Cosmetology Scholarships Are Growing: How to Pay for Beauty School in Kissimmee

K18 “Future of Hair Scholarship” with Beauty Changes Lives, (Sept, 2026)

Big brands are betting on future stylists

This fall, hair care brand K18 teamed up with the nonprofit Beauty Changes Lives to launch the K18 Future of Hair Scholarship. Here's the breakdown:

• $200,000 total. K18 put in $100,000, and its co-founder and CEO personally matched it with another $100,000.

• 12 scholarships over two cycles, one in fall and one in winter.

• Each cycle funds five cosmetology students plus one advanced trichology (hair and scalp science) scholarship.

• What they're looking for: curiosity, strong technical skills, and fresh ideas about professional hair.

The message from the industry is clear. Brands know their products are only as good as the stylists using them, so they're investing in the people behind the chair.

K18 isn't the only one

Beauty Changes Lives awards over $500,000 a year to students and professionals in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, and massage therapy. Awards range from $2,500 to $20,000. Applications open in four seasonal windows each year, and there's no fee to apply (The College Investor).

Heads up: The fall 2026 window closes October 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT. Missed it? Watch for the next seasonal window and get your application ready now.

How to stand out on a scholarship application

1. Show your passion. Many applications ask for a short essay or video. Tell your story: why beauty, and why now?

2. Show your work. Keep a portfolio or Instagram of your best looks, even if they're on friends or mannequins.

3. Be specific about your goals. Salon owner? Platform artist? Color specialist? Say it.

4. Have your enrollment details ready. Many awards require proof that you're enrolled or enrolling in a licensed program.

5. Apply to more than one. One profile can often be used for several awards in the same season.

How to pay for cosmetology school at ACT

Scholarships from brands are a bonus, but they aren't your only option. At Academy of Career Training in Kissimmee, there are several ways to make school work for your budget:

• 0% interest payment plans. Spread tuition across the length of your program, in-house.

• ACT scholarships. The Dunia Path Scholarship is available to all ACT students, with no repayment required.

• Federal aid. Grants and loans through the FAFSA for those who qualify. Use ACT's school code 041269 at studentaid.gov.

See all your options on our Funding page.

Why it's worth it

ACT's Cosmetology program is 1,200 hours, with real, paying clients from day one and an 84%+ state licensure pass rate. Shorter options include Nail Technology at 180 hours and Skin Care at 220 hours. Each one gets you licensed and earning far sooner than a four-year degree.

Don't let money be the reason you wait

Come talk to our admissions team at the next Open House. Get your funding questions answered, take a practice lesson, and interview the same day. RSVP now, explore funding options, or apply today.

FAQ

• Can I get a scholarship for beauty school?

  Yes. Industry nonprofits like Beauty Changes Lives, beauty brands, and schools like ACT all offer scholarships. Each one has its own eligibility rules.

• Do I have to pay scholarships back?

  No. Scholarships and grants don't need to be repaid. Loans do.

• Can I combine scholarships with financial aid?

  Often, yes. Talk to ACT admissions about building a plan that combines scholarships, FAFSA aid, and a payment plan.