15 Oct How to Pay for Barber School: FAFSA, Grants, and Other Options
Most people do not realize federal student aid applies to barber school.
They assume it is only for four-year colleges or community colleges.
That assumption costs real money.
The Barber School is a Title IV eligible institution. That means FAFSA applies. Pell Grants apply. Subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans apply. Many students who go through the financial aid process end up paying significantly less than they expected.
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to most federal education funding. It is free to apply and lives at StudentAid.gov. The process takes most people 30 to 60 minutes.
What you need: your Social Security number, your most recent tax return or income information, and the FAFSA school code for The Barber School, which is 041927. Enter that code and your aid eligibility will be connected to your enrollment here.
Step 2: Review Your Student Aid Report
After submitting the FAFSA, you receive a Student Aid Report showing what federal aid you qualify for. The admissions team at The Barber School can help you read this report and apply it to your specific enrollment situation. Do not try to interpret it alone if it feels confusing. Call them.
The Pell Grant: The Most Important Number
If you qualify for a Pell Grant, that money does not need to be repaid. It is a federal grant based on financial need, and the maximum award is in the thousands of dollars per year. For many students, the Pell Grant alone covers a significant portion of barber school tuition.
Eligibility is based on your income and family size. Even students who expect not to qualify are sometimes surprised by what they receive. File the FAFSA before you assume you do not qualify.
Federal Loans: When They Make Sense
If grants do not cover everything, subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans are another option. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you are in school. Both types have more favorable terms than private loans and offer income-driven repayment options after graduation.
For a six-month program at a tuition level far below a four-year degree, the loan amount required is typically manageable, especially once you factor in your earning potential once licensed.
Other Funding Sources to Know About
- Utah Department of Workforce Services: Career training grants are sometimes available for eligible individuals, particularly those who are unemployed or transitioning careers. Call your local workforce office and ask specifically about funding for barber school.
- WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act): Federal workforce funding administered through state agencies. Ask the admissions team whether The Barber School is an approved WIOA program.
- Tribal scholarships: If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe, scholarship funding for vocational training may be available through your tribe’s education department.
- Payment plans: The Barber School works with students on payment arrangements for any balance not covered by aid.
The Admissions Team Can Help
If the financial aid process feels overwhelming, you do not have to figure it out alone. The admissions team at The Barber School has helped many students navigate the FAFSA, understand their Student Aid Report, and put together a plan for any remaining balance. The school code is 041927. Start at StudentAid.gov, then call the admissions team.
Have questions about financial aid? Contact admissions or apply now to get started.