In 2014, the barbershop and hairdresser business has generated millions of dollars in the past five years alone. If you’ve been looking to the uncertain future and decided a career as a barber for you, congratulations. You’re making an exciting investment in your future; after all, people will always need haircuts!
If you’ve already been accepted to a barber school or training program, you may be wondering how you’re going to pay for it. Luckily, there are plenty of cosmetology scholarships available.
Average Cost Of Barber School
On average, barber school costs around $17,000 in total. This includes tuition, supplies, registration fees, and stage fees.
Any program you look into should be able to give you a clear breakdown of everything you’ll need to pay. There should be no hidden fees or surprise costs. If a program isn’t upfront about how much everything will cost, run the other way!
How To Find Cosmetology Scholarships
The first place to check is the American Association of Cosmetology School’s grants & scholarships page. This is a fantastic resource for many prestigious scholarships from trusted organizations. The AACS wants to help bring more people into the world of cosmetology, and will connect you with the resources to do so.
Also check for scholarships offered by the program you’ve chosen. There are many city-specific and school-specific scholarships you can find as well. Research chain barber shops in your area as well—many companies like Great Clips offer scholarships as well.
Applying For Scholarships
Many scholarships are based off of financial need. Before you can even apply, check that you meet all the eligibility requirements.
Some requirements require more effort than others, so start applying early. You may have to write an essay, film a personal statement, or even arrange an interview. Give yourself plenty of time to work on your submissions.
Be aware that many scholarships will not cover the full cost of your tuition. However, you can apply for many scholarships that offer low amounts, and earn enough to deeply discount the price of barber school. This is worth the effort in the long run!
Grants And Other Options
There are plenty of government and private grants to take advantage of as well. The Pell Grant is the most well-known: it’s free money for low-income students. Check to see if you qualify here.
Also make sure you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. This will determine your eligibility for other federal grants. It is also what your school will use to determine your financial aid eligibility.
Set a meeting with a financial aid officer at your school. They will be able to talk you through all your options and guide you through every step of the process.
Your Future Looks Bright
It’s clear that you can attend barber school without having to take out massive loans. Cosmetology scholarships, grants, and general financial aid can pave the way to your education. Your education is more attainable than ever.
If you’re looking at barber schools in the Dallas area, give us a call. At Invictus Career College, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive hands-on education. Contact us to see what we can offer you.
