So, you’ve decided the world of beauty is where you want to be! Whether you are 18 or 48, just starting your life path or longing for a career change after decades doing something else…a job in cosmetology is available for you.

And it’s a great idea: The state of Texas is one of the top five states in the nation for cosmetology employment. A career in beauty will not only fulfill your dreams, it will likely advance you financially as well.

However, there are likely a few concerns on your plate as well. The state of Texas requires 1,500 hours of hands-on training with an accredited beauty school; this typically translates to 11 months full-time study (you’ll be looking at closer to 18 months if you decide on a part-time track).

If you are just starting out on your career path, you probably don’t have a steady income yet; if you’re changing careers, you may need to continue working in order to finance your education and living expenses. Keep in mind that a full time beauty curriculum is typically five days a week, eight hours a day; and part time will have you four evenings a week, four hours a night, plus every other Saturday—so it is definitely a serious commitment.

If you are prepared for the time investment, your next question is likely: Just how much does it cost to attend beauty school? Let’s start with the price of a general cosmetology degree as a reference point: Ogle offers this program at a cost of $15,600, with another $2,365 estimated towards books and supplies. For a more in-depth picture of your projected financial situation as a student, you can use Ogle’s Net Price Calculator, which adds in estimated personal and living expenses to provide a realistic idea of what you can expect. Based on your situation, you will likely be needing around $20,000 to $40,000 in order to complete your degree. “Looks good to me, but where it says 20 to 40k to complete your degree, this not only includes your tuition and books, but also your cost of living during that time.

As noted, the field of cosmetology is booming, especially in Texas, so a hardworking graduate is sure to recoup the investment as soon as he or she establishes a career landing. However, if these numbers still sound daunting—and let’s face it, they can be high!–there is help available.

Just like any other institute of education, beauty and cosmetology schools have an array of financial aid options. Some of these are grants, others are loans, still others awarded to students who apply and qualify.

Financing your education can seem confusing when faced with all the information at once. Here’s a quick guide to your options:

Federal grants: These are funds granted by the government for educational purposes. If you thought these were just for traditional universities and colleges, they are for vocational programs such as cosmetology school, too! As these are disbursed based on financial hardship, you do not have to pay back the money. Visit here for a full guide on government-sponsored financial aid.

Direct loans: These are just as they sound—a government-funded loan to cover your education expenses. You do need to pay these back—but there are various types available that offer differing payment and interest plans.

Alternative loans: Banks and credit unions can help you out with a loan to finance your plans.

Scholarships: There is a wide range of scholarship opportunities in the beauty field, with some paying as much as tens of thousands of dollars toward a student’s education. These are all simply ready for you to find and apply towards—you’ll just need to do some legwork. Sometimes you can find great options by “treasure hunting” on the Internet and finding a scholarship that meets your qualifications and needs. Check here for a list of great places to start your hunt.

Still feeling apprehensive or confused about your options regarding financing your education A quality cosmetology school such as Ogle can help you sort through the details; you can visit one the campus locations or even live chat with an admissions representative online who can assist you in formulating a plan for your education.

Don’t put off your career out of fear you can’t afford it. With all the options available, your future will be looking more beautiful than ever!