How Do You Save Money on Esthetician School Expenses?

Most students are at least somewhat concerned about paying their way through college. No matter what kind of education you’re pursuing, including that from beauty schools, it’s important to think about how you’re going to successfully pay for your education.

The good news, however, is that there’s no reason to panic.

There are lots of ways to save money when you’re going to esthetician school, whether by reducing the cost of tuition or generally saving money so you can put more toward your cosmetology school payments. Here are a couple of great ideas to help you get started.

Choose a nearby campus

The first thing you should consider doing is finding a campus within your state. As a cosmetology student, there are a number of great reasons to find a cosmetology school in your state: students pay an average of $10,000 more in tuition and fees when they attend a college in a different state. Some financial aid programs and financial assistance may also not be available if you go out of state. For vocational colleges like cosmetology programs, you also have to do research to make sure that your license will be accepted in the state in which you’re going to practice.

Even outside of finding a school in your state, it can also be helpful to find a school that’s very close to your residence. Tuition costs aren’t the only costs associated with school; reducing your commute also reduces the amount of money you spend on the commute. If you can find a campus close enough, you may even be able to ride a bike or walk, which can cut cosmetology school costs a surprising amount.

Buy used textbooks

New textbooks are shockingly expensive. Getting a brand-new textbook can cost as much as $300, whereas used textbooks are an option for students that can be less than half as expensive as the list price. While hands-on training is important, a critical part of esthetician training is learning about the entire process before you ever start working in your field of study, and that means learning from textbooks. Look around to see if you can find good-quality, used textbooks to reduce your reliance on federal loans and private loans.

Set up a student checking account

It’s common for banks to offer student checking accounts to college students. Not only are these accounts frequently free, but they also usually come with other benefits that can help with unexpected expenses, give you cash back on your daily purchases, and possibly even give you access to private student loans that could be helpful in your vocational school process.

Monitor your spending habits closely

All college students, including beauty school students, are learning plenty of lessons outside of the lessons they’re learning in the classroom, and this is definitely one of them. It’s easy to lose track of small purchases, especially unplanned purchases that were made with credit cards. Keep track of your spending habits; you may look through your financial institutions’ end-of-month information or take advantage of budgeting strategies that can help you get on a daily routine and cut down on your discretionary spending. Sometimes, budgeting for beauty school is about cutting down on unnecessary purchases that you barely even realized you were making.

Get a part-time job

Federal student loans, financial assistance, and financial aid for cosmetology school are all very useful tools when paying for school, but one great way to start paying off your loans quickly is to get a part-time job. Waitressing jobs or other jobs that offer lots of tips can help you get enough money to rely less on student loan programs and financial aid options. You may also try to find a work-study program; some hair salons can pay you for non-styling work in ways that reduce your reliance on tuition assistance and help you get your foot in the door in the beauty industry.

Eat at home

Yes, eating fast food is a great option when you don’t have a lot of time. However, you can end up spending $20-30 on food every day if you eat fast food constantly. The cosmetology industry is fast-paced, but your wallet will thank you if you eat at home or pack a meal during your esthetics program. Remember to also pack snacks so that you can avoid having to pick them up at vending machine prices if you get peckish during the day.

Take the first step toward a high-quality education today

Yes, school is definitely expensive. However, pursuing a life as a beauty professional can be extremely valuable. While you still may need to organize education loans for your cosmetology training or esthetics training, there are many ways to get funding and pursue a career that you’ll love. If you’re hoping to pursue an esthetician license, check out the esthetician course at Evergreen Beauty College; it’s the perfect way to get the education you’re looking for.

FAQ: How to Save Money on Esthetician School Expenses

Are federal student loans available for esthetician schools?

Federal student loans and grants are available for students attending a Title IV school. To be a Title IV school, which means students are eligible for federal student aid, a college must have applied directly to the program, and there are a number of requirements. The good news, however, is that many beauty and esthetician schools do have Title IV status. If you’re worried about needing federal financial aid, talk to the financial aid office about whether Title IV is available at a specific school.

Can I get scholarships for esthetician school?

There are an array of scholarships that you might be eligible for at an esthetician school. Scholarships are a great way to save money on tuition, and they’re available for many people. Some scholarships may be available depending on your grades, your background, or your level of financial need. It’s always a good idea to talk to your school’s financial aid office to learn more about scholarships and how you can apply for them.

How expensive is esthetician school on average?

It’s extremely difficult to give an average cost for an esthetician school or any other kind of beauty school. The price can vary based on where you are, what school you’re attending, whether you’re attending part-time or full-time, and more. However, here are some costs you should be aware of before you start looking into esthetician school.

• Tuition
• Room and board
• Textbooks
• Supplies
• Extracurricular events

If you’re looking for a more accurate price range for your schooling, it’s best to talk to the college financial aid office, as they’ll be able to get you accurate information.