Merit America
Average Rating3.61
30 Reviews
3 Courses
Merit America is a non-profit that offers 14, 16 and 30-week, part-time bootcamps in IT Support, Java Development, and Data Analytics across the United States. Students receive 1:1 career coaching throughout the program, benefit from peer support via weekly squad meetings, and work with a dedicated placement team to find a job. Graduates only pay once they land a job that pays above a regional threshold.
In the 30-week Java Development bootcamp, students learn Java, data structures, SQL, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Agile, and AWS deployment. In the 14-week IT Support bootcamp, students learn technical support, troubleshooting, operating systems, systems administration, IT security, and Office 365 administration and deployment. Upon graduation, IT Support students earn a Google IT Support Certificate. In the 16-week Data Analytics bootcamp, students will learn data types & structures, data visualization, R programming, problem solving with data, and data analysis. Students will complete a data capstone project, and graduate with the skills necessary to start an entry-level job in Data Analytics.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED; individuals currently pursuing or who already hold a bachelor's degree are not eligible. No prior coding experience is required, but applicants should have reliable Internet access, be fluent in English, and authorized to work in the United States. Applicants complete a basic learning assessment and submit a video interview. If applicants are accepted, they start with a 2-4 week trial phase to determine whether Merit America is the right fit for them. There is no official commitment until the end of this trial period.
Merit America does not require payment upfront. Graduates only pay once they are in a new job above the income threshold specified for their program and region. Once in a new job, IT and Data Analytics graduates make small monthly payments for 60 months to repay tuition ($95/month for IT/Data Analytics), while Java graduates make monthly payments for 24 months ($225/month). If graduates drop below the income threshold, payments will be paused. If graduates do not land a job above the salary threshold, the program is free.
30 Merit America Reviews
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- Logan SchaetzTechnology Support Technician • Graduate • IT Support • OnlineVerified by LinkedInMay 29, 2022Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Fantastic course and people
I have recently graduated from Merit America and have quickly found a new job using all of the knowledge that I have studied. This is a rigorous and fast paced course that definitely takes a lot of time and commitment, but the technical and professional knowledge I have gained is immense. The people I have met throughout my cohort and coaches during this program have all been wonderful and inspiring. This course has directly led to me getting a new job at a much higher rate. I couldn't...I have recently graduated from Merit America and have quickly found a new job using all of the knowledge that I have studied. This is a rigorous and fast paced course that definitely takes a lot of time and commitment, but the technical and professional knowledge I have gained is immense. The people I have met throughout my cohort and coaches during this program have all been wonderful and inspiring. This course has directly led to me getting a new job at a much higher rate. I couldn't be more thankful for these people and this organization! - Yoni WerknehJava Development • OnlineVerified by LinkedInMay 10, 2022Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Full-stack Java development
I recently completed Junior Java Development Bootcamp with Merit America. The coaches I worked with and the tech instructors go above and beyond to help learners. The professional development part of the program is very effective! I received continuous help to polish my resume and sharpen my interview skills. I highly recommend Merit to anyone looking to break into the tech field. 
MattConstruction Site Supervisor • Graduate • Java Development • OnlineVerified by GitHubMar 30, 2022Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob AssistanceJava Failure
I couldn't get placed for a software development job out of this program. I tried until my money ran out and I had to take a job in the construction field. I still had to pay for the course, which wasn't exactly the understanding I had going in.
Wasted my time and money and would not do it again. No way.- BrandonStudent • DallasVerified by LinkedInDec 01, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Java
The program through Merit I will admit seemed a little daunting, however the support system and coaches have been so amazing thus far! The fact that they’re always just a slack message away from helping you get through whatever you’re struggling with has been great. The course is now 30 weeks and it’s been at a great pace for learning with a deeper level of understanding. If you’re thinking about whether Merit is right for you, reach out to them and you’ll see why I and so many others ar...The program through Merit I will admit seemed a little daunting, however the support system and coaches have been so amazing thus far! The fact that they’re always just a slack message away from helping you get through whatever you’re struggling with has been great. The course is now 30 weeks and it’s been at a great pace for learning with a deeper level of understanding. If you’re thinking about whether Merit is right for you, reach out to them and you’ll see why I and so many others are excited and will be reaping the great benefits of this program. - Shelby JohnsonVerified by LinkedInDec 01, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Java Development
My experience with Merit America was amazing! I went into the program looking for a career change and a way to escape retail. I was working odd hours while trying to raise two small children and it was hard! So after watching my husband go through Merit America’s Java program I thought to myself, I can totally do this! So I did! I worked my butt off learning how to code knowing there was a light at the end of the tunnel, with a new career waiting for me. I am now out of working retail, w...My experience with Merit America was amazing! I went into the program looking for a career change and a way to escape retail. I was working odd hours while trying to raise two small children and it was hard! So after watching my husband go through Merit America’s Java program I thought to myself, I can totally do this! So I did! I worked my butt off learning how to code knowing there was a light at the end of the tunnel, with a new career waiting for me. I am now out of working retail, working for a company that I love and with five year old who is always asking me to teach him to code! - Daved TadlockGraduate • OnlineVerified by LinkedInJul 05, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Brutal but Worth it
Merit America's Java full stack program is everything you should expect from a coding boot camp and more. It is a flexible yet rigorous 21-week program that covers Java, Spring/Springboot, SQL, JS, HTML, CSS, React/Redux, AWS, SQL and much more and not only that but you put all these concepts to use in an all inclusive full stack application to present at the end of the course. This is a 'Zero to Hero' program however if you have not had any bit of previous experience or knowled...Merit America's Java full stack program is everything you should expect from a coding boot camp and more. It is a flexible yet rigorous 21-week program that covers Java, Spring/Springboot, SQL, JS, HTML, CSS, React/Redux, AWS, SQL and much more and not only that but you put all these concepts to use in an all inclusive full stack application to present at the end of the course. This is a 'Zero to Hero' program however if you have not had any bit of previous experience or knowledge it will be much, much harder due to how fast you will move through this. You get out what you put in.
Not only do you gain new technical skill but there is also heavy emphasis on professional development from resume and cover letter writing, BI skills, networking, and more.
After all that there is the cost, which is LOW (near $8k) in comparison to other programs where the cost can reach $16k+.
- Luis IbanezSoftware Developer • Graduate • DallasVerified by LinkedInMar 02, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Java Training Program
Rigorous course which will for sure get you to think and be resourceful as a developer. It's focus is on Java, Spring Boot, SQL, JavaScript, React, Redux, etc. Best part about this program is that I was able to keep my current job while attending, it's extremely flexible and would be a great options for working adults. There's also professional coaching that's help you prepare for interviewing and landing a job. - Ashton BaileyGraduate • IT Support • DallasVerified by LinkedInOct 20, 2020Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Phenomenal Program
Merit America is a wonderful program that is wholly committed to helping working adults excel in the IT industry. Throughout the process, I was supported by an exceptional coach and team members. That support continues today in the form of Alumni services, furthering illustrating Merits America's desire to catapult its students into their success. Their passion and tireless efforts exerted on behalf of their students are truly inspiring, and I consider myself fortunate to have been apart...Merit America is a wonderful program that is wholly committed to helping working adults excel in the IT industry. Throughout the process, I was supported by an exceptional coach and team members. That support continues today in the form of Alumni services, furthering illustrating Merits America's desire to catapult its students into their success. Their passion and tireless efforts exerted on behalf of their students are truly inspiring, and I consider myself fortunate to have been apart of a game-changing program such as this. - Ricky WongBusiness Intelligence Analyst • Graduate • Java Development • DallasVerified by LinkedInOct 06, 2020Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Upskilled
I've always worked hard at everything I do. But it seems that I was going around in circles at times, most likely due to the lack of direction. Merit America provided professional mentorship as well as technical skills training and guidance. Concatenate the helpful support provided by the knowledgeable team with your perseverance, and you have a beautiful equation. More than often a helping hand goes a long way, even when I didn't know I needed it. Merit America allowed me to grow into a...I've always worked hard at everything I do. But it seems that I was going around in circles at times, most likely due to the lack of direction. Merit America provided professional mentorship as well as technical skills training and guidance. Concatenate the helpful support provided by the knowledgeable team with your perseverance, and you have a beautiful equation. More than often a helping hand goes a long way, even when I didn't know I needed it. Merit America allowed me to grow into a version of myself more fitting for a career in the technology industry that I didn't think possible. - Sunzida BegGraduate • Java Development • DallasVerified by LinkedInOct 05, 2020Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Excellent program
I would like to thank the CEO and all staff in Merit America for organizing this excellent program. I graduated from Merit America in 2019. I was always looking for an opportunity to work in the technology field and was looking for an opportunity to learn some programs. In Merit America I have learned JAVA and other programs from experienced trainers, coaches, and mentors. In Merit America I have developed both technolog...I would like to thank the CEO and all staff in Merit America for organizing this excellent program. I graduated from Merit America in 2019. I was always looking for an opportunity to work in the technology field and was looking for an opportunity to learn some programs. In Merit America I have learned JAVA and other programs from experienced trainers, coaches, and mentors. In Merit America I have developed both technology and professional skills. Merit America created my strong base and now it is easy for me to find my path. I think it would be more helpful if students were given some pre-course materials and links to go over before the course starts to gain some knowledge in advance. - Cody OrtizCloud Specialist • Graduate • Java Development • DallasVerified by LinkedInOct 05, 2020Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Java Development
Merit America is an organization that truly believes in their mission of providing the necessary skills to experienced workers who are looking to gain an entry role into the technology industry. As a full-time husband and father, I had to prioritize my career at an early age and wasn't able to go after my 4-year degree like I intended to. I had always been interested in technology and programming, but I knew I would need a degree to get into the industry. Finding Merit America after I co...Merit America is an organization that truly believes in their mission of providing the necessary skills to experienced workers who are looking to gain an entry role into the technology industry. As a full-time husband and father, I had to prioritize my career at an early age and wasn't able to go after my 4-year degree like I intended to. I had always been interested in technology and programming, but I knew I would need a degree to get into the industry. Finding Merit America after I committed to pursuing an education in Computer Science, I thought the promise sounded too good to be true. I finally decided it was worth the shot, and I am so grateful I made that choice today. Not only did I gain the necessary technical skills through the program, but I also gained the professional skills needed to immediately begin contributing in my new role. I can't recommend the program enough to those that are looking to take a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding step on their path into the technology industry. - Huy CamSoftware Engineer Analyst • Graduate • Java Development • DallasVerified by LinkedInOct 04, 2020Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Life Changing Program
It's hard to believe that there is such an opportunity that check out all of my items on my checklist. If you ask, yes I did doubt the fantastic offer that Merit America (MA) had. So I did my due diligence and you know, they didn't ask for anything suspicious so I applied. After applying for the program, you'll get through rigorous tests to assess if you fit the program. My Java program lasted for 5 months. It's was tough and there were a lot of things going on during that time. But my c...It's hard to believe that there is such an opportunity that check out all of my items on my checklist. If you ask, yes I did doubt the fantastic offer that Merit America (MA) had. So I did my due diligence and you know, they didn't ask for anything suspicious so I applied. After applying for the program, you'll get through rigorous tests to assess if you fit the program. My Java program lasted for 5 months. It's was tough and there were a lot of things going on during that time. But my coaches really helpful and gave me a lot of valuable supports. Not only they taught me technical material, but they also taught me how to build a resume, how to nail an interview, how to grow myself professionally. After the program, they helped me connect with their employer partners to get interviews. And now I am a Software Engineer at JP Morgan Chase. Keep in mind that besides their effort, you have to work your butt off on your side your learning journey and job-seeking journey as well. They already build half of the bridge, it's your responsibility to build the other half.
Merit America Alumni Outcomes
Recent Merit America News
Jess Feldman
Updated May 31, 2024
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Updated December 29, 2023
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Updated May 04, 2022
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We kicked off the month with a great April Fool’s Day joke from The Onion about Vice President Kamala Harris enrolling in a bootcamp with the hopes of getting an entry-level tech position. Joking aside, we saw more discussion around the merits of a coding bootcamp education over college, and if companies should fully drop the 4-year...
Liz Eggleston
Updated April 11, 2022
Brandon was working in gig jobs for Instacart and Doordash, but saw an entry point into tech through IT Support. He enrolled at Merit America to learn IT alongside his career coach and used the Success Sharing Agreement to avoid upfront tuition, balancing the remote program while continuing to work in New York. The career team at Merit America set Brandon up with an interview at Infosys, and ...
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Updated March 01, 2022
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After months of reporting about federal funding for short-term programs, it looks like the next step has been made to open up Pell grants to training programs like bootcamps. We’re covering the debate among bootcamps about the benefits (and challenges) of publishing alumni job outcomes. Learn more about February’s largest acquisi...
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Updated September 04, 2024
While many coding bootcamps are for-profit educational institutions, there are a handful of non-profit coding bootcamps that are on a mission to help career-changers break into tech! Some non-profit coding bootcamps are working to make the tech industry more diverse while others exist to uplift underserved communities and provide training for high-wage jobs. There are also coding bootcamps th...
Merit America Alumni Reviews Summary
Based on 20+ Merit America alumni reviews on Course Report, alumni appreciate the program's practicality, support from coaches, and real-world skill application, especially in Java Development. One review directly states: "Merit America was a life-changing experience that helped me land my first tech job." However, some alumni expressed concerns about job placement and financial support post-completion.
Overall Experience
3.6
Instructors
3.9
Curriculum
3.8
Job Assistance
3.5
More Information
Guarantees Job
Job Assistance
Includes Housing
Offers Corporate Training
Accepts GI Bill
Recent Merit America News
By Jess Feldman
By Jess Feldman
By Jess Feldman
FAQs
How much does Merit America cost?
Merit America costs around $8,400. On the lower end, some Merit America courses like IT Support cost $5,700.
What courses does Merit America teach?
Merit America offers courses like Data Analytics, IT Support, Java Development.
Where does Merit America have campuses?
Merit America teaches students Online in a remote classroom.
Is Merit America worth it?
Merit America hasn't shared alumni outcomes yet, but one way to determine if a bootcamp is worth it is by reading alumni reviews. 30 Merit America alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Merit America on Course Report - you should start there!
Is Merit America legit?
We let alumni answer that question. 30 Merit America alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Merit America and rate their overall experience a 3.61 out of 5.
Does Merit America offer scholarships or accept the GI Bill?
Right now, it doesn't look like Merit America offers scholarships or accepts the GI Bill. We're always adding to the list of schools that do offer Exclusive Course Report Scholarships and a list of the bootcamps that accept the GI Bill.
Can I read Merit America reviews?
You can read 30 reviews of Merit America on Course Report! Merit America alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Merit America and rate their overall experience a 3.61 out of 5.
Is Merit America accredited?
While bootcamps must be approved to operate, accreditation is relatively rare. Merit America doesn't yet share information about their accreditation status.