Cost is one of the biggest reasons students put off beauty school. A lot of people are interested in cosmetology, skin care, or manicuring, but stop before they apply because they are unsure how to pay for cosmetology school or what types of financial aid for beauty school may be available.
At Rizzieri Aveda School, you can explore several funding options and get help understanding what steps to take next.
Your Options for Paying for Beauty School
One of the biggest misconceptions about how to pay for cosmetology school is that you either have to pay for everything out of pocket or take on one large loan. That is not how it works for many students.
At Rizzieri, financial aid for beauty school may include Federal Pell Grants, Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans for eligible students. Private loans are also available. If you choose not to use financial aid, Rizzieri also offers interest-free monthly payment. That gives you more than one way to build a plan that fits your situation.
How the FAFSA Fits Into the Process
If you are planning to use federal student aid, completing the FAFSA is one of the first steps.
A lot of people think FAFSA only applies to four-year colleges, but that is not the case. Pell Grants through Federal Student Aid can help eligible undergraduate students pay for college, career school, or trade school. If you are wondering how to pay for cosmetology school, that is an important distinction. Beauty school may still qualify for federal aid, which is why the FAFSA matters.
Rizzieri Aveda School is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences, and eligible students can apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA.
To complete the FAFSA, you will need your own StudentAid.gov account. In some cases, your form may also require a contributor, such as a parent, stepparent, or spouse, and that person will need their own account too.
Beauty School Scholarships at Rizzieri
Beauty school scholarships can play a meaningful role in lowering your cost, and Rizzieri has both school-based and outside scholarship opportunities to explore.
Rizzieri’s General Scholarship awards $1,000 for cosmetology and $500 for skin care or manicuring. To apply, students need two letters of recommendation, including one from an industry professional or high school staff member. The scholarship is due at registration and cannot be combined with the High School Scholarship.
The High School Scholarship also awards $1,000 for cosmetology and $500 for skin care or manicuring. This scholarship is available to eligible high school seniors and is awarded by high school staff or guidance counselors.
There is also the Franco Cipriotti Scholarship for cosmetology students who demonstrate financial need and are committed to succeeding in the program. The amount varies based on the student’s financial aid eligibility, and the award is used to help cover the portion of tuition that remains after Pell Grant and student loan funds have been applied. Three letters of recommendation and a 500-word essay are required for submission.
A few outside of Rizzieri beauty school scholarship opportunities include:
- Beauty Changes Lives, which has awarded more than $5 million in over 500 scholarships since 2013,
- Sport Clips ACE Scholarship, which awards up to 20 scholarships each year at $1,000 per recipient,
- Sallie Mae Bridging the Dream Scholarship for High School Seniors, which is offering 30 scholarships of up to $10,000 for the 2026–27 cycle.
- Jeanette Ranken Fun For Women, which awards scholarships to low-income women who are 35+
What to Do if Financial Aid Does Not Cover Everything
Not every student will qualify for enough aid to cover full tuition. That does not mean beauty school is out of reach.
At Rizzieri, private loans are available, and students also have the option to use interest-free monthly payment instead of financial aid. That gives you another path forward if you do not qualify for enough aid or simply prefer a different way to pay.
This is why it helps to stop thinking about financial aid for beauty school as one yes-or-no answer. For many, paying for beauty school ends up being a combination of resources. Aid may cover part of the cost, beauty school scholarships may lower the balance, and a payment plan may help with the rest.
What the Admissions and Financial Aid Process Looks Like at Rizzieri
At Rizzieri, the process starts with a campus tour and a conversation with admissions. From there, you will complete your application, pay the $25 non-refundable application fee, schedule a Career Planning Session, and take the entrance examination. After you have toured and applied, the financial aid process can begin.
The Career Planning Session is an important part of that process. It gives you time to ask questions, talk through your goals, and get a better understanding of both the admissions steps and your potential funding options. While every student’s situation is different, many students get a clearer sense of what they may be eligible for within a few days.
Why It Helps to Start Early
Starting early can make the entire process feel a lot more manageable.
It gives you time to set up your StudentAid.gov account, gather what you need for the FAFSA, find out whether a contributor is required, and look into beauty school scholarships with separate deadlines or requirements. More importantly, it gives you time to ask questions and understand your options before you feel pressure to decide.
If cost has been the reason you have been hesitating, start with a conversation. A tour or Career Planning Session at Rizzieri Aveda School can help with that. Schedule yours today!
FAQ
Is financial aid available for beauty school?
Yes. Rizzieri offers financial aid for beauty school to students who qualify, and federal aid can be used for eligible career schools and trade schools.
Do you need to fill out the FAFSA for beauty school?
If you want to be considered for federal student aid, yes. At Rizzieri, you will complete the FAFSA and use school code 010903.
Does Rizzieri offer beauty school scholarships?
Yes. Rizzieri offers school-based beauty school scholarships, including the General Scholarship, the High School Scholarship, and the Franco Cipriotti Scholarship, along with outside scholarship opportunities.
Can you attend Rizzieri without using financial aid?
Yes. Rizzieri offers private loans and interest-free monthly payment for students who choose not to use financial aid.
Can you combine financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans for beauty school?
Yes. Paying for beauty school may involve more than one resource. Depending on your situation, that could include financial aid for beauty school, beauty school scholarships, and a payment plan to help cover the rest.
What do you need to do to keep your financial aid on track?
To stay eligible for financial aid, you need to be enrolled in an eligible program, maintain satisfactory academic progress, complete the required FAFSA certifications, and meet all deadlines. You also need to keep the Financial Aid Office updated if your contact information, enrollment status, finances, or outside aid change. If you are male and between 18 and 25, you must also be registered with Selective Service.
Is financial aid handled by the Admissions team at Rizzieri?
No. At Rizzieri, financial aid is handled by a separate team. Admissions can tell you about programs, schedules, and what to expect on campus. Sara Brady and Jenn Pearsall in the Financial Aid Office are the ones who help you understand your financial aid options and what the process looks like. You can reach them directly:
- Sara Brady: sbrady@rizzieri.com | 856-552-1446
- Jenn Pearsall: jpearsall@rizzieri.com | 856-552-2290