How Much Does Cosmetology School Cost?

Cosmetology can be a rewarding career path for many, with opportunities to build a diverse skill set. You typically have to go to an accredited school and get a minimum number of hours of training to be certified. You might, therefore, be worried about how much this is going to cost. It’s all very well to say you’ll make money afterward, but do you have the money to invest now?

What is the real financial commitment? We’re going to use the Tint school of makeup & cosmetology as our example for this discussion of cosmetology school cost.

Understanding Cosmetology School Costs

Note that these costs are, of course, in addition to the costs of living. A part time schedule helps you continue to work, but does extend the amount of time you spend training.

There are two basic costs:

Tuition Fees

The average cost of tuition for cosmetology school in the U.S. is just under $15,000 for the course.

Assuming you are an unmarried 18-year-old with no dependents, then your estimated Tint school of makeup and cosmetology tuition is $15,750 for the full-time course, which can be completed in as little as 8 months. If you are studying part-time, it could take about twice as long. The course is 1,000 hours and covers everything you need to be licensed as a cosmetologist.

These fees include hands-on, real-world experience including collaborating on photoshoots, participating in fashion shows, and working with experienced professionals. They also include three weeks intensive training in makeup.

It also includes training in networking, business skills, and salon management.

Kits and Supplies

At our school, you can expect to pay about $2,000 for all of your books and supplies. This includes your student cosmetology kit, which can be purchased through us at lower than a retail price.

Many of these tools are things you will be able to take with you into your career, so they are an investment in your future.

Financial Aid Options

You must apply through FAFSA* to get any kind of financial aid from the government. Our financial aid office will help you fill out the forms if needed to get FAFSA aid. You may also be eligible for state financial aid.

If you are eligible you can apply for a Pell Grant, which will give you up to $7,395 towards your costs, and this is not a loan, meaning you don’t have to pay it back.

Veterans returning to the workforce can use VA benefits, as can their dependents. If this applies to you, you will need to talk to your benefits officer.

We offer a payment plan so you don’t have to pay your entire tuition sum upfront. Rather, you will pay monthly during the program. These plans are interest-free.

We also offer two scholarships. One is the Returning Student Scholarship, which is for students who have already completed one Tint program and want to do a second. The other is the GAP Scholarship, which is for students who have exhausted all other options. 

You may also be able to get a cosmetology scholarship from a non-profit organization. The American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) has a good list here. These scholarships have different eligibility requirements, and you should check to see if they suit your needs. Some might be limited to training from providers, but others can be used towards any accredited course.

*Financial aid only available to those who qualify. 

Investment Return

Going to cosmetology school can seem like a lot of money, but it’s an investment in your future. Cosmetology school can be significantly cheaper than pursuing a full time degree, and can get you into the workforce faster.

If you are working full time you can typically recoup your investment within a few years, especially if you live frugally. If you have loans, you can pay them off quickly.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 8 percent over the next ten years. Cosmetologists don’t just work in salons, they also can work at day spas and resorts and even in nursing homes.

And you can always seek out even more lucrative careers. If you have a head for business, you might become a salon manager and even strike out on your own. More creative types might choose to be an artistic director and mentor younger cosmetologists in trends and techniques. With the networking available within our school alumni and program you might also be able to pursue a career working with models at fashion shows and for photo shoots, or even working on set for TVs and movies.

The best part is that people will always need their haircut and you will always be able to find some kind of work as long as you know what you are doing.  Many find that the investment in cosmetology training can potentially offer personal and professional returns.

If you are interested in a career in cosmetology, we offer affordable full-time and part-time (morning or evening) schedules to help you fulfill your training requirements and get your license. Contact us to find out more about how we can help you enter this stable and lucrative career.