How does the Merit America Guarantee Work?
If you qualify by fulfilling the requirements, and don’t earn at least $40k a year (or $3,333.33 in any given month) within two years of the Immersion end date of your Merit America program, you may be eligible for 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.
📌 Related Reading: How Much Does Merit America Cost and What’s Included?
What Do You Get In Return?
In short: if you put in the work, you’ll receive the support you need. According to our 2024 Alumni Wage Analysis, the majority of our alumni who provide outcome data report an average annual wage gain of nearly $21,000 three or more months after completing the program—raising their average pre-program salary from $27,800 to $48,500 post-program.
From day one, you’ll receive career coaching and technical guidance with a clear focus on helping you secure a job. Plus, we make your investment risk-free by allowing you to cancel your loan and opt out of the program within the first five weeks with no penalty.
But Merit America is more than just technical training—it’s a full support system that’s designed to get you hired. Our curriculum, shaped by industry experts, focuses on teaching you the hard skills you need, while our wraparound services ensure that you’re equipped with everything else to succeed.
No matter what industry you’re coming from—whether it’s retail, food service, teaching, or warehouse work—Merit America meets you where you are.
In the Foundations phase, you’ll work closely with coaches and peers to polish your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile. You’ll learn how to showcase your transferable skills, certifications, and experience in a way that resonates with employers. It’s not just about learning new skills; it’s about making sure your existing experience shines through as an asset to your future career.
Once you’re ready, we transition to the Job Success Phase, where the real magic happens. This is where your career coach gets to work, guiding you through mock interviews, connecting you with recruiters, and helping you tailor your job search strategy to stand out in a competitive market.
Additional Learner Support Includes:
Mental Health Sessions: Access confidential counseling sessions (phone, video, or in-person) to support emotional well-being.
Legal Consultations: Receive expert advice on retirement planning, taxes, and other legal matters.
Financial Advising and Planning: Get professional help to manage your finances and secure your future.
Community Resource Referrals: Connect with trusted providers for family care, lifestyle support, and more.
College Planning and Life Coaching: Access expert guidance on educational opportunities and personal growth.
Extensive Resources: Use a range of checklists, informative materials, and curated resources for guidance.
Additional Alumni Support Includes:
All-one-Health Wellness Program: Gain exclusive access to our holistic wellness program, supporting physical, mental, and emotional health.
Virtual Events: Participate in engaging events hosted by our program events team.
Monthly Alumni Newsletter: Stay updated with volunteer opportunities, networking events, job openings, and more.
Continuing Education Credits: Pursue lifelong learning with our partner institutions, including Northeastern University, Golden Gate University, University of North Texas, and Western Governors University.
Lifetime Coursera Access: Enjoy ongoing learning opportunities through the Coursera catalog available to alumni.
To access alumni support services or take advantage of these resources, please contact us at alumniservices@meritamerica.org.
Advance your career with the Merit America Guarantee
The Merit America Guarantee is designed to give you peace of mind as you embark on your tech career journey, but it’s natural to have questions.
Whether you’re curious about eligibility requirements, the Merit America Guarantee, or how our program can help you achieve your career goals, our advisors are here to assist.
Contact our admissions team today to get the answers you need to move forward confidently, or explore our Career Tracks to see what they offer: