Why choose the Oehrlein School?

The Oehrlein School of Cosmetology is the 2012 Peoria Area's choice for Who's Who in Cosmetology Schools (our fifth win in this catagory!)

The Oehrlein School is a family owned business, established in 1973 and has been the leader in cosmetology education in the Peoria area ever since.

What sets the Oehrlein School apart? Our large staff of instructors has over 80 years of combined experience and is eager to share their knowledge with you!

We have a large salon client base which allows our students to perform hundreds of hands on services (under the supervision of our teaching staff) during the 12 month program.

We are the only Pivot Point Member School in the tri-county area, which means that we are part of the largest network of cosmetology schools in North America.  Pivot Point is the world leader in hair and beauty education and has developed the most current, comprehensive cosmetology educational system available.

We are nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences, Inc. (NACCAS).

Our students are able to apply for Federal Financial Aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Pell Grants and Stafford Loans are available for those who qualify.
Applying for Financial Aid is easy. Let our staff walk you through the process, step by step. You won't know what you qualify for until you apply!

The first step toward an exhilarating career in beauty is a campus visit. Call me today to schedule your visit! During your visit we will discuss possible Financial Aid awards and answer any questions you may have about our program.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Shannon Stevenson
Admissions
Oehrlein School of Costmetology
309-699-1561

Following are some questions that students generally ask. Please feel free to message me if you have any other questions.

How do I pay for school?
Many of our students apply for Federal Financial Aid in order to help cover the cost of tuition. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid can be found on-line at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ . The school also offers an interest free payment plan. Please call or visit us for details.

I (my parents) make too much money. What if I don't qualify for financial aid?
If your family has a large income, you may not qualify for a Pell Grant (free money, as I like to call it) but that doesn't mean you won't qualify for federal student loans! A student loan is guaranteed to the student as long as they are not currently in default on a student loan that they have had in the past. Your credit score does not matter when applying for a federal student loan.

Now…how much can you borrow?
Well, that depends one several things:
How old are you?
Are you married?
Do you have children that receive more than 50% of their support from you?
Are you an orphan or have you ever been a ward of the court?
Are you a veteran?

Give me a call and we can talk (over the phone if you like) about what is available for you in student loans.

I want to work as a stylist and as an esthetician.
Can I do that after I graduate from your school?
Absolutely. Your Cosmetology education will include training in three areas: hair, skin and nails. As a Cosmetologist you will be licensed by the state to work as a Nail Technician, an Esthetician, or a Stylist. Your choice!

Okay, you've made the decision and you've chosen your career path.
Beauty School, here you come!
Now what??????

Following are several simple steps that you can take to get yourself started on the path to success in the field of Cosmetology.

1. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov This is a FREE application. Fill it out. Completing the application does not obligate you (or your parents) to any school or to the loan or Pell programs. The FAFSA is just a tool that allows us to tell you how much and what kind of financial aid is out there for you.
   
2. Ask your stylist to recommend a school. Don't have a stylist? Ask someone who owns a salon that you RESPECT and has a good reputation.
   
3. When considering a school, check the school's record with the state's Department of Professional Regulation (http://www.idfpr.com/)
4. Call and set up appointments with each school that you might be interested in attending. Don't be afraid to ask questions! Write down any impressions or thoughts that you had during the conversation.
5. Go to your scheduled appointment with a list of written questions and be prepared to write down the answers. Take someone with you. 4 eyes are better than 2! Parents, spouse, significant-other or a supportive friend will do nicely. Be sure you talk about your Financial Aid Package! It is important that you understand your financial aid package. Don't be afraid to ask questions, keep asking questions until you feel comfortable and you understand your financial responsibility to the school.
6. Immediately after your appointment write down your overall impressions about the school.
7. Look over all the information you have gathered and it's time to make your decision.

There are many factors that may be important to you. Here are a few considerations not to forget!
1. Does the school participate in the Federal Financial Aid program (grants and low interest, fixed rate loans through the U.S. Department of Education)?
2. Is the school nationally accredited?
3. If I have a question about my education or financial aid is there someone, on site, to help me?
4. Will I receive a quality education?
5. Does the school care about me and my success as a cosmetologist?