Paying For Beauty School In Iowa: How to Qualify for Scholarships, Financial Aid & Grants in 2026

At La’ James International College, we believe that pursuing a career in cosmetology shouldn’t be out of reach due to financial constraints. If you are an Iowa resident and you are considering beauty school, understanding how to qualify for financial options like scholarships and financial aid can make your education seem significantly more accessible. From a high level, you might think of it this way: your financial assistance options can be split into two main categories: qualifying through demonstrated financial need, financial aid, OR qualifying through merit-based scholarships and grants.  Some students actually take advantage of both categories.  

Understanding the qualification requirements for each type of aid is your first step toward building a financial plan to attend beauty school.

Qualify Through Need – FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) serves as the first step for most financial aid opportunities available to beauty school students in Iowa. Completing the FAFSA is essential in determining your eligibility for federal grants, federal student loans, work-study programs, scholarships, and many state and institutional aid programs. The FAFSA calculates your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which measures your family’s financial strength and determines how much financial need you have.

For Iowa beauty school students, the FAFSA can open doors to federal Pell Grants, which can provide up to $7,395 for the 2025-2026 award year, depending on your financial need. Unlike loans, grants don’t need to be repaid, making them the most valuable form of financial aid.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for federal financial aid through FAFSA, you must meet several basic requirements. You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen with a valid Social Security number. You must have a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or have completed homeschooling requirements approved by your state.

Additionally, you must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible program at an accredited institution. For beauty school students, this means your chosen cosmetology program must be at least 600 clock hours. Male students must be registered with the Selective Service if they’re between the ages of 18 and 25. You must also maintain satisfactory academic progress once enrolled and not be in default on any federal student loans.

The FAFSA Checklist

Completing your FAFSA requires gathering specific documentation before you begin. For the 2026-2027 academic year, you’ll need your 2024 federal tax returns (or your parents’ tax returns if you’re a dependent student). You’ll need records of untaxed income, including child support received, interest income, and veterans’ non-education benefits.

Gather current bank statements showing checking and savings account balances, as well as information about investments (excluding retirement accounts and your primary residence). Keep your driver’s license number handy, along with your Social Security number. If you’re a dependent student, you’ll also need your parents’ Social Security numbers and dates of birth.

Listing LJIC: Your School Codes

When completing your FAFSA, you must list the schools you’re considering attending. La’ James International College has specific federal school codes for each campus: Cedar Falls (013006), Davenport (015133), Des Moines (016045), Fort Dodge (008424), and Cedar Rapids (015133).

Verify these codes directly with LJIC’s financial aid office before submitting your FAFSA, as codes occasionally change. Entering incorrect school codes can significantly delay your financial aid processing.

Qualify Through Residency – Iowa State Grants 

Iowa offers state-specific financial aid programs that can supplement your federal aid, but these funds come with distinct residency and eligibility requirements.

The Iowa Residency Requirement

To qualify for any Iowa state grant programs, you must be an Iowa resident. The Iowa College Student Aid Commission defines residency as living in Iowa for purposes other than attending school. Generally, you must have established Iowa residency at least one year before the first day of classes.

Factors proving Iowa residency include maintaining a permanent address in Iowa, having an Iowa driver’s license, registering to vote in Iowa, and paying Iowa state taxes. Out-of-state students attending Iowa beauty schools do not qualify for state grant programs, though they remain eligible for federal aid through FAFSA.

Iowa For-Profit Tuition Grant Program

The Iowa For-Profit Tuition Grant Program provides up to $1,200 annually for students who demonstrate financial need and meet all eligibility criteria. To qualify, you must complete the FAFSA, be an Iowa resident, and be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program at a qualifying Iowa institution.

The grant amount is determined by your financial need as calculated through your FAFSA, and funds are limited, so early FAFSA submission is advantageous. Note that the Iowa Barber and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences Tuition Grant, which previously provided dedicated funding specifically for cosmetology students, is no longer available.

Qualify Through Merit – Scholarships (Internal & Industry)

Merit-based scholarships provide non-repayable funding based on your achievements, talents, or meeting specific criteria rather than financial need alone. These scholarships are available from both your beauty school and external industry organizations.

Internal Merit: LJIC Scholarship Criteria

La’ James International College offers institutional scholarships to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, or other qualifying characteristics. Two prominent LJIC scholarships include the “Tiffany Becher Memorial Scholarship” and the “LJIC Senior Scholarship”.

The Tiffany Becher Memorial Scholarship typically requires applicants to submit an essay explaining their career goals and passion for the beauty industry. Selection criteria often include demonstrated leadership, community involvement, and commitment to excellence.

The LJIC Senior Scholarship is generally available to high school seniors planning to enroll at LJIC immediately after graduation. Qualification requirements typically include maintaining a minimum GPA, submitting letters of recommendation, and completing an application essay. For detailed qualification requirements and current deadlines, visit the scholarship resources page or contact the LJIC Admissions Office directly.

Industry Awards: Meeting External Requirements

Several beauty industry organizations offer scholarships to cosmetology students. The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation provides multiple awards ranging from $1,000 to $1,200 for students enrolled in accredited cosmetology programs. Qualification typically requires enrollment in at least 300 hours of cosmetology training and submission of an application demonstrating financial need and career commitment.

The Beauty Changes Lives Foundation offers various scholarships throughout the year, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Applications typically require essays, letters of recommendation, and proof of enrollment in an accredited beauty program. Professional Beauty Association (PBA) scholarships are also available, with requirements varying by specific scholarship. Pay attention to application deadlines, which typically fall between January and April.

Maintaining Eligibility and Taking Action

Securing financial aid is only the first step. Maintaining your eligibility throughout your beauty school education requires meeting ongoing academic and administrative requirements.

Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Federal regulations require all financial aid recipients to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. For beauty school students, SAP typically includes maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average (usually 2.0), completing a minimum percentage of attempted hours (typically 67%), and completing the program within a maximum timeframe (usually 150% of the published program length).

SAP is evaluated at specific intervals—often after each academic term or after completing a certain number of clock hours. Falling below SAP standards results in a financial aid warning, after which you must return to good standing or face suspension of financial aid eligibility.

Avoiding Disqualification Pitfalls

Several common mistakes can jeopardize your financial aid eligibility. Withdrawing from classes or dropping below half-time enrollment without proper notification can trigger repayment of grants already disbursed. If you need to reduce your course load, please consult with your financial aid office before making changes.

Failing to reapply for FAFSA annually is a frequent error. The FAFSA application process must be completed each academic year, and early submission (as soon as October 1st) ensures you receive priority consideration. Changing programs without updating your financial aid information can also cause problems. Finally, defaulting on student loans from previous education makes you ineligible for additional federal aid until you resolve the default.

Find Out What You Qualify For – Contact LJIC Today!

Every student’s financial situation is unique, and personalized guidance from financial aid professionals ensures you maximize available funding. La’ James International College’s financial aid advisors are here for you, ready to help evaluate your specific circumstances, explain which aid programs you qualify for, and help you build a customized financial plan.

If you are considering attending one of our programs, please feel free to reach out and schedule a consultation with an LJIC financial aid advisor to review your FAFSA results, discuss scholarship opportunities, and explore all available funding sources. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the earliest I can apply for scholarships for LJIC?

You can begin applying for LJIC scholarships as soon as applications open, which varies by scholarship type. The FAFSA opens on October 1st each year for the upcoming academic year, and submitting early will give you the best chances at receiving assistance.  For specific LJIC internal scholarship deadlines, check the scholarship resources page or contact the Admissions Office. External industry scholarships have varying deadlines throughout the year, typically between January and April.

If I have bad credit, can I still qualify for Financial Aid?

Yes, bad credit does not affect your eligibility for most financial aid programs. Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and the Iowa For-Profit Tuition Grant are awarded based on financial need, not credit history. Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans for students also don’t require credit checks. Most beauty school students can fund their education through grants and standard federal student loans that don’t require credit checks.

Is the Iowa Barber and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences Tuition Grant still available?

No, the Iowa Barber and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences Tuition Grant is no longer available. This program has been replaced by the Iowa For-Profit Tuition Grant Program, which provides up to $1,200 annually to Iowa residents attending eligible private for-profit institutions, including beauty schools. Iowa cosmetology students remain eligible by completing the FAFSA and demonstrating financial need.