How to Apply for Financial Aid for Beauty School: 2026 Guide

Last reviewed: August 2026

If you’re considering beauty school, understanding how you will pay for your education is an important part of the enrollment process.

Depending on the student and the program, options may include Federal Student Aid, scholarships, veteran education benefits, state or vocational-rehabilitation assistance, private financing, and personal payment plans.

At Renaissance Academie (RACE) in Provo, Utah, our Financial Aid team helps prospective students understand which options apply to the specific program they are considering.

If you are wondering how to apply for Financial Aid for beauty school, this guide walks through the process step by step.

First: Understand That Financial Aid Eligibility Is Program-Specific

This is one of the most important things prospective students should know.

Federal Student Aid is not automatically available for every beauty-school program.

Eligibility depends on both:

• The individual student
• The educational program

RACE currently offers five professional programs:

• Cosmetology — 1,250 hours
• Hair Design — 1,000 hours
• Master Esthetics — 1,200 hours
• Nail Technology — 300 hours
• Lash & Brow Technology — 270 hours

Some programs may use different financing options than others.

For example, RACE’s current 300-hour Nail Technology program is not eligible for Federal Student Aid. Students in that program can explore available self-pay and payment-plan options with Admissions and Student Accounts.

Before completing a financial plan, ask:

“Is the specific program I am considering eligible for Federal Student Aid?”

RACE’s Financial Aid team can give you the current answer based on your program.

Step 1: Create Your StudentAid.gov Account

Students applying for federal student aid begin at StudentAid.gov.

You will need your own StudentAid.gov account to access and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA®.

Depending on your circumstances, additional people may also need their own StudentAid.gov accounts.

These individuals are called contributors.

A contributor may include:

• A parent
• A stepparent
• A spouse

Whether someone is considered your FAFSA contributor depends on your individual circumstances.

Each required contributor completes their own portion of the FAFSA and provides the necessary consent and information.

Step 2: Complete the FAFSA®

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

Completing the FAFSA is free.

When adding Renaissance Academie to your FAFSA, use RACE’s Federal School Code:

041530

The FAFSA asks for information related to areas such as:

• Your identity
• Family circumstances
• Income
• Assets
• Family size
• Required contributor information

For the current FAFSA process, federal tax information is generally transferred electronically from the IRS after the required consent is provided.

You may still need certain financial records available depending on your circumstances.

Which FAFSA Should You Complete?

The FAFSA year should correspond with the academic period in which you will attend school.

For example, the 2026–27 FAFSA applies to eligible education occurring between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027.

If you are unsure which FAFSA applies to your start date, ask the RACE Financial Aid team before submitting.

Step 3: Review Your FAFSA Submission Summary

After your FAFSA is processed, you will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary.

This document summarizes the information submitted on your FAFSA and includes your Student Aid Index (SAI).

Your SAI is not:

• Your tuition bill
• The amount you will automatically receive
• The amount you are expected to pay RACE

Instead, schools use FAFSA information and other eligibility factors when determining your federal student aid eligibility.

Review your FAFSA Submission Summary carefully.

If information is incorrect or additional documentation is needed, address those items as soon as possible.

Step 4: Work With RACE’s Financial Aid Team

Submitting the FAFSA is only one part of the process.

RACE’s Financial Aid team reviews your information and determines which forms of aid may be available based on factors including:

• Student eligibility
• Program eligibility
• Enrollment
• Cost of attendance
• Prior federal aid usage
• Other applicable federal requirements

The team can also let you know if additional documentation is needed.

Do not assume that the amount shown in an online estimator or FAFSA calculation is the amount you will actually receive.

Your official financial arrangements should be based on the information provided through RACE’s Financial Aid office.

What Types of Federal Student Aid May Be Available?

Eligible students enrolled in eligible programs may qualify for different forms of Federal Student Aid.

Federal Pell Grants

A Federal Pell Grant is need-based aid generally available to eligible undergraduate students who have not already earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree, subject to federal eligibility rules.

Unlike a student loan, a Pell Grant generally does not have to be repaid, although repayment can be required in certain circumstances.

The amount a student may qualify for depends on federal eligibility calculations and other factors.

Receiving a Pell Grant is not guaranteed simply because someone completes the FAFSA.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans

Eligible undergraduate students with financial need may qualify for Direct Subsidized Loans.

These are federal student loans and must be repaid.

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

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Eligible students may also qualify for Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

These loans are not based on financial need.

Interest accrues according to the terms of the loan, including while the student is enrolled.

Like all loans, borrowed funds must be repaid.

Grants and Loans Are Not the Same Thing

Understanding this distinction is important.

Grants

Grants generally do not need to be repaid, although there are exceptions.

Loans

Student loans must be repaid with interest.

Before accepting any loan, understand:

• How much you are borrowing
• The interest rate
• When interest begins accruing
• When repayment begins
• Your repayment options
• The total amount you may owe

Students do not have to accept every loan offered to them.

You can discuss your options with the Financial Aid team before deciding how much to borrow.

What Can Federal Student Aid Help Pay For?

For eligible students in eligible programs, Federal Student Aid may help with education-related costs included within the applicable cost of attendance.

Depending on the type and amount of aid, those costs can include areas such as:

• Tuition
• Required fees
• Books
• Required educational materials
• Student kits
• Supplies
• Other qualifying education-related expenses

Aid first must be handled according to federal requirements and the student’s account.

Students should not assume that Federal Student Aid will cover the entire cost of school or all personal living expenses.

Your Financial Aid offer and student account information will show how your individual funding applies.

Is Federal Work-Study Available at RACE?

Federal Work-Study is a separate federal program offered only by participating institutions.

Students should not assume that completing the FAFSA means a work-study job will be available.

Ask RACE’s Financial Aid office about currently available aid programs rather than relying on a general online list of federal aid options.

Step 5: Explore Scholarships

Scholarships can be another helpful way to reduce education costs.

Unlike loans, scholarships generally do not need to be repaid when their terms and requirements are met.

Beauty-school scholarships may be available through:

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

Scholarship availability, award amounts, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines change frequently.

Rather than relying on an older list of specific scholarship amounts, search for current opportunities and verify the requirements directly with the organization offering the scholarship.

RACE encourages students to explore outside scholarship opportunities that fit their program and circumstances.

Apply for More Than One Scholarship

Students sometimes assume a scholarship is only worthwhile if it pays for a large percentage of tuition.

Smaller awards can still help.

Several smaller scholarships may collectively reduce:

• Tuition you need to pay
• The amount you need to finance
• The amount you choose to borrow

Pay attention to application deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Step 6: Explore Veteran Education Benefits

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

Eligibility for veteran education benefits is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Depending on the individual benefit and eligibility, assistance may apply toward qualifying educational costs.

Students using veteran education benefits should work with the appropriate VA resources and RACE staff to understand:

• Eligibility
• Certification
• Applicable program requirements
• Benefit amounts
• Payment timing

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

Step 7: Explore Utah Vocational-Rehabilitation Assistance

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

USOR may provide vocational assistance to qualifying individuals based on its own eligibility standards and processes.

Students interested in this option should contact USOR directly and coordinate with RACE when enrollment certification is needed.

Step 8: Consider Private Education Financing

Private financing may also be available through banks, credit unions, or other lenders.

Private loans are different from federal student loans.

Before accepting private financing, compare:

• Interest rates
• Fixed versus variable rates
• Fees
• Credit requirements
• Cosigner requirements
• Repayment terms
• When payments begin
• Total repayment cost

Private financing terms are established by the lender.

RACE does not determine whether a private lender approves an applicant.

Step 9: Ask About RACE Payment Plans

RACE also offers personal payment-plan options.

Payment arrangements can vary by program.

A payment plan may allow students to divide some or all of their personal balance into scheduled payments rather than paying the entire amount at once.

This can be especially important for programs that are not eligible for Federal Student Aid.

Ask Admissions, Finance, or Student Accounts about the current payment options for the specific program you are considering.

What If You Do Not Qualify for Federal Student Aid?

Not qualifying for federal aid does not necessarily mean you cannot attend beauty school.

Other potential options may include:

• Scholarships
• Private financing
• Personal payment plans
• Veteran education benefits where applicable
• Vocational-rehabilitation assistance where applicable
• Personal or family resources

Your best combination depends on your individual circumstances and program.

What If Your Program Is Not Federal-Aid Eligible?

The same principle applies.

Program eligibility and student eligibility are separate issues.

A student could personally meet federal eligibility requirements while choosing a program that is not eligible to participate in Federal Student Aid.

For example:

Nail Technology

RACE’s current 300-hour Nail Technology program is not eligible for Federal Student Aid.

Students considering Nails should review current:

• Tuition
• Kit costs
• Payment-plan options
• Private financing
• Scholarships
• Other available funding

with the RACE team.

For every program, confirm current funding options before signing your enrollment agreement.

When Should You Apply for Financial Aid?

Start early.

Students considering an eligible program should generally complete the applicable FAFSA as early as practical and before applicable federal, state, school, or scholarship deadlines.

Starting early gives you more time to:

• Resolve FAFSA issues
• Provide requested documentation
• Understand your eligibility
• Compare financing options
• Apply for scholarships
• Plan for any remaining balance

But avoid assuming that “applying first” guarantees a larger Pell Grant or federal loan amount.

Federal aid eligibility is determined under federal rules.

Common FAFSA Mistakes to Avoid

Using the Wrong Website

The FAFSA is free.

Use the official StudentAid.gov website.

You should not have to pay someone simply to submit the federal FAFSA form.

Entering the Wrong School

Make sure you add:

Renaissance Academie — Federal School Code 041530

Forgetting Contributors

If the FAFSA requires a parent, spouse, or other contributor, that person must complete the required steps.

Leaving the Application Unfinished

Starting a FAFSA is not the same as submitting it.

Make sure all required sections and signatures are completed.

Ignoring Follow-Up Requests

RACE may need additional documentation before federal aid eligibility can be finalized.

Respond promptly when information is requested.

Assuming FAFSA Means “Free Money”

Submitting a FAFSA does not mean every form of aid offered will be a grant.

Your aid may include loans that must be repaid.

Read your Financial Aid offer carefully.

Questions to Ask Before Accepting Financial Aid

Before finalizing your financial plan, consider asking:

Which parts of my offer are grants?

Know which funds generally do not require repayment.

Which parts are loans?

Know exactly what you would be borrowing.

Do I need to accept the full loan amount?

You may be able to accept less than the maximum offered.

What will I personally owe RACE?

Understand your expected balance.

When are payments due?

Know your payment schedule before class begins.

Is my program eligible for Federal Student Aid?

Verify this directly.

What happens if my enrollment or attendance changes?

Changes in enrollment can affect financial aid eligibility and the amount of aid a student earns.

What happens if I withdraw?

Federal Student Aid is governed by withdrawal and return-of-funds requirements.

Ask questions before withdrawing so you understand how leaving school could affect both your student account and federal aid.

Financial Aid and Attendance

Receiving Federal Student Aid does not mean a student can stop attending without financial consequences.

Eligibility and disbursements are connected to enrollment and other federal requirements.

If a student withdraws, RACE may be required to calculate how much Federal Student Aid was earned and how much must be returned under federal rules.

That calculation can result in a student owing a balance to the school even if aid had previously been applied to the account.

If you are struggling with attendance or considering withdrawing, speak with RACE before making assumptions about the financial impact.

Financial Aid and Leave of Absence

An approved leave of absence can affect a student’s academic timeline and may have financial-aid implications depending on the circumstances.

Students considering an LOA should work with the appropriate RACE departments so they understand both:

• Academic implications
• Financial implications

before finalizing the leave.

Does Financial Aid Cover Every RACE Program?

No.

RACE’s current Financial Aid page specifically notes that some programs are not eligible for federal financial aid programs.

That is why our Financial Aid team reviews options based on the program the student selects.

A general statement like:

“RACE accepts Financial Aid”

does not mean:

“Every RACE program qualifies for every form of Federal Student Aid.”

Program-specific review matters.

What Is RACE’s FAFSA School Code?

Renaissance Academie’s Federal School Code is:

041530

Enter this code when adding RACE to your FAFSA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the FAFSA free?

Yes. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is free to complete through StudentAid.gov.

Does completing the FAFSA guarantee Financial Aid?

No.

The FAFSA provides information used to determine eligibility. Actual aid depends on federal requirements, student eligibility, program eligibility, enrollment, and other factors.

Does every RACE student qualify for a Pell Grant?

No.

Pell Grant eligibility depends on federal eligibility requirements and the student being enrolled in an eligible program.

Do Pell Grants have to be repaid?

Pell Grants generally do not have to be repaid, although repayment may 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 Federal Student Aid for every program?

No.

Some programs are not eligible for federal financial aid programs.

Is RACE Nail Technology Federal-Aid eligible?

No. RACE’s current 300-hour Nail Technology program is not eligible for Federal Student Aid.

Does RACE offer payment plans?

Yes. RACE offers monthly personal payment-plan options. Available arrangements vary by program.

Can veterans use education benefits at RACE?

RACE is approved to train veterans under applicable GI Bill® education benefits. Individual eligibility is determined through the VA.

Can RACE help me complete the FAFSA?

RACE’s Financial Aid team can help students understand the FAFSA process and answer questions about completing their financial-aid requirements.

Start With the Program—Then Build the Financial Plan

The best financial plan begins with knowing exactly which RACE program you are considering.

Renaissance Academie currently offers:

Cosmetology — 1,250 hours
Hair Design — 1,000 hours
Master Esthetics — 1,200 hours
Nail Technology — 300 hours
Lash & Brow Technology — 270 hours

Once you know your program, the RACE team can help you understand which funding options may apply.

Explore our Financial Aid and Payment Plans information, complete the FAFSA through StudentAid.gov if you are considering an eligible program, and speak with RACE’s Financial Aid team before making assumptions about your eligibility or balance.

Or schedule a campus tour to compare programs, schedules, tuition, costs, Financial Aid, payment options, and enrollment requirements in person.

Paying for beauty school does not have to begin with guessing.

Start with accurate information, understand what you qualify for, know what you are borrowing, and choose a financial plan you understand before you enroll.

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify in eligible programs. Federal Student Aid rules, award amounts, interest rates, FAFSA procedures, program eligibility, scholarships, tuition, and payment options may change. Students should use current information from StudentAid.gov, RACE Financial Aid, their enrollment documents, and applicable funding agencies when making financial decisions.