Merit America is a nonprofit organization focused on providing a path for working adults stuck in low-wage careers to transition into well-paying careers through programs that are fast, flexible, and focused on what employers need most—and can be completed while participants manage work and family.

With Merit America, you can transition to a new career in as little as 14 weeks. The program combines technical training and certificates offered by third-party training providers like Google, with top-tier coaching and peer support.

Unlike traditional online learning platforms, Merit America bridges the gap between education and employment through a hands-on, results-driven approach. This approach develops both technical and professional skills while connecting learners with employers and industry partners like JPMorgan Chase, Southwest Airlines, Amazon, and IBM, and more. Additionally, learners can earn a Google Professional Certificate at no upfront cost through Ascent’s Zero Percent Loan.

To date, Merit America has supported over 14,000 learners. According to a recent UVA analysis, alums who complete Merit America experience an average annual wage gain of $24,000 three or more months post-program.

Merit America equips you with the skills and certifications needed for high-growth fields—no prior experience required—in Career Tracks such as:

Coursera is a globally recognized online platform that partners with leading universities and companies to provide courses, certifications, and degree programs. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance in your field, Coursera caters to a wide range of learners by offering:

With content from prestigious institutions like Stanford and Yale, Coursera is an excellent choice for those who want to deepen their knowledge, prepare for career advancement, or explore personal interests.

One of the biggest differences between Merit America and Coursera is the way the learning is structured. Here’s a closer look at how each platform approaches learning and the type of support they offer.

Merit America offers a structured, cohort-based learning experience tailored for working adults. Learners benefit from:

This blend of self-paced coursework and live support ensures learners stay on track while balancing other commitments.

Coursera emphasizes flexibility with entirely self-paced learning. Learners can start most courses anytime and progress at their own speed. However, limited access to instructors or teaching assistants means learners must be more independent. This format can be ideal for motivated individuals but may lack the accountability and personalized support Merit America offers.

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Coursera offers credentials recognized by companies like Google and IBM, but it provides additional job placement support as an added course. In contrast, Merit America integrates job preparation from day one and dedicates the entire final phase of the program, called Job Success, to preparing learners and connecting them with a network of employers and employer partners like JPMorgan Chase, Southwest Airlines, Infosys, IBM, and more. Learners gain access to:

This end-to-end support transforms training into tangible career outcomes.

Merit America’s programs are designed with busy working adults in mind. The coursework is self-paced but includes the structure of a cohort to help learners stay on track while managing commitments like work and family. You can choose a schedule that works best for you, but you’ll also meet weekly with your peer group and connect with your career coach once a month for added support.

Coursera offers even more scheduling flexibility, allowing learners to start courses at any time and move through the material at their own pace. While this approach is great for those who want full control over their time, it can be challenging to stay motivated and complete courses without additional accountability.

Merit America’s programs cost $5,700, with several payment options to fit different financial needs. You can pay upfront, use Ascent’s Zero Percent Loan with no upfront payment, secure employer sponsorship, or apply for the Opportunity for All program if other options don’t work for you.

With the Merit America Guarantee, your investment is risk-free—you can defer loan payments until you’re earning at least $40,000 a year. Plus, you can cancel your loan and opt out of the program during the first five weeks with no penalties.

Coursera’s pricing depends on the courses or programs you choose. Costs vary widely, ranging from individual course fees to subscription plans like Coursera Plus. Some content is free, but professional certifications and degree programs can add up.

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When comparing Merit America and Coursera, it’s clear that each platform has its own strengths.

Coursera is ideal for those who want the flexibility to explore a wide range of subjects at their own pace. While many courses are free, paid certifications and degree programs can add up, especially for learners who wish to earn a recognized credential from a university or company. For those looking to translate their learning into a tangible career change—particularly beginners or working adults looking for more than just course content—Merit America’s structured, $0 upfront, cohort-based learning with job support and career coaching might be the better choice.

Ultimately, your decision will depend on your specific needs—whether you’re seeking academic exploration or a direct path to career success. Now is the perfect time to explore how Merit America works and find your path to career success.