Going to Beauty School?
'Pretty' Expensive?
In a world increasingly focused on youth and beauty, it should come as no surprise that top-notch cosmetology schools are bursting at the seams with next generation cosmetologists. The future for many leads to well-paying and attractive careers that could lead to quite elite positions for those few motivated enough to pursue the fast-track world of fashion and high style, particularly ripe in larger cosmopolitan areas.
Traditional Student Loans Fall Short of Cosmetology Goals
Traditional student loans typically do not fit the bill for helping you finance a cosmetology education. In fact, unless you can prove a degree-centric program you are out in the cold as far as federal, state and private loans are concerned. So what’s an enterprising cosmetology student to do?
With increasing attention being focused on non-traditional forms of higher education, including professional and trade programs, you will find proportionate resources for financial aid in the form of continuing education, and technical training loans.
Many professions would fall under the 'cosmetology' category such as:
- Hair Dresser, or a Barber who attended a Barber School
- Colorist
- Makeup Artist
- Beautician
Loans
Loan programs like these and from such visible lenders as Sallie Mae, offer flexible borrowing options with a balance of benefits typical of other alternative student loans combined with those ideally suited to non-degree seeking students. Borrower limits are quite high and repayment options typical of other student loan programs.
- Sallie Mae Continuing Education Loan
- Sallie Mae Career Training Loan
- Education One through Chase, is designed for students pursuing a trade or career program like cosmetology on at least a half-time basis. And while many cosmetology programs offer full-time this seems like an appropriate option. The loan offers even the flexibility to borrow for previous tuition costs and apply funds to related expenses. Qualified applicants may borrow up to $40,000.
- Key CareerLoan through Key Bank is an alternative loan designed for continuing education or career training students. To be eligible you must be enrolled at least half time with no degree requirements. Qualified borrowers may take out loans to fulfill tuition demands as well as other costs.
These are your best bet, too since most cosmetology schools are not in the business of offering their own student loans, even heavy hitters like the Aveda Institute recommend the Sallie Mae loans as a primary go-to.
Exploring Career Options
With a cosmetology program and/or license under your belt, what are your options professionally? Today the sky’s the limit with where you may go in your career. Wish to stay small town? Work in a barbershop or chock-full-o-character beauty salon. But if you are dreaming of bigger opportunity make sure you get your training at one of the more reputable institutes.
Positions in the field include makeup and hairstyling and even more lucrative salon and spa jobs where options exist to expand into other specialties. You can even aim for the world of fashion where highly trained and talented professionals in all types of cosmetology fiercely compete for lucrative jobs.
