Tuition includes all of the books and supplies you will need for your course. Tuition may be paid by federal financial aid programs, or monthly payments, or full payment when you start. We are not currently approved for State Grants. Call us for more information about how we can help make it affordable for you!
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Eligibility for federal financial aid depends on many things, including income, family size, and cost of education. Since no two students have exactly the same situation, we encourage you to call or visit with any questions you have, and to let us assist you in preparing your FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid). All information given for financial aid is confidential. You will be asked to provide the past year’s tax return, for yourself (if you are independent), yourself & spouse (if married), or yourself & parents (if you are a dependent student).
The financial aid office is open weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, and at other times by appointment. The Director of Financial Aid is Amy Pruitt (phone 217-753-8990).
Based on financial need and cost of education, the Pell Grant is an award used for educational purposes, and is not repaid if the student completes their program.
Direct Subsidized Loans are loans made to undergraduate students for educational purposes, up to a limit of $3,500 for first year students and $4,500 for second year students, and are subject to the student’s eligibility. Interest is paid by the government while the student is enrolled at least halftime; payments begin six months after the student graduates or stops attending at least half-time.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans are loans made to students for educational purposes. Interest is an expense to the student, but payment of interest may be deferred until the student leaves school. Payments begin six months after the student graduates or stops attending at least half-time.
PLUS Loans (Parent Loans to Undergraduate Students) are loans made to the parents of a dependent student for educational purposes; financial need is based on the cost of education and other available aid for the family. Repayment begins immediately following the release to the school of the second half of the student loan (usually four to five months into the student’s program); payments are usually around $50 - $100 per month.
USCA offers an Ace Grant Scholarship toward tuition for any student who enrolls on the recommendation of a USCA student or licensed beauty professional. The scholarship is conditional upon successful graduation from USCA, and is applied to the students final balance of tuition, and is only available for the cosmetology program (up to $600), the esthiology program (up to $400), and the nail technology program (up to $200), and the classic barbering program (up to $500). The student is required to have their sponsor complete an Ace Grant evaluation form which is available at the Admissions Office.
Awarded by: BeautySchoolsDirectory.com
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: September 1, March 1.
Who's eligible: Any student, including DACA recipients, who is pursuing a career in the beauty industry.
Apply here
There are scholarship opportunities available for military veterans and immediate family members. You can choose between trade/vocational schools, 2-year or 4-year universities.