Research Report: Louisville Beauty Academy as a Proven Model for Loan Reform and Workforce Development – 2025

Key Points

  • Research suggests the proposed policy to allow federal loans for state-licensed beauty programs aligns with the Trump administration’s focus on reducing federal control and empowering states.
  • Removing hour-based barriers and accreditor mandates will support workforce development in the beauty industry, a vital economic sector.
  • The policy benefits the Department of Education (DOE) by streamlining aid distribution and boosting local economies.
  • Kentucky, through institutions like Louisville Beauty Academy (LBA) and efforts by NABA, is leading in cost-effective, skill-focused education.

Why This Matters

The beauty industry is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, contributing $308.7 billion to GDP in 2022 and supporting 4.6 million jobs (Personal Care Products Council). In Kentucky, over 2,120 cosmetologists, 160 manicurists, and 570 skincare specialists fuel local economies (Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, federal rules limit access to aid for many state-licensed programs, delaying workforce entry and increasing costs.

Proposed Solution

Allow federal loans for any state-licensed program, regardless of hours or accreditation. This empowers students and states, reduces bureaucracy, and aligns with DOE’s mission for efficient education. Kentucky’s LBA is a successful example, offering affordable, fast-track programs that lead to immediate employment.

Benefits for All

This policy reduces federal oversight, trusts state licensing, and meets workforce demands, especially in high-growth fields like skincare. It is a low-risk, high-reward model that ensures quality through state regulation.

Detailed Policy Analysis and Alignment

Overview

This analysis evaluates a policy to allow federal student loans for all state-licensed beauty programs, removing hour-based barriers and accreditor mandates. The proposal, championed by the New American Business Association Inc. (NABA), aligns with the Trump administration’s education and workforce priorities and positions DOE as a reform leader. Kentucky, via LBA and NABA, is a national model in delivering efficient, workforce-ready education.

The Beauty Industry’s Economic and Social Significance

The U.S. beauty industry contributes $308.7 billion to GDP (2022) and supports 4.6 million jobs. Global retail sales hit $446 billion in 2023, expected to reach $580 billion by 2027 (McKinsey). In Kentucky, the sector employs:

  • 2,120 cosmetologists and hairdressers
  • 160 manicurists
  • 570 estheticians

Median wages range from $14.63 to $21.72/hour (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The industry is highly resilient, inclusive (79.3% women, 33% people of color), and poised for continued growth.

Barriers in Federal Financial Aid

Federal aid restrictions create the following problems:

  • Hour-Based Rules: Programs under 600 hours (like Kentucky’s 450-hour Nail Technology) are excluded.
  • Accreditor Mandates: Even state-regulated programs are disqualified if not federally accredited, despite rigorous oversight.

These restrictions:

  • Delay student graduation
  • Force unnecessary cost inflation
  • Prevent students from entering the workforce quickly

Proposed Policy

NABA proposes allowing federal loans for any state-licensed program, regardless of hour count or accreditor status. The core principles include:

  • State Licensing as the Benchmark
  • Empowered Student Choice
  • Workforce-Driven Access

Alignment with Trump Administration Priorities

The administration has taken several actions that support this policy:

  • DOE Dismantling: Executive order (March 20, 2025) prioritizes state-led education.
  • Accreditor Reform: April 2025 order criticizes accreditors as barriers.
  • Workforce Emphasis: Republican plans support vocational training, including Pell Grants for short programs.

This policy advances all three goals.

Kentucky’s Leadership: LBA and NABA

Louisville Beauty Academy (LBA) is:

  • Kentucky State-Licensed and State-Accredited
  • Tuition 50–75% lower than federally funded schools
  • Debt-free with weekly or daily graduations
  • Transparent, flexible, and student-driven

LBA offers Nail Tech (450 hrs), Esthetics (750 hrs), Shampoo Styling (300 hrs), and Cosmetology (1,500 hrs) — all aimed at licensing, not just certificates. With support from employers, families, and internal scholarships, LBA delivers guaranteed results through a multi-stakeholder model.

Benefits for the DOE

  • Streamlined Administration
  • Lower Cost with Higher Outcome
  • Support for Industry-Aligned Training

The policy aligns education funding with workforce results — a major win for efficiency and public trust.

Employment and Economic Impact (KY, 2023)

OccupationEmploymentMedian WageAnnual Mean Wage
Hairdressers/Cosmetologists2,120$14.63$48,700
Manicurists/Pedicurists160$17.01$42,330
Skincare Specialists570$21.72$55,060

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

The BLS projects a 7% growth in cosmetology nationwide through 2033 with 89,100 job openings annually.

Implementation Considerations

  • Loan Oversight: The Small Business Administration may assume loan administration post-DOE.
  • Aid Limits: Republican proposals may cap borrowing but support short-term vocational training.

Despite these uncertainties, the policy’s outcomes-focused design ensures resilience.

Conclusion

This proposal supports economic recovery, job creation, and student empowerment by removing unjust barriers to aid. Louisville Beauty Academy is a working proof of success, demonstrating how licensing-focused, state-approved education can deliver better outcomes faster and cheaper than traditional pathways. Let’s put trust — and funding — in the hands of the people who bear the cost: students and families.


📎 Research Sources

Louisville Beauty Academy: A Tradition of Learning, Growth, and Published Excellence

Louisville Beauty Academy, founded by Di Tran, is more than just a beauty school; it’s a hub of continuous learning and personal development. Our founder, along with our instructors, is dedicated to evolving with the industry, as evidenced by an impressive list of published books. These works highlight our commitment to education, flexibility, and affordability. We break down barriers to ensure your success—the only question is, “Do you want this?” If the answer is yes, there’s no better place to start your beauty career.

Books Published by Di Tran and More to Come:

  1. Zero Judgement: The Path to a Fulfilling Life
  2. Drop the “ME” and Focus on the “OTHERS”: The Power of Gratitude
  3. The Courage to Surrender: Embracing Life Fully and Living in the Present
  4. The World Doesn’t Need Smart People, It Needs Doers
  5. I Don’t Know. I Am Ready to Learn
  6. I Do Small Things, and Consistently with Big Vision
  7. Self-Care for Societal Impact
  8. All Ideas Are Bad
  9. Life Unfolding
  10. Fail Fast, Act Fast
  11. ABC of Empowerment
  12. Beauty Business Brilliance
  13. Start Small, Start Now
  14. Empowered Health
  15. Yes And vs Yes But
  16. The Power of “I DID”
  17. My God is my PEACE
  18. Mastering English for Beauty Professionals
  19. Minds and Machines
  20. Act Now, Adopt AI
  21. The Healing Power of Beauty Services
  22. Harmonic Laws
  23. Just Be
  24. Simple English Communication for Beauty Professionals
  25. Effective Communication in the Salon Environment
  26. Serving: The Foundation of a Fulfilling Life
  27. FEEL IT
  28. Humanization
  29. CARE
  30. BELIEF
  31. Mastering the Craft: A Journey to Professional Nail Technician
  32. Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH
  33. Fired to Fired Up
  34. The Power of Stoic Values
  35. From Newcomer to Patriot
  36. I Am Scared of Myself
  37. SLOW
  38. Be a Friend to Find a Friend
  39. The New Currency of Power
  40. Time Waster or Time Chaser
  41. Louisville Beauty Academy Student Catalog
  42. Mastering the Art of Microblading
  43. Nailed It! A Handbook for Nail Technicians
  44. Value in Every Letter
  45. Grateful Echoes
  46. The Complete Guide to Eyelash Extensions
  47. The Robotic Labyrinth
  48. Guiding Lights
  49. The Great Candy Kingdom Adventure

More books are on the way, reflecting our ongoing dedication to growth and excellence.

Join Us Today! Text us at 502-625-5531 or email [email protected] to start your journey immediately. Don’t wait—time is money!

Are You Ready to Attend Beauty College Debt-Free? Your Chance is Here at Louisville Beauty Academy!

The Only Beauty School in Kentucky Offering Unmatched Affordability for the Past 7 Years

Louisville Beauty Academy, a Kentucky State-Licensed and State-Accredited beauty college, is proud to offer a unique opportunity for aspiring beauty professionals. For the past seven years, we have been the only school in the state of Kentucky where you can attend beauty college for less than $8,000—an offer you won’t find anywhere else!

Our school boasts a remarkable 90% graduation rate, significantly higher than the typical 60-70% you might find at other institutions. This success is a testament to our supportive and nurturing environment, designed to help you succeed without the burden of debt.

Why Choose Louisville Beauty Academy?

  1. Debt-Free Education: Our affordable tuition ensures you can pursue your dreams without the financial strain.
  2. High Graduation Rate: With a 90% graduation rate, our students are more likely to complete their education and start their careers successfully.
  3. Flexible Scheduling: We understand that most students have busy lives and work commitments. That’s why we offer the flexibility to control your own schedule, allowing you to balance your studies with your other responsibilities.
  4. Caring Environment: Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing a highly supportive environment, ensuring that you have the resources and guidance needed to succeed.

Ready to Enroll?

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to start your beauty career without the financial burden. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how you can enroll.

Text us at: 502-625-5531
Email us at: [email protected]

Terms and Conditions Apply

Join us at Louisville Beauty Academy and take the first step towards a bright and beautiful future—debt-free!