Making the decision to enroll in a cosmetology school can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. Just like any post-secondary school, there may be significant costs associated with getting your degree or certification. At minimum, you’ll need to cover your tuition and exam fees, supplies, and living expenses. But, where do you find the money to finance these costs when you’re on a limited budget?

First of all, it’s important that you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – otherwise known as FAFSA. This one form is your key to federal grants and low-interest loans that can help reduce the cost of your cosmetology degree. In some cases, it may also give you access to need-based, institutional grants and scholarships, if your school offers any and you meet the eligibility criteria. But, what do you do if federal aid isn’t enough or your school doesn’t offer additional financial aid assistance? Don’t panic. We are here to help and have rounded up just a few of the private scholarship resources that you may be eligible to use at your cosmetology school.

1. Beauty Changes Lives Foundation (BCL)

Beginning in June, BCL offers several scholarships through partnerships with Vidal Sassoon, Massage Envy and other professionals. Some of their upcoming scholarship opportunities include:

· Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Education Scholarship (up to $10,000)

· Tippi Hedren Nail Scholarship for Orlando Students ($500)

· Massage Envy Spa – Massage Scholarship ($1,500)

2. National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/distributors & Associations (NCEA)

NCEA offers two separate scholarships for students attending an esthetician or cosmetology school. These include:

· NCEA’s Esthetician Scholarship ($1,000)

· Aurie J. Gosnell Scholarship ($1,250)

3. Great Clips

Great Clips offers scholarships to high school students and anyone else interested in a cosmetology career through their Alice Madden Barton Scholarship. The scholarship may be used at any U.S. or Canadian cosmetology or barbering school. Deadlines to apply for the award are June 30 and December 31.

4. Beauty Schools Marketing Group

Whether you dream of being a hair stylist, nail technician, makeup artist, or running your own salon, the $2,500 scholarship offered through the Beauty Schools Marketing Group can help make your dream a reality. Just be sure to apply before July 31.

5. Professional Beauty Association (PBA)

Each year, the PBA awards five $1,000 scholarships to students who will be attending an accredited cosmetology school. The deadline to apply is May 31.

If you still need additional financial aid to help you pay for beauty school, don’t forget to check out one or more of the many free scholarship search services available, such as Cappex.com or Chegg.com.

Disclaimer: Jacksonville Beauty Institute is not associated with any of these organizations and may not accept all of the scholarships mentioned in this post.