Financial Aid

Beauty school is an investment in yourself — and for many students, federal financial aid makes that investment possible. Beyond 21st Century Beauty Academy is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and approved by the U.S. Department of Education, which means our cosmetology and esthetician programs qualify for Title IV federal financial aid, including Pell Grants.If cost has been holding you back from starting your beauty career, this page will walk you through exactly what's available and how to apply.

Federal Financial Aid — What You May Qualify For

Pell Grants
The Federal Pell Grant is money you don't have to pay back. It's awarded based on financial need and is available to eligible students attending accredited vocational schools. Grant amounts are determined each year by the federal government and depend on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), your enrollment status, and the cost of your program. Many of our students receive Pell Grant awards that significantly reduce their out-of-pocket costs.

Federal Direct Loans
Eligible students may also qualify for federal subsidized or unsubsidized Direct Loans through the U.S. Department of Education. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you are enrolled at least half time while in school and for 6 months after graduation. Unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest immediately, but repayment does not begin until after you leave school.

Our financial aid team will help you understand the difference and determine which options make the most sense for your situation.

Which Programs Qualify?
Federal Title IV financial aid is available for our cosmetology and esthetician programs. Contact our admissions team at (562) 404-6193 to ask about current eligibility for the manicuring program and any flexible tuition payment options that may be available.

Program Costs at a Glance

‍Here's what each program costs in total, so you know what you're planning for:

‍Cosmetology Program — 1,000 hours Tuition: $16,340 | Reg. Fee: $75 | Kit & Books: $1,100 | STRF: $45 Total: $17,560
‍Esthetician Program — 600 hours Tuition: $9,804 | Reg. Fee: $75 | Kit & Books: $1,300 | STRF: $27.50 Total: $11,206.50

→ Cosmetology School details
→ Esthetician School details
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How to Apply for Financial Aid-Step by Step
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Step 1 — Complete the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point for all federal financial aid. You'll need:
-Your Social Security Number (or Alien Registration Number if you're not a U.S. citizen)
-Your relevant federal tax return (or your parents', if you're a dependent)
-Records of any untaxed income
-Bank statements and investment information if applicable

File at studentaid.gov. Beyond 21st Century Beauty Academy's FAFSA school code is 041482 — enter this when the FAFSA asks which schools should receive your information.

Step 2 — Wait for Processing
It usually takes about 3 days to process a new application. Also, keep in mind that FAFSA years span from July to June (inbetween our calendar years). Be sure to file two FAFSA applications if your enrollment may overlap FAFSA years.

Step 3 — Connect With Our Financial Aid Team
If you haven't already setup a school tour, once your FAFSA is processed, contact our admissions office at (562) 404-6193 or fill out the form on this page. Our financial aid team will review your SAR, explain your award options, and walk you through the enrollment paperwork.

Step 5 — Enroll and Begin
Once your aid is confirmed and paperwork is complete, you can enroll and begin your program — often within days. New classes start almost every month.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Federal regulations require students receiving financial aid to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). At Beyond 21st Century Beauty Academy, this means maintaining the required attendance rate, completing your program within the maximum timeframe, and meeting minimum academic standards. Our team will explain the full SAP policy during enrollment and check in with you regularly throughout your program to make sure you stay on track.

Frequently Asked Questions — Financial Aid

‍Do I have to pay back financial aid? It depends on the type. Federal Pell Grants do not need to be repaid — they are awards based on financial need. Federal Direct Loans do need to be repaid. Our financial aid team will make sure you understand exactly what you're receiving before you sign anything.

‍Can I apply for financial aid if I already have a degree? Yes. Having a prior college degree does not disqualify you from federal financial aid, though it may affect your eligibility for certain programs. For example, a bachelors degree will exclude pell grants. Complete the FAFSA and our team will review your specific situation.

‍What if I don't qualify for federal aid? If you don't qualify for federal financial aid, we offer flexible tuition payment plans that can help spread the cost of your program over time. Contact our admissions team at (562) 404-6193 to discuss your options — we want to help you find a path forward.

‍How long does the FAFSA process take? The FAFSA itself typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete online at studentaid.gov. Processing usually takes 3 business days. Plan to complete the FAFSA at least two weeks before your intended start date. However, earlier is better to resolve any outstanding issues.

‍What is NACCAS and why does it matter for financial aid? NACCAS — the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences — is the accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Proper accreditation is a prerequisite for Title IV federal financial aid eligibility.
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