Financial Aid: Scholarship Opportunities

About Scholarships:

Scholarships, offered by various organizations, private donors, and sometimes the school itself, are a form of “gift” aid that doesn’t require repayment. They can recognize academic excellence, talents, or achievements in areas like arts or sports. Each scholarship has its unique criteria, application process, and may require essays or recommendations. While the FAFSA isn’t always needed for scholarships, completing it is advised since some donors consider financial need. Remember, any scholarship received must be reported to the Financial Aid Office as part of your overall financial aid package.

High School Graduate Pre-Enrollment Scholarship:

High school seniors graduating this year can apply for a $1,000 scholarship from January to May of their graduation year. Applicants are required to submit an essay, referrals, and their high school transcripts. Each high school in Charleston and Dorchester County has two scholarships available. These scholarships are awarded annually between May and August of the graduation year, and recipients must enroll by December following their high school graduation. 



For more details on the High School Graduate Pre-Enrollment Scholarships, please contact us at info@vskicosmetology.com.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Enroll in a cosmetology course by the end of that calendar year.
  • Maintain an 85% or above in both attendance and grade average.
  • Not receive any suspensions throughout their course.
  • Use the scholarship towards their tuition only.
  • Scholarship is applied at the final checkpoint of SAP.

Scholarship Details:

  • (2) Typed Personal Character References (not provided by family).
  • (3) Personal Essays discussing
  • Your Personal & Professional Goals
  • Lifetime achievements or charitable involvements
  • Financial need.
  • Creativity and Presentation will be considered.

Applications should be submitted to Ms. Jennifer Graffeo in the admissions office in person or by email to: info@vskicosmetology.com

Additional Scholarship Resources

Sport Clips Student Resources: Sport Clips' student resource portal is a dedicated platform tailored for future beauty professionals enrolled in barber or cosmetology schools. They support aspiring stylists by offering substantial financial opportunities, including quarterly $5,000 scholarship awards. Beyond funding, the site connects students to unique career-building experiences like the annual "Battle of the Hair" national haircutting competition, free live technical workshops, and hands-on training events designed to help students elevate their craft and transition successfully into the professional salon industry.


Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Fund: Established in 1994 to honor the legacy of the founder of The Barbers Corporation, the Joe Francis Haircare Cosmetology Scholarship Foundation provides crucial financial assistance to deserving students entering the salon business. The fund is dedicated to helping individuals secure the professional training necessary to build long-term careers in cosmetology and barbering. It focuses on supporting students who demonstrate hard work, sacrifice, and a strong determination to succeed, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of its namesake.


OPI “A Great Opera-Tunity” Scholarship: Hosted through the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation, this specialized scholarship program is sponsored by OPI, a global leader in the professional nail care industry. It is designed specifically to support newly accepted or currently enrolled students in licensed nail technology programs across the U.S. and Canada. By awarding multiple $3,000 scholarships throughout the year, OPI helps creative students offset tuition costs while encouraging them to express their unique artistic visions and become the next generation of inspiring nail professionals.


Circadia – Sage Michaela Lucas “Timing is Everything” Scholarship: Funded by precision skincare pioneer Circadia and administered by Beauty Changes Lives, this highly supportive scholarship celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and affirmation within the beauty sector. It provides $5,000 tuition awards specifically to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or persons of color) students enrolled in accredited esthetics programs. Beyond financial aid, this opportunity provides holistic professional growth by pairing recipients with monthly industry mentorship and an all-expense-paid trip to Circadia's Annual Gala.


Third-Parties:

We also recommend contacting all vendors that a student uses for their hair care, skin care, and nail care. A student should inquire with the right department to see if there are scholarships available.


Recent Scholarship Opportunities Added:

The American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) is a great resource for info on cosmetology school grants and scholarships. Here’s another resource for beauty school grants.

Scholarships