| For some, deciding on a career path is difficult; but | | | | attendance records and previous accolades in |
| for those who already know what they want, the | | | | cosmetology. Some are based are merit, financial |
| difficult step may be how to get there. If | | | | need and/or experience. The American Association of |
| cosmetology school is the avenue of choice, it can | | | | Cosmetology Schools, AACS, also offers the ACE |
| seem overwhelming when looking for financial | | | | grant specifically for cosmetology students attending |
| solutions. Fortunately, there are many financial aid | | | | a qualified school. The Sports Clip scholarship is given |
| outlets to make funding your cosmetology education | | | | to 10 to 12 cosmetology students who attend a |
| a breeze. | | | | qualifying school. |
| The first step in searching for financial aid is filling out | | | | An additional option is personal loans. Personal loans |
| the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better | | | | can be taken out through a financial institution such |
| known at the FASFA. This application is the gateway | | | | as a bank or credit union. The problem with personal |
| to loans, scholarships and aid of any kind. The only | | | | loans is high interest rates, even with good credit, |
| stipulation with using federally funded money is the | | | | and they can be challenging to qualify for, especially in |
| school chosen needs to be eligible to participate in | | | | the current economy. |
| federal financial aid programs. If they are eligible, visit | | | | Oftentimes, schools have a financial department |
| FASFA’s Web site, FASFA.ed.gov, and it will take | | | | designed to assist student with tuition through |
| you step-by-step through the application process. | | | | school-provided financial aid, assistance with outside |
| Once the application is complete, students become | | | | aid, including scholarships and/or loans, or flexible |
| eligible for all types of aid such as scholarships, loans | | | | payment plans. |
| or aid directly from the school. | | | | Some students also choose to work while attend |
| If the school of interested doesn’t participate in | | | | school as a means to pay tuition without the need |
| federal financial aid programs, there are often | | | | for loans. For those who choose this route, flexible |
| scholarship programs willing to assist students. Every | | | | class schedules enable students to work in the day |
| school is different and every scholarship has a | | | | and attend classes at night or vice versa. |
| different criterion, including school grade average, | | | | |