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Pursuing a four-year degree can lead to a lot of great career opportunities, but there are also many lucrative career opportunities that require a more technical education that a university can’t provide. To pursue certain careers, it may be necessary to attend a technical school.

What are technical schools? In short, technical schools are postsecondary institutions that teach students specialized skills designed to prepare them for a specific profession or trade.

Continue reading for more insight into what technical school is and what the advantages and disadvantages of this education option are.

What Is Technical School?

As briefly mentioned, a technical schools meaning is a school that provides students with education and training in a practical and specialized trade or profession. Technical schools don’t lead to bachelor’s degrees like a university and instead result in earning diplomas or certificates that generally take less than two years to qualify for.

Technical schools are a good fit for students who know what career path they want to pursue, because when a student attends a technical school they choose a specific program designed to prepare them for a certain career. Students who attend technical school don’t take general education classes, which means they are not required to learn more about different disciplines before they choose where to focus their efforts.

Technical school courses include instruction and studying course materials, but also provide hands-on training that helps students build the skills they need to pursue their chosen career. Often, students who attend technical schools are connected to internship opportunities that help them gain real world work experience.

How Is Technical School Different From Trade School?

Trade schools typically focus on more hands-on careers that require having either a certain amount of on-the-job supervised hours in order to pursue a career or a certification of some sort. Trade schools offer hands-on education and prepare students for labor-focused jobs like working as an electrician or carpenter and similar to technical schools, trade school costs are generally less than university degrees.

Technical schools have more classroom lectures and simulated job training and can lead to more creative career paths like floral design, graphic design, and cosmetology, as well as more labor-focused jobs. A recap of the comparison between trade school and technical school is in the below table.

Trade School	Technical School
•   Hands-on education and training •   Prepares students for labor-focused jobs •   Helps students achieve certificates or supervised working hours	•   Classroom education and simulated job training •   Prepares students for labor-focused jobs and creative careers •   Can earn diplomas and certificates

How Is Technical School Different From Vocational Training?

A vocational school is generally the same thing as a technical school and people often use these names interchangeably. Some four-year universities offer vocational degree programs, such as becoming a paralegal, but some vocational programs like cosmetology can only be found at technical or vocational schools.

How Is Technical School Different From Community College?

Community colleges focus more on general education, but also offer technical training, whereas technical schools don’t teach general education at all.

Community College	Technical School
•   Students can pursue a general education •   Credits can transfer to four year universities •   Can prepare students for technical careers or to pursue further academic education	•   Only offers technical coursework •   Credits don’t transfer to universities •   Prepares students for technical careers

How Is Technical School Different From University?

Universities and technical schools are very different. They offer different degree programs, costs, time commitments and more. The table below provides an overview on the differences.

University	Technical School
•   Can pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree •   On-campus dorm •   Intramural sports •   Clubs and student activities •   Four-year degrees	•   Technical focus •   Less classroom learning •   Hands-on training •   Shorter programs

How Does Technical School Work?

The way that technical school works is students choose a specific program to pursue and then complete the required coursework to finish the program or earn a certificate that enables them to work in the career of their choice. Technical school involves hands-on instruction so students can learn valuable technical skills.

Getting Into Technical School

Generally, students need to have a high school diploma, state-issued GED, or to have passed a state-authorized equivalency exam in order to qualify for technical school, but students don’t have to compete for acceptance like they would at a four-year university.

Cost of Technical School

The cost of technical school can vary quite a bit based on factors including the school, its location, the program type and the length of the program.

What Can You Study in Technical School

A few examples of career paths technical school can lead to include:

•  Computer technology

•  Healthcare support

•  HVAC technology

•  Electrical installation and maintenance

•  Welding or plumbing

•  Hospitality/hotel and restaurant management

•  Culinary arts

•  Cosmetology

•  Floral design

•  Auto mechanics

•  Graphic design

•  Visual arts

•  Office administration

•  HVAC technology

•  Carpentry or construction

Pros and Cons of Attending Technical School

Now let’s look at some advantages and disadvantages associated with attending technical schools.

Pros	Cons
•   Only requires a one to two year commitment •   Some programs only last a few weeks •   Hands-on training for students who have chosen a career path	•   Limited program and course offerings •   Funnels into specific career paths which could feel limiting •   Academic credits don’t transfer to four-year universities

Technical High Schools

There are also technical high schools that prepare high school students for technical career paths while providing them with a more traditional high school education at the same time.

Financing Technical School

Students who are having trouble affording the cost of technical school or who want to save some money can pursue these options for helping them finance their education.

FAFSA

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) each year while attending school, will allow technical school students to learn if they qualify for any grants, scholarships, or federal student loans. Check in with the financial aid office at your technical school if you have any questions about whether or not they participate in the federal aid program.

Grants

Grants are a form of financial aid that students don’t have to pay back. Essentially, a grant gives students free money to pay for their school tuition, fees, and supplies.

Scholarships

Scholarships are another form of gift aid that students don’t have to pay back. It can be a good idea to apply for scholarships to help lower the cost of attending vocational school.

Private Student Loans

Students who don’t qualify for enough gift aid or federal student loans to cover the costs of attending vocational school can apply for a private student loan through a private lender such as a credit union, bank, or loan lender. Unlike federal student loans, private lenders will often evaluate an applicant’s credit score and history, among other factors, when making lending decisions.

Recommended: A Guide to Private Student Loans

Usually, private student loans come with higher interest rates and less perks than federal student loans, so they are generally considered an option after federal options and other funding sources have been exhausted.

Employer Sponsorship

If someone’s employer would benefit from the skills they would gain by attending technical school, then their employer may be willing to pay for them to attend technical school by offering tuition reimbursement or some other form of financial aid. It can’t hurt for employed students to see what support programs their employer has in place.

Job Prospects for Technical School Graduates

Because different technical schools focus on different training programs, students need to choose one that has a program that aligns with their goals. For example, students who want to attend technical school may be doing so to pursue a career as an auto mechanic, electrician, hair stylist, or chef.

Is Technical School Right for You?

There’s no one right path to take after high school or when deciding to switch careers, but some may find that attending technical school can help them pursue the career of their choice.
Consider your career goals and the requirements for pursuing that career path. If that career path would benefit or require the training offered by a technical school, then it may benefit the student to explore attending a technical school. In some cases, another education option may help them reach that goal more effectively and efficiently than technical school.

The Takeaway

Attending technical school can be a great option for those who want to pursue a career that requires a specialized skill set, yet which doesn’t require a college degree. Technical school takes less time than pursuing a four-year degree and can lead to many great career opportunities.

Some students may find they can’t afford to pay cash for technical school and need to borrow money in order to finance their education. This is where private student loans could help.

SoFi’s private student loans aren’t available to technical school students, but may be worth considering for students transferring to a university. With SoFi private student loans, it’s easy to apply online and borrowers don’t have to worry about expensive fees. After graduation, they can enjoy a six month grace period to give them time to start their career before having to pay back their student loans.

It takes just a few minutes to find out if you pre-qualify for a no fee SoFi private student loan.

FAQ:

How are technical schools and trade schools different?

What’s a technical school and how does it differ from a trade school? The main difference between trade schools and technical schools, is that technical schools offer more classroom and instructional education, whereas trade schools do more hands-on training (although technical schools offer this type of training as well, just not as much).

How is college different from a technical school?

At a college, it’s possible to pursue a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years to complete, whereas technical school helps students work towards certificates that take two years or less to pursue. Students who attend college usually focus on more academic disciplines, whereas technical school teaches specialized skills.

What can you study at a technical school?

It’s possible to study many different subjects at technical schools and the subjects each school teaches can vary. For example, students can enroll in programs focused on computer technology, healthcare support, HVAC technology, electrical installation and maintenance, and plumbing.

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Photo credit: iStock/Laurence Dutton

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Those looking to save on the price of higher education may decide to pursue community college as a path forward. What is a community college?

Community colleges are public colleges designed to make the cost of attending college more affordable for local students. While community colleges don’t offer four-year degrees, they have two-year degree programs and classes that can transfer to other colleges where students can obtain a four-year degree.

Keep reading for more insight into what a community college is and how these schools work, as well as how they compare to four year universities.

What Are Community Colleges?

Community colleges are colleges designed to serve the local community. Students live off campus (often at home with their families if they are young) and can pursue an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree, which typically only take two years to complete. Students have the option of taking courses that can transfer credits to a four year university so they can pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.

Community colleges may also have vocational and technical programs for those looking to pursue careers that don’t require a four-year degree, but that do require technical knowledge. If you’re considering trade school vs community college, review factors such as the programs offered, time to complete programs, and any other opportunities (such as professional development opportunities) available at the schools.

How Do Community Colleges Work?

Community colleges provide a flexible learning opportunity that can help students reach a variety of goals. While some students attend community college with a goal to transfer after earning some lower division credits, some attend with the goal of earning an Associates degree.

Other students aim to earn technical certificates (similar or the same as what technical schools offer) and some simply attend because they love learning and want to pick up a new language, take a film history course, or brush up on a favorite subject. Students can choose to take one class or can enroll full-time.

Do They Accept Everyone?

Community colleges generally accept all students. For example, in California community colleges don’t have any testing requirements and students don’t need to have a certain GPA to be accepted. A high school diploma isn’t required either, but for students that want to apply for federal financial aid, usually a GED or high school diploma is required.

Why Are They Cheaper?

Community colleges are funded by the government in order to offer an affordable education for students. The average cost of attending community college for a year is $3,800, but in many states students who meet certain eligibility requirements can qualify for free tuition. Not to mention, there is generally no on-campus housing option for community college students and many choose to save money by living with a family member such as a parent.

What Kinds of Degrees Are Available?

What are community colleges for and what do community colleges offer? As noted previously, community colleges are designed to help students afford the cost of attending college locally. They offer AA and AS degrees, as well as technical and vocational programs. Attending a community college can also make it possible to transfer credits to a four year university so that the student can spend less time and money at a more expensive school.

Pros and Cons of Attending Community College

Before attending community college, there are some advantages and disadvantages worth keeping in mind.

Pros

Pros of community college include affordability, flexibility, and the opportunity to live at home while attending school.

More Affordable

On average, the annual community college tuition is $3,570 versus $9,970 for attending an in-state and public four-year college. Attending a public college out of state or a private college can cost even more.

Can Live at Home

Because community colleges are designed to serve local students, it’s usually possible to live at home with family while attending community college which helps keep education costs down.

Easier Acceptance

Community colleges don’t require a certain high school GPA or test scores in order to be accepted.

Flexible Course Scheduling

Community colleges may have flexible course schedules that allow students to work while attending classes. Some programs may also offer online or hybrid class models.

Cons

There are also some disadvantages, worth considering before attending a community college.

Credits Don’t Always Transfer

Certain course credits only transfer to select colleges which can make the transfer process confusing. Some community college students end up taking courses they don’t end up getting credit for when they transfer. It can help to work closely with your advisor to ensure the courses you complete at community college will transfer to the universities you are interested in transferring to.

Instructors May Not Be Full-Time

Some community college instructors teach at multiple colleges, which could make them less accessible when it comes to office hours.

Less Social or Extracurricular Opportunity

Community colleges have less of an emphasis on social life and activities since students commute and don’t live on campus. Many students also juggle work, parenthood, and other commitments outside of attending community college which leaves little time for socializing.

The table below outlines a recap of the pros and cons of attending a community college.

Pros	Cons
•   More affordable •   Can live at home •   Easier acceptance	•   Credits don’t always transfer •   Instructors aren’t full-time •   Less Social or Extracurricular Opportunity

Differences Between Community Colleges and Universities

When evaluating community colleges vs. universities, major differences include degree types available, cost, time commitment to complete a degree, and the application process.

Community Colleges	Universities
•   Lower cost •   AA and AS degrees •   Vocational and technical training •   Smaller class sizes •   May offer guaranteed acceptance •   Can’t obtain a four year degree	•   More expensive tuition •   BA and BS degrees •   On campus housing and meal plans available •   Competitive application process •   Specific admittance requirements •   Better athletic and extracurricular opportunities

What Are the Job Prospects for Community College Graduates?

Attending community college can lead to many different job opportunities in the business and labor sectors. From automotive technology to culinary arts to childcare to marketing to sales — the list goes on.

Additionally, community college graduates can continue their education if they are interested in a career path that requires a Bachelor’s degree or more.

How to Pay for Community College

Even though community college is one of the more affordable higher education options available to students, some may still need help affording the cost of tuition, fees, and books, which can cost thousands of dollars a year. Here’s a few options students can pursue for paying for community college.

FAFSA

Each year, students can fill out the free Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to find out what types of federal grants, scholarships, and federal student loans they qualify for. After seeing what grants they qualify for, students can better determine how much they actually need to spend and if they’ll need to borrow money to afford the costs of attending community college.

Grants

Speaking of grants, this is a form of gift aid that students don’t need to pay back. This is why it’s so important to fill out the FAFSA each year to see what grants are available.

Scholarships

Scholarships are another form of gift aid that students don’t have to worry about paying back. Each school’s financial aid office can help students learn more about what scholarships they have available, but students can also apply for scholarships with external organizations. There are a variety of online databases and scholarship search tools that students can use to learn more about scholarship opportunities.

Federal Student Loans

Federal student loans come from the U.S. Department of Education and as a result tend to have better interest rates and protections (like deferment and access to forgiveness programs) than private student loans for undergraduates offer. When students complete the FAFSA, they’ll learn more about which types of federal loans they qualify for and how much they qualify for.

Private Student Loans

Private student loans come from financial institutions like banks, credit unions, and loan lenders. These loans tend to cost more and how each lender handles repayment and fees, and the rates they charge can vary greatly. Generally, it’s best to exhaust federal student loan options before applying for private ones.

One important thing to know before applying for private student loans is that lenders will evaluate the applicants credit score and history, as well as their income are taken into account. The better someone’s credit history is, the better interest rates and loan terms they can qualify for. This is why many young students find it beneficial to add a cosigner to their private student loan application.

The Takeaway

Attending community college can lead students down many different paths, including transfering to a university that offers BA and BS degrees. Community college is typically a more affordable education option for students (unless they qualify for a full-ride scholarship to a four-year university) looking to pursue higher education.

That being said, some students may find they need to take out loans to afford the cost of community college. This is where private student loans can step in.

With SoFi Private Student Loans, borrowers can apply online with a cosigner in just a few minutes. While SoFi’s loans aren’t available to community college students, they may be an option for those transferring to a four-year university. There are no fees and graduates can enjoy a six month grace period before they have to start the repayment process.

Private student loans from SoFi have no fees, offer flexible repayment plans, and an easy online application.

FAQ

How are community colleges and regular colleges different?

Community colleges offer a variety of technical and vocational programs, as well as two year Associate degree programs. Regular colleges offer four-year Bachelor’s degrees, as well as graduate school degrees.

What purpose do community colleges serve?

Community colleges make achieving a post-high school education more accessible and affordable to students. Students can live at home with their families while attending a local community college so they can save money on housing while accessing affordable tuition.

Why are community colleges so much cheaper than 4-year universities?

Community colleges are funded by the government to help make pursuing a college education or vocational training more affordable. Community colleges also lack some of the expensive bells and whistles that large universities come with, like on-campus housing and dining halls.

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Photo credit: iStock/SDI Productions

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Cosmetology school teaches learners about the application of ingredients and chemicals of beauty products as well as how to care for clients’ hair, nails, skin, and more. Cosmetologists can study a single beauty area or specialize in a range of areas. In general, cosmetology school takes less than two years to complete, but it depends on whether you choose to attend school full- or part-time, your state requirements, and the program and school you choose to attend.

Paying for cosmetology school may involve obtaining a mix of grants, scholarships, work-study, and cosmetology loans. You may also choose to pay for school with money you’ve saved.

Read on for more information on how to pay for cosmetology school. We’ll focus on aid that must be repaid (student loans) and will also touch on other types of aid that do not need to be repaid — grants, scholarships, and work-study.

What to Consider When Choosing a School for Cosmetology

It’s a good idea to visit community colleges or cosmetology school campuses prior to choosing the right cosmetology school for you. In general, it’s a good idea to interview an admissions representative or other professional about graduation rates, loan default rate, job placement rate, and school costs. The answer to these questions can give you a good indication of the quality of the school and whether the school might be a good fit for you.

You may also want to consider whether or not you’d like to attend an accredited institution, since many good cosmetology schools choose not to become accredited. An accredited institution is one that meets specific academic and institutional requirements by an institution that offers accreditation. An accrediting body will typically take a look at facilities and staff as well as the curriculum of the school and admission requirements.

Graduation Rate

The graduation rate can tell you a lot about the satisfaction of current and past students at a particular cosmetology school.

The most recent data shows that, about 34% of full-time undergraduate students who began a certificate or associate’s degree at two-year institutions received their certificate or degree within 150% of the normal time required.

On the other hand, 14% of that same cohort had transferred to another institution within 150% of normal completion time. A total of 10% stayed enrolled in that same institution. The rest of the students in the cohort were no longer enrolled in the original institution nor were they recorded as a transfer at a different institution — a total of 42% of students.

Look for a school that offers a high retention rate, which measures the percentage of first-time students who return to the institution to continue their studies the following fall. One way to measure retention and graduation rates is to use College Navigator “>College Navigator, which offers this information about nearly 7,000 colleges and universities in the U.S.

Loan Default Rate

Consider asking about the student loan default rate for a particular institution. The loan default rate indicates whether students are successful in paying off their student loans. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Education publishes the cohort default rate (CDR) which shows how well prior students have done at repaying their student loans. You can check the Department’s cohort default rate database for specific institutions.

Why should you worry about loan default rate? It illustrates the relationship between the quality of the degree and the ability of graduates to obtain jobs that can help them pay off their loans. While a low default rate doesn’t automatically put a particular cosmetology school into the “good school” category, it’s a great metric to have at your disposal.

Job Placement Rate

Job placement rate might be one of the most important questions you can ask a particular college or university. The job placement rate is the percentage in which graduates of the program obtain job placement. Most schools survey students to obtain this data and will showcase it on their websites.

However, there’s no universal method that schools use to arrive at their numbers. That’s why it’s also a good idea to ask deeper questions when you tour cosmetology schools. Dig into whether students who graduate are employed by salons or other cosmetology-related businesses. Ask about how often they open up their own salons. Ask for admission professionals to give you examples of successful alumni and if possible, lists of where the most current graduating alumni currently work.

Also ask about exam rates, because states require students to take a licensing exam in order to be able to practice. How many students successfully pass and how many have passed in recent years?

School Costs

A cosmetology school program may cost between $5,000 to $20,000. Find out how much each school costs and learn the cost breakdown. You should be able to find this information on the school’s website, but it’s a good idea to make an appointment with the financial aid office at the institutions you’re considering to get an exact estimate of all costs as they pertain to your situation.

Furthermore, don’t forget to ask questions about how much tuition will increase over the time you’ll be at the cosmetology school and whether financial aid will match the increasing tuition.

Cosmetology Career Options

As mentioned before, cosmetology careers can encompass a wide range of career options. It’s important to study the types of programs a particular cosmetology school offers in order to make sure it matches up with your career goals. Many cosmetology programs offer full programs in hair styling, skin care, nail care, and makeup. However, many cosmetology programs also offer training in esthetics, nail technology, electrolysis, and teaching as well:

•  Esthetics: Students in this area learn to apply makeup, wax, and perform facials. They also learn how to give clients massages and perform reflexology.

•  Nail technology: Going a step beyond nail care, nail technology includes studying nail art, design, and how to implement tips, wraps, and gels.

•  Electrolysis: Learners who study electrolysis learn the art of permanent facial and body hair removal methods.

•  Teacher training: Students who want to prepare future cosmetologists may choose to enter into a teacher training program.

Cosmetology School Financing Options

The amount of financial aid you receive could be affected by whether a school chooses to become accredited or not. Schools often become accredited in order to offer Title IV government funding to cosmetology students through the U.S. Department of Education. If you attend a schools that is not accredited, you won’t be eligible for federal student aid like federal student loans.

The next sections will review information about scholarships and grants, payment plans, trade school loans, work-study programs, and federal and private student loans.

1. Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are two methods you can use to pay for college. Scholarships, which can be considered free money and don’t have to be repaid (unless there are caveats in the scholarship requirements — for example, you may be required to finish the program). They can come from a wide variety of agencies, institutions, and organizations. Know the scholarship requirements in depth before you apply. It’s also a good idea to look into a wide variety of scholarship opportunities. Opportunities can come from your cosmetology school or your community.

Grants can be awarded to students from the federal government, state government, or your cosmetology school. Most of the time, you won’t have to pay the money back. However, if you don’t finish your program or fail to fulfill some other requirement, you may have to repay all or a portion of your grant money. The U.S. Department of Education offers several federal grants, including Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants.

The American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) partners with various sponsors in the beauty industry to offer scholarships and grants to help students pay for tuition at their chosen institutions.

2. Cosmetology School Payment Plans

Cosmetology schools may allow you to make incremental payments. This means that instead of paying the full tuition bill at the beginning of a new semester, you make small, likely interest-free payments as you complete each course. Students who want to pay for cosmetology school without loans may prefer this method of chopping up payments into smaller bits.

The financial aid offices at the schools on your list will have more information about how payment plans work.

3. Trade School Loans

Learners who attend trade schools can get both private and federal student loans. Federal student loans come from the federal government, while private student loans come from a bank, credit union, or other financial institution. Both types of loans must be repaid with interest, which will vary depending on the type of loan you receive.

Some private lenders offer specific loans for those attending trade schools. It’s important to look into the details before you apply for a trade school loan, such as interest rates, repayment plans, and more.

4. Work-Study Programs

The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time jobs for students to help pay for expenses related to education. Work-study often gives students enough of a stipend to pay for small expenses such as books. As long as you are enrolled at least part-time, you may apply for a job as long as your school participates in the Federal Work-Study Program. Check with your school’s financial aid office to find out if your school participates.

Because work-study is part of a federally funded program, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) in order to qualify.

5. Federal Student Loans for Cosmetology School

The federal student loan program can offer loans for cosmetology school that come from the U.S. Department of Education through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. You may be able to tap into Direct Loans, including the Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans:

•  Direct Subsidized loans: Cosmetology school students who have financial need may be awarded the Direct Subsidized Loan to help pay for career school. The federal government will pay the interest while you’re in school.

•  Direct Unsubsidized loans: After filing the FAFSA, cosmetology students may want to take advantage of Direct Unsubsidized loans. This federal student loan is not based on financial need and the government does not take care of the interest while you’re in school.

•  Direct PLUS loans: Parents of undergraduate students can help pay for cosmetology students’ education with a Direct PLUS loan. Parents will have to undergo a credit check. An adverse credit history may require an additional credit check.

The interest rates of federal student loans are typically lower than that of private student loans and they offer income-driven repayment plans and other perks such as public service loan forgiveness. Keep in mind that, as mentioned, one of the federal student loan requirements is attending an accredited institution.

6. Private Student Loans for Cosmetology School

You can also obtain private student loans for cosmetology school. Private student loans for cosmetology school are different from federal student loans because they come from different organizations. However, they also diverge further from there. Private student loans may require you to make payments while you are still in school. They may have variable or fixed interest rates. Federal interest rates, on the other hand, are always fixed.

Private cosmetology school loans are not subsidized, which means that your lender doesn’t pay the interest on your loans while you’re in school. You’re usually completely responsible for paying the interest on your loans.

In addition, you must also have to have a positive credit history or a cosigner to get a private loan. You cannot consolidate your loans (turn them into one loan) like you can with a federal Direct Consolidation Loan or take advantage of loan forgiveness programs with a private student loan. Because private student loans lack the benefits offered with federal student loans, they are often considered a last-resort option.

Are student loans worth it? It’s important to remember that private student loans can fill in the gaps between scholarships, grants, your own cash, and cosmetology loans for school. Check on the student loan requirements among private student loans as well as when to apply for student loans.

Explore Private Student Loan Options With SoFi

If you decide to take advantage of your federal student loan options but still need more loans to cover your tuition bill, private student loans with SoFi may help. SoFi private student loans may be an option for certain eligible certificate programs.

SoFi offers competitive rates for qualifying borrowers as well as flexible repayment options. You also won’t pay any extra fees to get a private loan with SoFi.

Explore your cosmetology student loan options with SoFi.

FAQ

Are there student loans for cosmetology school?

Yes, you can take advantage of both federal student loans and private student loans for cosmetology school. You may also want to consider tapping into trade school loans as well. It’s worth meeting with the financial aid office at your cosmetology school in order to make the right decision about the type of loans for your particular situation.

How do you get money for cosmetology school?

In order to get money for cosmetology school, you’ll want to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal and institutional financial aid, including institutional scholarships, federal student loans, and grants. If you want to apply for outside scholarships, you may have to seek out and apply for independent scholarships.

How do I go to cosmetology school for free?

You may be able to get free training while still in high school. Many high schools have agreements with technical or vocational schools or community colleges that allow you to attend at no cost. Some community colleges also offer free tuition to certain students as long as they meet certain requirements.

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Photo credit: iStock/Natalia Rusanova
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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

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Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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If you’re trying to pay down debt and you own a home, you may be wondering whether it makes sense to use a cash-out refinance to pay off debt.

There are pros and cons to going this route, and it’s important to understand how the process works to help decide if it’s the right option for you.

Read on to find out how to use a cash-out refinance to pay off debt, the costs involved, the benefits and drawbacks, and other options for repaying debt you owe.

Using a Cash-Out Refi to Pay Off Debt

In mid 2023, household debt (not including mortgages) in the U.S. exceeded $4.7 trillion dollars, according to a report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. It’s no wonder then that individuals are looking for ways to get out from under the debt they owe.

A cash-out refinance for debt consolidation allows you to use the equity in your home to pay off debt by taking on a new mortgage. The new mortgage pays off your old mortgage and it comes with new terms, including a new interest rate that’s potentially lower, and length of time to repay the loan. The new mortgage terms may be better than your original mortgage, but it’s also possible they may not be as favorable.

Here’s a quick course in cash-out refinancing 101 and how it works:

Determine How Much Cash You Need

When you’re considering a cash-out refinance to pay off debt, first figure out how much money you’ll need. To do this, add up all the debts you want to pay off. Include things like credit card and personal loan debt and medical bills.

Determine How Much You Can Borrow

The amount you can borrow with a cash-out refinance depends on how much equity you have in your home. Equity is how much your home is worth compared to how much you owe. Typically, you can borrow up to 80% of your home’s market value.

Here’s an example of how cash-out refinancing works: Let’s say your home is worth $500,000 and you owe $300,000 on your current mortgage. That means your home equity is $200,000. With a cash-out refinance loan, a lender might let you borrow up to 80% of your equity (as long as you qualify for that amount), which is $400,000.

You’ll need to use that $400,000 to pay off the $300,000 you owe on your mortgage and also closing costs. That leaves you with about $100,000 in a cash out refinance for debt consolidation.

Prepare Your Cash-Out Refinance Application

Your cash-out refinance application is much like the mortgage application you filled out when you bought your house. Lenders will look at and evaluate such factors as your:

•   Credit score: Many lenders look for a minimum credit score of 620 for a cash-out refinance

•   Debt-to-income (DTI) Ratio: DTI compares your monthly debts to your gross monthly income. In order to qualify for a cash-out refinance, lenders typically look for a DTI of less than 50%.

•   Home equity: As mentioned above, you’ll likely need at least 80% equity in your home.

You may need to provide the lender with documents such as bank statements and W-2s.


💡 Quick Tip: Thinking of using a mortgage broker? That person will try to help you save money by finding the best loan offers you are eligible for. But if you deal directly with an online mortgage lender, you won’t have to pay a mortgage broker’s commission, which is usually based on the mortgage amount.

Complete the Closing and Pay Closing Costs

If the cost to refinance a mortgage makes sense for you, and you qualify with a lender, you’ll pay closing costs to cover such fees as credit reports and appraisals. Closing costs may be wrapped into the refinanced loan amount. After you close on the loan you’ll receive your funds.

If You’re Consolidating Debts, Let The Lender Know

It’s possible that your debts may be high enough to preclude you from qualifying for a cash-out refinance. However, if the lender knows you’ll be consolidating debts, they can include those debts in your loan amount for consolidation.

That way you’ll be paying off the debts in one payment with the new interest rate (ideally, a lower one) you received with your cash-out refinance.

Benefits of Cash-Out Refinancing to Pay Off Debt

When you consolidate debts with a cash-out refi, you have just one monthly payment to make. That’s usually more manageable than trying to pay multiple bills all at once.

There are other potential benefits as well.

Consolidating Debts Can Lead to Savings

High-interest debt can be difficult to pay back. Credit card APRs can reach 29.99% or higher, which adds to the amount you need to pay each month. When you consolidate debt with a cash-out refinance, you may save money on interest costs.

Cash-Out Refinancing Can Pay Debts Quickly

When you take out a cash-out refi to tackle the debt you owe, you may be able to pay off certain debts faster than you would have otherwise. You’ll likely be paying less in interest, which could allow you to put more money toward the debt balance.

Impact On Credit Score

Paying off high-interest debts with a cash-out refi could lower your credit utilization rate, which is the amount of credit you’re using. Credit utilization is an important factor in your credit score.

Should You Use a Cash-Out Refinance to Pay Off Credit Card Debt?

Interest rates on credit cards are typically high, and can be more than 30%. The interest rate on a mortgage tends to be much lower. If you can get a lower interest rate to repay your debt, a cash-out refinance could be worth it. However, if you choose this method, be careful to avoid overspending and running up credit card debt again. Changing your spending habits can be critical to staying out of debt.

Drawbacks of Using a Cash-Out Refinance to Pay Off Debt

A cash-out refinance also has some significant disadvantages to consider. These include:

Increased Monthly Mortgage Payment

When you take out a bigger loan amount, you may also end up with a higher monthly mortgage payment. You’ll be responsible for paying that higher amount each month.

Turning Unsecured Debt Into Secured Debt

Another factor to consider is that if you can’t pay back everything you borrow with a cash-out refinance, you could be in danger of losing your home. That’s because a mortgage is secured debt, and your home is collateral for the loan. While that’s true with any mortgage, with a cash-out refinance you are likely borrowing even more money since you’re using the extra cash to tackle debt, which means there’s more for you to repay.

Closing Costs

When you refinance a mortgage, including a cash-out refinance, you need to pay closing costs. These costs can be around $5,000 according to Freddie Mac. However, the size of your loan and where you live can affect how much your closing costs may be.

Cash-Out Refinance vs. Debt Consolidation

With a cash-out refinance, you take out a new mortgage to repay your old mortgage and also get cash you can use for a variety of purposes, including paying debt. With debt consolidation, you combine all your debts into one loan. A debt consolidation loan is not secured by your home; a cash-out refinance loan is.


💡 Quick Tip: Because a cash-out refi is a refinance, you’ll be dealing with one loan payment per month. Other ways of leveraging home equity (such as a home equity loan) require a second mortgage.

Alternatives to Cash-Out Refinance Loans

A cash-out refi isn’t your only option for paying off debt. Here are some other methods to consider.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A home equity line of credit is secured by the equity in your house. It’s similar to a line of credit, so you borrow just what you need when you need it, and you only pay interest on what you borrow. However, if you don’t pay off a HELOC you may be in danger of foreclosure.

Home Equity Loan

With a home equity loan, you receive a lump sum of money and make regular fixed payments. Interest rates tend to be higher than they are for a cash-out refinance, and you will need to pay closing costs.

Personal Loan

A personal loan is an unsecured loan that you can use for almost any purpose, including debt consolidation. These loans generally come with higher interest rates than a cash-out refinance, HELOC, or home equity loan. They also have a shorter term, which means you’ll need to make higher monthly payments. But that also means the loan will be paid off sooner.

Balance Transfer Credit Card

A balance transfer credit card typically offers a 0% introductory rate for a number of months (up to about 21 months) on debt you transfer from another source, which is usually another credit card. There is a balance transfer fee of around 3%, but you won’t won’t owe interest on the balance you transfer. If you have a lower debt amount that you can pay off in a relatively short amount of time, this option might make sense. However, to qualify for the 0% rate, you’ll typically need a strong credit score.

The Takeaway

If you need to pay off high-interest debt and you have sufficient equity in your home, a cash-out refinance can be an option worth exploring. It can give you a lower interest rate, as long as you qualify, which could help you save money. However, keep in mind that you will need to pay closing costs when refinancing, and the terms of the loan, including the length of the loan, will change.

Turn your home equity into cash with a cash-out refi. Pay down high-interest debt, or increase your home’s value with a remodel. Get your rate in a matter of minutes, without affecting your credit score.*

Our Mortgage Loan Officers are ready to guide you through the cash-out refinance process step by step.

FAQ

Can I use a cash-out refinance to pay off both secured and unsecured debts?

Yes. A cash-out refinance can be used to pay off a variety of debts, including secured debts as well as unsecured debts, like credit cards.

Are there any tax implications of using a cash-out refinance for debt repayment?

If you use a cash-out refinance for debt repayment, you won’t owe taxes on the money you receive from the cash-out refi. That’s because the money is considered a loan that needs to be paid back, and not income. At the same time, per IRS guidelines, you typically can’t deduct the interest on a cash-out refinance if you use the money to pay off debt.

What factors should I consider when deciding whether to use a cash-out refinance for debt repayment?

If you have high-interest credit card debt, and you can get a lower interest rate to repay your debt with a cash-out refinance, it may be worth it for you. But first make sure you can change your spending habits to avoid overspending and running up credit card debt all over again.

Also, consider the fact that your monthly mortgage payment will likely be higher with a cash-out refinance. Can you afford that higher amount? And you’ll also have to pay closing costs. Calculate to be sure that the amount of cash you’ll get from the cash-out refi is sufficiently more than what you’ll spend on closing costs.

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Photo credit: iStock/fizkes

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

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A home loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be a great way for eligible service members and their beneficiaries to take out an affordable mortgage — but even though they don’t require a down payment, they’re not free. The VA loan funding fee is a one-time charge associated with taking out a VA home loan. The amount you’ll pay depends on what type of loan you’re taking out, how much you are borrowing, whether or not it’s your first time taking out such a loan, and the size of your down payment.

However, there are some circumstances in which you may not have to pay the VA funding fee — or in which you might be eligible for a funding fee refund. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how the VA home loan funding fee works, and how much you might expect to pay if you’re planning to get one.

What Is a VA Funding Fee?

As discussed above, the VA funding fee is a one-time fee an eligible service member, veteran, or survivor must usually pay in order to take out a VA home loan. This is separate from any down payment the borrower might make, homeowners insurance, or any other cost associated with home-buying: the funding fee’s purpose, per the VA itself, is to help “lower the cost of the loan for U.S. taxpayers.”

Whether you’re buying, building, renovating, or repairing a home, or even refinancing an existing mortgage, if you take out a VA loan, you’ll need to pay the funding fee unless you meet an exemption requirement, which we’ll talk about in more detail below. Of course you’ll also need to meet any other VA loan requirements, much the way you would if you were qualifying for a conventional home loan.


💡 Quick Tip: Apply for a VA loan and borrow up to $1.5 million with a fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgage. The flexibility extends to the down payment, too — qualified VA homebuyers don’t even need one!†

How Does the VA Funding Fee Differ From Mortgage Insurance?

Mortgage insurance, also known as private mortgage insurance or PMI, is usually required on conventional mortgages when the borrower makes a down payment less than 20%. In most cases, when you take out a VA loan, you’re not required to make a down payment at all, nor to pay mortgage insurance. The VA funding fee is a totally separate cost.

Even though it might sound like a downer at first, paying the VA funding fee rather than PMI is really good news for borrowers: Although the VA funding fee is calculated as a percentage of your overall home loan, just like mortgage insurance, it’s far less expensive than having to pay mortgage insurance over time. That’s because the funding fee is assessed just once, while mortgage insurance is paid every month as part of your mortgage payment until you’ve paid off more than 20% of the home loan. That means PMI has the ability to stack up to very high amounts over time.

Recommended: The Different Types of Home Mortgage Loans

Why Is the VA Loan Funding Fee Assessed?

As discussed above, the VA loan funding fee is meant to help lower the cost of VA loans to American taxpayers, since these loans don’t require the borrower to make a down payment or pay mortgage insurance. It’s a relatively small, one-time cost that makes the whole program more affordable for everybody in the long run — what some might call a win-win situation.

How Much Is the VA Funding Fee?

The amount of the VA funding fee varies depending on whether or not this is your first time using a VA loan and how large of a down payment you’re planning to make. (Which type of loan to get is one of many things you’ll have to consider if you’re a first-time homebuyer.) The higher a down payment you make, the lower your VA funding fee will be — and the fees are always lowest the first time you take out a VA loan.These fees can be adjusted over time, and they actually went down in 2023. Today, they range from 1.25% to 3.3%.


💡 Quick Tip: Active duty service members who have served for at least 90 consecutive days are eligible for a VA loan. But so are many veterans, surviving spouses, and National Guard and Reserves members. It’s worth exploring with an online VA loan application because the low interest rates and other advantages of this loan can’t be beat.†

2023 VA Funding Fees for Purchase and New Construction Loans

Here are the rates active-duty military members, veterans, and their survivors can expect when taking out a VA loan. If you used a VA loan in the past to pay for a manufactured home, you’re considered a first-timer for the purposes of this fee. And if your loan from the VA is a Native American Direct Loan, you pay a flat 1.25% regardless of whether this is your first VA loan or how much your down payment is.

	Down Payment Amount	VA Funding Fee
First VA Loan	Less than 5%	2.15%
	5% to 9.99%	1.5%
	10% or higher	1.25%
Subsequent VA Loans	Less than 5%	3.3%
	5% to 9.99%	1.5%
	5% to 9.99%	1.5%

How Is the Fee Paid?

The VA funding fee is due when your loan closes. You can either pay it all at once as a lump sum then, or incorporate it into your financing and pay it off over time. Of course, if you choose to finance your funding fee, you will likely accrue interest on it, making it more expensive in the long run.

Are There Any VA Funding Fee Exemptions?

Yes! If you fall into one of the following circumstances, you won’t have to pay a VA funding fee:

•   You’re receiving VA compensation for a disability connected to your service.

•   You’re eligible to receive VA compensation for a disability connected to your service, but you’re being paid for active duty or receiving retirement compensation instead.

•   You’re the surviving spouse of a veteran and you receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

•   You’ve received, before the date your loan closes, a proposed or memorandum rating that says you’re eligible for compensation because of a pre-discharge claim.

•   You’re an active duty service member who provides evidence before or on your closing date of having received the Purple Heart.

Is Anyone Eligible for a VA Funding Fee Refund?

In addition to the above circumstances, if you’re later deemed eligible for VA compensation due to a disability connected to your service, you may be entitled for a refund of your VA funding fee. To confirm, you’d need to call your VA regional loan center at (877) 827-3702 (TTY: 711). They’re available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.

Recommended: The Cost of Living by State

What Do You Need to Provide to Get a VA Funding Fee Refund?

While the VA regional loan center will walk you through your funding fee refund claim, be aware that you’ll need to provide some documentation to prove your eligibility for a refund. That includes:

•   A copy of your disability award letter — the office may also be able to verify your compensation in your system if you’ve lost the letter

•   A copy of the signed closing documents

•   A copy of your current mortgage statement

Some or all of your VA funding fee may be refunded depending on the eligibility of your claim.

The Takeaway

The VA funding fee is a one-time fee that borrowers must pay to take out a VA loan. It’s due at closing, and the amount varies depending on how much you borrow, the size of your down payment and other factors. First-time VA borrowers always enjoy lower fees than those who take out subsequent VA loans.

SoFi offers VA loans with competitive interest rates, no private mortgage insurance, and down payments as low as 0%. Eligible service members, veterans, and survivors may use the benefit multiple times.

Our Mortgage Loan Officers are ready to guide you through the process step by step.

FAQ

What is the typical funding fee for a VA loan?

For a first-time borrower who doesn’t make a down payment as part of their home purchase, the VA loan funding fee in 2023 is 2.15% of the loan amount. So if you borrowed $200,000 in this scenario, the fee would be $4,300.

What is the new VA funding fee for 2023?

Fees now range from 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan amount, depending on your circumstances. The VA home loan funding fee percentage was reduced as of April 7, 2023 by 0.15% in most categories — and 0.3% for those taking out a VA loan that is not their first and who put down less than 5%.

How to avoid VA funding fee

Unless you are eligible for an exemption due to a service-connected disability (or in a few other instances), it’s impossible to avoid the VA funding fee entirely if you’re taking out a VA loan. That said, your funding fee will be lower if you put down a higher down payment. It’s also lower for first-time borrowers than those taking out subsequent VA loans.

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Photo credit: iStock/kupicoo

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

^†Veterans, Service members, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by VA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. VA loans typically require a one-time funding fee except as may be exempted by VA guidelines. The fee may be financed or paid at closing. The amount of the fee depends on the type of loan, the total amount of the loan, and, depending on loan type, prior use of VA eligibility and down payment amount. The VA funding fee is typically non-refundable. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.

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