If you are considering a career as an esthetician, then you must find a good school to attend. Of course, the school itself is not the only thing you need to consider, because there are also some costs involved in getting your esthetician degree. Curious what you will pay for your degree? Find out more information about esthetician school costs below!
Costs May Vary from State to State
Before we elaborate on the costs you may encounter when attending an esthetician school, we must mention that the costs of your education can vary considerably depending on the state you live. For example, students attending an esthetician school in Ohio could pay $8,900 for tuition, while students in North Carolina only pay $3,900 for tuition.
If the costs of your education concern you, it could be best to evaluate all available schools beforehand. Consider the state as well, because some states are more expensive to study in. States such as California and Florida will be more expensive, while states such as North Carolina tend to be more affordable.
Costs for Books and Supplies
Before you commit to a school and have managed to obtain the money for your tuition, there is something else you should consider – the price for your books and your supplies. Some colleges and institutions incorporate the price of books and supplies in the tuition fee, but this is only a very small portion of beauty schools out there.
Specialized Courses Cost Less
The course you follow can also affect the prize of your education, because general cosmetology courses will cost more than a specialized course. So, if you want to specialize in makeup, laser training, hair design, massage therapy, salon management or teacher training, these will cost you less than a full cosmetology program.
Rural Versus City
As we mentioned briefly already, the location where you study is going to affect the price dramatically. In rural areas, the price for your education will be closer to $6,500. However, if you decide to study in a big city, your education will cost you between $10,000 – $15,000.
Of course, there are additional things to consider other than cost. Not all rural schools provide the same hands-on experience as some of the bigger schools. Big city schools tend to have more resources too, so if you choose a rural school instead, be sure to check the facilities and the hands-on experience they are offering.
Financial Aid Available for Beauty School
Not many students can fork out the price for their tuition, books, supplies and all other costs associated with education. Here is an overview of the most common financial aids available, so be sure to read through these if you need some help with tuition.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grand, also known as SEOG, is a federal assistance grant that might be available to many students considering attending beauty school. However, this type of grant is only available for college students who have the greatest need for financial aid to attend school.
To be eligible for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, you need to be a U.S. citizen (or eligible non-citizen), not be in the possession of a bachelor’s degree, not have a default federal loan, not have a federal Pell Grant overpayment and must have filed a FAFSA.
Federal Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study financial aid could be an option for students who want to work during their studies, because this program offers a part-time job for undergraduate and graduate students who are in financial need. By working, students can help pay for their education expenses themselves.
Jobs that are available under the Federal Work Study can vary from community service work to work in the school they are attending. So, students could get some relevant working experience relating to their study.
Tips to Avoid Unexpected Expenses
When you contact a beauty school, with the goal of studying there, you can be sure that the school will do anything to attract you as a student. If there are any additional expenses, they probably won’t mention it when you contact them enquiring about tuition fees.
Some beauty schools have financing programs and grants, so if you have not obtained any federal loan yet for your education, you could consider any of these financing programs. Of course, some financing may not be as attractive as federal financing, so be sure to read the fine print before signing or committing to anything.
Before you commit to a school, make sure you ask them for a comprehensive overview of expected costs; this must include tuition, books, supplies, excursions, etc. If you believe something is missing from the price overview, be sure to contact the school for more information.
Conclusion
Becoming an esthetician can be somewhat pricey, but if you consider all financial aid available to you, it can make your journey a little easier. Of course, you can also choose to work while you go to school, and get some hands-on experience at the same time.