Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions

What is free IT training?

Per Scholas’ free IT training is a program designed to provide tuition-free training in various aspects of information technology to residents of the Chicago area. 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 free training through grant funding and do not ever ask for payment or income sharing from our graduates.

Which free IT courses are available in Chicago?

Our free 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 free IT courses available online or in-person in Chicago?

Per Scholas offers our tuition-free 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 tuition-free program in Chicago?

To apply for our tuition-free 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 free 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 free IT programs in Chicago.

Are the free IT training programs open to everyone in Chicago?

Our free 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 tuiton-free 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 cost-free 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 tuition-free mean?

Per Scholas is a tuition-free institution. 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