Exclusive Cosmetology Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines to Apply for in 2025

Cosmetology is a fun and creative field that showcases your ability to master the art and science of hair, skin, and nails. It prepares students for careers in the beauty industry, including roles such as hairstylists, barbers, estheticians, manicurists, and makeup artists.

Enrollment in cosmetology school costs anywhere between $6,000-$20,000, depending on a variety of factors like location, reputation, and instructors. From Aveda Institutes to Paul Mitchell schools, there are plenty of amazing beauty programs that will provide you with the necessary skills to succeed in this industry.

Scholarships for cosmetology school can make beauty education more accessible for aspiring professionals, allowing them to focus on developing their skills without the burden of significant financial stress.

As a trusted scholarship and student finance platform, we connect aspiring cosmetologists with legitimate financial aid opportunities tailored to their education and career goals. Alongside our exclusive scholarships, we've researched top industry resources, including the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), to help students find financial assistance and career development opportunities within the beauty industry.

Keep reading to learn more about top cosmetology scholarships, expert tips for applying, and additional resources to support your journey in the ever evolving beauty industry.

Create a free Bold.org profile to apply for cosmetology scholarships and additional financial aid opportunities today!

Best Cosmetology Scholarships

1 . Trade School Scholarships

Many students pursue their education at trade schools or vocational programs rather than traditional four-year colleges. Bold.org donors create trade school scholarships to help aspiring students, including aspiring beauty professionals cover the cost of tuition, supplies, and certification exams.

2. State-Specific Scholarships

Some scholarships are reserved for students based on their state of residence or the location of their cosmetology school. Many local organizations, businesses, and Bold.org donors create scholarships to support students in their communities. Whether you're in Florida, Arkansas, or Montana, there are scholarships to help cosmetology students complete their programs.

3. No-Essay Scholarships

For busy cosmetology students balancing coursework, internships, and part-time jobs, no-essay scholarships provide an easy way to earn financial aid. These scholarships, available on Bold.org, allow students to apply with minimal effort—often requiring only a simple application.

High school seniors considering cosmetology school, can find additional scholarships on our list of scholarships for high school seniors.

4. $500 Scholarships

Smaller scholarships can add up quickly, and Bold.org offers many $500 scholarships created by real donors who wish to make an impact in students' lives.

5. Easy Scholarships

Some scholarships are designed to be quick and simple to apply for. Bold.org donors fund these scholarships to help students by requiring minimal effort—such as creative submissions, one click apply, or even just a small note.

6. Beauty Changes Lives Scholarships

Beauty Changes Lives is a non-profit organization that collaborates with leading beauty brands, like L'Oréal, to offer scholarships for aspiring professionals in hairstyling, esthetics, and nail technology.

7. Great Clips Scholarship Program

Great Clips, Inc. offers annual scholarships to cosmetology students who demonstrate passion and dedication to the beauty industry.

8. Milady RISE Scholarship

Ten recipients will each receive a $500 Milady RISE Scholarship, managed by the Professional Beauty Association. This opportunity is available exclusively to those who have earned Milady RISE certification.

9. Buy-Rite Beauty Annual Cosmetology Scholarship

Buy-Rite Beauty is offers a $1,000 scholarship to a hairstylist or cosmetology student who embodies the company’s core values. Applicants must share their most significant achievement and explain how it connects to their future in the beauty industry.

10. Keller International Cosmetology Scholarship

Keller International offers a scholarship of $1,500 to a cosmetology, barber, nail, or esthetician student each year to help them with tuition costs.

High school students who wish to enroll in a cosmetology program can find additional scholarships in our list of scholarships for high school students to get a head start in securing funding for college.

How to Find Scholarships for Cosmetology Students

1. Research Online: Start your search by exploring scholarship databases, websites, and platforms specifically dedicated to connecting students with cosmetology scholarships. Bold.org, as we mentioned, offers a scholarship filter feature allowing you to sort scholarships by category, making it easier to find awards specifically for cosmetology students.
2. Contact Beauty Schools: Reach out to the beauty schools or cosmetology programs you're interested in attending. Many institutions offer their own scholarships or can provide information about external scholarship opportunities available to their students.
3. Check with Professional Organizations: Look into professional associations and organizations related to the beauty industry. These groups often offer scholarships and financial aid programs for aspiring cosmetologists.
4. Explore Local Opportunities: Don't overlook local scholarships offered by community organizations, businesses, or foundations in your area. These scholarships may have fewer applicants, increasing your chances of receiving an award.
5. Bookmark Opportunities: As you find scholarships that interest you, bookmark or save them for easy reference. Organize your list based on deadlines and requirements to stay on track during the application process.

To find more scholarships, you can use our scholarship search feature to sort scholarship awards on Bold.org by category. Students enrolled in cosmetology education can also also filter by education level.

How to Apply for Cosmetology Scholarships

1. Review Requirements: Carefully read the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship. Note any specific instructions, such as essay prompts, recommendation letters, or portfolio submissions.
2. Prepare Your Essay: If required, write a compelling essay that highlights your passion for cosmetology, your career goals, and why you deserve the scholarship. Tailor your essay to each scholarship's prompts and guidelines, focusing on showcasing your unique qualities and experiences.
3. Create a Portfolio: If the scholarship application requires a portfolio showcasing your work, select a variety of your best cosmetology-related projects, such as hair styling, makeup artistry, or skincare treatments. Arrange your portfolio in a professional manner and include brief descriptions or explanations for each piece.
4. Prepare Other Application Materials: Once you've identified scholarships you're eligible for, gather all necessary application materials, which may include transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, or a portfolio showcasing your work and passion for cosmetology.

Tips for Winning Scholarships for Cosmetology Students

Applying for tuition scholarships can be stressful, as there are many students interested in financial assistance. Fortunately, we have tips to help you be the best possible candidate.

1. Apply Early and Often

Applying for as many opportunities for financial aid as possible increases your chances of being one of the students who win. Additionally, being one of the first students to apply for a scholarship can boost your chances of winning.

2. Put Time into Your Essays

To stand out to donors, make sure your scholarship essays have correct grammar, are focused on the prompt, and are personal so you can leave a lasting impression.

Additional Resources for Cosmetology Students

1. American Association of Cosmetology Schools

The AACS is a national nonprofit association dedicated to advancing beauty and wellness education. AACS connects students with accredited beauty and wellness schools across the country.They partner with industry sponsors to offer scholarships and grants.

2. Professional Beauty Association

PBA is a great resource for cosmetology students looking to grow in the industry. They offer scholarships, networking events, and educational programs to help students get ahead. One of the coolest perks? Student competitions where you can showcase your skills, win cash prizes, and even earn a one-year PBA membership. PBA also offer the PBA Lifetime Member Scholarship which is a $1,000 scholarship awarded annually.

3. Aveda Arts & Sciences Insitute

Aveda’s beauty schools focus on hands-on training in cosmetology and esthetics, with an emphasis on sustainability and plant-based products. Students gain practical experience in clinic salon and spa environments, working with real clients under the guidance of licensed educators.

If you plan to attend an accredited cosmetology program, apply for our exclusive scholarships today and explore our blog to learn more about beauty schools, barber students, and what a career in cosmetology looks like.