Barbering/Barber

Barbers handle the grooming needs of men, women and children. The majority of barbers do not have a college degree; barbers typically complete their training via a certified barber or cosmetology school. These can span 6 months to 2 years, depending on the specialization and school. The requirements for these institutions are a high school diploma or GED. In some circumstances, military vocational training can also pass for licensing.

Training programs offer either a diploma, a certificate or a degree. Total number of training hours can range from 1500-1800 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction. Students will learn about sanitation, scalp issues, hair loss, color, styling and beard grooming. Depending on the school there’s usually a course or two on running a barber shop as well as help on where to get financial aid to start a barbering business.

Most states require the future barber to pass a state exam. The exam contains a mix of written and oral questions. It covers everything from hair cutting to color to safety techniques. There’s also a portion of the exam that requires cutting and styling a live model. The current median salary of a barber according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is $26,270.

* Description and images provided by Wikipedia under CC-BY-SA 3.0 license .

Matching Barbering/Barber Colleges

East Mississippi Community College

At least 2 but less than 4 years; Public; $6,500 average out-state tuition; $3,500 average in-state tuition

Central Carolina Community College

At least 2 but less than 4 years; Public; $8,576 average out-state tuition; $2,432 average in-state tuition

Coahoma Community College

At least 2 but less than 4 years; Public; $2,850 average out-state tuition; $2,850 average in-state tuition

Rend Lake College

At least 2 but less than 4 years; Public; $6,000 average out-state tuition; $5,250 average in-state tuition

Northern New Mexico College

Four or more years; Public; $12,171 average out-state tuition; $3,447 average in-state tuition

Scholarships for Barbering/Barber Majors

Bullet name award deadline Link
 

Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE)

Washington Student Achievement Council

Up to $11,000 Varies See Details

Description

The Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) is available to Washington students who are from vocational training backgrounds. WAVE recognizes graduating high school seniors and community and technical college students for outstanding performance in career and technical education (CTE) programs. Awards are based on occupational...

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Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE)

Washington Student Achievement Council

award

Up to $11,000

deadline

Varies
See Details

Description

The Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) is available to Washington students who are from vocational training backgrounds. WAVE recognizes graduating high school seniors and community and technical college students for outstanding performance in career and technical education (CTE) programs. Awards are based on occupational...

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Great Clips Scholarship

Great Clips, Inc.

Up to $5,000 September 01, 2025 See Details

Description

The Great Clips Scholarship is open to students pursuing a career in cosmetology. To be considered, you must submit a short essay describing what excites you about the cosmetology industry, and why.

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Great Clips Scholarship

Great Clips, Inc.

award

Up to $5,000

deadline

September 01, 2025
See Details

Description

The Great Clips Scholarship is open to students pursuing a career in cosmetology. To be considered, you must submit a short essay describing what excites you about the cosmetology industry, and why.

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Moroccanoil Student Scholarship

Professional Beauty Association

$5,000 July 31, 2025 See Details

Description

The Moroccanoil Student Scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in a cosmetology program in the US resulting in a cosmetology license. To be considered you must submit a resume highlighting your skills, experience and what sets you apart in the beauty industry. You must also submit a letter of recommendation and a video showing your...

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Moroccanoil Student Scholarship

Professional Beauty Association

award

$5,000

deadline

July 31, 2025
See Details

Description

The Moroccanoil Student Scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in a cosmetology program in the US resulting in a cosmetology license. To be considered you must submit a resume highlighting your skills, experience and what sets you apart in the beauty industry. You must also submit a letter of recommendation and a video showing your...

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Beauty School Scholarship

Beauty Schools Marketing Group

$2,500 Varies See Details

Description

The Beauty School Scholarship is available to aspiring beauty school students. You must be a legal resident of the U.S. and be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for this award.

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Beauty School Scholarship

Beauty Schools Marketing Group

award

$2,500

deadline

Varies
See Details

Description

The Beauty School Scholarship is available to aspiring beauty school students. You must be a legal resident of the U.S. and be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for this award.

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Schwarzkopf Shaping Futures Scholarship

Professional Beauty Association

$2,000 October 31, 2025 See Details

Description

The Schwarzkopf Shaping Futures Scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in a cosmetology program in the US resulting in a cosmetology license. To be considered you must be at least 18 years of age, submit a letter of recommendation, demonstrate financial need, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

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Schwarzkopf Shaping Futures Scholarship

Professional Beauty Association

award

$2,000

deadline

October 31, 2025
See Details

Description

The Schwarzkopf Shaping Futures Scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in a cosmetology program in the US resulting in a cosmetology license. To be considered you must be at least 18 years of age, submit a letter of recommendation, demonstrate financial need, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

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Future Leader Scholarship - MCC

Marshalltown Community College

$1,000 Varies See Details

Description

The Future Leader Scholarship is available to students at Marshalltown Community College. You must be an Iowa resident, have a minimum GPA of 2.33 and be enrolled in a career-technical training program to be eligible for this award. K-12 and business majors with a minimum GPA of 2.5 also may apply.

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Future Leader Scholarship - MCC

Marshalltown Community College

award

$1,000

deadline

Varies
See Details

Description

The Future Leader Scholarship is available to students at Marshalltown Community College. You must be an Iowa resident, have a minimum GPA of 2.33 and be enrolled in a career-technical training program to be eligible for this award. K-12 and business majors with a minimum GPA of 2.5 also may apply.

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Bhad Scholarship

Educapital Foundation, Inc.

$1,000 Varies See Details

Description

The Bhad Scholarship is open to students entering trade school. You will be matched with a partner school based on the program you select, tuition financing you prefer, and program availability. Program funds are awarded as follows: $1,000,000 in $1,000 scholarships awarded to 1,000 trade school students; $500,000 in $10,000 scholarships for...

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Bhad Scholarship

Educapital Foundation, Inc.

award

$1,000

deadline

Varies
See Details

Description

The Bhad Scholarship is open to students entering trade school. You will be matched with a partner school based on the program you select, tuition financing you prefer, and program availability. Program funds are awarded as follows: $1,000,000 in $1,000 scholarships awarded to 1,000 trade school students; $500,000 in $10,000 scholarships for...

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SkillPointe Quarterly Scholarship

SkillPointe Foundation

$1,000 September 30, 2025 See Details

Description

The SkillPointe Quarterly Scholarship is available to students who are at least 17 years of age. You must be pursuing technical / vocational training in construction, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, transportation, or a related field to be eligible for this award.

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SkillPointe Quarterly Scholarship

SkillPointe Foundation

award

$1,000

deadline

September 30, 2025
See Details

Description

The SkillPointe Quarterly Scholarship is available to students who are at least 17 years of age. You must be pursuing technical / vocational training in construction, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, transportation, or a related field to be eligible for this award.

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My Salon Suite Student Scholarship

Professional Beauty Association

$1,000 August 15, 2025 See Details

Description

The My Salon Suite Student Scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in a cosmetology, barber or esthetics program in the US or Canada resulting in a cosmetology, barber or esthetics license.

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My Salon Suite Student Scholarship

Professional Beauty Association

award

$1,000

deadline

August 15, 2025
See Details

Description

The My Salon Suite Student Scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in a cosmetology, barber or esthetics program in the US or Canada resulting in a cosmetology, barber or esthetics license.

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Second Chances Scholarship In Memory of Dorothy M. Yothers

Washington State Elks Association

Up to $1,000 May 15, 2026 See Details

Description

The Second Chances Scholarship In Memory of Dorothy M. Yothers is available to women over 25 years of age who are U.S. citizens and plan to pursue an eligible vocational/technical course in the state of Washington, above and supplemental to high school or preparatory school level.

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Second Chances Scholarship In Memory of Dorothy M. Yothers

Washington State Elks Association

award

Up to $1,000

deadline

May 15, 2026
See Details

Description

The Second Chances Scholarship In Memory of Dorothy M. Yothers is available to women over 25 years of age who are U.S. citizens and plan to pursue an eligible vocational/technical course in the state of Washington, above and supplemental to high school or preparatory school level.

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