Most accredited cosmetology schools have a financial support office. Here you can inquire if you qualify for any scholarships or cosmetology school grants. Also, see if your school has cosmetology grants up for grabs for their students.

These cosmetology grants and funds are different in that they don’t have to be repaid, like a regular student loan. This can be easier to find if you have a specific skill set or specialization within cosmetology that you’ve decided to pursue. This is because many cosmetology grants are specific to a niche skill or practice in the world of makeup.

Your best bet is to ask lots of questions and take whatever opportunities you get from your cosmetology school.