Whether you’re interested in becoming the next Vidal Sasson or Pat McGrath, there are a slew of scholarships out there to help cover the cost of your cosmetology degree.
We looked for scholarships that were open to a broad range of cosmetology students, offered large amounts of funding and had multiple recipients each year.
Beauty Changes Lives is a nonprofit organization that works with donors to offer mentorships and scholarships to beauty professionals. Its website offers a database of opportunities available to aspiring barbers, cosmetologists, nail technicians, estheticians and makeup artists.
Below are just a few of the scholarships available through the Beauty Changes Lives portal. You’ll need to fill out both a general scholarship application on its website, as well as a separate application for the specific scholarship you’re interested in.
| Amount | Deadline | Eligibility requirements |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | February 20, 2020 | To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
|
If you have a passion for cutting hair, then the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family wants to help you fund your education. In order to qualify, you must submit a three- to five-minute video showing three different images of haircuts you have done on models, family, friends or mannequins. You’ll also need to include a description of your creative vision for haircutting, and why you love cutting hair. Judges base their decision on creativity and artistic skills.
| Amount | Deadline | Eligibility requirements |
|---|---|---|
| $3,125 | October 31, 2019 | To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
|
Ratner Companies offers four scholarships each year to students interested in pursuing their love of cosmetology. To apply, you must submit an essay or video demonstrating your passion for cosmetology and why it’s your purpose.
| Amount | Deadline | Eligibility requirements |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | October 31, 2019 | To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
*Eligible institutions include any accredited school that offers cosmetology, nails, esthetics, barber or massage programs that can lead to a recognized state license or certification required for employment. |
Every year, European Wax Center awards eight scholarships to help current employees complete their coursework and become licensed cosmetologists. In order to apply, you must provide proof of employment verified by a European Wax Center franchise owner as well as a video submission.
| Amount | Deadline | Eligibility requirements |
|---|---|---|
| $3,750 | October 31, 2019 | To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
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The Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation Scholarship is a memorial scholarship honoring a Paul Mitchell School graduate whose battle with mental illness ended tragically in suicide. The foundation aims to not only help cosmetology students fund their education, but also offers support in the fight against domestic violence, breast cancer and other issues that affect self esteem.
Along with the application, you must submit a three-minute video answering the question: “Why is beauty your passion, and how will a career in beauty fulfill your purpose?”
| Amount | Deadline | Eligibility requirements |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | October 31, 2019 | To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
|
Not only is this scholarship worth $5,000, but there are five awarded each year. It’s designed to support the success of stylists across the nation and encourages students to develop an authentic voice as an artist. To apply, you need to submit the application as well as a three-minute video answering the question, “Why is beauty your passion, and how will a career in beauty fulfill your purpose?”
| Amount | Deadline | Eligibility requirements |
|---|---|---|
| $1,200 | June 1, 2019 | To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
|
The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to deserving students interested in pursuing a career in the beauty industry. While the number of applicants chosen each year varies, 38 scholarships were awarded in 2018.
| Amount | Deadline | Eligibility requirements |
|---|---|---|
| $2,500 | Applicants are chosen on a quarterly basis, with 2019 deadlines:
| To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
|
The Beauty Schools Directory Scholarship is unlike any others on this list. Not only is it awarded multiple times a year, but applicants are chosen via a drawing system each quarter. How many winners are chosen varies each drawing, so the odds of winning this award are never the same.
| Amount | Deadline | Eligibility requirements |
|---|---|---|
| $500 to $1,500 | Applicants are chosen on a quarterly basis, with 2019 deadlines:
| To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
Students in a continuing education program or with an existing cosmetology, barber or esthetics license don’t qualify. |
The PBA Rosy Salon Software Scholarship awards $10,000 in scholarships each year — with $2,500 being awarded quarterly. To apply, you must submit a letter of recommendation from an employer or instructor, your resume and two photos highlighting your skills.
| Amount | Deadline | Eligibility requirements |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | May 31, 2019 | To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
|
In partnership with the Professional Beauty Association, Minerva Beauty awards 10 scholarships worth $1,000 each year to aspiring cosmetologists. Recipients also get a one-year student membership with the Professional Beauty Association, which offers updates on industry news and trends, discounts and more. On top of submitting a letter of recommendation from a cosmetology professional, you also need to write an essay explaining why you’re pursuing a cosmetology degree and how you plan to use it to better the lives of others.
If you can’t fully fund your education with scholarships, check out these other options:
Interested in going to beauty school? Take advantage of opportunities for free money to pursue your passion of hair, nails and makeup. And if that falls short, use our guide to student loans to explore more ways to pay for your cosmetology degree.
Can I fund my entire education with scholarships?
Yes! There’s no limit to the amount of private scholarships you can receive. However, keep in mind you might not be eligible for other funding options such as federal grants or loans if you’re fully funded by private scholarships.
Is there a fee for applying for scholarships?
No — you should never be charged anything to apply for a scholarship or to receive the funds you’ve been awarded.
Can I reapply for the same scholarship each year?
It depends on the scholarship program. Some are automatically renewed each year, while others require recipients to reapply. And some scholarships only allow recipients to receive funding once.
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