How Much Does Cosmetology School Cost?

Completing cosmetology training can give a powerful jump start to your career in the beauty industry. Since this field is growing year to year, the demand for educated professionals is always on the rise.

Understanding how much cosmetology school costs can help you plan your budget for the next year and avoid unexpected expenses. With the right choice of school, the return on investment of such education can be impressively high.

Factors that Affect Cosmetology School Prices  

The price of cosmetology school depends on many factors. You have the opportunity to influence each one of them to make the educational experience more affordable.

Tuition Fees

Tuition is the biggest part of the total cost of cosmetology school. Prices can range from a few thousand dollars to more than $25,000. Factors that usually affect the tuition cost are:

• School’s Reputation: Well-known schools can raise their tuition simply because they are a popular brand. However, the price doesn’t always reflect the quality of education.
• Location: Depending on the state you choose the school in, prices can vary. A cosmetology school in Louisiana will cost less than a similar school in California.
• Program Length: Depending on the program you choose, it can last from 9 months to over two years. The cost can vary accordingly.

The type of program you choose also matters. For example, a nail technology course can cost less than hair design, while barbering costs more than aesthetics.

Cost range: $7,000 – $25,000

Cosmetology Kit

Every student needs a cosmetology kit that consists of the instruments they use to practice beauty techniques. Depending on the direction you choose, the kit can have anything from perm rods and mannequin heads to foot files and nail glue.

The cost depends on the brand and quality of the items. It can vary from several hundred to two thousand dollars. Some schools offer you an opportunity to purchase a ready-to-go kit together with all other books and supplies. This option is often the most convenient one.

Cost range: $500 – $2,000

Housing Fees

If the school is far from home, you may need to pay for housing. Some schools offer dorms or student apartments, while others expect you to find your own place to live. Rent and utilities can quickly increase the overall cost of your education, so it’s important to include these expenses in your budget.

Cost range: from $1,500 per month, based on the location.

Additional Expenses

Beyond tuition, tools, and housing, there are other costs to consider. These may include:

• Textbooks
• Uniforms
• Application fees
• Licensing exam fees
• Transportation

While each expense may not seem big on its own, together they can add a few thousand dollars to your total. Planning for these small extras helps you avoid financial surprises.

Cost range: $1,000 – $3,000

Financial Aid

If you feel that you can’t afford cosmetology training, you can take advantage of many financial aid* options. Leading cosmetology schools work with many types of financial aid programs to help students achieve their educational goals.

• Pell Grant: A Pell Grant is assistance from the federal government that does not need to be repaid. It is awarded to students with significant financial need.
• VA Benefits: Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families may qualify for education benefits through the GI Bill or other VA programs.
• Stafford Loan: A Stafford Loan is a federal student loan with low interest rates and flexible repayment plans. Unlike grants, loans must be repaid after training completion.
• PLUS Loan: A PLUS Loan helps cover costs not met by other financial aid. While easier to qualify for, these loans usually have higher interest rates than Stafford Loans.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Some non-profits and professional associations in the beauty industry offer scholarships or grants to cosmetology students.

The first step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and seeing which federal programs you may qualify for. If none are a match, you can go on to explore other options.

How to Reduce Cosmetology School Costs  

While cosmetology school costs may seem overwhelming at first, there are many ways to reduce the expenses even if you don’t qualify for financial aid. Such options are:

Taking Advantage of Dual Programs

If you want to master several beauty skills, you can look for a school that offers dual programs. For example, at Phagans School of Hair Design, you can take advantage of such combination programs as:

• Hair Design / Nail technology / Esthetics (Tuition $20,000)
• Hair Design / Nail Technology (Tuition $18,200)
• Hair Design / Esthetics (Tuition $18,200)
• Esthetics / Nail Technology (Tuition $13,000)

This way, you can receive multiple qualifications at a lower price than going through each program separately.

Looking for a School Closer to Home

Since housing costs can really add up, the best way to save on your school expenses is to find an option closer to home. While the tuition may be higher in your state, rent and tuition in others can make the overall cost higher.

Starting Work Early

Once you enroll in the cosmetology school, you can start searching for employment opportunities. Federal and school-based work-study programs can help students work part-time during their training.

While hands-on experience may have to wait until you get your license, any type of work in a salon can be highly useful while helping you cover school costs.

Start Your Cosmetology Journey at Phagans School of Hair Design

The cost of cosmetology school can vary dramatically based on many factors. However, you don’t need to say “no” to the school of your choice simply because the expenses seem overwhelming. With the right choice of program, financial aid, and cost-cutting options, you can afford the beauty training you deserve.

At Phagans School of Hair Design, we have a wide selection of cosmetology courses at a reasonable price. We work with many financial aid programs to help you pay for your training. To learn more about your options, please contact us at any time.

*financial aid is only available to those who qualify