Highlights

Path 1: Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan

• What it is: This is like borrowing money from a special bank called Sallie Mae. You get the money to pay for your training now, and then you pay it back after you finish your program and start working.
• How to check it out:
  • Go to the Sallie Mae website (just search for "Sallie Mae" online).
  • Look for "Commonwealth University of PA Workforce Development."
  • Our special ID code is 003315-97.
• Good to know: Loans are a serious thing because you have to pay them back. Make sure you understand how they work!

Path 2: Completing the Dream Scholarships!

• What it is: This is free money you don't have to pay back! Sallie Mae (the loan people) and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund are giving away 170 scholarships. These are meant to help you cover unexpected costs and finish your training.
• How much you can get: Up to $2,500! That's a nice chunk of change!
• Important Date: You need to apply by December 1, 2025, or until all the money is given away, so don't wait!
• How to apply: Head over to the "Completing the Dream Scholarship Program" webpage. Just search for that name online!

Path 3: Ask Your Local PA CareerLink!

• What it is: Your local PA CareerLink is like a helpful guide for jobs and training. They might have special programs (like WIOA, TAA, or OVR) that can pay for your training if you qualify.
• How to check it out: Call or visit your local PA CareerLink office. Tell them you're interested in workforce development training and ask about WIOA, TAA, or OVR funding! They're there to help people find jobs and training.

Path 4: Payment Plans (Sometimes!)

• What it is: Some of our teaching partners, like ED2GO Career Training and Center for Legal Studies by Barbri, let you pay for your program in smaller chunks over time instead of all at once. It's like paying for a cool new game in a few installments.
• How to check it out: When you enroll in a program offered by ED2GO or CLS by Barbri, ask them if they have payment plans available.
• Important Note: We (Commonwealth University) don't offer payment plans for these specific short-term programs ourselves. You have to arrange it directly with ED2GO or CLS by Barbri.

Path 5: PASSHE Foundation Scholarships!

• What it is: More free money you don't have to pay back! The PASSHE Foundation (which helps out all the state universities in PA) has scholarships specifically for some of these short-term certificate programs.
• How to apply: You can apply online through their "PASSHE Foundation Scholarship Manager." Just search for that name!

Don't feel overwhelmed! The best thing to do is explore these options one by one. Talk to your family, your school counselor, or reach out to the contacts mentioned for each option. You've got this!