You can pay for beauty school in Texas using federal Pell Grants , VA Benefits, Texas Workforce grants, (PELL grants, VA benefits and TWC grants are available to those that qualify) private scholarships, and payment plans. Most students do not pay full tuition out of pocket. At William Edge Institute in New Braunfels, 27% of students receive financial aid, the average amount depends on the program and student need bringing effective tuition well below the sticker price.
FAFSA is your first step, even if you think you will not qualify Pell Grants are free money you never have to repay William Edge Institute is Title IV eligible, meaning federal aid applies to those that qualify, Texas workforce grants for those that qualify and VA Benefits for those that qualify are funding options Step 1: Fill Out the FAFSA The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to every form of federal financial aid.
You need to complete it whether you are applying for grants, or work-study. Here is what you need:
Your federal tax return (or your parents’ if you are a dependent) William Edge Institute Federal School Code (015119) File at studentaid.gov. It takes about 30 minutes. Do it even if you are not sure you qualify. Many students are surprised by what they receive.
Step 2: Federal Pell Grants Pell Grants are the best form of financial aid because they are free. You do not repay them. For the 2026-2027 award year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395. The amount you receive depends on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), enrollment status, and cost of attendance.
Since WEI’s cosmetology tuition is $13,500, a full Pell Grant could cover more than half of your program cost.
Step 3: Federal Student Loans William Edge Institute does not participate in any student loan programs as we like our students to graduate debt free Step 4: Texas Workforce Commission Your local Workforce Solutions office may fund vocational training for eligible residents Texas Veterans Commission: Veterans and eligible dependents may qualify for Post 911 Chapter 33 and Dependency Education Assistance Chapter 35 covering tuition Contact your local Workforce Solutions office in New Braunfels or San Antonio or the Department of Veterans Affairs to ask about current funding availability.
Step 5: Beauty Industry Scholarships Several private organizations offer scholarships specifically for beauty school students:
Beauty Changes Lives: Annual scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for cosmetology and esthetics students Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation: Awards for cosmetology students across the U.S.
Salon/brand scholarships:
Ask the WEI admissions team about any school-specific scholarship opportunities as well.
Step 6: Payment Plans Most beauty schools, including William Edge Institute, offer payment plans that spread your remaining balance across your enrollment period. After grants and scholarships are applied, your monthly payments may be surprisingly manageable.
Here is what a financial aid package might look like for the WEI cosmetology program:
ITEM AMOUNT Cosmetology tuition $13,500 Pell Grant (example)
Remaining balance $5,283 Monthly payment plan (8 months) ~$660/month
The admissions team at William Edge Institute will walk you through every financial aid option available to you. They help students navigate FAFSA, identify grant eligibility, and set up payment plans every day.
Book a tour and financial aid consultation: call 830-387-4094 or visit williamedgeinstitute.com.
Q: Can you use FAFSA for beauty school?
Yes, if the beauty school is Title IV eligible. William Edge Institute in New Braunfels is Title IV eligible, so students can access Pell Grants through FAFSA.
Q: Do you have to pay back Pell Grants for cosmetology school?
No. Pell Grants are free money awarded based on financial need. They do not require repayment as long as you meet the enrollment and academic requirements.
Q: How much financial aid can you get for beauty school in Texas?
At William Edge Institute, the average financial aid package for those that qualify for a full PELL is $8,217.