How to Apply for Financial Aid at Premier Barber Institute

Thinking about barber school but worried about how to pay for it? You’re not the only one. A lot of future barbers start right where you are — excited about the career, but unsure how to make the numbers work.

The good news? At Premier Barber Institute, we have plenty of ways to help you pay for school if you qualify. Whether it’s federal aid, Pennsylvania state programs, scholarships, payment plans, or VA benefits, there are options to fit many different situations.

And applying for financial aid doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, once you know the steps, it’s pretty simple — and we’ll walk you through it.

First Things First: Why Bother With Financial Aid?

You might be thinking, “I probably won’t qualify for much, so why even try?”
Here’s the thing — you might be surprised.

Even if you don’t end up with a full grant or loan, filling out the FAFSA® can open the door to other opportunities like scholarships and state aid. Plus, it’s free to apply — so there’s really nothing to lose.

Financial aid can help you:

• Cut down the amount you pay out-of-pocket
• Spread out payments so school feels more affordable
• Get grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back
• Reduce the need for high-interest loans

Step 1: Fill Out the FAFSA®

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is the big first step. Think of it like your golden ticket — it’s the form most schools, states, and even scholarship programs use to figure out what help you qualify for.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Get your info together
   You’ll need things like your Social Security number, last year’s tax returns, W-2 forms, and any income information. If you’re a dependent student, you’ll also need your parent or guardian’s info.
2. Figure out if you’re dependent or independent
   • Independent: You’re 24 or older, married, have kids, or meet certain other criteria (like being a veteran).
   • Dependent: You’ll need to include your parent’s income and tax info.
3. Go online
   Head to fafsa.gov or download the FAFSA® app. When you’re filling it out, make sure to use our school code: 042523 so your results go straight to us.
4. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
   This pulls your tax info automatically — way easier than typing it in yourself.

Tip: Even if you’re not sure you’ll qualify for federal aid, fill out the FAFSA® anyway. Many other funding options require it as the first step.

Step 2: See What Federal Aid You Can Get

Once you’ve sent in your FAFSA®, you’ll get a Student Aid Report (SAR). That’s just a summary of what you might qualify for.

Here are the most common federal aid options at Premier Barber Institute:

• Pell Grants: Free money for school based on financial need. No repayment required.
• Direct Subsidized Loans: Low-interest loans where the government pays the interest while you’re in school (if you qualify based on need).
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Low-interest loans that anyone can get, no matter your financial need. Interest starts building right away, but it’s still a good option if you need extra help.

Step 3: Check Out Pennsylvania’s State Aid

If you live in Pennsylvania, you could get even more help through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

This can be a loan or sometimes a grant, depending on your situation. To get started, you’ll need to:

1. Fill out the FAFSA®
2. Then apply separately on the PHEAA website

The nice thing about PHEAA is it can help cover costs that other aid doesn’t.

Step 4: Look for Scholarships

Scholarships are basically free money for school — and they’re out there for all kinds of students, including future barbers.

Where to look:

• Beauty Changes Lives: They offer scholarships just for beauty and barbering students.
• Local businesses or community groups: Sometimes barbershop owners, nonprofits, or even your city’s chamber of commerce will offer them.
• Online searches: Use keywords like “barber school scholarships” or “cosmetology scholarships in Pennsylvania.”

Tip: Some scholarships require pictures or videos of your work, so start building a portfolio now — even if you’re just cutting hair for friends or family.

Step 5: Ask About Payment Plans

Let’s say your grants, loans, and scholarships don’t cover the full cost. No problem — at Premier Barber Institute, we can work with you on a payment plan so you can pay the rest in smaller chunks.

Payment plans help you:

• Avoid big upfront payments
• Spread costs out while you’re in school
• Stay on track to graduate without extra stress

Step 6: If You’re a Veteran, Look Into VA Benefits

If you’ve served in the U.S. military — or you’re an eligible family member — you might be able to use VA education benefits to help pay for school.

Some common programs are:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill®
• Montgomery GI Bill®
• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

If you think you might qualify, check the VA website or give our financial aid team a call — we’ll help guide you through the steps.

Step 7: Come See Us for a Tour

Once you’ve got the FAFSA® started (or even before), we’d love to have you visit. During your tour, you can:

• Meet instructors
• See the classrooms and barbering stations
• Ask questions about your financial aid* options
• Get a better feel for whether our school is the right fit for you

Step 8: Enroll and Start Your Journey

After your tour, if you decide Premier Barber Institute is where you want to be, we’ll walk you through the rest:

• Finalizing your aid package
• Choosing your class schedule
• Getting ready for your first day

Quick Tips for a Smooth Financial Aid Process

• Start early: Some aid is first-come, first-served.
• Stay organized: Keep all your forms and emails in one place.
• Ask for help: Our financial aid team is here for you.
• Reapply each year: The FAFSA® has to be done every school year.

You’re Not Alone in This

At Premier Barber Institute, we’ve helped students from all walks of life figure out how to pay for school, and we can help you, too. Whether you’re fresh out of high school, switching careers, or coming back to school after serving in the military, there’s a path for you.

Here’s your game plan:

1. Fill out the FAFSA® (use school code 042523)
2. Apply for state aid if you live in Pennsylvania
3. Search for scholarships
4. Ask us about payment plans or VA benefits
5. Schedule your tour
6. Enroll and start training for your future

Your dream career as a barber is closer than you think. Let’s make it happen.

*financial aid is available to those who qualify