This snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s own scholarship database and planning tools. It shows how many awards are available for Cosmetology majors, how much money is on the table, and what early-career pay and typical college costs can look like.
We currently have 10 Cosmetology verified and active scholarships available in our database. These awards come from professional associations, nonprofit organizations, and private sponsors. We’re actively adding scholarships tied to Cosmetology. Check back often or use our main scholarship search to uncover more awards that fit your profile.
Across these listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $30,500. Many scholarships for this major list flexible or renewable award amounts. As we continue to add additional Cosmetology scholarships, this section will show an estimate of the total dollars currently available in our database.
Graduates with a Cosmetology degree commonly see early-career median pay around $40,000 per year, depending on location, employer type, and experience.
Cosmetology ROI Snapshot:
We estimate a typical 4-year net cost of college at about
$108,584.
First-year median earnings are roughly 37% of that total cost. At that pace, it would take about 2.7 years of early-career earnings to “earn back” your degree investment (before taxes and living costs).
The average cost of in-of-state college in the United States is $27,146 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses. Out-of-state students pay $45,708 per year. Private, nonprofit university students pay $58,628. According to data provided by educationdata.org as of 8/2025. Our ROI calculation is based on in-state average tuition. Median pay statistics are provided by bls.gov
The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Cosmetology scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.
The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation supports individuals who are pursuing careers in the professional beauty and haircare industry. Created to honor Joe Francis, founder of The Barbers Corporation, the scholarship program recognizes aspiring cosmetologists, barbers, and beauty professionals who
Award: Varies Deadline: June Est. Application Time: Med (63 min)
The Make-Up Designory Partner School Scholarship supports students attending official MUD Studio or MUD Partner Schools who are preparing for careers in professional makeup artistry. This scholarship is designed to encourage aspiring makeup artists, estheticians, and beauty-industry students who demonstrate
Award: Varies Deadline: April Est. Application Time: Med (88 min)
Empire Beauty Schools offer a variety of scholarships to assist students pursuing careers in cosmetology. Below are some of the scholarships available: Empire Beauty School High School Scholarship Amount: $1,000 Eligibility: Open to high school seniors enrolling in the full
Award: $1,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)
Douglas J Aveda Institute offers a variety of scholarships to assist students pursuing careers in cosmetology, esthiology, massage therapy, and barbering. Below are some of the scholarships available: Douglas J’s Natural Talent Scholarship Amount: Up to $5,000 Eligibility: Open to
Award: $5,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (43 min)
The OPI "A Great Opera-Tunity" Scholarship, administered by the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation, is designed for newly accepted or currently enrolled students in nail technology programs leading to licensure in the U.S. or Canada. $3,000 per scholarship; 12 scholarships available.
Award: $3,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (38 min)
Paul Mitchell Schools, a network of cosmetology and beauty schools, offer various scholarships to assist students in funding their education in the beauty industry. Scholarship offerings and eligibility criteria can vary by location. Below are examples of scholarships available at
Award: $2,500 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (88 min)
The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship honors the legacy of Joe Francis (1933-1994), founder of The Barbers Corporation. Established in 1994 by his wife, Flo Francis, and industry colleagues, the foundation aims to assist deserving students in pursuing careers in cosmetology
Award: $3,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (63 min)
The Horst Rechelbacher Sustainable Beginnings Scholarship was created to support the education of students pursuing careers in sustainable beauty practices, as well as eco-friendly and ethical business operations within the beauty industry. The scholarship honors the legacy of Horst Rechelbacher,
Award: $10,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
The Beauty Changes Lives Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals to pursue careers in the beauty and wellness industries. Established in 2009, the foundation provides scholarships, mentorship, and advanced educational programs for students who are passionate about the
Award: $1,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
The NCA Sally Beauty Scholarships support aspiring and current cosmetology students by offering financial assistance toward their education. Administered by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and the National Cosmetology Association (NCA), these scholarships are funded by Sally Beauty Supply and
Award: $1,000 Deadline: November Est. Application Time: Low (28 min)This comprehensive collection of Cosmetology scholarships and grants for the 2026 - 2027 school years, curated from our regularly updated databases. To explore all available scholarship matches, visit our Scholarship Database and Grant Database, which both offer easy-to-use filters, current deadlines, and detailed eligibility information to help you discover the best Cosmetology scholarship opportunities.
Cosmetology scholarships help aspiring beauty professionals pursue careers in hairstyling, esthetics, nail technology, makeup artistry, and related fields without the financial strain of tuition costs. With the growing demand for skilled professionals in the beauty and wellness industry, organizations, beauty schools, and corporate sponsors are investing more than ever in students who demonstrate creativity, dedication, and passion for the craft.
This guide explores top cosmetology scholarships, including national awards, brand-sponsored grants, and beauty school–specific funding opportunities. Whether you’re just starting your cosmetology education or advancing into esthetics or barbering, you’ll find resources to help pay for training, supplies, and certification programs. Many of these scholarships also include mentorships, networking opportunities, or access to exclusive industry events that can launch your career in the beauty world.
Yes, there are numerous scholarships and grants available for students pursuing careers in cosmetology, beauty, and wellness. These financial awards are offered by beauty schools, national organizations, corporate sponsors, and private foundations to support students in hairstyling, esthetics, nail technology, and makeup artistry.
Popular programs include: Beauty Changes Lives Scholarships, ACE Grants, and Joe Francis Haircare Scholarships.
Tip: Some scholarships are available year-round, while others have set deadlines—check regularly and apply early.
Yes, several top beauty brands and companies offer scholarships for students pursuing cosmetology or esthetics. These awards often include mentorship, networking events, and brand-specific training opportunities.
Examples include:
Tip: Visit the corporate websites or affiliated schools to find specific application windows and eligibility details.
Many cosmetology schools and beauty academies offer their own scholarship programs for enrolled or incoming students. These awards may be based on need, talent, or community involvement.
Examples include:
Tip: Ask the admissions office about both internal scholarships and partnerships with outside organizations like Beauty Changes Lives.
Applying for cosmetology scholarships is similar to other types of financial aid but often emphasizes creativity and passion for the beauty industry. Many programs require applicants to showcase their talents and goals.
Steps to apply:
Tip: Don’t apply to just one! Applying for multiple scholarships boosts your odds of winning financial support.
Fact: Cosmetology scholarships cover a broad range of specialties—not just hair. Scholarships are available for students pursuing:
The beauty industry is vast and includes career opportunities in editorial work, medical esthetics, product development, education, and more.
Tip: When applying, clearly state your chosen specialty to show alignment with scholarship goals.
The Beauty Changes Lives Scholarship is one of the most recognized scholarships in the beauty industry. It supports students pursuing education in cosmetology and related fields by reducing financial barriers and opening doors to career development.
Key details:
Tip: Visit Beauty Changes Lives for current cycles and deadlines. Many scholarships include video essay components, so prepare a strong personal story.
The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation provides financial assistance to students pursuing a cosmetology or barbering education. This award honors Joe Francis, a pioneer in the haircare industry, and aims to support those committed to the profession.
Eligibility and details:
Tip: Applications typically open in spring and are judged on personal essays, goals, and need. More info at Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship.
The Horst Rechelbacher Foundation Scholarship supports cosmetology and esthetics students who are passionate about sustainability and holistic beauty practices. Named after the founder of Aveda, this scholarship aligns with eco-conscious values in the beauty industry.
Key details:
Tip: Perfect for students focused on ethical and eco-friendly salon careers. Check Beauty Changes Lives for availability and deadlines.
Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.
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