Free, grant-funded, employer-paid, pay-when-you-earn, and clear payment-plan opportunities — every figure below comes from the provider’s own site, nothing added, nothing estimated. Where a provider does not publish a figure, the listing says so.
Every listing was verified against the provider’s own published sources in November 2026. Want this list filtered to your situation? Take the 7-question Pathway and get matched opportunities, funding that may help, and a personal roadmap.
New guides: Pay After You Get a Job, CNA Training in Chicago, and CDL Training in Chicago.
1. Merit America — Merit America
Category: Tech & Creators
What it is: Online, part-time career programs (IT Support, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, UX Design, Project Management, HR) built around Google certificates, run by a nonprofit.
Upfront cost: $0
You pay later: Flat $5,700 total (0% loan through Ascent — no % of income). Nothing is due until at least 3 months after you complete or exit, and repayment can be deferred in 3-month blocks (up to 60 months) until you are earning at least $40,000/yr.
Maximum total you can pay: $5,700
If you don’t get the job: If you are not earning at least $40,000 within 2 years of completing the Immersion phase, you don’t have to pay / refund on request (outcome guarantee). A fallback (“Opportunity For All”) covers 100% if the loan is denied, you have no sponsor, and you can’t pay upfront.
Location / eligibility notes: Online. No minimum credit score for the Ascent loan pre-qualification (soft check only).
2. IBEW Local 134 Electrical Apprenticeship — IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (EJATT)
Category: CDL & Trades
What it is: Union electrical apprenticeship (Electrical Construction 5 years; Communications 4 years) — classroom training plus paid work with union contractors.
Upfront cost: $50 application fee; if selected, a $500 processing fee plus a one-time admin fee (amount set at start of school). No tuition out of pocket.
You pay later: Apprenticeship model — the Local 134 / Electrical Contractors’ Association scholarship loan covers the cost of education and is paid off through working in the industry for signatory contractors. Not paid for the first 11 weeks of classes; weekly stipend thereafter; assigned to a union contractor after year 1.
Maximum total you can pay: Not published
If you don’t get the job: Not published — apprentices are assigned to a union contractor after year 1 per the program structure.
Location / eligibility notes: Alsip, IL (Cook County jurisdiction). Registration open now (Wednesdays 9–11am, through Feb 2027; test Mar 2027). Driver’s licence needed; physical + drug screen if selected. Non-U.S. citizens CAN register — bring Social Security Card + Employment Authorization Card. A record does not disqualify you from applying.
3. Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program — Endeavor Health
Category: Healthcare
What it is: A paid, benefits-eligible medical assistant apprenticeship — 16 weeks, up to 40 hrs/week of paid learning at Chicagoland outpatient sites.
Upfront cost: $0 — tuition and educational expenses are paid by the health system.
You pay later: Employer-paid apprenticeship (earn while you learn) — no tuition to repay; graduates move into an Endeavor medical assistant role with a required 18-month employment commitment.
Maximum total you can pay: $0 tuition (no repayment figure published)
If you don’t get the job: Not published — the program is a paid position, open to team members and select external candidates.
Location / eligibility notes: Chicagoland, IL (outpatient sites). The site does not state work-authorisation/SSN terms.
4. Get Your CDL™ — Roehl Transport
Category: CDL & Trades
What it is: Company-paid CDL training where you are hired as an employee from day one, with a solo driving job after training.
Upfront cost: $0 — no tuition. Lodging and most meals are covered during training.
You pay later: Employer-paid training + work commitment model. You are paid $616/week during the 3-week CDL phase. Roehl’s published agreement values the training at $7,000, repayable only if you leave before completing 120,000 solo paid miles (~15 months); 0% interest while employed.
Maximum total you can pay: $7,000 (only if you leave before 120,000 solo paid miles)
If you don’t get the job: Not published — you are hired as an employee on day one.
Location / eligibility notes: Training centres include a Chicago-area terminal (Gary, IN), plus Marshfield & Appleton, WI and Conley, GA. You must obtain your state Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before training.
5. Basic Nursing Assistant (BNA) Training Program — Northwestern Medicine
Category: Healthcare
What it is: A 16-week, IDPH-approved Basic Nursing Assistant program (Fridays only — classroom/lab/clinical) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital; graduates are eligible for the IL Nurse Aide Competency Exam and Patient Care Technician roles.
Upfront cost: Free for Northwestern Medicine employees in nonclinical roles (e.g. Food Services, Environmental Services, Security). External candidates may apply and a payment plan is available — Not published by provider — we list it as unverified terms.
You pay later: Employer-sponsored model — free with employment at Northwestern Medicine; external payment-plan terms not published.
Maximum total you can pay: Not published
If you don’t get the job: Not published
Location / eligibility notes: Chicago, IL (Northwestern Memorial Hospital). The site does not state work-authorisation/SSN terms.
6. Practical Nursing (LPN), Advanced Certificate — City Colleges of Chicago, Malcolm X College
Category: Healthcare
What it is: A 49-credit, ~1-year public-college Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate; graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-PN exam.
Upfront cost: No-interest payment plan (Nelnet): $30 enrolment fee per semester, down payment from $0–25% depending on enrolment date. Total programme cost ≈ $7,220 per CCC/SkillUp figures — confirm against CCC’s current tuition schedule before relying on it.
You pay later: No-interest instalment plan — up to 6 monthly instalments per semester (Fall 2026 example: enrol by May 4 = no down payment, 6 payments Jun 10–Nov 10).
Maximum total you can pay: ≈ $7,220 total programme cost (see upfront note — verify against current CCC tuition schedule)
If you don’t get the job: Not published — this is a tuition instalment plan, not an employment-linked program.
Location / eligibility notes: Chicago, IL. The plan is described by CCC as no interest, no prequalifying, no credit check. Admission requires 4 prerequisite courses (grade C+), HS diploma/GED, ATI TEAS 60% cumulative / 70% reading, GPA ≥ 2.5. Spring 2027 applications open Aug 31 – Nov 9, 2026.
7. Accelerate Program (CNA & Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) — Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois
Category: Healthcare
What it is: Free CNA and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant training funded by a US Department of Labor ETA grant via IL DCEO.
Upfront cost: $0 — no cost to students.
You pay later: Nothing — free, grant-funded program.
Maximum total you can pay: $0
If you don’t get the job: Not published — no payment obligation exists either way.
Location / eligibility notes: Rockford, IL. Eligibility as stated on the site: ages 16–24, live in Winnebago County, and not currently enrolled in school OR justice-system involved OR pregnant/parenting. Info sessions Tuesdays 10 AM, 850 N. Church St, Rockford.
8. Phlebotomy Program (PLB) — Chicago School of Phlebotomy
Category: Healthcare
What it is: A 7-week phlebotomy program (6 weeks of classes + 40-hour clinical externship), IBHE-approved, with optional NHA CPT exam.
Upfront cost: $50 registration. Total $900 ($50 registration + $500 tuition + $150 lab + $100 books/supplies + $100 externship).
You pay later: Instalment plan at no extra cost, split weekly across the enrolment (e.g. Plan B: $50 at registration, then $150 / $140 × 5 weeks). Payment plans available to all students.
Maximum total you can pay: $900 (no additional cost for the payment plan)
If you don’t get the job: Not published — this is a tuition instalment plan, not an employment-linked program.
Location / eligibility notes: Chicagoland, IL. Admissions: 18+, HS diploma/GED or International High School Diploma Equivalency — foreign diplomas expressly accepted. Externship sites may require TB test / background check.
9. Deferred Tuition Programs (Data Science, Data Analytics, Software Engineering, UI/UX) — Springboard
Category: Tech & Creators
What it is: Online, mentor-led career tracks in Data Science, Data Analytics, Software Engineering and UI/UX where most of the tuition is deferred until you land a job. (Springboard’s Cybersecurity Career Track is shown as discontinued on its own site.)
Upfront cost: Deposit only — Data Science: $700 deposit; Data Analytics: $500 deposit.
You pay later: Flat deferred tuition (not % of income), payable only when you land a job — Data Science: $13,800, payable 36 × $383/mo; Data Analytics: ~$390–$435/mo × 36 after starting a job.
Maximum total you can pay: Data Science: $13,800 plus the $700 deposit; Data Analytics: deposit plus 36 monthly payments of ~$390–$435.
If you don’t get the job: Data Science balance is waived if no job within 6 months of graduating (eligibility conditions apply). Money-back guarantee on all tracks (terms apply).
Location / eligibility notes: Online. ⚠️ Deferred plan is restricted to US citizens / permanent residents (others need a qualifying US co-borrower).
10. Prime Training Program (PSD) — Prime Inc.
Category: CDL & Trades
What it is: Company-sponsored CDL training program (“$0 to start”) with paid trainer miles after you earn your CDL.
Upfront cost: $0 tuition to start. Transport to orientation, hotel and 3 meals/day during orientation are covered. During CDL instruction you receive a $300/week loan for food/living costs — it is a loan and is repayable.
You pay later: Company-sponsored model — you pay nothing for training if you drive for Prime for 1 year after getting your CDL. After the CDL: 30,000–50,000 trainer miles at minimum $900/week. $250 bonus for passing the CDL exam first attempt.
Maximum total you can pay: Early-exit repayment amount: Not published
If you don’t get the job: Not published
Location / eligibility notes: Orientation in Springfield, MO · Pittston, PA · Salt Lake City, UT (Prime hires from Illinois). You must obtain your Class A permit in your home state before orientation.
11. Paid CDL Training / TMC Pro Driving Academy — TMC Transportation
Category: CDL & Trades
What it is: A DOL-certified Heavy Truck Driver Apprenticeship — 3 weeks in-house plus 4 weeks over-the-road training.
Upfront cost: $0 — no upfront cost; transport and accommodation paid.
You pay later: Employer-paid apprenticeship model. You are paid $500/week while at the training facility AND $500/week in over-the-road training. Commitment: drive for TMC for 1 year after your CDL; if you leave earlier you repay a prorated part of the training cost.
Maximum total you can pay: Total training cost (the base for the prorated early-exit repayment): Not published
If you don’t get the job: Not published
Location / eligibility notes: Des Moines, IA · Columbia, SC (TMC hires from Illinois). CLP needed before training (you may apply before you have it); NY residents need a metals endorsement.
12. CDL Apprenticeship Training (CAT) — Schneider
Category: CDL & Trades
What it is: A paid 5–7.5-week CDL apprenticeship program at Schneider facilities, with paid transport and Schneider-funded lodging and meals where applicable.
Upfront cost: $0 tuition — company-paid apprenticeship with compensation during training.
You pay later: Paid apprenticeship (company-paid) model. Alternative route: train elsewhere, then get tuition reimbursement of $200/month up to $7,000 as a qualified Schneider driver.
Maximum total you can pay: Work-commitment length / early-exit terms: Not published — the research notes advise asking recruiting for these in writing.
If you don’t get the job: Not published
Location / eligibility notes: Schneider facilities nationally (availability varies by home area). CLP from your state of residence; valid U.S. driver’s licence for at least the past 12 months; must live where CAT is offered.
13. Class A CDL (sponsored tuition / reimbursement route) — 160 Driving Academy
Category: CDL & Trades
What it is: A 4-week, 160-hour Class A CDL program; most students pay no upfront tuition if sponsored by a partner carrier.
Upfront cost: $0 upfront for sponsored students — carriers cover part or all of the training cost. Dollar tuition for unsponsored students: Not published by provider — we list it as unverified terms.
You pay later: Carrier-sponsored model — sponsor carriers cover training cost in exchange for a commitment to drive for them after graduation. Sponsor commitment length: Not published.
Maximum total you can pay: Not published
If you don’t get the job: Not published. ⚠️ 160’s own Tuition Reimbursement page states it cannot guarantee availability or terms of reimbursement and that securing it is the student’s responsibility — verify the sponsor and contract at the specific campus before enrolling.
Location / eligibility notes: HQ Chicago, IL; campuses nationally including Niles, IL. Sponsorship qualifications stated on its pages: 21+, valid driver’s licence, no felonies/DUIs/drug convictions in the last 10 years.
14. Plumbing Apprenticeship — Plumbers’ JAC Local 130 UA
Category: CDL & Trades
What it is: A 5-year union plumbing apprenticeship — paid on-the-job training (4 days field / 1 day class in early years) plus classroom instruction.
Upfront cost: $50 non-refundable registration fee; optional test-tips book $20.
You pay later: Union apprenticeship model — apprentices are paid while training. Tuition amount: Not published by provider — we list it as unverified terms.
Maximum total you can pay: Not published
If you don’t get the job: Not published
Location / eligibility notes: Chicago, IL (1340 W. Washington Blvd). Applications: Nov 16, 2026 – Feb 12, 2027, online only, first 2,000 submissions. Requirements: 18+ (17 may apply if 18 by 05/18/2027); HS diploma/GED; valid driver’s licence; pass aptitude test, drug screen, physical + agility tests; must read/write/speak English. Application requires upload of driver’s licence and birth certificate or valid U.S. passport — a document requirement worth flagging for immigrant applicants.
15. UA Apprenticeship (Building Trades Pipefitter / Welder / HVAC Service) — Pipe Fitters’ Training Fund Local 597
Category: CDL & Trades
What it is: A five-year UA apprenticeship covering pipefitters, welders and HVAC service technicians, with paid on-the-job training.
Upfront cost: $20 application fee (study guide +$20).
You pay later: Union apprenticeship (employer-paid training) model — paid on-the-job training. Tuition charged to the apprentice: Not published by provider — we list it as unverified terms.
Maximum total you can pay: Not published
If you don’t get the job: Not published
Location / eligibility notes: Mokena, IL (10850 W. 187th St). See the provider’s site for full eligibility details.
Apply link: https://www.pftf597.org/about/apprenticeship-training/
25. Careers in Manufacturing Programs (CNC, Welding, Mechanical Assembly, Press Brake, Bridge) — Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC)
Category: CDL & Trades
What it is: Free hands-on manufacturing training in Chicago from a nonprofit workforce organisation (founded 1985) — tracks include CNC machining (Fast Track for CNC Operators), Welding Fast Track (GMAW/“MIG”), Mechanical Assembly and Press Brake, plus a Manufacturing Bridge Program (12 weeks / 192 hours) for learners who need reading/math preparation first, and ALPS tutoring (including ESL and GED prep). Trainees work toward an industry credential (NIMS or AWS) and get personalised job placement assistance, financial coaching, public benefits screening and transportation assistance. Durations for the CNC, Welding, Mechanical Assembly and Press Brake tracks: terms not published on the JARC pages checked — only the Bridge length (12 weeks / 192 hours) is published.
Upfront cost: $0 — JARC’s Chicago page states the training is “all completely free of charge” (grant-funded, incl. Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership / U.S. Department of Labor funding).
You pay later: Nothing — free, grant-funded program. No tuition, loan or income-share obligation.
Maximum total you can pay: $0
If you don’t get the job: Not published — no payment obligation exists either way; job placement assistance is part of the program.
Location / eligibility notes: Chicago, IL — Main Office: 5500 W. Madison St, Chicago, IL 60644; Austin Training Center: 4501 W Augusta Blvd, Chicago, IL 60651; Ravenswood Training Center: 4222 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613. Eligibility as published by JARC: unemployed adults and low-income job seekers; must be at least 18; authorisation to work in the U.S. is required; open to individuals with arrest or conviction records (training is not available to those with a history of sexual offenses). Admission requires an application session, a CASAS math/reading assessment (9th-grade level for the advanced tracks; 5th-grade level for Bridge) and an interview. Classes are taught in English; ALPS offers ESL tutoring.
16. Phlebotomy Technician — Illinois Health Careers
Category: Healthcare
What it is: A ~10-week phlebotomy technician program (Saturday classes) preparing students for certification.
Upfront cost: $750 down. Total $2,100.
You pay later: Instalment plan — 9 weekly payments of $150 after the down payment. 5% discount if paid in full; 12% military discount. The school also offers payment deferment and a tuition-assistance programme, and its catalog names a financing partner (TFC Financial) offering no-credit-check financing.
Maximum total you can pay: $2,100 on the school’s instalment plan
If you don’t get the job: Not published — this is a tuition instalment plan, not an employment-linked program.
Location / eligibility notes: Arlington Heights & Rockford, IL (+ other Chicagoland campuses). The school’s catalog states its financing partner TFC Financial requires NO credit check (99%+ approval, low interest, no early-payoff penalty) — relevant for applicants with no US credit history. Note: the school is not institutionally accredited and offers no federal student aid (payment plans / WIOA grants only, per its catalog).
17. Clinical Medical Assistant — Illinois Health Careers
Category: Healthcare
What it is: A 10–16-week clinical medical assistant program preparing students for the NHA CCMA credential.
Upfront cost: $800 down. Total $3,800.
You pay later: Instalment plan — 15 weekly payments of $200 after the down payment. 5% discount if paid in full; 12% military discount. Same no-credit-check financing route (TFC Financial, per the school catalog) as the school’s other programs.
Maximum total you can pay: $3,800 on the school’s instalment plan
If you don’t get the job: Not published — this is a tuition instalment plan, not an employment-linked program.
Location / eligibility notes: Arlington Heights & Rockford, IL (+ other campuses). School is not institutionally accredited; no federal student aid (payment plans / WIOA grants only, per its catalog).
18. Phlebotomy Technician — The Nirvana Institute
Category: Healthcare
What it is: A 6-week phlebotomy technician program at a school stating IBHE + IDPH approval. Extra costs: NHA exam $125; CPR card $60 optional.
Upfront cost: $700 down at registration. Total $1,800.
You pay later: Instalment plan — Plan 1: $700 down + $550 week 2 + $550 week 4. Plan 2: $700 down + 4 × $275 weekly (weeks 1–4).
Maximum total you can pay: $1,800 (plus optional extras above)
If you don’t get the job: Not published — this is a tuition instalment plan, not an employment-linked program.
Location / eligibility notes: Chicago, IL (4650 S. King Dr; 2201 W. Madison St). The site does not state work-authorisation/SSN terms.
19. Medical Assistant Career Diploma — Penn Foster
Category: Healthcare
What it is: An 11-month online medical assistant career diploma including the NHA CCMA exam ($115 value), exam prep and a clinical kit.
Upfront cost: $20 down on the Monthly Auto Pay plan ($49 down on Monthly Mail Pay). Pay-in-full price: $1,799.
You pay later: Monthly instalment plan — $59/month. Monthly Auto Pay total: $2,299. Monthly Mail Pay total: $2,399.
Maximum total you can pay: $2,399 (Monthly Mail Pay total)
If you don’t get the job: Not published — this is a tuition instalment plan, not an employment-linked program.
Location / eligibility notes: Online. Enrolment: age 16+, HS diploma/GED.
20. Medical Assistant — U.S. Career Institute
Category: Healthcare
What it is: A self-paced online medical assistant program (can be completed in as little as 4 months) marketed to Illinois residents; CCMA exam cost, study guide and practice test included ($268 value).
Upfront cost: First payment $79 ($50 down payment + $29 application charge; the application charge is non-refundable). Pay-in-full price: $1,439.
You pay later: Monthly instalment plan — $79/month; monthly-plan total $1,739.
Maximum total you can pay: $1,739 (monthly-plan total)
If you don’t get the job: Not published — this is a tuition instalment plan, not an employment-linked program.
Location / eligibility notes: Online (program page written for Illinois residents). The site does not state work-authorisation terms.
21. Income Share Agreement Programs (Cybersecurity Analyst, AWS/DevOps, Full-Stack, Data Science) — Clarusway
Category: Tech & Creators
What it is: Online, live-instructor tech programs funded by a true Income Share Agreement (managed by Leif) — you pay a percentage of income only after you’re earning.
Upfront cost: $0 (“no money down”)
You pay later: 9.9% of pre-tax monthly income for 24 qualified payment months. Payments start only once you earn at least $40,000/yr, and pause if your income drops below the threshold.
Maximum total you can pay: A payment cap exists but the dollar amount is Not published by provider — we list it as unverified terms (the cap is set in the individual contract).
If you don’t get the job: The obligation is forgiven after 5 years if you never reach $40,000/yr. ⚠️ Per the research file: Clarusway’s ISA is collected on income from any job over $40k, not only IT jobs (confirmed in the school’s own reply to a student review). Earn and Pay describes every ISA as a financing obligation regardless of provider wording.
Location / eligibility notes: Online (Virginia-based; US HQ address/phone shown on its ISA page). Public tuition is not listed — verify current US pricing with the school.
22. Income Share Agreement Programs (Web Development, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics) — Pivot Technology School
Category: Tech & Creators
What it is: 20-week virtual cohorts in web development, cybersecurity and data analytics funded by an Income Share Agreement (partner: Leif).
Upfront cost: $500 down payment
You pay later: 9.5% of monthly income for up to 36 monthly payments. Payments start after a 30-day grace period once you cross the income threshold: $40,000/yr (web development) / $35,000/yr (cybersecurity).
Maximum total you can pay: A payment cap applies but the dollar amount is Not published by provider — we list it as unverified terms.
If you don’t get the job: The obligation is forgiven after 36 deferment months below the threshold.
Location / eligibility notes: 100% virtual (Nashville, TN; authorised by the TN Higher Education Commission).
35. Nucamp — Affordable Coding Bootcamps (Online, Part-Time)
Category: Tech & Creators
What it is: Part-time online coding bootcamps built for working adults — evenings and weekends, with local community meetups in 200+ US cities. Tracks: Web Development Fundamentals (4 weeks), Front End Web + Mobile Development (17 weeks), Back End, SQL & DevOps with Python (16 weeks), Full Stack Web + Mobile Development (22 weeks), Cybersecurity (15 weeks), and an 11-month Complete Software Engineering Path.
The full cost, upfront: Tuition is $458 (Fundamentals) to $2,124–$2,604 (career tracks), up to $5,644 for the full 11-month path. This is not an income share agreement and not pay-when-you-earn: Nucamp spreads tuition into interest-free monthly installments (roughly $189–$219/month on the main tracks), and your maximum total cost is known before you enrol.
Who it fits: Career changers who can study part-time while working and want a low total cost with no debt surprise at the end.
Location / eligibility notes: Online, part-time — evenings and weekends, with local community meetups in 200+ US cities.
Earn and Pay may earn a referral fee if you enrol through our link. It never changes what you pay.
23. B-School — Marie Forleo
Category: Tech & Creators
What it is: An online business training program for building and growing a business, run as an annual live launch.
Upfront cost: $2,499 pay in full, or via the payment plan below.
You pay later: Payment plan — 12 payments of $239 (plan terms as stated on current 2026 affiliate-partner pages and launch coverage).
Maximum total you can pay: $2,868 on the 12-payment plan (12 × $239)
If you don’t get the job: Not published — this is a course payment plan, not an employment-linked program.
Location / eligibility notes: Online. B-School runs as an annual live launch, so enrolment is window-based rather than always open.
24. Product Launch Formula (PLF) — Jeff Walker
Category: Tech & Creators
What it is: A high-ticket training on launching products and courses online, sold during enrollment windows (Launch Masterclass).
Upfront cost: $1,997 pay in full, or via the payment plan below.
You pay later: Payment plan — 6 payments of $397 (plan reported by current 2026 affiliate/review pages; Walker does not publish a permanent public price — it is revealed during enrollment windows).
Maximum total you can pay: $2,382 on the 6-payment plan (6 × $397)
If you don’t get the job: Not published — this is a course payment plan, not an employment-linked program.
Location / eligibility notes: Online. Enrollment is window-based.
Note: JARC is now included as listing 25, after the trades listings.
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