Cosmetology students study hair design during their program of study.
Cosmetology programs qualify for grant funding -- some going to undocumented students. While government financial aid does not normally offer financial aid for undocumented students, exceptions exist. Certain eligible noncitizens may qualify for federal grants for cosmetology studies. Private scholarships sometimes grant funding to undocumented students. School financial aid officers typically treat your personal data with sensitivity, so use them for guidance in finding grants.
Federal Grants
Determine whether you qualify for federal grants. If you carry an I-94, an arrival departure record, and it shows you are asylum granted, a Cuban or Haitian immigrant, on parole, a refugee, a T-Visa holder or a victim of human trafficking, you may qualify for federal and state grants. For final determination, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA application requires a social security number.
State Grants
Some states offer grants to undocumented students if they graduated from high school within the state and qualify as a resident of that state. Your school's financial aid office knows your state's rules and stays abreast of changes in the law. Find out whether you qualify for state grant funding for a cosmetology course of study in your state. The state of Oklahoma offers the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG), for example. Part- or full-time public college cosmetology students with financial need may be awarded up to $1,300 per school year. Some undocumented students may qualify for the OTAG. Check your state's higher education agency for details on state grants where you live.
School-specific Scholarship Grants
School-specific scholarships grant college funding to students who study at a particular school. Check with the school offering your cosmetology program for scholarship grants open to undocumented students. Ask your financial aid representative about eligibility. Private colleges set their own policies about financial aid. Many cosmetology schools offer grants for students who cannot afford to attend their program. The Minnesota School of Cosmetology, for example, grants one undocumented student per year half of the total cost of the program. The student must have graduated from a Minnesota high school to qualify for its Dream Act Scholarship.
Private or Foundation Grants
Most private or foundation grants require citizenship or at least legal residence, but some do not have this requirement. Check as many community organizations as possible in hopes of finding some who assist undocumented cosmetology students. For instance, try the 4-H Club, the American Legion, the Elks club and more. Check with religious organizations -- especially if you have a connection of membership. The Page Foundation offers annual grants to full-time students in amounts up to $2,500 per year. These must be renewed annually. The application never asks for documentation but does ask for your FAFSA or your parents' tax returns or some other income statement with the application since it is needs-based.
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