Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions

What is no-cost IT training?

Per Scholas’ IT training is a program designed to provide training in various aspects of information technology to residents of the Chicago area at no cost to learners. This training is open to anyone who wants to unlock their potential, skills, and knowledge in the field, regardless of their prior experience or financial resources. We’re able to provide no-cost training through grant funding and do not ever ask for payment or income sharing from our graduates.

Which no-cost IT courses are available in Chicago?

Our no-cost IT course programs in Chicago are always changing as we are constantly building new opportunities and course offerings to serve our learners and the market in your community. To stay up to date on the courses offered in your area, please check the location page above. For more information, see the Per Scholas, Inc. Chicago School Catalog.

Are the no-cost IT courses available online or in-person in Chicago?

Per Scholas offers our no-cost training in-person, remote, and hybrid, depending on the courses in Chicago. Our course schedule constantly changes as we schedule our 3-4 month sessions, including whether courses are online or in-person. Please refer to your location’s current course schedule above and individual course page to see if the course you are interested in is remote, in-person, or hybrid.

How can I apply for the no-cost program in Chicago?

To apply for our no-cost IT programs in Chicago, you can visit our website and fill out our eligibility form. Our admissions team will review your application and reach out to you with more information about the program and the next steps to unlocking your potential.

Are there any prerequisites for the no-cost IT certification programs in Chicago?

Each Per Scholas training program has its own prerequisites, which are listed on our course pages. We encourage you to review any requirements prior to applying to no-cost IT programs in Chicago.

Are the no-cost IT training programs open to everyone in Chicago?

Our no-cost IT training program in Chicago is open to anyone who meets the income requirements, wants to develop their skills and knowledge in the field of information technology, and is a resident of the Chicago metro area. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and experience levels to apply and join our community of learners in Chicago.

How long are the no-cost IT courses in Chicago?

Our courses in Chicago are 12-16 weeks (3-4 months), depending on the course. The time commitment includes full-time (40 hours per week), Monday-Friday.

Is Per Scholas a paid opportunity?

Per Scholas does not pay learners to attend training. This is because we offer up to $15k of no-cost training to each learner as well as 2 years of additional training opportunities, coaching, and professional development. On a case-by-case basis, our learners may be eligible for direct financial assistance. Each learner has a dedicated Learner Support Manager and Financial Coach to support them throughout the course and determine if they are able to receive additional financial resources when available.

Does Per Scholas help you get a job?

Per Scholas has partnerships with employers in each market in which we operate, where our learners and alumni have the opportunity to connect with our hiring partners. Alternatively, if you’re interested in hiring a Per Scholas graduate, visit enterprise.perscholas.org.

Can I hire a Per Scholas graduate?

If you’re interested in hiring a Per Scholas graduate, visit enterprise.perscholas.org

What does no cost to learners mean?

We do not charge tuition, transcript fees, or any other fees to students at any point in the enrollment or training process. As a result, students cannot accrue a financial balance with the institution. Accordingly, there are no financial holds placed on transcripts, diplomas, or registration due to student debt. Per Scholas complies fully with the Illinois Student Debt Assistance Act (110 ILCS 66/), including the provisions related to transcript access, hardship withdrawals, and student protections. While we are exempt from certain operational elements of the Act due to our no-cost model, we remain committed to transparency, accessibility, and equitable support for all learners.

Can I submit comments about Per Scholas to the Illinois Board of Higher Education?

Ill. Admin. Code tit. 23, § 1095.250 – Student Complaints
State Regulations

Schools approved by the Board must provide to the Board and each student the school’s policy for addressing student complaints. Included in this process, the school must provide in its promotional materials and on its Internet website the Board’s address and Internet website for reporting complaints. (Section 55(2) of the Act)

a) Student complaints must be submitted in writing to the Board (Section 85(i)(1) of the Act). Information about the complaint may be submitted online through the IBHE website (www.ibhe.org). Additional information regarding the complaint process can be obtained by contacting the Board at:
Illinois Board of Higher Education

Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools

1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333

Springfield IL 62701

Phone Number: (217) 782-2551

Fax Number: (217) 782-8548

Can I view Regulatory Disclosures for Per Scholas Chicago?

Regulatory Disclosures

• Per Scholas, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
• Per Scholas, Inc. is not accredited by a US Department of Education recognized accrediting body.
• If the learner’s complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting Per Scholas’ grievance procedure, the learner may file a complaint with the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Student complaints must be submitted in writing to the Board (Section 85(i)(1) of the Act). Information about the complaint may be submitted online through the IBHE website (www.ibhe.org). Additional information regarding the complaint process can be obtained by contacting the Board at:

Illinois Board of Higher Education

Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools

1 North Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333

Springfield, IL 62701‑1377

Phone: (217) 557-7359

Fax: (217) 782-8585

Can I view Campus Performance Data for Per Scholas Chicago?

Campus Performance Data

Campus Performance Data | Reporting Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024

 

Program: IT Support (#1003)

Students admitted as of July 1, 2023: 17

New starts during the reporting period: 40

Re-enrollments: Data not collected

Transfers into the program: Data not collected

Total admitted during the 12-month period: 57

 

Student Outcomes:

Transfers to another program: Data not collected

Completions/Graduations: 53

Withdrawals: 1

Dismissed: 2

Continuing Enrollment: 0

Employment Outcomes:

Placed in field of study: 36

Placed in related field: Data not collected

Placed out of field: 9

Not available for placement due to personal reasons: Data not collected

Not employed: 8

 

Licensure/Certification:

Students who took a licensing or professional certification exam: Data not collected

The average starting salary for all school graduates employed during the reporting period: $21.70