Cosmetology scholarships can be a game-changer for students who want to pursue their passion for cosmetology (hair, makeup, and skincare) but worry about the cost. Scholarships can help pay for your education, and you don’t need to pay them back.
Cosmetology school costs can vary widely, but most programs are under $20,000. That’s still a significant amount of money, especially if you’re just starting out. Fortunately, cosmetology scholarships are available to help lighten the financial load.
Here are some of the top cosmetology scholarships in 2026 and where to find them.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• There are several resources available when searching for cosmetology scholarships, including online search tools.
• Cosmetology scholarships have various eligibility requirements, so it’s important to review them carefully.
• Available scholarship amounts range from $250 to $5,000.
• Other options to fund cosmetology school include grants, cash savings, federal student loans, and private student loans.
• Ways to make money in cosmetology school include getting a full-time or part-time job and offering your services to people you know.
How to Find Scholarships for Cosmetology Students
When searching for scholarships for cosmetology school, there are plenty of resources available, including:
• Free scholarship search tools, such as SoFi’s Scholarship Search Tool
• High school guidance counselors
• The financial aid office at your college or career school
• Local resources, including libraries, businesses, and community groups
• Nonprofits like the Professional Beauty Association
• Your employer or your parents’ workplace
• Professional organizations in your field of interest
How to Qualify for Cosmetology Scholarships
Every cosmetology scholarship has unique eligibility requirements, so make sure to review them carefully before applying.
Requirements might include:
• Maintaining a minimum GPA
• Completing a certain amount of community service
• Being a U.S. citizen
• Planning to enroll (or being enrolled) in an accredited cosmetology program
• Demonstrating leadership skills or potential
• Providing letters of recommendation
• Submitting your resume
• Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
Top Cosmetology Scholarships
Here are some top cosmetology scholarships to help you fund your education so you can kick-start your beauty career.
Buy-Rite’s Annual Beauty School Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $1,000
Application deadline: November 1
Buy-Rite’s Annual Beauty School Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship for cosmetology and barber students who best embody Buy-Rite Beauty’s core values. To apply, you must submit an essay detailing your most meaningful achievement and explaining how it relates to your future career in cosmetology.
Great Clips Great Scholarship Program
Scholarship amount: Up to $5,000
Application deadline: March 1
The Great Clips Great Scholarships Program is for future stylists and barbers in the U.S. and Canada, offering up to $5,000 to help launch their careers. To apply, answer the question, “What is exciting to you about a career in the cosmetology or barbering industry? Why?”
Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $2,500
Application deadline: March 2
BeautySchoolDirectory.com offers a $2,500 Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship twice a year to students and professionals passionate about making a difference in beauty and wellness. It’s open to both U.S. residents and legal residents over 18. To be considered, you must submit a three-minute video answering one of the prompts on the application.
The Rosy Rewards Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $250
Application deadline: October 1
The Rosy Rewards Scholarship, offered by Rosy Salon Software, awards two $250 scholarships each year to cosmetology students who are passionate about the industry. To qualify, you must be enrolled in a cosmetology, barber, or esthetics program and submit a letter of recommendation, your resume, and two of your best pictures to showcase your skills.
The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $3,000 or more
Application deadline: June 1
The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship is a scholarship worth $3,000 (or more) that supports students pursuing a career in the beauty industry. To apply, you must fill out the application and submit two letters of recommendation.
Elevate Your Education Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $1,400 value
Application deadlines: March 1, July 1, November 1
Elevate Your Education with Dermalogica offers scholarships to support passionate and talented new skincare professionals. These scholarships cover the cost of either the Expert Program or the Product Expert Program workshops, valued at over $1,400.
Sallie Mae Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $2,000
Application deadline: December 31
The Sallie Mae Scholarship Sweepstakes awards $2,000 to U.S. beauty students over 17 years of age. A sweepstakes scholarship is a random drawing in which winners are picked by chance, giving every eligible student an equal shot at the award.
SoFi Scholarship Giveaway
Scholarship amount: $2,500
Application deadline: Monthly
The SoFi Scholarship offers students a chance to win $2,500 every month through a sweepstakes. It’s a simple drawing that can provide some extra financial support for your education.
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Can You Get a Federal Student Loan for Cosmetology School?
Yes, as long as your cosmetology program is accredited, you can apply for federal student loans and other types of aid. To check if your school is accredited, you can use the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs or just call the school directly.
Federal aid includes grants, work-study, and federal student loans. To find out what aid you qualify for, complete the FAFSA®. The FAFSA for the 2026-27 academic year became available to all students on September 24, 2025.
How to Make Money While in Cosmetology School
While it’s important to prioritize your schoolwork, you can still find money-making opportunities that fit into your busy schedule. Options for making money while in cosmetology school include:
• Finding a full-time or part-time job. There are numerous jobs for cosmetology students to make money during school. For example, you may consider working at a salon as an assistant or receptionist. By choosing a job within your field of study, you can earn money and gain hands-on experience.
• Starting a side hustle. If a flexible gig is more your style, think about ways to generate income in your free time, like driving for Uber, delivering food, or offering freelance beauty services for events. With a side hustle, you can usually set your own hours, allowing you to work around your cosmetology school schedule.
• Offering your services to friends and family. Providing haircuts, manicures, and makeup services to people you know is another good way to make money and build your experience.
• Starting a beauty YouTube channel. If you love sharing beauty tips, consider starting a blog or YouTube channel. You can create tutorials, conduct product reviews, and feature other content so you can grow your audience and earn money through sponsorships and ads.
Recommended: Best Side Hustle Ideas
The Takeaway
If you’re looking for ways to pay for cosmetology school, applying for cosmetology scholarships can be a good option. While some scholarships are competitive, many others go unclaimed each year. It’s always worth applying since it doesn’t cost anything, and it may help you significantly lower your out-of-pocket expenses for school.
You can also consider exploring other ways to cover college costs, such as cash savings, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
When should I start applying for cosmetology scholarships?
When it comes to applying for cosmetology scholarships, the earlier you start, the better. Applying early gives you access to more opportunities and helps you avoid that last-minute rush. It might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but starting early makes the whole process more straightforward.
Can I get a scholarship for cosmetology school?
There are many scholarship opportunities available for students pursuing a career in the beauty industry. Whether you’re just starting or are already enrolled, you can find scholarships tailored to support aspiring cosmetologists, estheticians, and other beauty professionals.
Does the FAFSA cover cosmetology?
If you’re enrolled in an accredited cosmetology school, you might qualify for federal financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This can help cover tuition, fees, and other expenses, so it’s worth applying to see what kind of funding you can receive.
About the author
Ashley Kilroy
Ashley Kilroy is a seasoned personal finance writer with 15 years of experience simplifying complex concepts for individuals seeking financial security. Her expertise has shined through in well-known publications like Rolling Stone, Forbes, SmartAsset, and Money Talks News. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/Sergey Pakulin
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