5 Online Programs That Pay You to Study

In the current education landscape, the traditional model of paying for your own education is increasingly being complemented by innovative programs that actually pay you to study. These programs, often funded by educational institutions, tech companies, or philanthropic organizations, aim to remove financial barriers to education, empower learners, and in many cases, fill skill gaps in high-demand industries. Here's a closer look at five such online programs, each with its unique offerings and incentives for learners.

1. Lambda School's Income Share Agreements

Lambda School offers a novel approach to financing tech education. Specializing in coding and data science, the school uses an Income Share Agreement (ISA). This means students only start paying for their education once they land a job that pays above a certain threshold.

• Benefits: Pay nothing upfront; comprehensive curriculum in high-demand fields.
• Fields Covered: Coding, Data Science, and UX/UI Design.
• How it Works: Students repay a percentage of their income for a set number of years after employment.

Learn more about Lambda School

2. Coursera's Workforce Recovery Initiative

Coursera has partnered with governments across the globe to offer free access to its course catalog for unemployed workers. The initiative aims to provide displaced workers with the opportunity to develop new skills and make a career pivot.

• Benefits: Free access to Coursera’s vast library of courses.
• Fields Covered: Business, Technology, Data Science, Personal Development, and more.
• How it Works: Government-sponsored free access with a focus on unemployed or displaced workers.

Explore Coursera's Workforce Recovery Initiative

3. Google Career Certificates Scholarship Program

Google offers scholarships for its career certificates, covering in-demand skills such as IT support, data analytics, project management, and user experience design. These scholarships are often distributed through nonprofit organizations and community colleges.

• Benefits: Prepare for high-demand jobs with no experience necessary.
• Fields Covered: IT Support, Data Analytics, Project Management, UX Design.
• How it Works: Apply through partner organizations for a scholarship covering the full cost of the certificate.

Discover Google’s Career Certificates

4. App Academy Open

App Academy offers a free version of its coding boot camp online, known as App Academy Open. While the full access to tutoring and job placement assistance comes with a fee, the core curriculum is available to anyone, free of charge.

• Benefits: Free access to the coding curriculum.
• Fields Covered: Software Engineering with a focus on Web Development.
• How it Works: Self-paced learning with an option for paid mentorship and career services.

Check out App Academy Open

5. edX MicroMasters Programs Financial Assistance

edX, founded by Harvard and MIT, offers MicroMasters programs as a pathway to an accelerated master's degree or to boost your career. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify, reducing the cost of these programs by up to 90%.

• Benefits: Advanced learning at a fraction of the cost; pathway to an accelerated master’s degree.
• Fields Covered: Various, including Robotics, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Global Hospitality Management.
• How it Works: Apply for financial assistance during the course application process.

Learn about edX MicroMasters Programs

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 These programs represent a shift towards more accessible and affordable education, making it possible for individuals to develop new skills, enhance their careers, and even pivot to entirely new fields without the burden of upfront costs. As the demand for skilled professionals in various industries continues to grow, these initiatives play a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and employment.