10 Cosmetology Scholarships to Help You Become the Best Beautician

Cosmetology students may think at first impression that there are few if any, cosmetology scholarships dedicated to helping them pursue their educational and professional objectives. Liberal arts’ grants and scholarships continue to attract the biggest chunk of recognition for students seeking degrees in science and mathematics.

But lately, there has been a national push to encourage vocational programs that train kids with the skills or experience they would need to excel in their chosen professions to join the market. This has contributed to many scholarship programs dedicated solely to cosmetology students’ financial requirements.

There could be a scholarship to suit your needs, whether you are studying at a community college, beauty school, or technical school.

Cosmetology is much more than just “beauty school,” it requires rigorous preparation that can lead to a career in an increasing field such as a beautician, hairdresser, massage therapist, makeup artist, manicurist, and more! A career in cosmetology may be right for you if you have a knack for making people look and feel gorgeous.

Check out these cosmetology scholarships that will help you pay for tuition before you begin to look at the sticker price of schools or start worrying that you will need to become a slacker from beauty school.

1. Oregon Barber and Hairdresser Grant Program

The Barber and Hairdresser Grant Program is a state program, administered through the Oregon Student Assistance Commission, established to provide financial assistance to residents of Oregon who are attending a licensed school of barbering, hair design, cosmetology, or manicure in Oregon.

Because of limited funds, only students with a significant need for financial help receive B&H Grants. The number of B&H Grants depends on interest earned on the B&H fund. The number of grants awarded each year varies.

To be eligible, you must:

1. be a resident of Oregon;
2. attend a licensed school of barbering, hair design, cosmetology, or manicure in Oregon that participates in Federal Title IV financial aid programs and participates in the Barbers and Hairdressers Grant Program;
3. enroll full-time in a program which is at least nine months long or 900 clock hours; and
4. have a significant need for financial help.

You are not eligible if:

1. you are in prison;
2. you will be concurrently enrolled in high school and the beauty or barbering program; and/or
3. you are in default on any Title IV funds, including Stafford Loans (formerly called Guaranteed Student Loans).

The deadline to submit applications is February 1^st, 2020.

2. Minerva Beauty Scholarship

Minerva Beauty, a leading provider of salon equipment to the cosmetology industry, is proud to sponsor the Minerva Beauty Cosmetology Scholarship for the year 2021. A total of three winning applicants will be chosen, one (1) $5,000 recipient and two (2) $2,500 recipients. In addition, all winners will receive a one (1)-year Student Membership with the Professional Beauty Association.

To be eligible, you must:

1. be enrolled in an accredited cosmetology program;
2. have completed at least one semester, or one graded cycle, with an accredited school and apply any scholarship winnings towards classes with an accredited school;
3. have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or a percentage grade of 80% (transcript required from cosmetology school);
4. submit a Letter of Recommendation from a cosmetology professional (letters from cosmetology instructors are also acceptable); and
5. submit a one-page typed essay.

The deadline to submit applications is May 31^st, 2020.

3. Ulta Beauty Scholarship

Ulta Beauty, one of the largest retailers of hair, skin, and beauty products, is dedicated to the growth and development of all salon professionals to earn a better living and live a better life. This exclusive annual scholarship award for up to $1,000 is for those who qualify and are current or prospective students of The Salon Professional Academy in cosmetology or esthetics programs.

To learn more about the scholarship’s eligibility requirements, how to apply, and its deadline, you can contact The Salon Professional Academy through this page.

4. Arnold Miller “Find-A-Way” Cosmetology Student Scholarship

Arnie Miller had a Find-A-Way Attitude in business and his life. Whatever the challenge, he always found a way to make it happen! “Can’t do” wasn’t in his vocabulary. If you have a “Find-A-Way Attitude” in your life and career, this is the scholarship for you. It gifts one (1) tuition scholarship, up to $15,000.

This scholarship is open to new and current students in a cosmetology program.

To be eligible, you must:

1. provide proof of acceptance and/or proof of attendance at an accredited beauty school;
2. be accepted or currently enrolled in a program to qualify for these cosmetology scholarships.

The application opens from December 1^st, 2020 – February 28^th, 2020.

5. Arnold Miller “Art of Haircutting” Cosmetology Student Scholarship

The “Art of Haircutting” scholarship is for students that love hair cutting, the true architecture aspect of cosmetology. Show our judges your 3 favorite haircuts for a chance to win this exciting scholarship category. One (1) tuition scholarship, up to $5,000, will be awarded to the deserving student. This scholarship is open to new and current students.

To be eligible, you must:

1. provide proof of acceptance and/or proof of attendance at an accredited beauty school;
2. be accepted or currently enrolled in a program to qualify for these cosmetology scholarships;
3. submit three (3) photos of your artistic hair cutting work on a mannequin, client or friends and family showing your creative abilities;
4. send a three- to five-minute video answering the following questions: (A.) How will receiving this scholarship impact your life? (B.) Please describe your creative vision for the photos of your work and why haircutting is your passion. (C.) What are the top 3 reasons you’ve decided to pursue a career in beauty?

The application opens from December 1^st, 2020 – February 28^th, 2020.

6. Arnold Miller “Art of Haircoloring” Cosmetology Student Scholarship

Hair coloring is one of the most creative and exciting services salons offer. It’s also a great way to express your creative vision and artistic skills. This scholarship is for students that love hair coloring. Show our judges your 3 favorite hair coloring techniques for a chance to win this scholarship category. This scholarship is open to new and current students.

A deserving student will receive $5,000 worth of a tuition scholarship.

To be eligible, you must:

1. provide proof of acceptance and/or proof of attendance at an accredited beauty school;
2. be accepted or currently enrolled in a program to qualify for these cosmetology scholarships;
3. submit three (3) photos of your artistic hair coloring work on a mannequin, client or friends and family showing your creative abilities;
4. send a three- to five-minute video answering the following questions: (A.) How will receiving this scholarship impact your life? (B.) Please describe your creative vision for the photos of your work and why haircutting is your passion. (C.) What are the top 3 reasons you’ve decided to pursue a career in beauty?

The application opens from December 1^st, 2020 – February 28^th, 2020.

7. Arnold Miller “Art of Hairdressing” Cosmetology Student Scholarship

Do you love the art of dressing hair? The “Art of Hairdressing” is one of three new artistic cosmetology scholarships offered in 2020. If you enjoy bridal, prom styling or special occasion hair, show the judges your favorite 3 looks for an opportunity to win this scholarship. This scholarship is open to new and current students.

A deserving student will receive $5,000 worth of a partial tuition scholarship.

To be eligible, you must:

1. provide proof of acceptance and/or proof of attendance at an accredited beauty school;
2. be accepted or currently enrolled in a program to qualify for these cosmetology scholarships;
3. submit three (3) photos of your artistic hairdressing work on a mannequin, client or friends and family showing your creative abilities;
4. send a three- to five-minute video answering the following questions: (A.) How will receiving this scholarship impact your life? (B.) Please describe your creative vision for the photos of your work and why haircutting is your passion. (C.) What are the top 3 reasons you’ve decided to pursue a career in beauty?

8. The Horst M. Rechelbacher Foundation – “Sustainable Beginnings”

Horst Rechelbacher Foundation’s “Sustainable Beginnings” basic cosmetology and barbering 2020 scholarship programs will be awarded through the Beauty Changes Lives Organization.

This scholarship is for prospective or currently enrolled students of the beauty industry. The “Sustainable Beginnings” scholarship is designed to financially support those seeking licensure in the fields of cosmetology or barbering. A scholarship worth $3,500 will be given to the successful winner.

To be eligible, you must:

1. be a new or currently enrolled student in a cosmetology or barbering program;
2. upload proof of enrollment, i.e. an acceptance letter or progress report from school; and
3. submit a three- to five-minute video answering the following questions: (A.) Describe why environmental sustainability is important to you. (B.) Describe one step that you have taken to help decrease waste. (C.) After researching Horst Rechelbacher, what passions do you have in common with him?

Applications accepted from March 1^st – May 31^st, 2021 and September 1^st – November 30^th, 2021.

9. Virginia Ames Cosmetology Scholarship

This scholarship consists of an award to be used for tuition or related expenses for full-time enrollment at Highland Community College. Applications for this scholarship will be accepted from students who have been accepted or are participating in Highland’s Cosmetology program.  Submit your application before April 1^st.

10. Hair Professionals Career College High School Cosmetology Scholarships

High School Cosmetology Scholarships are limited to 2020 high school graduates who are enrolling at Hair Professionals Career College for a cosmetology program starting in either June or July of 2020.

The scholarship amounts for each schedule are listed below:

• Full-time day: $2000
• Part-time day: $2000
• Full-time night: $1000
• Part-time night: $1000
• 2-day flex: $1000
• 3-day flex: $1000

These scholarships are offered to students on a merit-based system. Students work towards earning them while they’re in school, looking exclusively at their Hair Professionals Career College performance. This means that regardless of your academic performance before attending Hair Professionals Career College, you have an opportunity to earn a scholarship.

To be eligible, you must:

1. have 95% class attendance;
2. maintain 90% GPA;
3. graduate in the schedule you originally enrolled in; and
4. meet all other graduation requirements.

The deadline varies for each scholarship.