Advance your career with $0 upfront

We offer a variety of payment options through our partners to help ensure our programs are accessible to everyone, regardless of their bank account.

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How much does it cost? What’s Included? When do I have to decide? Flexible Payment Options Try It Risk-Free Opportunity for All FAQs

Program Cost

How much does it cost?

For $5,700, you can enroll in our IT Support, Data Analytics, UX Design, Project Management, or Cybersecurity programs. Whether you choose to pay upfront, take advantage of Ascent’s Zero Percent Loan, or secure employer sponsorship, the price remains the same.

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Under the Merit America Guarantee, if you don’t earn at least $40k within two years after you have completed the Immersion phase of your chosen Merit America program, you don’t have to pay.

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What’s Included

What’s included in the price?

You’ll earn a Google Career Certificate through Coursera to show employers your technical know-how. But a career is more than just technical skills, so Merit America is too.

1-on-1 Meetings: Regular sessions with a dedicated professional career coach to help you through your career journey.
Career Planning: Personalized guidance from experienced career coaches to help you navigate your career path successfully.
Hands-On Support: From resume reviews to interview practice, your dedicated career coach ensures you are fully prepared for the job market.

Strategic Job Searching: Learn how to search for jobs strategically and interact with recruiters.
LinkedIn Optimization: Enhance your LinkedIn profile to attract career-related opportunities.
Networking Plan: We’ll help you create a detailed plan to leverage LinkedIn for informational interviews and networking.
Job Board Profiles: Set up and optimize profiles on various job boards to increase your visibility.
Job Search Support: Discover how Merit America can support your job search while building your professional network.

Application Optimization: Receive personalized feedback on your cover letters and resumes.
Interview Practice: Learn how to nail your interviews, and participate in practice sessions.
Salary Research & Value Statements: Learn how to research salaries and articulate your value.
Reference List Creation: Compile and submit a professional reference list.

Industry Overview: Understand the landscape and opportunities in your chosen sector.
Career Pathing & Transferable Skills: Identify and leverage the skills you already have that can propel your career forward.
Effective Workplace Communication: Master the art of professional communication in the workplace.

Your Timeline

When do I have to decide?

Before You Begin

Finalize which payment option works best for you: $0 down with Ascent’s Zero Percent Loan, paying upfront in full, employer sponsorship, or applying for our Opportunity for All Program.

Week 1–5: Start Risk-Free

During the first 5 weeks, you’ll have full access to all coursework, tools, and support. Until the end of Week 5, you will be refunded if the program is not a good fit.

3 Months After Completion

Learners won’t pay anything until at least three months after they complete or exit their program. Learners can defer repayment every 3 months for up to 60 months until they are earning the equivalent of at least $40,000 per year.

After 2 Years: Merit America Guarantee

If you’re not earning at least $40,000 within two years of completing the Immersion phase, you can request a refund under our Merit America Guarantee.

Flexible Payment Options

Flexible options to cover your program costs

Learners in our IT Support, Data Analytics, UX Design, Cybersecurity, and Project Management programs can apply for Ascent Funding’s Zero Percent Loan to cover program costs. Learners won’t be charged any interest, late fees, or origination fees. Once learners begin repayment, they make low, predictable monthly payments for 60 months. For full details, visit Ascent Funding’s website.

Employers and organizations partner with Merit America to unlock our programs for their employees or audiences. Please speak with your employer to see if they offer sponsorship for programs such as Merit America.

For those who prefer to pay for their Merit America program upfront in full with their own funds, self-funding is also an option.

At Merit America, we believe financial barriers shouldn’t stop you from achieving your career goals. Our Opportunity for All program fully covers the cost of training, with up to 10% of spots reserved for learners who are ineligible for the loan. Learn more about Opportunity for All.

Join Us Risk-Free

Starting a new career is a big step, and we’re here to make it as smooth as possible. The Merit America Guarantee and the ability to defer payments until you’re earning at least $40,000 a year make Merit America risk-free. You also have 5 weeks to cancel with no penalty.

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Financial Accessibility

Opportunity for All

Merit America exists to support learners to transition out of low-wage work into careers they love. We believe that cost should not be a barrier to your career transition. We offer learner-friendly options to cover your cost, including upfront sponsorship, Ascent’s Zero Percent Loan, and direct payment.

If none of these options are available to you, Merit America has set aside a limited number of spaces for our Opportunity for All program. If you were denied the Zero Percent Loan from Ascent due to debt or collections and are unable to cover the costs through the currently available payment options like employer sponsorship or upfront payment, you can apply for the Opportunity for All program. This program will cover 100% of the cost for Merit America.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about paying for your Merit America program.

There are four ways you can pay for the program: pay in full upfront, pay with $0 upfront by taking advantage of Ascent Funding’s Zero Percent Loan, through employer or government sponsorship, or through our Opportunity for All program which fully covers the cost of training for eligible learners. Please contact us to learn more about these options.

Ascent Funding independently evaluates eligibility for the Zero Percent Loan. Merit America has no influence over the decision-making about or administration of the Zero Percent Loan. According to Ascent’s website, there are two possible ways to qualify: on your own or with a cosigner. There is no minimum credit history or credit score required. To see if you pre-qualify, submit an application — the pre-qualification process involves a soft credit check with no impact to your credit score. For full eligibility details, visit Ascent’s website.

Learners should apply directly to Ascent Funding for the Zero Percent Loan. You will receive a personalized link during the Foundations phase of the program. You can find further information on Ascent’s website. Please note that Merit America does not administer or provide the loan, nor is Merit America involved in any determinations of eligibility or other decision-making for Ascent Funding’s Zero Percent Loan program.

According to Ascent’s website: No, payments are not required during your program and while you’re in the three-month grace period following completion or termination of the immersion phase.

You have 5 weeks to explore the program and determine if it’s a good fit. If you decide to leave or if you’re removed before the end of Week 5 and you’ve secured a Zero Percent Loan with Ascent, your loan will be canceled. If you paid directly, we will refund your payment. If you leave or are removed after Week 5, you will be responsible for a portion of the program cost. If you stay through Week 9 and then decide to leave or are removed, you’ll be responsible for the full amount. Refunds and loan adjustments are processed monthly, based on the date you’re removed from the program.

If you don’t earn at least $40k within two years after you have completed the Immersion phase of your chosen Merit America program, you can request a full refund or cancellation of your loan. Learn more at meritamerica.org/guarantee.

Not sure where to begin?

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