Zero Percent Loan
Per Scholas training is no-cost to our learners, but life expenses add up. That’s why we’re teaming up with Ascent, a trusted partner of Per Scholas, to offer all full-time IT Support, AI-Enabled IT Support, IT Data Center Technician, End User Desktop Support, Data Center Technician with AI Tools, and AI-Enabled Healthcare IT Technician learners the opportunity to apply for a Zero Percent Loan from Ascent.
What is the Zero Percent Loan?
The Zero Percent Loan from Ascent is a zero percent interest, no-fee loan of $3,000. Per Scholas learners who are approved for the loan receive three monthly disbursements of $1,000 each.
Per Scholas never charges tuition, but when you take time off from work to build in-demand skills and prepare for a career in technology, living expenses can add up.
Per Scholas does not profit from the Zero Percent Loan. Thanks to our partnership with Ascent, approved Per Scholas learners have an opportunity to achieve some financial peace of mind as they embark on their Per Scholas experience. Preparing learners both emotionally and financially for Per Scholas can help lead to success!
Plan for Your Financial Future
Once you are accepted to Per Scholas, consider meeting with a Per Scholas Financial Coach to:
- Help map out your spending plan before you start your course
- Understand how to incorporate the Zero Percent Loan into your financial resources while you study at Per Scholas
- Explore the loan as a potential credit building opportunity
"I was very grateful for the opportunity, and then also the grace that's given in paying back the loan. We were allowed time after graduation and given the tools to help us secure a full time job, so we can afford to pay it back. That made it even better. I'm very grateful for this Zero Percent Loan. It was life changing."
Tynesha Harris
Per Scholas North Carolina, IT Support 2023
"The loan prevented me from having to overwork myself trying to work a full-time job plus attend this program full time. It relieved that stress and pressure from me so that I was able to just focus on the training, which has really helped me to succeed."
Reese Galloway
Per Scholas North Carolina, IT Support 2023
"Training was 9 to 5, and it was hard to work and study at the same time. The ZPL gave me peace of mind. I was able to pay my rent, support my kids, and focus on learning."
Lennon Williams
Per Scholas Buffalo, IT Support 2024
"It made my life feel more manageable. It helped sustain us while I focused on learning. And that meant everything"
Nicole Hunt
Per Scholas New York, IT Support 2024
"It was offered with no pressure, just as an option—and it ended up being a huge help. It helped pay for gas, a few tech items I needed to study, and gave me some financial breathing room."
Patrick Kaiser
Per Scholas Kansas City, IT Support 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Per Scholas decide if I get approved for a Zero Percent Loan from Ascent?
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Ascent decides who qualifies for a Zero Percent Loan. Per Scholas reviews all loan applications to ensure that learners are enrolled in Zero Percent Loan-eligible courses and that the application is completed by the deadline.
- When can I apply?
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Learners in Zero Percent Loan–eligible classes will receive an email from zpl@perscholas.org with a link to Ascent’s application. Learners can begin applying up to 30 days before their class start date and must be fully approved for the loan by the second Wednesday after the class begins.
- If I miss the application deadline, can I still be approved?
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The deadline to complete the application is strict, and Per Scholas cannot certify late applications. Learners who want to apply for a loan should start their application early to make sure they have enough time to finish all the steps.
- Do I need to apply for a Zero Percent Loan to enroll in a Per Scholas class?
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Learners do not need to apply for a Zero Percent Loan to enroll in a Per Scholas class. The loan is available for learners in eligible training tracks who want to apply, but enrollment at Per Scholas is not dependent on applying for or receiving the loan.
- If I'm approved, when and how do I receive the money?
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Learners approved for the Zero Percent Loan will receive their funds by direct deposit into their bank account. Disbursements are made in three monthly installments of $1,000 each, with the first installment sent about three weeks after the class begins.
- Why did Per Scholas partner with Ascent to offer a Zero Percent Loan if Per Scholas is tuition-free?
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Per Scholas has been a trusted IT training provider for more than 25 years. While Per Scholas has always offered our programs at no cost to learners, we recognize that learners often face challenges supporting themselves and their families during an intensive, full-time course. Having financial support during training can ease stress, improve completion rates, and help learners transition more successfully into thriving-wage careers.
- Are all learners enrolled in any Per Scholas course eligible to apply for the Zero Percent Loan?
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Learners in full-time, synchronous IT Support, AI-Enabled IT Support, IT Data Center Technician, End User Desktop Support, Data Center Technician with AI Tools, and AI-Enabled Healthcare IT Technician courses are eligible to apply for the Zero Percent Loan from Ascent.
Per Scholas is not a lender, nor is it providing any loans.
This is a communication to explain the benefits available.