Barber school is an exciting step toward a fulfilling career in the beauty and grooming industry. Options are available to help you achieve your dreams and make a worthwhile investment in your future.
Student loans for barber schools can help cover these costs, and we’ve identified top lenders that let you prequalify without affecting your credit score. With the right financial support, you can focus on mastering your craft and building a successful career.
Federal student loans for barber school
If you’re seeking financial aid from an accredited barber school, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be the first funding source you seek.
The FAFSA is need-based federal funding with few requirements for qualification.
The federal options barber students can opt into include:
- Direct Subsidized Loan: This is a federal student loan to undergraduate students attending university or trade schools who demonstrate a significant financial need. The borrower doesn’t need to pay interest while enrolled in school at least half-time and during the six-month grace period after graduation.
- Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans differ mainly in how the interest is handled. With an Unsubsidized Loan, the borrower must pay interest on the loan from the day it’s disbursed until they pay it in full. Unlike the Direct Subsidized Loan, the student doesn’t need to demonstrate financial need to qualify.
If your program is accredited and you meet the rest of the federal requirements, you should qualify for funding. Certificate programs that aren’t accredited won’t qualify for federal funding.
To further clarify your choices, the table below covers the differences between Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans:
| Direct Subsidized | Direct Unsubsidized | |
| Availability | Undergrad students | Undergrad, grad, and professional students |
| Interest accrual | Delayed until after 6-month grace period following graduation | Begins to accrue as soon as loan is disbursed |
| Eligibility based on financial need? | Yes | No |
Private student loans for barber school
Private student loans for barber school can be an attractive way for borrowers to finance their studies. If you don’t qualify for federal funding—because you attend an unaccredited program or don’t have enough financial need—private loans allow you to qualify differently, often through a credit check.
You can use private student loans to fund certificate and degree programs at barber schools. Many lenders will require that your program be accredited to receive funding, and each sets its own eligibility criteria for borrowers. Each lender below lets you check your eligibility online without affecting your credit score.
College Ave
College Ave offers a fast application, flexible repayment options, and coverage up to 100% of certified costs.
Why it’s the best for accredited programs
The College Ave Career Training Loan has no application fees, and the application only takes three minutes to complete.
You can choose between four repayment terms and select fixed or variable interest rates. If you elect to begin making payments while in school, you can do so by making full, flat, or interest-only payments.
It’s great for students attending accredited barber programs who want flexible repayment options.
- Cover up to 100% of your cost of attendance
- Get an instant credit decision
- Choose your repayment term
| Rates (APR) | 5.59% – 16.99% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Repayment terms | 5, 8, 10, or 15 years |
Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae works with many career training and barber programs, including some non-accredited partner schools.
Why it’s one of the best for partner schools
Sallie Mae offers a Smart Option Student Loan for Career Training for professional training programs and trade schools partnered with the lender. Some partnering institutions are non-accredited.
The repayment terms are between 10 and 15 years. Borrowers can’t choose their term, but they can choose between an in-school repayment plan or deferred payments. Sallie Mae also offers several repayment assistance programs to its borrowers.
- Cosigner release after 12 consecutive on-time payments
- Up to 100% of costs are covered
It’s great for students whose school partners directly with Sallie Mae.
| Rates (APR) | 5.59% – 16.99% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Repayment terms | 10 – 15 years |
Ascent
Ascent offers both cosigned and non-cosigned loans, including options for students with limited credit history.
Why it’s one of the best no-cosigner options
Ascent offers Career Training Loans for barber school students enrolled in qualifying non-degree programs. You’ll pay no application or origination fees, and you can make interest-only payments while in school or defer payments entirely. Unlike most private lenders, Ascent lets you apply with a cosigner or on your own, making it a flexible option for students with limited credit history.
- Cosigned and non-cosigned student loans
- DACA and international students may be eligible
- Choose to start making payments now or 9 months after leaving school
- Check your prequalified rates with no impact on your credit score
It’s great for students who may not have a strong credit profile or cosigner.
| Rates (APR) | 4.09% – 15.95% (cosigned) 8.49% – 15.40% (no cosigner) |
| Loan amounts | $2,000 – $25,000 |
| Repayment terms | 3 – 10 years |
| Min. credit score | 620 (none for outcomes-based loans) |
Edly
With Edly, payments are based on your income rather than a traditional interest rate.
What to know about Edly’s income-based repayment plan
Edly offers two career-training loans to students. Unlike traditional student lenders, Edly products don’t come with interest charges; payments are based on your annual income.
The benefit of this repayment model is that you don’t need to worry about being unable to afford repayment: The monthly payment will be a percentage of your current income.
The downside is that your payments can increase as your income increases. There is an annual cap on how much you will owe, but it’s negotiated based on your loan details.
- Payments only begin once you have a high enough annual income
- Cosigners are not required
- Checking rates doesn’t affect your credit score
It’s great for students who want flexible payments tied to future earnings.
| Rates (APR) | Based on income |
| Loan amounts | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Repayment terms | 7 years |
Are all barber schools eligible for student loans?
Whether you can use a student loan for barber school depends on the type of program and the school you attend.
If you’re attending an accredited barber program, you’ll often be eligible for student loans. Students at unaccredited schools won’t qualify for federal funding and may not qualify for certain private loans.
An accredited program maintains standards regarding the classes and programs it offers. You can find a list of accredited programs through the U.S. Department of Education’s database.
How to find out whether your barber school is accredited
Since accreditation is important for many funding sources, how do you determine whether the school you’re interested in is accredited? You have four options:
- Contact the State Board of Barber Examiners. Each state has a board of barber examiners; the contact information is available via a quick online search.
- Speak to the accreditation agency. Contact the appropriate accreditation agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences, to check the school’s accreditation status.
- Check online. Look for the school’s website or other online sources to find out whether the school is accredited. Most accredited barber schools should list their accreditation on their website.
- Request proof of accreditation. Ask the school for proof of accreditation, such as a certificate or letter from the accreditation agency.
Attending an unaccredited school doesn’t always mean you’re getting a worse education, but it means the school isn’t held to the same standard as an accredited school.
This accreditation demonstrates a certain level of accountability the school is willing to take, which helps reassure lenders.
What is the difference between a barber degree and a certificate?
The primary difference between barber degrees and barber certificates is how long they take to complete and, as a result, how much practice you’ll get before graduating.
A barber degree is a postsecondary qualification you earn after completing a barbering program, often at a technical or cosmetology school.
It’s typically a year or two, but the exact length varies by program and state. During the program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of barbering, such as haircutting, shaving, and styling.
A barber certificate is a postsecondary qualification you can earn after completing a more basic barbering program. It’s often shorter than a degree program, taking a few months to complete.
How to apply for barber school student loans
Applying for barber school student loans is similar to taking out any other student loan.
You’ll want to spend time researching your options and have personal and financial information handy before applying.
- Research student loan providers. Before applying for a student loan, it’s important to research the different loan providers to find the most affordable option. Consider whether the loan provider offers fixed or variable interest rates, fees, repayment terms, and other features.
- Contact the school’s financial aid office. After researching student loan providers, contact the financial aid office at your school to get more details about its loan requirements and programs. It should be able to provide you with more information on loan eligibility, how to apply, and other necessary details.
- Fill out the FAFSA. After researching loan providers and contacting the school’s financial aid office, you’ll need to fill out the FAFSA form. Each year, you’ll have a set time to fill out the form. Do this before seeking private student loans because many federal loans offer better rates and repayment programs.
- Look for private loans, if necessary. Start looking into private loans if you don’t qualify for federal funding. These can cover gaps in funding.
- Complete the loan process. Once you submit the loan application, the lender will notify you about approval within two weeks. If approved, you’ll sign the loan documents and complete the process.
Give yourself enough time to research student loan providers and fill out the FAFSA form to secure loan funds before school starts. It’s best to begin this process several months before classes start.
Alternatives to student loans for barber school
According to recent numbers, student loan debt in the U.S. has exceeded $1.7 trillion. If you’re not interested in adding to that total, the following options can help you pay for the cost of barber school:
- Apprenticeship: A terrific way to save money is to find an apprenticeship at a barber shop. As an apprentice, you can learn the skills necessary to become a barber without investing in expensive tuition or taking out loans. You’ll need to be licensed to be an apprentice, which costs about $100.
- Grants: You may be able to find grants for barber school through the school or other agencies. The American Association of Cosmetology Schools has a list of scholarships and grants you can check out.
- Crowdfunding: Online crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and GoFundMe offer a chance to request donations for the cost of barber school. Be sure to craft a compelling story and explain why you’re seeking funding.
- Savings: Barber school is less costly than most four-year degree programs. Try to save as much as possible to pay your barber school tuition. You might supplement the rest through financial aid and grants.
- Work while studying: Many barber school students also hold down jobs. It may not be ideal, but it can help cover the costs and keep you from taking out loans.
- Use education savings: If you are a beneficiary of a 529 education savings account, you can use the funds to pay for education costs if the school meets certain requirements.
How we selected the best student loans for barber school
LendEDU evaluates student loan lenders to help readers find the best student loans. Our latest analysis reviewed 725 data points from 25 lenders and financial institutions, with 29 data points collected from each. This information is gathered from company websites, online applications, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives.
These star ratings help us determine which companies are best for different situations. We don’t believe two companies can be the best for the same purpose, so we only show each best-for designation once.
About our contributors
-
Written by Christopher MurrayChristopher Murray is a freelance personal finance and sustainability writer. He graduated from Smith College with bachelor’s degrees in English literature and gender studies. He also served as a personal finance editor for five years.