How Much Does Cosmetology School Cost?

Choosing to pursue a career in cosmetology can be an exciting step toward a creative and fulfilling future. But before you dive into styling, coloring, and shaping your way to success, there’s an important question to answer: how much does cosmetology school actually cost, and how can you afford it?

Like any higher education path, cosmetology school comes with a price tag—but the investment can pay off with a rewarding career in beauty. By understanding the types of expenses involved and exploring *financial aid options, you can build a solid plan to fund your education with confidence.

What Types of Expenses Can You Expect to Pay?

There are various expenses associated with attending cosmetology school that you need to understand. It does not come as one flat bill, but rather, the expenses are broken up into various categories. For example:

• Tuition (Average Cost: $18,500) – This is the base cost of attending cosmetology school and covers the instruction and facilities that support your training.
• Student Kit & Textbooks (Average Cost: $2,498) – You’ll need professional tools, equipment, and course materials to complete your training. Most schools provide student kits that include items like scissors, brushes, mannequin heads, styling products, and more.
• Application Fees (Average Cost: $75) – A small fee is typically required to apply. While it might seem minor, it’s still an essential part of the overall cost.

Estimated Total: $21,073

For many students, this total can seem out of reach at first—but thankfully, a wide range of financial aid and scholarships are available to help.

Which Forms of Financial Aid are Available for Cosmetology School?

Believe it or not, there are several forms of financial aid available to pay for cosmetology school. Different types of aid can be used to cover the cost, and various forms of financial aid can all be used at the same time to cover the full expense of going to cosmetology school.

For cosmetology schools that are accredited and FAFSA-eligible, federal financial aid programs can be the way to go. The funding options worth exploring from the federal government include:

• Pell Grants – Eligible students should try to collect as much money as possible via Pell Grants. Why? Because this money does not need to be repaid at any time. This is money given by the federal government to students with real financial need. The goal is to provide some of the funding necessary to offer students the chance to further their education, even if they might not have been able to afford it otherwise.
• Federal Direct Subsidized Loans – These are student loans provided directly through the federal government and offered at a low interest rate. The goal of these loans is to allow students to borrow the funds that they need to borrow without having to take on the massive interest rates that are so common with other forms of borrowing. These loans are awarded to students with the greatest financial need first.
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans – Another form of borrowing that students can engage in is via unsubsidized loans. These are awarded regardless of financial need, but they come with a higher rate of interest than do the subsidized loans. That is important to note when selecting the type of loan that is right for your situation.

Tip: You can combine multiple forms of federal aid to cover your total cost of attendance. Just make sure you fully understand the terms and repayment expectations.

State and Local Financial Aid Programs

Federal aid isn’t your only option. Many states offer their own grants, scholarships, or tuition assistance programs for vocational and trade school students—including those pursuing cosmetology.

Be sure to:

• Check your state’s department of education website.
• Ask your school’s financial aid office about regional funding opportunities.
• Look into loan forgiveness programs that may be available for working professionals who stay in-state or serve underserved communities.

Other Sources of Financial Help

In addition to government-funded programs, there are private scholarships and grants available through beauty organizations, nonprofits, and even product brands.

Here are a few places to start:

• Beauty Changes Lives Foundation
• Professional Beauty Association (PBA) Scholarships
• Cosmetology school-sponsored scholarships
• Local community or women’s empowerment organizations

You can also explore:

• Employer tuition assistance (some salons sponsor education)
• Work-study programs through your school
• Payment plans directly from the institution

Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of local connections. Community organizations, religious groups, or local businesses often support vocational students with small—but—meaningful grants.

Build a Plan and Start Strong

It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed when looking at the cost of beauty school, but don’t let that discourage you. With the right mix of funding sources, cosmetology school is more accessible than you might think.

Here’s how to move forward:

1. Estimate your total cost of attendance.
2. Complete the FAFSA to determine your federal aid eligibility.
3. Research state and local programs for additional financial support.
4. Apply for scholarships early and often.
5. Speak with a financial aid advisor at your chosen school.

Set Yourself Up for Success Today

Although it might be daunting in some ways to think about the cost of attending a cosmetology school, you shouldn’t let this deter you from giving it a try. When you set your mind to something and decide that you will follow that path no matter what, you can begin to enjoy the fruits of your labor. As such, don’t let the cost of attending one of these schools scare you off. There are plenty of options available for you to get the funding that you require to complete your education if you start hunting for it today.

For more information on how to get started, reach out and contact us today. 

*financial aid is only available to those who qualify