Becoming a cosmetologist exposes you to multiple rewarding career opportunities across various industries. Of course, people cannot access these jobs without the proper education. Enrolling in cosmetology school usually represents a less costly investment than obtaining an academic degree, but the expense can still be significant. Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology in Chubbuck, Idaho, discusses the true cost of attending cosmetology school and how we make pursuing this career path more affordable.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Cosmetology School
The program is only one expense of cosmetology school — students also must pay for books, supplies, and sometimes housing. Additionally, other aspects may dictate how much you need to invest in your education, like where you live. The following components play a role in the overall cost of your cosmetology training:
Tuition
On average, cosmetology school tuition ranges from $15,000 to $20,000, but this cost may be lower or higher depending on the specific program. Private schools in big cities tend to be the most expensive, while community colleges in rural locations usually have more cost-effective programs, although this trend is not always true. Whether the person studies full- or part-time, and how many hours the program requires, also dictate tuition cost.
Location
Once you complete the program, you will take licensing exams to gain professional entry into the beauty and wellness industry. Location can affect the cost of becoming a cosmetologist because licensing fees differ in each state. In Idaho, the cost for an individual license is $25. The application has the same price tag, as well as the renewal.
Materials
Tuition generally does not include supplies, such as books and beauty kits. Depending on the specific school, these supplies can cost between a couple hundred to several thousand dollars. However, price alone is not the only aspect of concern with learning equipment. For instance, a beauty kit may have a higher price point but feature more tools for practicing a cosmetology specialty. Without the proper supplies, you will struggle to succeed in the program. In this way, spending more on high-quality materials may pay off in the long run.
Other Fees
Individuals understandably place a big emphasis on tuition and materials when planning to pay for cosmetology school, but they should not overlook secondary expenses. One common extra cost is parking. Some schools charge fees for people to park their cars, making it necessary to budget for this added expense when preparing for their education.
How to Pay for Cosmetology School
The cost of becoming a cosmetologist may feel overwhelming, but fortunately, students have multiple options to help make paying for school easier. Consider the following resources for funding your education:
Financial Aid
To make tuition more manageable, many cosmetology schools offer financial aid and scholarships to prospective students. For example, the Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology works with all students to help them find financial assistance through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We also accept several scholarships and guide veterans with financial aid from the GI Bill.
Pay in Full Upfront
If you have the money available to pay your entire tuition, buy supplies, and cover other expenses, consider paying out of pocket. The high upfront expense may be substantial, but this strategy allows you to avoid making monthly payments with interest and impacting your credit score after graduation.
Loans
Of course, paying upfront is not a plausible solution for all students. Many cosmetology schools extend federal student loans for individuals to pay over time. If you cannot get a federal student loan, you may still be approved for a private loan.
One of the drawbacks of having student loans is that they accrue interest, and you will likely end up spending more on school than the initial tuition cost. Additionally, obtaining loans may affect your credit score. Prospective students should weigh the pros and cons of this form of financial assistance to determine if they make sense in their situation.
Pay-As-You-Go
An alternative to a loan is a pay-as-you-go plan, which allows students to make smaller payments throughout their enrollment. While they tend to come with a higher monthly responsibility, they soften the upfront expense and feature no interest or credit check.
Cost-Effective Training at Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology
Individuals looking for a high-quality cosmetology program worth its cost should consider the Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology. The 1,600-hour program covers numerous theoretical concepts and gives students hands-on training in a salon environment.
In addition to the cosmetology program, we also offer a Lash Extension Certification Course, which enables you to increase your job opportunities and income potential after graduation. To assist students in finding work after completing our programs, we also provide job postings with available positions in Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho, and the surrounding area. Contact us today to learn more about the cost of becoming a cosmetologist at our school.
