Bellingham Beauty School Closure: What to do?

Recently, a beauty school in Bellingham closed. Many of their students and parents were frustrated, hurt, angry and discouraged. Students reached out to the state licensing agency, and colleges like ours, asking for direction and guidance.

In support, our college hosted an information session to help these displaced students understand what they may want to do.

If or when a student’s school closes, it’s important to stay calm. There are processes and resources to assist students. If your school closed you should:

1. 1. Request Your Student Records and Hours

In Washington State, schools are required to report your hours each month to a state database. The hours are tracked and documented by both the school and the state. If you are part of the recently closed school, the Department of Licensing – Cosmetology Board is assisting students to attain copies of transcripts from the closed school. These records are critical, especially if you want to pursue completion of your program. You also have time to make the decision, your hours and credits are good for three years. After that, your hours and credit will expire.

1. 1. Keep Your Books, Kit, and Equipment

These supplies will be crucial if you want to transfer. You have invested in your tools, and keeping them may alleviate any additional cost if you intend to go through the transfer process to another school. Some schools may require you to purchase textbooks and workbooks that match their curriculum. If you keep your books, kit, and equipment from you last school, this can save you money.

1. 1. Review Your Ledger Statement

A ledger statement is a document reviewing your financial transactions with the school. It typically notes what you have paid to the institution, which may include loans, grants, scholarship disbursements as well as personal payments. You may want to check your loans disbursement to ensure they match the ledger statements. One way to check these disbursements is to contact your student loans servicer; if you are not aware, a good starting point would to visit studentaid.gov or call the Student Loan Support Center at 1-800-557-7394. Because your school has closed, there may be special programs which may qualify you to have your loans discharged.

1. 1. Keep a Copy of Your Enrollment Agreement.

Your enrollment agreement will outline your original agreement with the school and typically has a clause that addresses school closure. This may be important when you are applying to transfer, student loan discharge, etc.

Completing the above steps will definitely assist you when you are transferring. However, remember when transferring, each school has their own transfer policy for hours, fees, and tuition costs. Schools also may have their own evaluation process and may accept all, some or none of your credits and hours. Some schools may also have alternative options to accept and students from a closed institution, but typically requires approval their accrediting agency.

It’s an incredible industry, and we encourage you to continue the dream you started to pursue!

If you have any questions, please comment below or reach out directly to our admission team at (425) 336-5123.