Weirdly enough, no one really talks about using the GI Bill for a Cosmetologist career. If you are confused about where and how to begin, this post is for you!
Yes, military veterans or eligible dependents can use the GI Bill to go to Cosmetology school for free. Cosmetology is a non-college degree program that the GI Bill will fund.
Before becoming a beautician/barber using the GI Bill, you need to apply for your GI Bill benefits first.
There are easy ways to get this done:
One way is to apply online and simply follow the steps.
Another is to visit a regional VA processing office near you to apply in person.
You may also call 1-888-GI BILL-1 (888-442-4551) to have the application form mailed to you directly, and to ask more details; or talk to a Certifying Official, who is in the Financial Aid or Registrar’s office of the school you wish to go. He/she has an application form and assists you in your application.
Does the GI Bill Cover All Costs for Cosmetology School?
Cosmetology is one of the non-college degrees that the GI Bill supports. It is a vocational course that usually takes 12-14 months to finish. The amount it covers depends on the program you are using, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Payment is made based on the hours you attend the training each week and is paid monthly.
How much does the GI Bill cover for Cosmetology Tuition Fees?
Under the Post-9/11, it covers all the actual net costs for in-state tuition and other fees.
If you are a veteran who served at least 90 days of active duty after September 2001 and received an honorable discharge, you qualify for this program.
So you, as a veteran, spouse child that is eligible for the GI Bill, you do not need to worry about paying your tuition fees for Cosmetology school.
However:
In some instances, the VA does not pay all of it. If you served less than 36 months, you need to see what percentage of benefit you are eligible for.
Click here to see how much percentage you or your spouse/child should get when going to cosmetology school.
How Much Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) Can I Get?
For your monthly housing allowance (MHA), the money you get depends on the location of the school...much like how it was with BAH when you were in the military.
But it is generally based on Military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. It is then computed based on the zip code of the school of your choice and by the percentage based on your training time.
Click here for more information. This is applicable on the starting date of the academic year this school year, which is on August 1, 2019. MHA increases depend on BAH increases.
For complete details on MHA increases and decreases, click here.
To get a rough idea of what MHA rates apply, if you were going to the Academy of Cosmetology in Merritt Island, Florida, you would get about $1,602 a month housing allowance.
Compare MHA of every school here.
If you want to train at a foreign (non-US) school, there is a different MHA rate. The VA usually pays $1,789.
For exclusive online training without attending a classroom, it covers $894.50.
Books and Supplies for Cosmetology School
For books, supplies, tools, and equipment, you can get up to $83 each month.
For more information on updated rates, click here.
Can my Spouse Use my GI Bill to go to Cosmetology School?
Absolutely! Veterans aren’t the only ones who can study cosmetology after serving, but also their spouses and even children, as long as they qualify for transferred GI Bill benefits.
The transfer of the GI Bill needs to be done while on active duty.
For surviving dependents there are situations where the wife and/or children can qualify if the military member passed away in active service.
The Department of Defense (DoD) determines whether or not your dependents are eligible to use your benefits. Beneficiaries are given 36 months to utilize an unused Post-9/11.
Getting Started
Before anything else, family members should be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) and are eligible for benefits at the time of transfer.
You can transfer your benefits to your spouse, one or more of your children, and a combination of your spouse and child.
To add a family member, click here.
Am I Eligible to Transfer GI Bill Benefits?
To be eligible to transfer your benefits to your spouse or children, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You have completed 6 years of service on the same date your request is approved, and agree to add 4 more years.
- You have completed at least 10 years of service on the same date your request is approved, and can't commit to an extension of 4 more years due to legal issues or policy, but willing to serve at a maximum time allowed.
How to Transfer My GI Bill Benefits?
Now what? You know that you are qualified to transfer your benefits to your spouse or children, what’s next?
Actually, not only you can transfer, but you can also revoke or change a Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) through milConnect. Click here to do either one of this.
In case of transfer, when the DoD approved your request, your dependent can now apply for the benefits by following the steps below:
- Apply online.
- Apply through the mail. Complete the VA Form 22-1990E or Application for Family Member to Use Transferred Benefits, which can be downloaded here and send it to your nearest VA regional benefit office.
- When your application is approved, you receive a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) that you will use to any cosmetology school of your choice.
What Cosmetology Schools are Approved by the VA?
Before making a final decision on a trade school to enroll in cosmetology, you want to make sure the school is certified by the Veterans Affairs.
You may also want to look into these two things below in order to narrow down your search.
- Tuition Fees. To attend an accredited cosmetology school, it usually costs you $5,000 to $15,000, while top schools range from $10,000 to $20,000. Under the Post-9/11, the VA pays up to your full tuition or national maximum amount of $23,671.94 during the academic year. And starting on August 1, 2019, the maximum allowed support is up to $24,476.79
- NACCAS Accredited. It is a national agency that is recognized by the US Department of Education for the institutional accreditation of post-secondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences, including specialized schools. Currently, it accredits 1,500 institutions that offer over 20 courses, which fall under NACCAS’ accreditation.
Why do you need this accreditation anyway?
NACCAS-accredited cosmetology schools met the standard requirements set by the national agency and are considered competitive when it comes to the quality of learning they offer. Apart from this, they also provide excellent facilities, staff, fair policies, and competitive curriculum. So when you seek for employment, employers would consider your application.
Find your best cosmetology school now you can explore our extensive list of every single cosmetology school certified by the VA for the GI Bill.
Does the GI Bill Pay for the Certification in Cosmetology?
These days, cosmetologists don't only work on hair and make-up, but also with skin, nails, and massage.
To be a fully-fledged beautician or barber, you need a license required by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Although different states have different requirements, they all require a license. Fortunately, the GI Bill covers the cost.
Depending on the state, you need to pay a licensing fee before taking the exam. For instance, in the state of Arizona, you need to pay $185 dollars.
The GI Bill will pay up to $2,000 on licensing or certification test.
Thankfully, it will continue paying it until you pass. Renewal of license is also covered. For more information, click here.
How to apply for Reimbursement for Licensing and Certification test?
For reimbursement, you need to submit a proof of payment, like a receipt so VA refunds the money you used to pay for your licensing test. Along with it, do these steps below:
1. Complete the VA Form 22-0803 (Application for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test).
2. Send it by mail to your nearest VA regional processing office.
