Scholarship Resources
Are you dreaming of a career in beauty but worried about the cost?
You’re not alone. Cosmetology and Esthetics program costs could seem daunting, but here’s the good news: thousands of dollars in scholarships are available right now for aspiring beauty professionals that qualify.
The problem: Many talented students never pursue their passion because they think beauty school is too expensive.
This creates frustration: Watching others succeed in the beauty industry while you’re stuck in an unfulfilling job, knowing you have the creativity and skills to thrive.
The solution: Strategic scholarship applications can reduce or eliminate your tuition costs entirely for those who qualify. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover exactly how to find, apply for, and win beauty school scholarships.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
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Presidential Scholarship (High School)
The Presidential Scholarship is a FULL TUITION scholarship that will be awarded based upon exceptional academic achievement, exemplary community leadership and an exhibited passion for the beauty industry. This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors that are eligible and meet the criteria.
For a printable version of the Presidential Scholarship requirements, click here
Beautiful Futures Scholarship (High School)
The Beautiful Future Scholarship Program looks to award HALF TUITION scholarships to chosen cosmetology/esthetics candidates attending any Ogle School locations that have assembled solid interest and passion in making the world around them beautiful. This scholarship is open only to high school seniors who will be attending Ogle School in the same calendar year that they graduate high school.
For a printable version of the scholarship requirements, click here
Rising Star Scholarship (High School)
The Rising Star Scholarship Program looks to award $1500 scholarships to chosen full‐time cosmetology/esthetics candidates attending any locations that have assembled solid interest and passion in making the world around them beautiful.
For a printable version of the matching scholarship requirements, click here
Ogle Elite Scholarship
The Ogle Elite Scholarship Program looks to award $1,000 scholarships to chosen cosmetology and esthetics candidates of the adult market that have assembled solid interest and passion in making the world around them beautiful.
For a printable version of the scholarship requirements, click here
Beauty Changes Lives Scholarships
The Beauty Changes Lives Foundation offers scholarships and celeb mentorships throughout the year. Opportunities are available for prospective & current students, as well as licensed cosmetologists.
Sport Clips Scholarship Program
Sport Clips is awarding up to 10 students who are enrolled in a Barber or Cosmetology School program, a $5,000 scholarship.
Great Clips Scholarship
Great Clips® believes in the future of the hair industry and is proud to offer over $100,000 total in scholarships to students each year! Future stylists and barbers across the United States and Canada are invited to apply to receive a tuition scholarship valued at up to $5,000 each to help launch their dreams.
Wigs.com Scholarship Program
The Wigs.com Hair Loss Scholarship is for $1000 and will be awarded to a chosen student that is currently enrolled in either an undergraduate or graduate (2 or 4 year) program, or accredited post secondary institution. Those who are interested in receiving this award will be required to complete the application process, must have a form of hair loss, and currently be enrolled
Rosy Rewards Scholarship Program
Rosy Rewards Scholarship Program by Rosy Salon Software is a $10,000 annual scholarship fund just for future salon professionals. Are you a Cosmetology student? Are you passionate about the industry? Do you know somebody else who is? Follow the link below for a chance to win one of 12 scholarships offered annually!
Beauty Schools Directory $2,500 Cosmetology Scholarship
Future students of the beauty disciplines – including cosmetology, barbering, esthetics and skin care, nail technology, makeup artistry and several others – can apply for these $2,500 scholarships for cosmetology school. This beauty school scholarship is awarded four times per year, and may be used at most schools nationwide. The scholarship recipient is selected from the pool of individuals who submit their scholarship applications before the deadline each quarter, and meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the rules.
The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation
The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation was established in 1994 by his wife of 39 years, Flo Francis, and the many people whom Joe Francis advised and mentored to their own success in the industry. The mission of the foundation is to help deserving students receive financial assistance for the professional training necessary to build successful, long-term careers in the cosmetology industry.
PBA Scholarship Programs
PBA (Professional Beauty Association) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for students enrolled in beauty school.
What Are Beauty School Scholarships?
Beauty school scholarships are financial awards that help cover tuition, supplies, and other educational expenses for students pursuing careers in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and related beauty fields. Unlike loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid, making them essentially “free money” for your education.
Types of Beauty School Financial Aid Available
- Merit-based scholarships (academic achievement)
- Need-based grants (financial circumstances)
- Industry-specific awards (beauty profession focus)
- Demographic scholarships (age, gender, ethnicity)
- Geographic awards (state or regional funding)
How Much Money Can You Get? Scholarship Amounts Explained
Beauty school scholarships range from $500 to full tuition coverage. Here’s what you can expect:
- Small scholarships: 500−1,500 (books and supplies)
- Medium awards: 2,000−5,000 (partial tuition)
- Large scholarships: 6,000−10,000 (significant tuition reduction)
- Full-ride scholarships: Complete tuition coverage (available but less common)
Pro tip: Apply for multiple smaller scholarships – they add up quickly and have less competition than full-ride awards. Beauty Changes Lives alone awards over $500,000 annually to beauty students.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing deadlines (set calendar reminders 2 weeks early)
- Generic essays (customize for each scholarship)
- Incomplete applications (missing transcripts or references)
- Poor proofreading (spelling/grammar errors are disqualifying)
- Weak personal statements (focus on specific examples, not generalizations)