How To Pay For Beauty School

If you’ve always dreamed of launching a career in the beauty industry, attending beauty school is your first big step. Whether you’re passionate about hairstyling, makeup artistry, skincare, or barbering, a quality education can lay the foundation for long-term success. But let’s be honest—figuring out how to pay for beauty school can feel overwhelming at first.

At NW College School of Beauty, we’re committed to helping our students find ways to fund their education, reduce stress, and focus on their futures. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or making a career change, we want to make beauty education accessible to anyone with the drive to succeed.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common financial aid and funding options available at NW College School of Beauty, along with step-by-step instructions on how to get started. You don’t have to figure this out alone—our financial aid team is here to help!

Why Paying for Beauty School Is Worth the Investment

Before we dive into the nuts and bolts of *financial aid, let’s take a moment to recognize what you’re investing in: your future.

An education at NW College School of Beauty is more than just learning to cut hair or apply makeup—you’re gaining hands-on training, mentorship, industry insight, and professional connections that can launch you into a vibrant, creative, and in-demand career.

Beauty professionals can work in salons, spas, editorial settings, film, television, and even launch their own businesses. With the right skills and certifications, the sky’s the limit—and financial aid can help make it all possible.

Step 1: Start With the FAFSA®

The first and most important step in your financial aid journey is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).

Filling out the FAFSA® determines your eligibility for federal grants and loans, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Many other aid programs also require a completed FAFSA as part of their application process.

What You’ll Need to Complete the FAFSA®:

• NW College School of Beauty’s school code
• Your full legal name, birthday, Social Security Number, and contact information
• Your (and your parents’, if you’re a dependent student) tax returns, W-2s, and current bank statements
• Details about your dependency status (the FAFSA will walk you through this)

Completing the FAFSA is free, and it can open doors to thousands of dollars in financial assistance.

Step 2: Explore Federal Financial Aid Options

After submitting your FAFSA, you’ll find out which federal financial aid programs you’re eligible for. NW College School of Beauty participates in U.S. Department of Education programs such as the Pell Grant and Direct Stafford Loans.

Pell Grants – Free Money You Don’t Pay Back

Pell Grants are awarded based on financial need and do not need to be repaid. The amount you receive depends on several factors, including your income, dependency status, and enrollment level.

What to Know:

• Funds are paid directly to the school
• You don’t have to repay them
• Eligibility is determined each academic year

Direct Stafford Loans – Low-Interest Student Loans

These are federally backed student loans with low interest rates and flexible repayment terms. They fall into three categories:

1. Subsidized Loans

• Based on financial need
• The government pays your interest while you’re in school and during certain periods after graduation

2. Unsubsidized Loans

• Not based on financial need
• Interest starts accumulating as soon as the loan is disbursed

3. PLUS Loans (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students)

• Available to parents of dependent students
• Parents are responsible for repayment
• Repayment begins 60 days after the final disbursement

These loans can help cover tuition, books, and even living expenses.

Step 3: Other Options for Covering Your Education

Federal aid isn’t your only option. NW College School of Beauty accepts multiple forms of funding, so you can create a payment plan that works for your unique circumstances.

Scholarships

While NW College School of Beauty does not offer in-house scholarships, there are thousands of third-party scholarships available. Websites like FastWeb and Scholarship Resource Network can help you find scholarships based on:

• Your background
• Field of study
• Hobbies
• Academic performance

Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

If you’re a veteran or the dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible for VA education benefits. We proudly accept VA benefits and fully support military-connected students through their educational journey.

Important: NW College School of Beauty allows covered individuals to begin classes without penalties while waiting for delayed disbursement of VA funds.

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

Native American students may qualify for education funding through the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs. Contact your tribal education office to learn more.

Vocational Rehabilitation

If you have a disability or other qualifying condition, you may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation benefits. These benefits can cover the cost of training and support services to help you reenter the workforce.

Private Career Training Loans

If federal aid doesn’t cover the full cost of your program, you may apply for a private loan through a bank or credit union. These are credit-based loans, so approval depends on your credit history or that of a co-signer.

Step 4: Self-Pay & Payment Plans

Not using financial aid? No problem! Many students choose to self-pay for all or part of their tuition.

At NW College School of Beauty, we offer flexible monthly payment plans that allow you to make payments via:

• Check
• Money order
• Cash
• Credit card

This is a great option if you want to avoid interest or prefer to finance your education without taking on debt. Contact the financial aid office to set up a payment schedule that works for you.

Step 5: Online Student Loan Counseling (If You’re Taking Loans)

If you’re accepting a Direct Stafford Loan, you’re required to complete two counseling sessions:

Entrance Counseling

Before your loans are disbursed, entrance counseling will teach you:

• How student loans work
• Your rights and responsibilities as a borrower
• How to budget for repayment

Exit Counseling

Before you graduate (or if you drop below half-time attendance), exit counseling helps you:

• Understand your repayment options
• Learn how to manage loan repayment
• Avoid default

These sessions are essential for helping you stay informed and in control of your financial decisions.

FAQs About Paying for Beauty School

What if financial aid doesn’t cover the full cost of tuition?

It’s common for financial aid to partially cover your tuition. The good news? There are many ways to pay the remaining balance, such as:

• Setting up a payment plan with the school
• Applying for a private loan
• Looking for outside scholarships
• Combining multiple aid options

Our financial aid team will help you review your options and create a plan tailored to your needs.

Can I apply for aid at multiple schools?

Yes! You can send your FAFSA results to multiple schools by entering each school’s code in the application. This allows you to compare financial aid offers.

What if I’m not eligible for financial aid?

Even if you don’t qualify for federal aid, there are still many options to explore, including:

• Payment plans
• Scholarships
• Private loans
• Vocational rehab or military benefits

Don’t assume you can’t afford beauty school—talk to us first so we can help you build a financial strategy.

Take the First Step Toward Your Beauty Career

Paying for beauty school doesn’t have to be a mystery. With the right information and support, you can create a plan that fits your budget—and your dreams.

Here at NW College School of Beauty, our financial aid advisors are dedicated to helping you navigate every step of the process. Whether you qualify for a Pell Grant, need help applying for a loan, or want to explore self-pay options, we’re here to guide you.

Ready to Get Started?

• Step 1: Fill out the FAFSA® at https://studentaid.gov
• Step 2: Contact our financial aid office
• Step 3: Begin building the future you’ve always dreamed of

Final Thoughts

Beauty school is an investment in yourself. With multiple grants, loans, payment plans, and resources available, you don’t have to let money stand in the way of your goals. We believe every future beauty professional deserves access to high-quality education—and we’re ready to help you make it happen.

If you’re unsure where to begin or have questions along the way, just reach out. Let’s work together to turn your passion into a lifelong profession.

*financial aid is only available to those who qualify