Make a Plan to Pay for Beauty School

Finding the right financial plan can feel overwhelming, but we’ve got your back!

Talking finances can be hard, but investing in yourself is important and our team will support you on the way to this dream. That includes building a personal finance plan that feels realistic for your life.
The good news? As a NACCAS-accredited institution, qualifying Cosmetology students can access federal financial aid through FAFSA®. All students will have the opportunity to explore their funding options with our Finance Director prior to enrollment.

If you are exploring your financial aid options, you aren’t alone. The majority of beauty school students will need to access a mix of financial resources to make their education possible. We can help you plan it all out. We’ll talk to you about your timelines, finances, and what options might work best.

Start Your FAFSA® Application

The FAFSA® form is an application that students and families need to complete to apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants and loans. Completing and submitting the FAFSA® form is free, and it gives students access to the largest source of financial aid to help pay for higher education.

The first step you can take in figuring out your financial plan is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). You can do this for free online. If you get stuck, don’t stress. There are resources available online to help you complete the form, and our team is on hand to help answer any questions.

You can also schedule a Discovery Tour, which will include a conversation with our Finance Director who can personally help you complete the FAFSA® form.

To apply for the FAFSA®, use this website to get started: www.studentaid.gov. Please use our Federal school code 043167 when submitting your FAFSA®.

Scholarships You Can Explore

As an accredited institution, you have access to several scholarship opportunities through local, regional, and national beauty scholarships. We even offer our own Graduating High School Senior Scholarship, available to qualifying seniors pursuing Cosmetology—ask our team how to apply.

Graduating High School Senior Scholarship (2025)—Noe’ Noonan’s own in-house scholarship!

Beauty Changes Lives Scholarships

Erie Community Foundation Scholarships

Ways To Pay For Beauty School

01
Federal Grants

Federal Grants

Money that you don’t have to pay back
02
Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized/Unsubsidized)

Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized/Unsubsidized)

Loans that accrue interest and will need to be paid back
03
Private Scholarships

Private Scholarships

Local and national organizations awarding money that typically does not have to be paid back
04
Veteran’s Benefits (GI Bill®)

Veteran’s Benefits (GI Bill®)

Available for eligible students, including children of service members
05
Private Student Loans

Private Student Loans

Loans that accrue interest from approved lenders (be sure to read the terms and conditions closely)
06
Out-of-Pocket Payments

Out-of-Pocket Payments

Balances may be paid with cash/check/card (credit card payments may include a processing fee)

Financial Aid FAQs

What's the first step to apply for aid?

Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) online. Once it’s submitted, you’ll get a summary of your information and may be asked to provide additional documentation. When we get your FAFSA results, we’ll review them with you and discuss what you may qualify for in financial aid. Try to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. Funding may be limited, so the earlier you apply, the more options there may be.

Can I use scholarships to help pay for school?

Yes! Scholarships are a great way to offset the cost of your training. Many students mix local and national scholarships along with grants and loans. Beauty-industry scholarships and community opportunities are often worth exploring, and we also offer an in-house graduating senior scholarship for qualifying students. Every scholarship has its own requirements, so keep a list of the deadlines and what you need to provide.

Who can I talk to if I'm overwhelmed by the process?

We get it! Making a financial plan can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team is here to help you take it one step at a time. We can explain what documents to gather, what deadlines to watch for, and which funding options might be best for you. If you are feeling stuck, reach out. Support is part of what we do.

How much do the programs cost?

Program costs vary depending on which training path you choose. Total cost typically includes tuition plus your required items like the student kit, uniform, and books. The most accurate costs are available in the school catalog linked at the bottom of the page, but we can also review them with you on the Discovery Tour. If you are comparing programs, we can show you the costs side-by-side and help you compare.

What happens if my financial situation changes during school?

If something changes, like a new job or unexpected expenses, tell us as soon as possible. Depending on your situation, you may be able to update paperwork or explore alternate funding options. The earlier we know, the more help we may be able to provide. You aren’t the first person this has happened to, and we’ll help you make a plan going forward.

Additional Financial Aid Resources

Use these links to learn more about aid, repayments, planning tools, and more:

Veteran’s Benefits: “GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

  • Entrance Counseling | Federal Student Aid
  • Exit Counseling | Federal Student Aid
  • NSLDS Link
  • Cost of Attendance
  • College Navigator
  • Financial Aid Policies and Procedures Manual 2025

Need more information? Contact our financial aid advisor.

Getting Started

What's My Next Step?

01

Schedule Your Discovery Tour

Choose a day and time to visit the school and get a feel for our culture and training environment.

02

Talk Through the Program

We’ll walk you through your program of interest and share more about what you’ll learn here. Come with questions and we’ll work hard to help you leaving feeling like you know everything you need to make an enrollment decision that’s best for you.

03

Discuss Cost and Funding Options

You will also meet with our Finance Director, go over tuition, the student kit, and payment options.

04

Choose Your Start Date

Start dates begin all throughout the year. Find your best fit, reserve your spot, and we’ll keep in touch with you about Orientation and your First Day.

05

See You in Class

Now that you've finished everything else, it's time to start your first day of school and your beauty school journey.

If you are ready to invest in yourself and your future, we’re ready to be your biggest cheerleaders! Schedule a Discovery Tour, and let’s get a plan in place to start your training.