Funding sources for training
How can I pay for short-term training?
If you want to get ahead in a tight job market or advance in your current job, training can provide a major boost. Earning a credential can give you a better chance of getting hired for jobs you want. It can also lead to pay increases, greater job security, and more opportunities for career advancement. Want to learn more? Check out Short-term credentials to boost your job search for ideas.
But while the benefits of short-term training are high, many people do run up against one big obstacle: How will I pay for this? This article explores different sources of training funding.
Types of financial aid for job training
There are several different sources of potential funding for short-term training programs, and each has different rules for who's eligible. Check out the table below for an overview of those rules, and then click on the tabs underneath to learn more abut each funding source.
Data Downloads table
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Funding type
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All are eligible
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Below certain income levels
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Laid-off from job
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Veteran
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Other barriers
|
|
WIOA funding
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No
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Yes
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Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Pell grants
|
No
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Yes
|
No
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No
|
No
|
|
Loans
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Yes
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No
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No
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No
|
No
|
|
Scholarships
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Yes
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No
|
No
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No
|
No
|
|
SNAP E&T
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No
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Yes
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No
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No
|
No
|
|
GI Bill
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No
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
WIOA provides training funds for people who have one or more barriers to employment.
You could qualify for WIOA funding if you have: a recent job layoff, a low income, justice system or foster system involvement, a disability, low literacy, are a young parent, and other barriers to job success. Contact your local American Job Center to learn more and find out if you qualify.
WIOA funding can pay for training that prepares participants for work in a high-demand field or industry in their area. Training programs can typically last up to 2 years, although local areas may have different policies. Find WIOA-eligible training programs in your area.
Pell Grants are monetary gifts for income-eligible college students.
Federal Pell Grants are awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to students with eligible financial need. The funds may be used for tuition, living expenses while in school, books, supplies, and more. The Pell is available to students enrolled in associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs, or some certificate or career programs. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2026–27 award year.
Launched July 1, 2026, the Workforce Pell Grant is a new federal resource that pays for short-term job training, lasting from 8-14 weeks. States are currently developing their lists of eligible programs that will prepare students for in-demand careers. To access training under this grant, contact colleges in your area to learn of any programs approved for Workforce Pell Grants.
To apply for either Pell Grant, get started by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to see if you are eligible. Learn more about grants from the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Financial Aid Office.
Scholarships are financial gifts that help students pay for school.
They can come from a college, community group, business, or the government. You may have heard of sports scholarships, but you don't have to have a specific talent to qualify for a scholarship. Many are based on location, race, ethnicity, life experience, or other characteristics.
Search thousands of scholarship opportunities at Scholarship Finder.
SNAP is a federal food assistance program for people with low income.
If you qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits, you may also qualify for a SNAP Employment & Training program to help you gain career skills. Benefits include free career planning, short-term training, and assistance with transportation and childcare. Contact your SNAP office, or whoever you receive your SNAP benefits from, to learn more, or find out if you qualify for SNAP.
