The average student loan debt is over $37,000 per borrower. Student loan statistics show that many students are still repaying their loans up to 20 years after they graduate. Carrying a heavy load of student debt can interfere with your ability to choose a job you love, limit your ability to buy a home, and impact your freedom to move.
However, the good news is that you can further your education to land a rewarding career and avoid student loans. There are federal grants and funding options that can help you get certified quickly for a position in a high-paying, in-demand field such as healthcare or information technology (IT).
What are Federal Grants?
Unlike loans, federal grants do not need to be repaid. If you qualify, these grants can cover your training costs, allowing you to pursue a new career without the burden of debt.
To learn more about the types of federal grants available and determine your eligibility, visit the American Job Center Career One Stop. This website can help you find federal, state and local grant opportunities.
These grants can help you cover tuition costs for short-term certification training programs that will help you launch your new career in a lucrative field. Short-term certification training programs cost a fraction of what a bachelor’s degree does. The average public university student borrows over $32,000 to get their bachelor’s degree and takes four years to graduate. However, you can train for a career, such as a Cloud Specialist, in as little as 12 weeks at a cost of only $4,000.
Types of Job Training Federal Funding Covers
You can train for a variety of rewarding careers with federal grants. Specific offerings vary by state, but many grants cover certification programs in fields like IT and healthcare, including the following:
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
You can complete the training to become a CCNA in three to six months for $4,000 at MedCerts. This program will teach you how to help organizations connect their computer systems and networks using Cisco technology. With an average starting salary of $84,000 and a projected 10-year job growth of 7.3 million, this certification can help you launch a promising career in a lucrative field.
Electronic Health and Medical Records Specialist
If you’re more interested in the healthcare industry, you can train to become an Electronic Health and Medical Records Specialist. You can work in a healthcare facility and give essential support to healthcare providers by handling confidential patient data in compliance with laws and regulations. With a training cost of only $2,700 and a potential salary of up to $63,000, this field is full of growth and opportunity.
Project Management Essentials
Perhaps you’re looking for a broad skill set you can use in any industry. Project Management Essentials may be the right fit. This course is six weeks long and costs $2,500. The average starting salary for project managers is $45,000, with the potential to earn up to $115,000 as a program manager.
Advance Your Career Without Student Loans
You don’t have to be burdened by student loans to have a successful career. Certification training programs, such as those offered by MedCerts, are faster to complete than traditional degrees and much more affordable. If you qualify for federal grants, you can even train for a new career for free.
