Start Your Career Journey 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 the loan payments until you’re earning at least $40,000 a year make Merit America risk-free. We also know finalizing payment is a big step. Rest assured that you have 5 weeks to cancel with no penalty.
For $5,700, you can enroll in our IT Support, Data Analytics, Human Resources, 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.
Payment is due before your Foundation start date, but you can try risk-free and withdraw penalty-free through week 5.
Flexible options to cover your program costs:
$0 Down with a Zero Percent Loan from Ascent:
Ascent Funding offers a Zero Percent Loan that you can use to pay for Merit America. You can learn more about the $0 Down With a Zero Percent Loan from Ascent at Ascent Funding.Sponsorship:
Some employers or organizations may partially or fully cover the program costs for eligible learners. Any remaining amount can be covered with self-pay or a Zero Percent Loan. Reach out to your employer to see if they can sponsor your program costs.Pay in Full Up Front:
If you prefer to pay the entire program cost upfront, please send an email to success-sharing@meritamerica.org requesting to pay in full.Opportunity For All:
If you apply for an Ascent Zero Percent Loan and do not qualify, are not sponsored by your employer, and cannot pay in full upfront, you can apply for the Opportunity for All Program, which will cover 100% of the cost for Merit America.
Learn more:
$0 Down With a Zero Percent Loan from Ascent
$0 Down With a Zero Percent Loan from Ascent
Ascent Funding offers a Zero Percent Loan that you can use to pay for Merit America. Here are some commonly asked questions:
Here is a resource that you can visit when you are applying for the Ascent Zero Percent Loan:
For application questions, contact Ascent Funding at meritamerica@ascentfunding.com or 877-279-2614, Monday–Thursday 9am–7pm CT and Friday 9am–6pm CT.
Here is a resource that you can visit when you have questions about repayment and deferment:
For questions about repaying your Ascent Zero Percent Loan, contact Launch Servicing at ascentfunding@launchservicing.com or 1-877-209-5297, Monday–Friday 7am–7pm CT.
Opportunity For All
Opportunity For All
Merit America exists to support learners to transition out of low-wage jobs 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 apply for an Ascent Zero Percent Loan and are denied due to debt or collections, are not sponsored by your employer, and cannot pay in full upfront, you can apply for the program, which will cover 100% of the cost for Merit America.
To apply for the Opportunity for All Program, please click here. The deadline to apply for this program is prior to the start of Foundations.
Paying In Full Up Front
Paying In Full Up Front
What's Included In The Cost?
What's Included In The Cost?
You’ll earn a Google Certificate to show employers your tech know-how. But a career in tech is more than just coding, so Merit America is too.
Personalized, hands-on career coaching:
1-on-1 Meetings
Career Planning
Hands-On Support
Comprehensive networking and job search support:
Professional Networking
Strategic Job Searching
LinkedIn Optimization
Networking Plan
Job Board Profiles
Employer Partnerships
Expert application and interview preparation:
Resume Optimization
Cover Letter Review
Interview Practice
Salary Research & Value Statements
Reference List Creation
Essential professional development skills:
Tech Industry Overview
Career Pathing & Transferable Skills
Effective Workplace Communication
To learn more about what is included in our cost visit this page.
Merit America Guarantee
Merit America Guarantee
We’re so confident in our program that we promise that if you still don’t earn at least $40,000 within the two years after the Immersion end date of your chosen Merit America program, you can request a full refund.
Who Qualifies for the Merit America Guarantee?
Are 18 years or older and legally authorized to work in the United States;
Pay for the program upfront or with a Zero Percent Loan from Ascent Funding
Have progressed to Immersion and have either completed the Immersion or have an exit week greater than Week 5
Are not in default with the loan servicer and have reported their earned income at minimum on an annual basis
Completed the post-program surveys, including the six-month and twelve-month post-program surveys, as sent by Merit America to you, within two (2) weeks of receipt
It has been at least 24 months since you have completed or exited your Merit America program
Requests can be made no later than 180 days following the two year anniversary since completing or exiting the program.
Your eligibility window opens exactly 24 months after you completed or exited your Merit America program. You must submit your request no later than 180 days following that two-year anniversary.
This request must be made within 180 days after your reaching the two-year anniversary of the last day of your Immersion phase. Once your request is reviewed, you may be eligible to receive a complete refund.
Learn more at www.meritamerica.org/guarantee.
Refund And Removal Policy
Refund And Removal Policy
We understand that sometimes life takes unexpected turns, and we want to make sure you have the flexibility to decide if our program is right for you. That’s why we’ve created a flexible refund policy.
You have 5 weeks to explore the program and determine if it’s a good fit. If you request to leave before the end of Week 5, you will receive a full refund.
If you request to leave after Week 5, you will be responsible for a portion of the program cost. If you stay through Week 9 and then request to leave, you’ll be responsible for the full amount.
Refunds and loan adjustments are processed monthly, based on your removal date. Week 1 begins on Day 1 of Foundations.
Please note that non-participation or non-activity does not automatically withdraw you from the program or remove your payment obligation. You must officially withdraw from the program by submitting a self-withdrawal form or emailing your coach, and they will assist you with the process.
📌 I have a unique situation and need additional help. Who can I contact?
We’re here for you. Please reach out to us at success-sharing@meritamerica.org, and we’ll be happy to assist.