Did you know that the beauty industry will be worth 438.38 billion by 2026? In this ever-growing industry, more and more cosmetologists are going to be needed to support and foster this growth. This is why many organizations out there readily offer cosmetology scholarships to those who may need the financial assistance to complete their cosmetology education and enter the workforce!

• Top Cosmetology Scholarships
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Summary of Cosmetology Scholarships

Listed below are the best cosmetology scholarships for the year!

Top Cosmetology Scholarships In 2021

$500 Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes Cosmetology Scholarship — Adult Learner Award

• Eligibility: Residents of Arizona, Utah, or Colorado interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology, hair styling, hair design, or a related field
• Amount: $500
• Deadline: October 31, 2021

Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarships

• Eligibility: Students enrolled in eligible technical programs
• Amount: $2,500
• Deadline: April 15 for high school seniors, and August 15 for community college students

Rosy Salon Software Cosmetology Scholarship

• Eligibility: For future salon professionals enrolled in Cosmetology school
• Amount: $10,000 
• Deadline: August  15, 2021

Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship

• Eligibility: Current students actively enrolled in or applying to an accredited beauty-related program, such as cosmetology school or esthetician school, or another eligible beauty and wellness degree program (defined further on-site)
• Amount: $2,500
• Deadline: September 1, 2021

Buy-Rite Beauty Annual Cosmetology Scholarship

• Eligibility: All participants must have applied to or be enrolled in as full-time beautician/cosmetology students
• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: November 1, 2021

Beauty Changes Lives Scholarships

• Eligibility: Many tuition scholarships for aspiring hairstylists, nail professionals, estheticians, makeup artists, massage therapists, and barbers
• Amount: $500-$15,000 
• Deadline: Varies from February 28 to November 30, 2021

Health and Beauty Esthetics Scholarship

• Eligibility: For students interested in pursuing a degree in esthetics or a certificate program.
• Amount: $500
• Deadline: December 1, 2021

OPI’s “A Great Opera-Tunity” Scholarship

• Eligibility: Newly accepted or currently enrolled people of color (POC) students in a nail technology program leading to licensure in the U.S. or Canada
• Amount: $3,000 (12 scholarships are awarded)
• Deadline: February 28, 2022

Aveda institute Scholarships

• Eligibility: Applicants who attend the Aveda Institute in Columbus, Chapel Hill, or Los Angeles.
• Amount: $1000/$10,000
• Deadline: Rolling

Frequently asked questions about cosmetology scholarships

Can I get a scholarship for cosmetology school?

Organizations/Institutions in the beauty industry are consistently looking to offer cosmetology scholarships to aspiring aestheticians and the like. Check out this $500 Aveda Scholarship to start!

How can I go to cosmetology school for free?

While it is not automatically free to go to cosmetology schools, it is possible via scholarships and financial aid to attend at a very low cost. Make sure that you apply for all the need-based scholarships you qualify for as well.

Does FAFSA cover cosmetology?

FAFSA does in fact award financial aid for those that wish to attend cosmetology school! Cosmetology school is considered a career school, which FAFSA does include.

Can you get a grant for cosmetology school?

Grants are in fact available for students pursuing careers in the beauty industry. Check out our quick guide to learn more about grants.

Summary of Cosmetology Scholarships

1. $500 Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes Cosmetology Scholarship — Adult Learner Award
2. Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarships
3. Rosy Salon Software Cosmetology Scholarship
4. Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship
5. Buy-Rite Beauty Annual Cosmetology Scholarship
6. Beauty Changes Lives Scholarships
7. Health and Beauty Esthetics Scholarship
8. OPI’s “A Great Opera-Tunity” Scholarship
9. Aveda institute Scholarships

Upcoming cosmetology scholarships

$2,500 Private Label Diversity in Cosmetology Scholarship

• Eligibility: Black high school students and undergraduates attending or planning to attend cosmetology school.
• Amount: $2,500

$500 Cosmetology No-Essay Scholarship — Adult Learner Award

• Eligibility: Residents of Arizona, Utah, or Colorado interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology, hair styling, hair design, or a related field
• Amount: $500

$500 Cosmetology No-Essay Scholarship — High School Award

• Eligibility: High school seniors in Arizona, Utah, or Colorado interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology, hair styling, hair design, or a related field
• Amount: $500

The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation

• Eligibility: Cosmetology students who graduate anytime after August 31st may apply 
• Amount: $1,500 
• Deadline: Open January 1, 2022

Keller Cosmetology Scholarship

• Eligibility: Cosmetology and barber students.
• Amount: $1,000