Cosmetology Schools with Financial Aid in Houston

Houston Training Schools For Students 02/06/2026

Pursuing your dream of a beauty career shouldn’t be limited by your bank account balance. If you’re searching for cosmetology schools with financial aid in Houston, you’re already taking a smart step toward making your education affordable. The good news? Financial assistance for beauty school is more accessible than many people realize — and Houston Training Schools is one of the few beauty schools that take financial aid in the Houston area, committed to helping you graduate without crushing debt.

This comprehensive guide answers all your questions about financial aid for cosmetology school, from federal grants and loans to scholarships and payment plans, so you can focus on your education instead of stressing about finances.

Will financial aid pay for cosmetology school?

Yes — federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and scholarships, can be used to pay for cosmetology school at accredited institutions that participate in federal aid programs.

Many people assume financial aid only applies to traditional four-year colleges, but that’s a myth. Accredited vocational and career training programs — including cosmetology schools — qualify for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Houston Training Schools is an accredited institution that participates in federal financial aid programs, making us one of the few cosmetology schools that accept financial aid in Houston. This means eligible students can access Pell Grants (free money that doesn’t need to be repaid), institutional scholarships, state workforce grants, and other funding sources that help you graduate without debt.

The key is choosing an accredited school. Not all beauty schools participate in federal aid programs, so if affordability is important to you, make sure any school you’re considering is approved for student aid. At Houston Training Schools, we’ve made financial accessibility a priority because we believe everyone deserves the chance to pursue their passion, regardless of their financial situation — and we’re committed to helping you do it debt-free.

What types of financial aid are available for beauty school?

Financial aid for cosmetology school includes federal Pell Grants, institutional scholarships, state workforce grants, private scholarships, and flexible payment plans — all designed to help you graduate without taking on debt.

When researching financial aid for cosmetology school, you’ll discover several funding sources that can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Houston Training Schools prioritizes grants and scholarships — money you never have to pay back — over loans:

Federal Pell Grants

Pell Grants are the foundation of financial aid because they’re free money — you never have to pay them back. These grants for cosmetology schools are awarded based on financial need, and amounts vary depending on your:

  • Student Aid Index (SAI) — this replaced Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

  • Cost of attendance

  • Enrollment status

Pell Grant awards can cover a significant portion of your cosmetology school cost, and for many students, they form the majority of their financial aid package.

Institutional scholarships

Houston Training Schools offers merit-based and need-based scholarships to qualifying students. Like grants, these scholarships don’t need to be repaid and can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

We award scholarships based on various criteria including:

  • Academic achievement
  • Community involvement
  • Financial need

Our goal is to maximize your scholarship funding so that passionate students can graduate debt-free. Ask our admissions team about current scholarship opportunities and application deadlines.

State grants and workforce programs

Texas offers various workforce development grants designed to help residents access career training in high-demand fields like cosmetology. These programs are often underutilized simply because people don’t know they exist. Ask our financial aid advisors about available Texas programs to help you identify which ones you might qualify for.

Payment plans

Can’t pay your tuition upfront even with financial aid? Houston Training Schools offers flexible payment plans that let you spread your costs over several months, making it easier to manage your budget while completing your cosmetology education without taking on debt.

Military benefits

Veterans and their dependents may be eligible to use GI Bill® benefits toward their cosmetology education. We’re proud to support military families in their career transitions and can help you navigate the VA benefits process.

Federal student loans (when necessary)

While we prioritize grants and scholarships to help you graduate debt-free, federal student loans are available if needed after exhausting all grant and scholarship options. If loans become necessary, federal loans offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. However, our financial aid team works hard to minimize or eliminate the need for loans through strategic use of grants, scholarships, and payment plans.

How do I apply for financial aid for cosmetology school?

All students need to apply for financial aid with the Financial Aid Office prior to enrolling in Houston Training Schools. These include the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), scholarship applications, and/or a payment plan.

Applying for financial aid for cosmetology school is simpler than most people expect. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

  • Step 1: Complete the FAFSA. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You’ll need your Social Security number, driver’s license, tax returns, W-2s, and records of untaxed income. The application takes about 30 – 45 minutes to complete. Make sure to include the Houston Training Schools code (016945) so that we receive your information.

  • Step 2: Review our Student Aid Report (SAR). After submitting your FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report summarizing your Student Aid Index (SAI) and estimated financial aid eligibility. Review this carefully for any errors that might affect your aid package.

  • Step 3: Meet with our financial aid team. Once we have received your FAFSA information, our financial aid advisors will create a personalized aid package focusing on grants and scholarships first. We’ll show you exactly what federal grants, institutional scholarships, and other non-repayable aid you qualify for. Our goal is to maximize your free money so you can graduate without debt.

  • Step 4: Apply for additional scholarships. Don’t stop at federal aid. Our team will help you identify and apply for external scholarships through beauty industry organizations, community foundations, and private companies. We’re committed to finding every scholarship dollar available to you.

  • Step 5: Explore all options. Our financial aid team will also help you explore state grants, workforce programs, and flexible payment plan options to cover any remaining costs without taking on debt. We’re committed to finding a solution that works for your budget.

Want to know more about what to expect before starting your program? Check out our guide on what do I need to know about cosmetology school to prepare for your journey.

To determine which financial aid options are available at each campus, please call the Admissions Office at 877-640-4747 or email [email protected] to discuss your options and application. 

Who qualifies for financial aid for beauty school?

Most students qualify for some form of financial aid. Eligibility depends on factors like citizenship status, enrollment status, academic progress, and financial need, but you won’t know until you apply!

Many prospective students assume they won’t qualify for cosmetology school financial aid and don’t even bother applying — and this is a huge mistake. Federal financial aid eligibility is more inclusive than people realize.

Here are the general eligibility requirements for financial aid for cosmetology school:

  • U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen

  • Valid Social Security number

  • High school diploma or GED certificate

  • Enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible program

  • Maintaining satisfactory academic progress once enrolled

  • Not in default on any previous federal student loans

  • Registered with Selective Service (if required)

For need-based aid like Pell Grants, your eligibility is determined by your FAFSA information. The formula considers your family’s income, assets, household size, and number of family members in college. Remember, there is no downside to applying for financial aid!

How to choose between cosmetology schools with financial aid

Why Houston Training Schools

Houston Training Schools is one of the few beauty schools that take financial aid in Houston, offering a debt-free graduation approach through federal grants, institutional scholarships, state programs, flexible payment plans, and a dedicated financial aid team.

Not all beauty schools in Houston participate in federal financial aid programs, which severely limits your funding options. When you choose one of the cosmetology schools with financial aid like Houston Training Schools, you gain access to significantly more resources:

  • Federal aid participation: As an accredited, Title-IV-approved institution, Houston Training Schools students can access the full range of federal financial aid, with our team prioritizing grants and scholarships that don’t need to be repaid.

  • No large down payment required: It’s common practice for some of the cosmetology schools that accept financial aid to ask for an expensive down payment for enrollment. Unlike those schools, we don’t ask for a lot of money up front from our students.

  • Dedicated financial aid team: Our experienced financial aid advisors work one-on-one with each student to maximize available grants and scholarships first. They stay current on federal regulations, state programs, and scholarship opportunities so you don’t have to navigate this complex process alone. Their mission is to help you graduate debt-free.

  • Transparent pricing: Our $11,350 cosmetology program tuition includes everything you need — professional tools, CHI products, training materials — with no surprise fees or hidden costs. This transparency makes financial planning easier.

  • Institutional scholarships: Beyond federal aid, we offer our own scholarships to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs even further. These scholarships are free money that helps you avoid taking on debt.

  • Flexible payment plans: If you still have a gap after grants and scholarships, we offer payment plans that let you spread remaining costs over several months — without interest or the burden of student loans.

  • Flexible scheduling options: Houston Training Schools is one of the only cosmetology schools in Houston to offer night classes for those who work a regular day job, attend other classes, or take care of their families during the day. We are always accepting new students!

  • Commitment to debt-free graduation: We’re genuinely committed to helping students graduate without crushing debt. By prioritizing grants and scholarships over loans, and offering flexible payment options, we make quality beauty education accessible without the financial burden that haunts many graduates.

If you’re on the hunt for good cosmetology schools that prioritize affordability, Houston Training Schools combines quality education with financial accessibility, meaning you don’t have to choose between the two to get the training you need to be successful. Students rave that we have some of the best cosmetology classes Houston has to offer because of our commitment to hands-on training, client relationships, and well-rounded curriculum.

Financial aid for other beauty programs

Houston Training Schools also offers financial aid for barbering, esthetics, nail technology, and eyelash extension programs — making all career paths in beauty accessible without debt.

While this guide focuses on financial aid for cosmetology school, it’s worth noting that we accept federal financial aid for all our beauty programs, with the same commitment to debt-free graduation:

  • Barbering (1,000 hours, $11,350): Specializes in men’s grooming, precision cutting, and classic barbering techniques. Learn more about how our hands-on program makes us one of the best barber schools in Houston.

  • Esthetics (750 hours, $10,225): Focuses on advanced skincare, facial treatments, and spa services

  • Nail Technology (600 hours, $8,200): Comprehensive training in all nail services including extensions and nail art

  • Eyelash Extension Specialist (320 hours, $3,380): Specialized training in one of the industry’s fastest-growing services

No matter which beauty career path you choose, our financial aid team will help you access grants, scholarships, and payment plans to make it happen without debt.

What you’ll learn with your financial aid investment

When you use financial aid for cosmetology school at Houston Training Schools, you’re investing in a comprehensive 1,000-hour program that covers every aspect of the beauty industry. 

What do you learn in cosmetology school? Read our detailed breakdown of our cosmetology program to see exactly where your financial aid dollars go:

  • Advanced hair cutting, coloring, and styling techniques

  • Chemical services including perms, relaxers, and color corrections

  • Natural hair care and diverse texture training

  • Makeup application from everyday looks to special events

  • Nail services including manicures, pedicures, and extensions

  • Skincare basics including facials and waxing

  • Salon business management and client relations

  • State licensing exam preparation

  • Hands-on practice with real paying clients

  • Professional-grade CHI tools and products

  • Mentorship from experienced instructors

At Houston Training Schools, you’re not just learning technical skills — you’re building a foundation for a recession-proof career with strong earning potential, creative fulfillment, and schedule flexibility that few other careers offer.

Can my financial aid be taken away?

Yes, your financial aid can be taken away if you do not meet certain standards. Students who fail to meet the minimum attendance and GPA requirements will be given a warning, and then will be put on academic probation if the requirements still aren’t met. If behaviors continue, your financial aid can be suspended. A student’s financial aid can be restored under certain circumstances. For more information on this matter, contact your campus’s Admissions Office.

Common financial aid myths debunked

Myth: “My family makes too much money for financial aid.”

Even middle-income families often qualify for Pell Grants or institutional scholarships. Always apply — you might be surprised.

Myth: “Financial aid is only for traditional college students.”

Vocational and career training programs at accredited schools like Houston Training Schools fully qualify for federal financial aid.

Myth: “The FAFSA is too complicated.”

Not at all! The application takes 30 – 45 minutes, and our financial aid team can walk you through it if you need help.

Myth: “I’ll have to take out huge loans for beauty school.”

At Houston Training Schools, we prioritize grants and scholarships first. Many students graduate with zero debt thanks to strategic use of Pell Grants, institutional scholarships, state programs, and payment plans.

Myth: “Financial aid won’t cover the full cost.”

For many students, combining Pell Grants, scholarships, state programs, and payment plans covers their entire education with little to no out-of-pocket cost!

You can graduate from cosmetology school debt-free at Houston Training Schools

Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from pursuing your passion. Houston Training Schools is proud to be among the cosmetology schools with financial aid in Houston. We offer comprehensive support to make your beauty education accessible and affordable — without the burden of student loan debt.

With over 30 years of experience training a wide variety of students throughout Houston, our mission is to provide students with an accessible, affordable, and comprehensive program to prepare you for success in the cosmetology industry. Our financial aid team is ready to answer your questions, walk you through the FAFSA process, and create a personalized funding plan that prioritizes grants and scholarships. We’ve helped thousands of students graduate debt-free — and we can help you too.

If you’re interested in enrolling in Houston Training Schools, apply online today or call 877-640-4747 to schedule a tour of our campuses. Your future in beauty awaits!

More Helpful Articles by Houston Training Schools:

Comments