An investment in yourself can open new doors and bring you that much closer to pursuing your passion. Don’t let the price tag of an education hold you back. If your dream is to carve out a career for yourself in cosmetology, scholarships and grants can help take some of the out-of-pocket costs off your shoulders. Here, Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes explores some of the cosmetology scholarships available for prospective students and how to apply.

How Can a CosmetologyScholarship Help Me?

In addition to plotting out a financial plan and saving up money, taking a little off the top of your tuition can go a long way. Scholarships for qualified students can help make affording classes, supplies, and other costs associated with cosmetology school easier on your budget during school and after graduation. Unlike student loans, scholarships typically don’t have to be paid back. Tapping into this resource can prove to be especially useful in the long run. Excellent resources for students include:

From the Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship to the Minerva Beauty Scholarship, these organizations offer numerous opportunities for aspiring cosmetologists, estheticians, and more.

Scholarship Tips: Reading the Fine Print

Once you’ve found a few scholarships to apply for, make sure to do your homework. Eligibility and other requirements vary depending on the scholarship chosen. While scanning the rules, keep a lookout for the following:

  • Program-specific requirements: Some scholarships are awarded as general “beauty school” awards, while others are specific to cosmetology, barbering, esthiology, etc. Make sure you qualify to apply for the scholarship.
  • Proof of enrollment: Select scholarships are awarded after enrollment. You may have to be accepted into a cosmetology program before applying for some scholarships.
  • Requests for work samples: Keep on the lookout for requests for essays, references, letters of recommendation, and other vital materials that will complete your application.
  • Deadlines: Missing a deadline can put you out of the running. It’s important to give your application plenty of time to reach its destination, especially if it’s going out by mail.

Financial Planning: Piecing Together Your Puzzle

Possible scholarships can play a vital role in your master plan. Taking the time to research and apply for scholarships can prove to be rewarding in the end (if you’re selected), but it’s also important to take other financial options into account. While they can make a decent-sized dent in the overall cost, they may not cover you completely. Other ways to fund cosmetology school include:

  • Student loans
  • Federal financial aid
  • Veterans benefits
  • In-house payment plans

Do you have career goals that require multiple beauty licenses? Take advantage of the discounts offered for taking on multiple programs. At Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes, we offer a tuition waiver for students who want to continue their education within a year of their primary completion date. Admission professionals can help you find every possible avenue for funding.

Plan Your Investment Today

Find ways to turn your dreams into a reality. At Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes, our Dream Makers are ready to help you explore all your options. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Reach out for more information about cosmetology scholarships and other funding opportunities.