Overview of Financial Aid at Aveda Institute Portland
There are several options available for paying tuition and all related educational expenses. Available payment methods include Oregon College Savings Plan (529 plan), monthly payment plans, scholarships, private student loans, and Federal Financial Aid through the U.S. Department of Education.
Federal Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for federal financial aid programs that can help cover tuition and other education-related costs. To be considered, students must complete the FAFSA application, and eligibility is determined by federal guidelines. If approved, aid may include grants, student loans, or a combination of both.
Scholarships for Beauty School Students
Scholarship opportunities are available for students pursuing careers in cosmetology, hair design, and esthetics.
- Scholarships may be offered by external organizations and industry groups
- Available to both prospective and current students
- Students are encouraged to apply to all eligible opportunities
- A curated list of cosmetology-related scholarships is provided
Aveda Institute Portland does not endorse or affiliate with external scholarship foundations.

External Scholarship Resources: Scholarship List
Students are encouraged to explore additional scholarship databases. Fastweb.com is a scholarship search engine that helps match students with funding opportunities. Fastweb is an online resource that helps students find ways to pay for and prepare for school. It provides access to scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school freshmen, college-bound students, and returning adult learners.
Payment Plans and Tuition Assistance
Flexible payment plan options are available to help students manage tuition costs over time. Ask your financial aid representative for more information.
- Structured payment scheduling
- Designed to support affordability
- May be combined with other funding options
What is the Cost of Enrolling in Beauty School?
The cost of enrolling in Beauty school varies by program and state, but the total cost of enrollment typically includes tuition, course materials, supplies, equipment, and other education-related expenses. At Aveda Institute Portland, students may be eligible for federal financial aid, grants, loans, and payment plans to help cover these costs. The school also provides a Cost of Attendance estimate that includes living expenses, transportation, and personal expenses to help students plan for their education investment. Total Cost of Attendance details can be found here: COA Budget
Cosmetology Program Cost and Enrollment
Program length and tuition vary by state, with Oregon requiring 1,835 hours and Washington requiring 1,600 hours of training. Total program costs include tuition, registration fees, and student kit fees, providing the tools and education needed for hands-on cosmetology training. A $20 application fee applies for all applicants.
For all Programs, training is available at both our Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington campuses. Students train in a professional salon and spa environment with licensed instructors.
Category: |
Oregon |
Washington |
| Hours: | 1835 | 1600 |
| Total cost: | $23,900 | $20,800 |
| Inclusions: |
Registration fee, kit fee, and tuition |
Registration fee, kit fee, and tuition |
| Application Fee: | $20 | $20 |
Hair Design Program Cost and Enrollment
Program requirements differ by state, with Oregon students completing 1,150 hours and Washington students completing 1,400 hours of training. Total program costs include tuition, registration fees, and student kit fees, helping ensure students have the tools and resources needed throughout their education. A $20 application fee is required for all applicants.
For all Programs, training is available at both our Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington campuses. Students train in a professional salon and spa environment with licensed instructors.
Category: |
Oregon |
Washington |
| Hours: | 1150 | 1400 |
| Total cost: | $17,400 | $17,450 |
| Inclusions: |
Registration fee, kit fee, and tuition |
Registration fee, kit fee, and tuition |
| Application Fee: | $20 | $20 |
Esthiology Program Cost and Enrollment
Program requirements vary by state, with Oregon students completing 600 hours and Washington students completing 750 hours of training. Total program costs include tuition, registration fees, and student kit fees, providing the education and professional tools needed throughout the program. A $20 application fee is required for all applicants.
For all Programs, training is available at both our Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington campuses. Students train in a professional salon and spa environment with licensed instructors.
Category: |
Oregon |
Washington |
| Hours: | 600 | 750 |
| Total cost: | $10,050 | $10,300 |
| Includes: |
Registration fee, kit fee, and tuition |
Registration fee, kit fee, and tuition |
| Application Fee: | $20 | $20 |
How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?
Financial aid at Aveda Institute Portland starts with completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The application is free and can be completed online at studentaid.gov. Before starting, gather your W-2s and tax forms to help complete the process.
This determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and other funding options. Students should complete the financial aid process as early as possible to maximize eligibility.
When filling out the FAFSA, students must link Aveda Institute Portland to their application by entering school code 041714 when prompted.
The latest FAFSA is available here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
You’ll need an FSA Username and password to sign it electronically. Usernames can be created at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing.

Are There Other Loans Options Available?
Yes, there are private student loans that are offered through private lending institutions and may help students finance tuition and related education costs. These loans can be more difficult to obtain compared to federal aid, but students who qualify may be eligible for up to 100% financing.
Aveda Institute Portland does not endorse or have any affiliation with these private lending organizations.
Oregon Student Aid - http://oregonstudentaid.gov/
Oregon Student Aid is another resource available to students. This state agency supports access to higher education for Oregonians by providing guidance, mentoring, and information about financial assistance opportunities.
Current and future Oregon students can use this resource to apply for grants and scholarships, get help completing financial aid applications, and learn more about preparing for college, career training, and future careers.
The HECC Office of Student Access and Completion administers financial aid programs as well as college and career access initiatives for the State of Oregon.
Key Grants to Consider
- Chafee Education and Training Grant (ETG)(also known as the Chafee Education and Training Voucher) provides financial assistance to current and former foster care youth to support postsecondary education and job training programs.
https://oregonstudentaid.gov/grants/chafee-education-and-training-grant/
- Oregon Student Child Care Grant Program helps student parents enrolled in post secondary education access safe and reliable child care. This support allows students to focus on completing their academic programs while ensuring their children receive quality care.
https://oregonstudentaid.gov/grants/oregon-student-child-care-grant/
Who Can Help Me With FAFSA and Financial Aid Questions?
Our Financial Aid team can help you understand FAFSA, scholarships, grants, payment plans, and financing options available for your education.
Phone: (503) 294-6000 ext 382
Email: [email protected]
Contact Niki Sparks, Director of Finance, to discuss your options and get personalized assistance with the application process.
Federal Financial Aid – Required Loan Steps
Before beginning school, Federal Financial Aid recipients are required to complete online Loan Entrance Counseling as part of the federal loan process. These required counseling steps—completed before, during, and after enrollment—help ensure students fully understand their loan terms, responsibilities, and repayment obligations.
Entrance counseling specifically reviews the terms and conditions of your loan, along with your rights and responsibilities as a borrower. You will learn what a student loan is, how interest works, available repayment options, and how to avoid delinquency and default.
When you're finished, a record of your completion will be sent to Aveda Institute Portland, and you can then receive your loan money. Keep in mind that you cannot save and leave an incomplete session; you must complete entrance counseling in one sitting.
1. Entrance Counseling (Required Before Funds Are Disbursement)
Complete Entrance Counseling here: https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/
Before beginning school, students receiving federal student loans must complete Loan Entrance Counseling. This session explains the terms and conditions of federal student loans, including:
- What a student loan is
- How interest works
- Repayment options
- How to avoid delinquency and default
Once completed, confirmation is sent to Aveda Institute Portland, allowing loan funds to be processed.
Important: Entrance counseling must be completed in one sitting and cannot be saved and finished later.
2. Master Promissory Note (MPN)
Complete Your Master Promissory Note (MPN) here - https://studentaid.gov/mpn/
The MPN is a legal document in which you agree to repay your federal student loan(s), including any interest and fees, to the U.S. Department of Education. It also outlines the full terms and conditions of your loan.
You will log in using the same username and password used for your FAFSA application.
You must complete exit counseling when you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment. The purpose of exit counseling is to ensure you understand your student loan obligations and are prepared for repayment.
You'll learn about what your federal student loan payments will look like after school. We'll recommend a repayment strategy that best suits your future plans and goals.
3. Exit Counseling (Required When Leaving School)
Exit counseling is required when you graduate, withdraw, or drop below half-time enrollment. This step helps you understand your repayment obligations and prepares you for managing your student loans after school. You will review:
- What your federal student loan payments will look like after graduation
- Available repayment plan options
- Strategies to help manage your loan repayment successfully
Complete Exit Counseling here - https://studentaid.gov/exit-counseling/
(for graduates and withdrawals)
Professional Judgment
Section 479A of the Higher Education Amendments of 1992 authorized the financial aid administrator to exercise Professional Judgment (PJ) on a case-by-case basis. Professional judgment is a discretionary action on the part of the financial aid office to address special or unusual circumstances that affect a student’s/parent’s ability to pay for educational expenses. Using professional judgment, the aid administrator may adjust the expected family contribution (EFC) and thereby make education more affordable.
The following are examples of conditions/reasons for which a student may request an adjustment to their EFC.
- Death of a parent or the independent student's spouse.
- Loss of employment by student/spouse/parent (for at least 3 months).
- Loss of earnings due to disability.
- Loss of untaxed income and benefits.
- One-time income (ex. Back year social security payments).
Other extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If a student/parent would like to apply for professional judgment consideration, it is necessary to write a letter requesting a review of the current financial situation. This letter should explain in detail the current financial situation and why an adjustment to the EFC is warranted. The financial aid administrator will review all letters of request on a case-by-case basis. If the financial aid administrator decides that changes to any data elements on the FAFSA are warranted, the financial aid administrator will make changes to the FAFSA electronically and send it to the Federal Processor. Once the correction is made by the U. S. Department of Education, the Division of Student Financial Assistance will notify you by mail of the change in your expected family contribution and new award amount(s). You will also be notified if there is no change to your EFC or financial aid awards.
Any future student or governmental official who has a complaint concerning Aveda Institute Portland’s management of Title IV, HEA programs may seek resolution by contacting the Director. The Director will receive the complaint and assist the future student in resolving the complaint.
Have Questions About Financial Aid?
This section provides quick answers to common financial aid questions, including how to contact the Financial Aid Office, what accreditation means, and how FAFSA is used. It helps students understand key requirements, eligibility, and next steps for applying for financial assistance. For personalized help, students can contact the Financial Aid team directly for support with applications and funding options.
Who Do I Contact for Financial Aid Help?
Contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance with FAFSA, grants, loans, and payment options. They can help guide you through the process.
- Contact: Niki Sparks, Director of Finance
- Phone: (503) 294-6000 ext 382
- Email: [email protected]
What does "accredited school" mean?
An accredited school meets established education standards and is approved by a recognized accrediting agency to offer quality training and access to federal financial aid.
Aveda Institute Portland is an accredited and approved by NACCAS to participate in federal financial aid programs.
What is FAFSA used for?
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is used to determine your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance for school. You can apply online.
Eligibility for financial aid depends on factors such as financial need and enrollment in an eligible program. Many students may qualify for some form of assistance.