Bootcamp Scholarships & Financing: 9 Proven Ways to Pay for Tech Training in 2025

Updated on April 25, 2025 4 minutes read

Launching a tech career shouldn’t be held back by tuition. The average U S coding bootcamp now costs about $12 000 – but there are far more ways to cover that bill than writing a single cheque. Below you’ll find the nine funding routes that give Code Labs Academy learners and other future developers the best shot at an ROI-positive education this year.

Table of Contents

1. Scholarships for Merit, Diversity & Need

2. Employer Sponsorship / Upskilling Budgets

3. GI Bill & VET TEC for Veterans

4. Workforce Grants (WIOA)

5. Income Share Agreements (ISAs)

6. Deferred-Tuition Plans

7. Bootcamp Loans (Climb, Ascent & Co.)

8. Interest-Free Installments

9. Crowdfunding & Education Tax Breaks

   FAQs

1 . Scholarships for Merit, Diversity & Financial Need

More than 40 named scholarship programs target future boot-campers – from $500 automatic credits to full rides for women, Black/Latinx students, LGBTQ+ talent, career changers and more.

Quick wins:

Pro tip: Code Labs Academy’s own Women in STEM and Career-Changer scholarships reopen every quarter – keep an eye on the Financing Options page for deadlines.

2 . Employer Sponsorship & Upskilling Budgets

If you already work in a tech-adjacent role, ask HR about Learning & Development funds. Employers can deduct up to $5 250 per employee, per year in educational assistance under Section 127 of the IRS code – money that can go straight toward a bootcamp.

3 . GI Bill & VET TEC for Veterans

Many in-person bootcamps are VA-approved, allowing eligible veterans to use Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to cover tuition plus a housing allowance. Even fully remote learners may qualify through the VET TEC 2.0 program relaunched for 2025.

Checklist

• Have at least one day of unused GI Bill benefits.

• Apply online through VA.gov and request your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

• Confirm the bootcamp’s facility code with admissions before enrolling.

4 . Workforce Development Grants (WIOA)

Under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA), state workforce boards can pay up to 100 % of tuition for approved job-training programs. Funding levels vary by county but can exceed $6 500.

Start by searching “[your-state] WIOA training provider list” and booking an intake session with a career counselor.

**5 . Income Share Agreements (ISAs) – **

Pay When You’re Paid

With an ISA you pay $0 up-front and owe a fixed share of income (e.g., 12 %) only after landing a job earning above a threshold such as $40 000. Caps typically sit between $15 000–$28 000. For the basics, see ISA Explained.

ISA vs. Loan

6 . Deferred-Tuition Plans

Similar to ISAs but structured as fixed instalments (e.g., $350/month for 36 months) that begin only once you’re hired. No revenue share, so high earners pay the same as lower earners.

7 . Bootcamp Loans

Specialty lenders such as Ascent Funding and Climb Credit approve career-training loans with terms up to 60 months and deferment options during the course. Expect APRs in the 8–15 % range and the option to finance living stipends.

8 . Interest-Free Installments

The simplest model: divide tuition into 6–24 equal payments billed automatically. Code Labs Academy’s in-house plan via Quotanda spreads tuition over up to 18 months at 0 % interest – a powerful cash-flow option.

9 . Crowdfunding & Tax-Advantaged Paths

• Crowdfunding: platforms like GoFundMe and GradJoy can bridge small gaps.

• 529 plan withdrawals: tuition at accredited bootcamps may qualify for penalty-free use of education savings.

• Lifetime Learning Credit: claim 20 % of up to $10 000 in qualifying expenses on your federal return.

FAQs

Q 1. Are coding-bootcamp scholarships taxable income?

Generally no, when spent on qualified education expenses, but check IRS Pub 970.

Q 2. Will an ISA hurt my credit score?

Providers usually don’t report ISA payments to credit bureaus unless you default, so on-time payments neither help nor hurt.

Q 3. Can I combine the GI Bill with an ISA or loan?

The VA discourages stacking benefits with borrowing; most schools will require you to exhaust GI Bill funds first.

Q 4. What’s the fastest option for someone unemployed right now?

Apply for WIOA funding or choose an ISA/deferred-tuition plan so you can start training with $0 down and repay after employment.

Ready to take the next step?

Visit our Financing Options page or book a free call with admissions to see which of the nine paths fits your situation—and secure your seat in the next cohort.