7 Cosmetology Scholarships That Can Help You Save $11,325

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists will grow 13 percent by 2026, which is higher than average for other occupations. To secure one of these jobs, you must first graduate from a state-licensed cosmetology school or barber college, which can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000.

One way to make this specialized education more affordable is by landing a scholarship. While there are loads of general scholarships you can earn by meeting certain criteria, consider also applying for some funds specifically  earmarked for cosmetology students.

Beauty Schools Marketing Group Scholarship

The Beauty Schools Directory is a listing service that provides information on more than 500 cosmetology schools. They also host a $2,500 cosmetology scholarship from Beauty Schools Marketing Group for which you can apply once per session. To apply, you must write about your inspiration, career aspirations and why you feel you should be chosen to receive a cosmetology school scholarship.

Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship

Joe Francis was founder of the Barbers Corporation and never forgot his struggles when he was just starting out. When he passed away in 1994, his wife established The Joe Francis Haircare Cosmetology Scholarship Foundation to honor his memory and his accomplishments. Multiple recipients who are currently applying to or actively enrolled in a cosmetology or barber program receive $1,200 each, which is paid directly to the cosmetology school.

MUD Makeup Scholarship

This is one of several cosmetology scholarships offered through the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation, a nonprofit organization that focuses on the ability to change careers, lives and communities through the power of touch. The MUD (Make-up Designory) Makeup Scholarship offers five $2,500 scholarships twice each year. Recipients must be attending an accredited cosmetology or esthetics school that offers MUD makeup in their program.

Professional Beauty Association Scholarships

The Professional Beauty Association offers five $1,000 scholarships every year. Current PBA Preferred Individual and Student members can use the money from the PBA Lifetime Membership Scholarship for continuing education or cosmetology school. In addition, students currently enrolled in an accredited cosmetology school can apply for the PBA Minerva Beauty Scholarship, which awards 10 scholarships of $1,000 each year.

Ratner Companies Passion And Purpose Cosmetology Scholarship

Another cosmetology school scholarship offered by Beauty Changes Lives is provided by Ratner Companies, the largest family-owned and operated chain of hair salons in the country. Four scholarships for up to $3,125 each are awarded to students for program tuition. Applicants can be new or current students attending or enrolled in an accredited beauty school, provided they have not yet completed more than 50 percent of their coursework.

Sport Clips Scholarship

Sport Clips Haircuts awards up to 20 scholarships of $1,000 to help with educational expenses for cosmetology students. The check will be made payable to the school on behalf of the student. The applicant must be enrolled in a cosmetology or barber program, have completed at least 50 percent of the required program hours, maintained at least 80-percent attendance as well as 80-percent grade average and demonstrated financial need.

When applying for any of these cosmetology scholarships, following the instructions to the letter and making sure you meet all of the qualifications will greatly increase your chances of obtaining the money to help pay for beauty school.

[h/t: The Penny Hoarder]