Time is what life is made of, and once it’s gone, it doesn’t come back. That’s why deciding whether to go to cosmetology school full-time or part-time is such a crucial decision. On the one hand, students are eager to complete their training and become licensed as soon as possible. On the other hand, life gets in the way. Financial, child care or other issues may make part-time training the only feasible option. Not to worry – there’s no right or wrong choice, as each student’s situation is different.
Realize the dream of earning a cosmetology license.
Becoming a Cosmetologist
The good news is that, full-time or part-time, completing cosmetology school doesn’t take nearly as long as getting an undergraduate degree. In a best-case scenario, a cosmetology student can receive her license within eight months of entering cosmetology school. A part-time student should do the same in about two years. While the full-time student receives the license more quickly, she may also have to make greater personal sacrifices to do so.
The State Dictates
Exactly how long a student must attend cosmetology school depends on the state, and the amount of time can vary quite a bit. For example, cosmetology students in Idaho must complete 2,000 hours of classes, while in Massachusetts it’s just half that amount. Some states require that cosmetology students have a high school diploma or GED, while others admit those with an eighth to tenth-grade education.
Making the Decision
When making the decision, take several things into consideration. If finances aren’t an issue and there’s no other serious time commitments posing a problem, going to cosmetology school full-time makes the most sense. If there’s no way to go to school all day and also pay the rent, the best bet is part-time classes. For anyone somewhere in the middle, a good look at the budget is in order. Is going to cosmetology school full-time and working part-time a possibility? That may be an option. Keep in mind that each student learns in an individual way. For some, taking several classes at once can seem overwhelming, and those students learn best by completing school at a slower pace.
Studying hard is part of realizing the goal.
Paying to Learn
Wouldn’t every decision be easier if money were no object? That’s not the case for all but a few folks, so attending cosmetology school full-time or part-time may come down to paying the tuition. Some scholarships are available, but they are often not given to part-time students. If a cosmetology student requires help paying for school, it usually comes down to applying for grants and loans. Of the former, consider the Federal Pell grant, which doesn’t require repayment, and eligible students may receive as much as $5,775 annually. However, the amount received depends on various factors, including:
• Full-time or part-time student status, with full-time students are
eligible for more money that their part-time counterparts.
• Student financial need.
• Cosmetology school costs.
The cosmetology school can guide you in making the best decision. Whether a full-time or part-time student, it won’t be long before you have the license and can live the dream.
For more information on full-time and part-time options for cosmetology school, contact us.