You can use student loans to pay for cosmetology school, but only if your program meets certain requirements. Most federal student loans are only available if your school is accredited, while private lenders may have more flexible options.
Quick answer: Can you get student loans for cosmetology school?
Yes, you can get student loans for cosmetology school if your program is accredited. Accredited schools qualify for federal student loans and FAFSA aid, while private lenders may offer loans for some non-accredited or partner programs.
Cosmetology programs can cost between $5,000 and $25,000, so understanding your funding options is crucial. Below, we’ll break down how to qualify for student loans, how accreditation affects your eligibility, and the best ways to pay for beauty school.
Table of Contents
Can you get student loans for cosmetology school?
Yes, you can get student loans for cosmetology school, but your eligibility depends on the type of loan and your school.
- Federal student loans: Only available if your school is accredited and participates in federal aid programs
- Private student loans: Available through banks or lenders; some work with non-accredited schools
- Other aid: Grants, scholarships, and payment plans may reduce how much you need to borrow
If your school isn’t accredited, your options will be more limited, especially when it comes to federal aid.
How much does cosmetology school cost?
How much does cosmetology school cost?
Cosmetology school typically costs between $5,000 and $25,000, depending on the program, location, and whether you pursue a certificate or degree.
Cosmetology school costs vary widely depending on the program, location, and institution.
Typical cost range:
- Certificate programs: $5,000 – $15,000
- Degree programs: $10,000 – $25,000
What affects the cost?
- Program length (certificate vs. degree)
- School reputation and location
- Supplies, kits, and exam fees
- Whether the school is accredited
Accredited schools may cost more upfront, but they give you access to federal financial aid, which can make them more affordable overall.
Make sure your cosmetology school is accredited
Accreditation plays a major role in how you can pay for school and whether your education will be recognized.
Do cosmetology schools have to be accredited for FAFSA?
Yes. To qualify for federal financial aid like FAFSA, your cosmetology school must be accredited and approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
Why accreditation matters
Attending an accredited cosmetology school allows you to:
- Qualify for federal student loans and Pell Grants
- Access more private loan options
- Meet state licensing requirements in many cases
Risks of non-accredited schools
- No access to federal financial aid
- Limited private loan options
- Credits may not transfer
- Employers or licensing boards may not recognize your training
How to check that your school is accredited
Use:
- U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions
- Federal School Code Search (for FAFSA eligibility)
If your school appears in these databases, it’s likely eligible for federal student aid.
Federal student loans for cosmetology school
If your cosmetology program is accredited, start by applying for federal student loans through the FAFSA.
Available federal loans
- Direct Subsidized Loans
- Based on financial need
- Government pays interest while you’re in school
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Not based on need
- Interest accrues immediately
Eligibility requirements
- Attend an accredited, eligible institution
- Be enrolled at least half-time
- Meet basic federal student aid requirements
Loan limits (after year 3)
- Dependent students: Up to $7,500/year
- Independent students: Up to $12,500/year
Always use federal loans first. They typically offer lower rates and better repayment protections than private loans.
Private student loans for cosmetology school
If federal aid doesn’t cover your full cost, or your school isn’t eligible, you can consider private student loans.
When private loans make sense:
- You’ve maxed out federal aid
- You’re attending a non-accredited or partner school
- You need additional funding for living expenses or supplies
Important considerations:
- Credit score (or a cosigner) is usually required
- Interest rates vary widely
- Fewer protections than federal loans
Best private student loans for cosmetology school
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 cosmetology 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 cosmetology 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 cosmetology 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 |
Check out our picks for the best private student loans.
Cosmetology programs: Certificate vs. degree
Cosmetology training typically comes in two formats:
1. Certificate programs
- Shorter (often under 1 year)
- Focused on hands-on skills
- Lower cost
2. Degree programs
- Longer (1 – 2 years)
- Include business, communication, and broader coursework
- May provide better long-term career flexibility
Both can qualify you for licensing, but degree programs may open more career paths.
How to apply for cosmetology school student loans
How to pay for cosmetology school without loans
Before borrowing, explore options that don’t require repayment:
- Federal Pell Grants
- State grants and scholarships
- Private scholarships
- School payment plans
- Employer-sponsored training programs
Reducing how much you borrow can make a big difference after graduation.
FAQ
Do cosmetology schools accept FAFSA?
Yes, but only if the school is accredited and approved for federal student aid. You can check eligibility using the Federal School Code Search tool.
Can you get financial aid for cosmetology school?
Yes. Students at accredited schools may qualify for Pell Grants, federal student loans, and other forms of financial aid.
What if your cosmetology school isn’t accredited?
You won’t qualify for federal student aid, and your private loan options may be limited. You may need to rely on payment plans or lender-specific partner programs.
Can you get loans for esthetician school?
Yes. Esthetician programs are typically treated the same as cosmetology programs. Loan eligibility depends on whether the school is accredited and participates in financial aid programs.
What credit score do you need for private cosmetology school loans?
Most lenders prefer a credit score in the mid-600s or higher. If you don’t meet this requirement, applying with a cosigner can improve your chances.
How we selected the best student loans for cosmetology 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.
Recap of private student loans for cosmetology school
About our contributors
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Written by Melody Stampley, CEPF®Melody Stampley is a personal finance writer and Certified Educator in Personal Finance® with 10-plus years of combined experience in writing, editing, and finance. She specializes in credit, loans, budgeting, saving, and insurance. Melody is a mother who enjoys helping others become free and empowered to show younger generations good stewardship practices.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MATKristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their pack of senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.