How Much Does Cosmetology School Cost in Utah? 2026 Guide

Last reviewed: August 2026

If you are considering Cosmetology school, one of the first practical questions is probably:

How much is this actually going to cost?

That is an important question to answer before enrolling.

Beauty-school costs can include more than tuition alone, and financing can look different for every student. Understanding the full program investment, what is included, which expenses are separate, and what Financial Aid options may apply can help you make a much more informed decision.

At Renaissance Academie Cosmetology and Esthetics (RACE) in Provo, Utah, the current 1,250-hour Cosmetology program has a published program investment of $19,998, plus a separate application fee.

Here is how that cost breaks down and what prospective students should know before creating their financial plan.

How Much Does RACE Cosmetology Cost in 2026?

RACE currently publishes the following costs for its 1,250-hour Cosmetology program:

Tuition

$17,500

Tuition covers the educational portion of your Cosmetology program.

Professional Student Kit

$2,498

The professional kit provides the tools and materials required for your education.

Total Program Investment

$19,998

This total includes:

$17,500 tuition
+
$2,498 professional kit

Application Fee

$75

The application fee is charged separately and is not included in the $19,998 total program investment.

Program costs are subject to change.

The costs applicable to an individual student should be confirmed through current RACE information and the enrollment agreement for that student’s actual start date.

What Is Included in the Cosmetology Program?

RACE’s current Cosmetology program requires 1,250 hours of professional education.

Students receive training in areas such as:

• Haircutting
• Hair color
• Blonding and lightening
• Hairstyling
• Chemical texture
• Barbering
• Clippers and fades
• Shaving and beard design
• Scalp treatments
• Foundational skincare
• Makeup
• Hair removal
• Manicuring
• Business skills
• Career preparation
• Utah licensing preparation

The current program combines:

810 hours of on-campus training

with

up to 440 hours of approved distance education.

The professional student kit supports the hands-on training students complete throughout the program.

Is $19,998 Everything I Will Ever Pay?

The $19,998 figure is RACE’s currently published program investment for tuition and the professional kit.

The $75 application fee is separate.

Students should also think about expenses that may occur during or after their education.

Depending on individual circumstances, those could include items such as:

• Transportation to and from school
• Meals
• Personal living expenses
• Replacement or additional personal supplies
• Professional licensing expenses
• Applicable examination expenses

Not every student will have the same additional costs.

This is why it is helpful to distinguish between:

Program Investment

The direct published cost of the RACE educational program and required professional kit.

and

Your Personal Cost of Attending School

The broader financial impact of attending school based on your own transportation, living situation, work schedule, family responsibilities, and other expenses.

Admissions and Financial Aid can help you understand the school charges associated with your program, but your personal budget is individual.

Is Financial Aid Available for RACE Cosmetology?

Yes.

RACE’s Cosmetology program is currently an eligible Federal Student Aid program.

However, program eligibility and student eligibility are two different things.

Being enrolled in an eligible program does not automatically mean every student qualifies for the same Federal Student Aid—or for Federal Student Aid at all.

Students interested in federal aid should complete the applicable Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and work directly with RACE’s Financial Aid team.

Renaissance Academie’s Federal School Code is:

041530

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

What Is the FAFSA?

The FAFSA®, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the federal application used to determine eligibility for Federal Student Aid.

The FAFSA is completed through the official StudentAid.gov website.

Depending on eligibility, a student’s Federal Student Aid offer may include forms of assistance such as:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Completing a FAFSA does not guarantee that a student will receive a particular type or amount of aid.

The school determines the student’s actual aid offer based on applicable federal requirements and the student’s circumstances.

What Is a Federal Pell Grant?

A Federal Pell Grant is a form of need-based federal student aid available to qualifying undergraduate students.

Unlike a loan, a Pell Grant generally does not need to be repaid.

However, repayment can be required in certain circumstances, such as specific withdrawals or overpayments.

A student should therefore not assume that:

“Pell Grant = money that can never under any circumstances be owed back.”

Eligibility and award amounts are determined under current federal rules.

What Are Federal Direct Subsidized Loans?

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are federal student loans available to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need.

These are loans, which means the funds must be repaid.

For qualifying subsidized loans, the federal government pays interest during certain eligible periods.

The interest rate, borrowing limits, and repayment rules are established under federal requirements and can change.

Students should review the current loan terms before borrowing.

What Are Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans?

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are another form of federal student loan.

Eligibility is not based on financial need in the same way as subsidized loans.

Interest generally begins accruing when the loan is disbursed.

These funds must also be repaid.

Before accepting any student loan, understand:

• How much you are borrowing
• The current interest rate
• Applicable fees
• When interest begins
• When repayment begins
• Available repayment options
• The total amount you may eventually repay

You do not necessarily have to accept the full amount of every loan you are offered.

Can Financial Aid Cover the Entire Cost of Cosmetology School?

It depends.

There is no universal answer because every student’s Financial Aid eligibility is different.

One student may qualify for a combination of grants and loans that covers a significant portion of school charges.

Another student may receive less aid and have a remaining personal balance.

Another may not qualify for Federal Student Aid.

Students should not assume that completing the FAFSA means the entire $19,998 program investment will automatically be covered.

Once your eligibility is reviewed, the RACE Financial Aid team can help you understand:

• Your available aid
• How that aid applies to your student account
• Any remaining balance
• Other financing or payment options

What Is the Difference Between a Grant and a Loan?

This distinction is extremely important.

Grant

Grant funds generally do not have to be repaid when all applicable requirements are met, although there are circumstances where repayment may be required.

Loan

A loan is borrowed money.

It must be repaid according to the terms of the loan, generally with interest.

When reviewing a Financial Aid offer, make sure you understand which funds are grants and which are loans.

Do not look only at the total dollar amount.

Are Scholarships Available for Cosmetology Students?

Beauty-industry and community scholarships may be available from outside organizations.

Potential sources can include:

• Beauty brands
• Professional associations
• Community organizations
• Foundations
• Employers
• Industry organizations

Scholarship opportunities, amounts, deadlines, and qualifications change frequently.

Students should verify each scholarship directly with the organization offering it.

RACE encourages students to research and apply for outside scholarships that fit their circumstances.

Even smaller scholarships can help reduce the amount a student needs to pay personally or borrow.

Are Payment Plans Available?

RACE offers monthly personal payment-plan options.

Depending on the student’s financial situation, a payment plan may be used for all or part of a remaining personal balance.

Available arrangements can vary.

Students should talk with the appropriate RACE team member about:

• Amount due
• Payment schedule
• Due dates
• Applicable terms

before enrolling.

What About Private Financing?

Some students explore private education financing through:

• Banks
• Credit unions
• Other lenders

Private financing is different from Federal Student Aid.

Terms are determined by the private lender and may depend on areas such as:

• Credit
• Cosigner requirements
• Interest rate
• Fees
• Repayment schedule

Before choosing private financing, compare the terms carefully.

Do not assume that a private loan has the same protections or repayment options as a federal student loan.

Can Veterans Use Education Benefits at RACE?

RACE is approved to train veterans under applicable GI Bill® education benefits.

Individual eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Students interested in using veteran education benefits should verify their eligibility and work with the appropriate VA and RACE resources.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

What About Utah Vocational-Rehabilitation Assistance?

RACE can certify enrollment for qualifying students working with the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation (USOR).

Eligibility for assistance is determined by USOR.

Students who believe they may qualify should work directly with the agency and coordinate with RACE when enrollment documentation is needed.

Is Cosmetology School Cheaper Than College?

That comparison depends entirely on what schools and programs you are comparing.

It would not be accurate to say:

“Cosmetology school is always cheaper than college.”

A four-year university, community college, technical school, and professional beauty program all have different:

• Tuition
• Fees
• Program lengths
• Financial Aid
• Living expenses
• Career pathways

Cosmetology is a 1,250-hour career and technical education pathway rather than a traditional four-year degree.

The better question is:

What will this specific program cost me, and does the education align with the professional path I want?

Does a Shorter Program Automatically Mean Less Debt?

No.

RACE’s current Cosmetology program can be completed substantially faster than a traditional four-year degree, depending on the student’s schedule and consistent attendance.

But program length alone does not determine debt.

The amount a student borrows depends on:

• Program cost
• Grants
• Scholarships
• Personal resources
• Family support
• Financing choices
• Amount borrowed
• Individual Financial Aid eligibility

A shorter educational timeline should not be presented as a guarantee of lower debt.

How Long Does RACE Cosmetology Take?

RACE’s current Cosmetology program is 1,250 hours.

Estimated completion ranges currently include:

• 35 hours/week: approximately 36–40 weeks
• 30 hours/week: approximately 42–46 weeks
• 25 hours/week: approximately 50–54 weeks
• 20 hours/week: approximately 63–67 weeks

These are estimated timelines based on consistent attendance.

Actual completion can vary based on attendance, academic progress, practical completion, and applicable school requirements.

Should You Choose a Beauty School Based Only on Price?

Probably not.

Cost matters—but it is only one part of the decision.

When comparing beauty schools, consider:

• Program hours
• Professional scope
• Curriculum
• Hands-on education
• Campus environment
• Class schedule
• Distance education
• Student support
• Licensing preparation
• Professional kit
• Total program cost
• Financial Aid eligibility
• Business education
• Graduation requirements

A lower advertised tuition number may not tell you:

• What is included
• Whether a kit is separate
• Whether additional fees apply
• How many hours the program requires
• What professional license the program prepares you for

Compare the complete program.

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

Before signing an enrollment agreement, ask:

What is the total current program investment?

Know what is included.

Is the student kit included in that amount?

At RACE, the currently published $19,998 total includes the $2,498 professional kit.

Is the application fee included?

No. RACE’s current $75 application fee is charged separately.

Is this program eligible for Federal Student Aid?

RACE Cosmetology is currently an eligible program, but individual student eligibility varies.

What will my actual Financial Aid look like?

Your individual offer matters more than a general example.

What will I personally owe?

Know your anticipated balance before enrolling.

Are payment plans available?

Ask about current options and terms.

Are there additional expenses I should plan for?

Consider school charges as well as your own transportation and living expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Cosmetology school at RACE in 2026?

RACE currently publishes a $19,998 total Cosmetology program investment, consisting of $17,500 tuition and a $2,498 professional student kit.

Is there an application fee?

Yes.

The current application fee is $75 and is charged separately from the $19,998 program investment.

How many hours is RACE Cosmetology?

RACE’s current Cosmetology program is 1,250 hours.

Is Financial Aid available for Cosmetology?

Federal Student Aid is available to students who qualify in eligible programs. RACE Cosmetology is currently an eligible program.

What is RACE’s FAFSA school code?

041530

Will Financial Aid automatically cover all $19,998?

No.

Individual eligibility and aid amounts vary.

Do Pell Grants need to be repaid?

Pell Grants generally do not require repayment, but repayment can be required in certain circumstances.

Do student loans have to be repaid?

Yes.

Federal and private student loans are borrowed funds and must be repaid according to their terms.

Does RACE offer payment plans?

Yes. RACE currently offers monthly personal payment-plan options.

Can I apply for scholarships?

Yes. Students can research and apply for applicable outside scholarships.

Understand the Cost Before You Enroll

Cosmetology school is an investment in professional education.

The goal is not to pretend that nearly $20,000 is a small decision.

The goal is to understand exactly what the program costs, what is included, what funding may be available to you, and what you will personally be responsible for.

RACE’s current Cosmetology program investment is:

Tuition: $17,500
Professional Kit: $2,498
Total Program Investment: $19,998
Application Fee: $75 separately

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

If you are considering Cosmetology, explore the Renaissance Academie Cosmetology Program for current costs, curriculum, schedules, upcoming start dates, and program information.

You can also review Financial Aid and Payment Plans or our guide to Applying for Financial Aid for Beauty School to better understand FAFSA, grants, loans, scholarships, and financing.

Or schedule a campus tour to visit RACE in Provo and sit down with Admissions to discuss the Cosmetology program, current schedules, costs, Financial Aid, and enrollment requirements in person.

Knowing the numbers before you enroll helps you make the decision with your eyes open—and build a financial plan you understand.

Program costs, Financial Aid eligibility, federal aid rules, scholarships, financing, interest rates, schedules, and fees may change. Current costs applicable to a student will be reflected in the applicable enrollment agreement and current RACE materials. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.