Exclusive Cosmetology Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines to Apply for in 2025

About Cosmetology Scholarships

Cosmetology is a fun and creative field that showcases your ability to master the art and science of hair, skin, and nails. It prepares students for careers in the beauty industry, including roles such as hairstylists, barbers, estheticians, manicurists, and makeup artists.

Enrollment in cosmetology school costs anywhere between $6,000-$20,000, depending on a variety of factors like location, reputation, and instructors. From Aveda Institutes to Paul Mitchell schools, there are plenty of amazing beauty programs that will provide you with the necessary skills to succeed in this industry.

Scholarships for cosmetology school can make beauty education more accessible for aspiring professionals, allowing them to focus on developing their skills without the burden of significant financial stress. These scholarships can help cover the costs of tuition, fees, and sometimes even supplies needed for courses in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, barbering, and makeup artistry.

Create a free Bold.org profile to apply for cosmetology scholarships and additional financial aid opportunities today!

How to Qualify for Cosmetology Scholarships

To be the best possible candidate, it's important to put time and effort into your scholarship applications. Before doing so, you want to be sure you qualify for the scholarship opportunities you're applying for.

Be Enrolled in a Cosmetology Program

The first step to qualifying for cosmetology scholarships is to be attending or planning to attend an accredited cosmetology program.

Check the Eligibility Requirements of Each Scholarship

In addition to being in beauty school, so many scholarship opportunities have additional eligibility requirements. Before taking the time to apply, be sure that you're an eligible candidate. Scholarship requirements can include education level, extracurriculars, etc.

Types of Scholarships Available for Cosmetology Students

Scholarships for students pursuing careers in cosmetology include no-essay opportunities as well as essay-based scholarships. Some scholarships aim to offset tuition costs for current students actively enrolled in cosmetology schools, while others are for high school students interested in the beauty industry.

How to Find Scholarships for Cosmetology Students

Research Online: Start your search by exploring scholarship databases, websites, and platforms specifically dedicated to connecting students with cosmetology scholarships. Bold.org, as we mentioned, offers a scholarship filter feature allowing you to sort scholarships by category, making it easier to find awards specifically for cosmetology students.

Contact Beauty Schools: Reach out to the beauty schools or cosmetology programs you're interested in attending. Many institutions offer their own scholarships or can provide information about external scholarship opportunities available to their students.

Check with Professional Organizations: Look into professional associations and organizations related to the beauty industry. These groups often offer scholarships and financial aid programs for aspiring cosmetologists. Examples include the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS).

Explore Local Opportunities: Don't overlook local scholarships offered by community organizations, businesses, or foundations in your area. These scholarships may have fewer applicants, increasing your chances of receiving an award.

Review Eligibility Criteria: Carefully read the eligibility criteria for each scholarship you're interested in to ensure you meet the requirements. Some scholarships may be specific to certain demographics, such as gender, ethnicity, or geographic location, while others may focus on academic achievements or financial need.

Prepare Your Application Materials: Once you've identified scholarships you're eligible for, gather all necessary application materials, which may include transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, or a portfolio showcasing your work and passion for cosmetology.

Submit Applications on Time: Be mindful of scholarship deadlines and submit your applications well before the due dates. Missing deadlines could disqualify you from consideration, so it's important to stay organized and plan ahead.

To find scholarships for students attending beauty school on Bold, you can use the scholarship search feature to sort scholarship awards on Bold.org by category. You can sort by category to find scholarships for students enrolled in cosmetology education. You can also filter by education level to find financial assistance that's open to you.

When to Start Applying for Cosmetology Scholarships

As a current or future cosmetology student, it's never too early to make a plan to tackle your education expenses and reduce your need for student loans. You can start applying for scholarship awards while in high school, but it's never too late to start either, so don't worry if you're already enrolled in a cosmetology program and just beginning your search.

What to Consider When Applying for Cosmetology Scholarships

When applying for financial aid through scholarships, keep in mind the eligibility requirements of each scholarship. Many scholarships are geared towards different groups of deserving students, such as nail professionals, aspiring hairstylists, makeup artists, etc. Be sure you're eligible before spending time applying.

How Many Cosmetology Scholarships Can You Get?

There is no limit to how many cosmetology scholarships you can win through Bold.org. Apply for as many scholarship opportunities as possible so you're more likely to win! Don't be a beauty school dropout. You can find funding for your career aspirations today!

Are Cosmetology Scholarships Taxable Income?

In general, scholarships are not counted as income. However, there are some specific requirements that a scholarship must meet for this to be the case. Check out additional resources like the IRS page on scholarships to check on the status of your scholarship.

Is Barbering or Cosmetology School Better?

Choosing between barbering and cosmetology school depends on your career goals, interests, and the specific services you want to provide. Both paths offer rewarding opportunities in the beauty industry, but they cater to different specializations.

Barbering focuses on men's grooming, including haircuts and shaving, while cosmetology offers a broader spectrum of beauty services for all genders, like hairstyling, skincare, and makeup. Also, cosmetologists cannot use a straight razor with their license. It is only with a barber license that you qualify to use a straight razor.

Both offer a fulfilling and rewarding career in the beauty and wellness industry.

How to Apply for Cosmetology Scholarships

To apply for scholarships, search through the scholarship list and bookmark the opportunities you're interested in. Then, follow the instructions, such as writing an essay or submitting other application materials.

Research Scholarships: Begin by researching cosmetology scholarships through online databases like Bold.org, beauty schools, professional organizations, and local resources. Make a note of the scholarships that align with your qualifications and goals.

Bookmark Opportunities: As you find scholarships that interest you, bookmark or save them for easy reference. Organize your list based on deadlines and requirements to stay on track during the application process.

Review Requirements: Carefully read the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship. Note any specific instructions, such as essay prompts, recommendation letters, or portfolio submissions.

Gather Materials: Collect all necessary application materials, which may include transcripts, resumes, letters of recommendation, and any additional documents requested by the scholarship providers. Ensure your materials are up-to-date and tailored to each scholarship's requirements.

Prepare Your Essay: If required, write a compelling essay that highlights your passion for cosmetology, your career goals, and why you deserve the scholarship. Tailor your essay to each scholarship's prompts and guidelines, focusing on showcasing your unique qualities and experiences.

Create a Portfolio: If the scholarship application requires a portfolio showcasing your work, select a variety of your best cosmetology-related projects, such as hair styling, makeup artistry, or skincare treatments. Arrange your portfolio in a professional manner and include brief descriptions or explanations for each piece.

Complete the Application: Fill out the scholarship application form accurately and completely, paying close attention to any specific instructions or formatting requirements. Double-check all information before submitting to ensure accuracy.

Tips for Winning Scholarships for Cosmetology Students

Applying for tuition scholarships can be stressful, as there are many students interested in financial assistance. Fortunately, we have tips to help you be the best possible candidate.

Make the Most of Your Profile

To supplement your application, make sure your profile on Bold.org is detailed and thorough. Additionally, earn as many Bold Points as possible to stand out from the competition.

Apply Early and Often

Applying for as many opportunities for financial aid as possible increases your chances of being one of the students who win. Additionally, being one of the first students to apply for a scholarship can boost your chances of winning.

Put Time into Your Essays

To stand out to donors, make sure your scholarship essays have correct grammar, are focused on the prompt, and are personal so you can leave a lasting impression.

If you plan to attend cosmetology school, apply for our exclusive scholarships today and explore our Scholarship Blog to learn more about beauty schools, barber students, and what a career in cosmetology looks like.