Financial Aid & Payment Options

At this time, Cosmoton Academy is not accredited and does not participate in federal or state financial aid programs, including FAFSA.

If a student chooses to take out a private loan or use personal financing to pay for their barber school education, they will be responsible for repaying the full loan amount, including interest, minus any applicable refund.

While federal financial aid is not available, Cosmoton Academy is committed to making education affordable:

• ✅ Low- to No-Interest Financing Plans

• ✅ Early Payoff Incentives

• ✅ Annual Academic Scholarships for Qualified Students

These flexible payment options are designed to support students from Santa Maria, Lompoc, Santa Ynez, San Luis Obispo, and beyond as they pursue careers in the barbering industry.

• Step one – arrange for a personal interview with Cosmoton Admissions Representative and tour the campus. 
• Step two – present the required educational documentation and identifications. 
  • U.S. High School Diploma, GED, State Proficiency Test or its equivalent. For students that have immigrated to the United States, the services of independent academic evaluators is needed to determine academic readiness. Ability to Benefit (ABT) is accepted.
  • Valid Social Security card or ITIN
  • Valid California ID 
• Step three – schedule a date to take the aptitude exam prior to enrollment. 
• Step four – Cosmoton Admission Representative will review rules and regulations with applicant and offer payment plan available to students. If applicant accepts enrollment agreement it is signed or taken home to review and brought back with initial deposit on the day of orientation. 
• Step five – attend orientation and begin training. 

Tuition, Fees & Student Financing

At Cosmoton Academy, we’re committed to making our Barbering and Hairstyling Programs accessible and affordable for students throughout Lompoc, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez, Arroyo Grande, and San Luis Obispo.

2025 Barbering Program Tuition – 1000 Hours

Cosmoton New Talent Barbering Program

• Total Cost: $17,304.00

• Down Payment: $5,000

• Monthly Payments: $500/month for 24 months

• Financing Rate: 0% interest – in-house student financing available

This barber school payment plan is designed to support students without relying on federal or state aid. We offer:

• ✅ Interest-free financing

• ✅ Early payoff incentives

• ✅ An annual academic scholarship

• ✅ No third-party loan requirement

💡 No FAFSA is required or accepted — Cosmoton does not currently participate in state or federal financial aid programs.

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Full Breakdown of Tuition & Fees

NR = Non-Refundable

All books, tools, and hairstyling supplies are included in the listed cost and provided by Cosmoton Academy. If any items are lost, damaged, or stolen, they must be replaced at the student’s expense.

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Additional Fees

• State Board Barbering Exam + License Fee: $125 (Paid upon graduation)

• Returned Check Fee: $15 (If applicable)

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California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)

The Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) is a California state protection program. It provides relief for eligible students in case of school closure or financial mismanagement.

You must pay the STRF fee if:

• You are a California resident or in a California residency program

• You prepay tuition by cash, private loan, or payment plan

• You are not funded entirely by a third-party payer (e.g., employer or government program)

You are not required to pay STRF if:

• You live outside of California and are not enrolled in a residency program

• A third-party (like an employer or agency) pays your tuition and you’re not obligated to repay them

You may be eligible for STRF reimbursement if you experience an economic loss due to:

• School closure before program completion

• Failure to provide paid-for materials, equipment, or license fees

• Violation of California Private Postsecondary Education regulations

• Inability to recover funds through legal means despite diligent effort

No STRF claims can be paid without a valid Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number.

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Transparency & Accountability

Cosmoton Academy is a non-accredited institution and does not participate in Title IV programs such as FAFSA. We are proud to provide transparent pricing, barber education financing, and career training that equips our students for state licensure and long-term success.

Start Your Barbering Career with Confidence

At Cosmoton Academy, we understand that pursuing a career in barbering is a significant decision. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or an adult seeking a new professional path, we’re here to support your journey every step of the way.

Why Choose a Career in Barbering?

Barbering offers a dynamic and rewarding career with numerous benefits:

• Creative Expression: Showcase your artistic skills through hair design and grooming.

• Flexible Opportunities: Work in various settings, from traditional barbershops to high-end salons.

• Entrepreneurial Potential: Many barbers eventually open their own businesses.

• Personal Fulfillment: Build lasting relationships with clients and make a tangible impact on their lives.

Scholarship Opportunities for Aspiring Barbers

Financing your education is crucial. Below is a curated list of reputable scholarship programs to help you fund your barbering education:

1. Fastweb: A comprehensive scholarship search platform connecting students to college and trade school scholarships. FastwebTeen Vogue+5Fastweb+5Scholarships.com+5

2. Scholarships.com: Offers a vast database of scholarships tailored to your profile. Scholarships.com

3. Appily (formerly Cappex): Provides personalized scholarship matches to help you find funding opportunities. AppilyReddit+2Scholarships.com+2Finaid+2

4. Beauty Changes Lives Foundation: Awards over $500,000 in scholarships annually to future beauty professionals. Beauty Changes LivesBeauty Changes Lives+1Beauty Changes Lives+1

5. Great Clips Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships up to $5,000 to students pursuing cosmetology or barbering education. Great Clips CareersScholarships.com+6Great Clips Careers+6Great Clips Careers+6

6. Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship: Provides financial assistance to students enrolling in cosmetology or barber programs. joefrancis.comSport Clips Careers+2BigFuture+2People.com+2

7. BeautySchoolsDirectory.com Scholarship: Offers a $2,500 scholarship for students and professionals in the beauty and wellness industry. beautyschoolsdirectory.combeautyschoolsdirectory.com+1Beauty Changes Lives+1

8. Sport Clips Scholarship: Awards scholarships to students enrolled in barber or cosmetology programs who have completed at least 50% of their required hours. Sport Clips CareersSport Clips Careers

9. Keller International Scholarship: Provides a $1,000 scholarship to students pursuing a career in the beauty industry. Beauty Changes Lives+1BigFuture+1

10. Buy-Rite Beauty Scholarship: Awards a $1,000 scholarship to cosmetology students exemplifying passion and dedication.

Important Disclaimer

For the convenience of the public, Cosmoton Academy provides information about scholarship programs, including links to independent websites managed by scholarship sponsors. Please note:

• Cosmoton Academy does not control or manage the content of these external websites.

• All inquiries regarding the availability, terms, and conditions of any scholarship should be directed to the respective program sponsor.

• By submitting a scholarship application, you may be required by the scholarship sponsor to consent to the use of your contact information or related application details for marketing, promotional, or other purposes. Please review the terms and conditions of each scholarship program carefully.

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Take the Next Step Toward Your Barbering Career

Embarking on a career in barbering is an exciting journey filled with opportunities for growth, creativity, and personal fulfillment. At Cosmoton Academy, we’re committed to providing you with the education and resources needed to succeed.

Ready to start your journey? Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you achieve your career goals.

Student Housing – Lompoc, CA

Cosmoton Academy does not provide on-campus housing or dormitory facilities. We also do not assume responsibility for student housing arrangements.

However, students enrolling from outside Lompoc or surrounding areas (Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, Arroyo Grande, etc.) may find affordable housing options nearby. According to Rentals.com, the average rent for a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in the Lompoc Valley ranges between $1,200 and $1,400 per month.

We recommend starting your housing search early to ensure availability during your training period at our barber school in Lompoc.

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Student Library Access

Our on-campus reference library provides a quiet and supportive space for barber students to study, research, and review techniques.

• The library is open during school hours.

• Resources include barbering textbooks, state board exam prep materials, and industry reference guides.

• Books are for in-library use only and may not be checked out.

Whether you’re brushing up on California barber laws or reviewing techniques, our reference library supports your career training journey.

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Student Conduct & Professional Expectations

At Cosmoton Academy, we instill professional habits from day one. Our rules and expectations mirror real-world standards in the barbering industry.

Students must:

• Dress in a clean, professional manner at all times (see the Student Handbook for grooming and uniform policies).

• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation to comply with California barbering regulations.

• Respect fellow students and instructors, avoiding any disruption to the learning environment.

• Follow all federal, state, and local laws, especially those directly related to barbering licenses and services.

• Be financially responsible for damages to school property or equipment resulting from negligence or misconduct.

These conduct standards prepare students not only to pass the State Board exam, but also to succeed in a professional barbershop environment.