How to Fund Your IT & Cybersecurity Training (Even If Money Is Tight)

A practical guide for students choosing the Starter, Core, or Pro Track

Investing in your tech career is one of the smartest decisions you can make — but figuring out how to pay for it can feel overwhelming. The good news is: you have multiple options, and most students don’t rely on just one.

This guide breaks down the 9 most effective ways students fund their training, how to use each option, and what to do if you’re starting with a limited budget.

1. Employer Tuition Reimbursement

Most students don’t realize their job will often pay for training.

Even entry-level positions and non-tech jobs offer money for education, especially training that leads to better performance or promotions.

Why employers love it:

• It improves employee skills

• Helps with retention

• Costs them less than hiring someone new

How to use this option:

1. Ask HR or your manager if they offer tuition reimbursement.

2. If they do, ask for the yearly limit.

3. Get written approval.

4. Submit your receipts or payments per your employer’s process.

Script you can use:

“I’m enrolling in a professional IT training program that will directly improve my performance and make me more valuable to the team. Do we offer tuition reimbursement or education assistance I can apply toward this?”

2. Workforce Development Funding (WIOA)

A powerful option if you’re unemployed, underemployed, or changing careers.

Workforce programs (WIOA) exist in every state and cover training that leads to in-demand jobs. Many students qualify for partial or full coverage.

Who qualifies:

• Unemployed

• Underemployed

• Low income

• Career changers

• Veterans or spouses

What they may cover:

• Tuition

• Books/materials

• Certification exam vouchers

How to use this option:

1. Contact your local Workforce Development office.

2. Ask if your program qualifies under IT/Cyber training.

3. Submit your paperwork.

4. Get approval before enrolling.

3. Monthly Payment Plans (Most Popular Option)

Affordable, predictable, and no credit check in many cases.

Instead of paying thousands upfront, students split payments over 24–48 months, depending on the plan.

Benefits:

• Low monthly cost

• No interest (depending on the program)

• Can be combined with scholarships or employer funding

4. Split-Pay (Half Upfront + Lower Monthly Payments)

If you have some money to put down but not all, this option gets you a lower monthly payment while reducing long-term cost.

Great for students who:

• Just got tax refunds

• Receive bonuses

• Have short-term cash available

5. Scholarships

Small scholarships add up, and you only need one yes.

Possible scholarship sources:

• Nonprofit tech foundations

• Community organizations

• Women-in-tech scholarships

• Diversity in tech grants

• Veteran or military spouse scholarships

You can also offer internal scholarships for your academy.

6. 529 Education Funds

Little-known option:

Students can sometimes use 529 plan funds for career training depending on the state.

Check your state rules or ask the 529 plan administrator.

7. Credit Unions / Low-Interest Personal Loans

Credit unions are often friendlier than banks and approve small education loans with:

• Lower interest rates

• Flexible terms

• Smaller income requirements

This is ideal for students who want to finish paying sooner.

8. Tax Refund Strategy

Many students use part of their tax refund to cover enrollment fees or reduce their monthly payments.

A good rule:

Use 20–30% of your refund for career development.

9. Pay-As-You-Go

If students can’t commit to a multi-month plan, offer:

• Weekly payments

• Bi-weekly payments

• Month-to-month options

This reduces financial pressure while keeping them engaged.

How to Choose the Best Option (Simple Decision Guide)

If you’re working full-time:

→ Start with employer reimbursement

→ Pair with a 24–48 month payment plan

If you’re unemployed or changing careers:

→ Apply for Workforce (WIOA)

→ Use a monthly plan to cover the remaining balance

If you have some savings or refund money:

→ Use a split-pay option to reduce your monthly cost

If your credit is strong:

→ Consider a credit union loan for the lowest long-term cost

If your budget is tight:

→ Choose the lowest monthly payment plan, even 36–48 months

→ Add scholarships or employer help later

Checklist: What Students Should Gather Before Applying

• Recent paystubs

• Current job title + employer

• Financial goals

• Scholarship applications (if available)

• Workforce paperwork (if applying through WIOA)

• Credit union pre-qualification (optional)

Quick Comparison Table

Funding Option	Upfront Cost	Monthly Cost	Credit Check?	Best For
Employer Reimbursement	$0	Low	No	Working adults
Workforce (WIOA)	$0–Low	$0–Low	No	Unemployed / career changers
Payment Plan	Low	Low-Moderate	Sometimes no	Most students
Split-Pay	Moderate	Low	No	Students with some savings
Scholarships	$0	$0	No	Students of all backgrounds
Credit Union	$0–Low	Low	Yes	Good credit
529 Funds	$0	$0	No	Families with education savings
Pay-As-You-Go	$0	Flexible	No	Tight budgets

Not sure which funding option fits your budget?

Schedule a free consultation and we’ll walk you through the best option for your situation — no pressure, no commitment.