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 do not qualify, 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.
Who qualifies for the Opportunity for All program?
Merit America learners who are unable to cover their costs through the currently available payment options such as: Ascent’s Zero Percent Loan, employer sponsorship, upfront and full direct payment.
How many spots are there to qualify for the Opportunity for All program?
Merit America has set aside up to 10% of our spots for the Opportunity for All program.
If I don’t qualify for Ascent’s Zero Percent Loan based on citizenship or visa requirements, can the program cover my cost?
No. The Merit America program requires that learners be authorized to work in the United States, so that we can support your job search in the United States. If you are not authorized to work in the United States, you do not qualify for Merit America’s program.
Will I automatically be covered by the Opportunity for All program if I do not qualify for the loan?
No, you have to apply to be covered by the program. Since the Zero Percent Loan is a product of another company, Merit America is not involved in eligibility decisions, and does not have access to the information of who qualifies for the loan and who doesn’t. If you apply for the loan, and are denied, please fill out a form to be covered by the Opportunity for All program.
I don’t think I will qualify for Ascent’s Zero Percent Loan. Can I just skip the loan process entirely and just apply for the Opportunity for All program?
No. Since spots are limited, the program is only available to learners who have been denied a loan product. Also, more people are eligible for the loan than you might think. According to Ascent Funding, “there is no minimum credit history or credit score required for loan approval for the Ascent Zero Percent loan.”