This snapshot pulls from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and planning tools to show how many scholarships are available for Cosmetology majors, the total dollars listed, and how early-career pay compares to typical college costs.
We currently list 10 active scholarships tied to Cosmetology programs, sourced from professional groups, nonprofits, and private sponsors. New awards are added regularly.
The scholarships currently listed total approximately $30,500 in advertised award value. Many programs offer renewable or variable awards, so available funding may be higher over time.
Early-career median pay for Cosmetology graduates is about $40,000 per year. We estimate a typical 4-year net college cost around $108,584.
That means first-year earnings are roughly 37% of total college cost, with an estimated payback period of 2.7 years (before taxes and living expenses).
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 support students training in hairstyling, esthetics, nail technology, barbering, makeup artistry, and salon management. Because beauty programs often require upfront tuition payments, kit purchases, licensing exam fees, and professional supplies, scholarships can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Funding in cosmetology typically comes from industry foundations, beauty brands, accredited academies, and nonprofit organizations focused on workforce development in the beauty and wellness sector. Many awards prioritize creativity, commitment to the profession, financial need, or a clearly defined career goal within the beauty industry.
CollegeWhale Tip: Cosmetology scholarships are rarely GPA-driven. Applications are strongest when they show documented hands-on work—before-and-after photos, client experience, competition entries, or salon floor training hours.
| Specialty | Typical Scholarship Sources | What Strengthens Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Hairstyling | Brand-sponsored scholarships, academy awards, haircare foundations | Hair portfolios, styling competitions, salon experience |
| Esthetics / Skincare | Beauty Changes Lives programs, holistic beauty foundations | Skin treatment certifications, skincare case studies |
| Nail Technology | OPI-sponsored scholarships, industry foundations | Nail art portfolios, technical skill documentation |
| Barbering | Haircare foundations, academy scholarships | Clipper work samples, community barbershop involvement |
| Green / Sustainable Beauty | Horst Rechelbacher Foundation and eco-focused programs | Essays on sustainability, commitment to ethical practices |
Several industry-backed programs provide recurring funding for cosmetology students nationwide.
These programs often require personal essays and may include video components or interviews.
Many beauty brands and academy networks provide scholarships tied to enrollment in affiliated schools or programs.
Brand-sponsored awards often emphasize alignment with company values and professional development goals.
Most accredited cosmetology academies maintain internal scholarship programs funded by alumni or corporate partners.
Students should always ask admissions offices about both internal awards and outside foundation partnerships.
Cosmetology scholarships are not limited to hairstyling. Funding is available across multiple professional tracks.
Applicants should clearly state their intended specialty and long-term career goals when applying.
Unlike traditional academic scholarships, cosmetology awards are often skill-based and portfolio-driven.
Review committees commonly evaluate:
Students who show consistency, documented skill development, and a clear professional focus are typically more competitive.
The Horst Rechelbacher Foundation Scholarship supports cosmetology and esthetics students committed to sustainable and environmentally conscious beauty practices.
This scholarship is especially relevant for students pursuing eco-focused salon careers.
Data & content oversight by Lauren Nichols
Co-Founder of CollegeWhale, specializing in scholarship data systems and financial aid research.