If you’re dreaming of entering the tech industry but worried about the financial hurdles, the Flatiron School Scholarship could be your ticket to success. In an increasingly digital world, acquiring skills in fields like software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity has never been more valuable. Yet, the cost of education often stands in the way of pursuing these goals. That’s where the Flatiron School steps in with its Access and Merit Scholarships, designed to ease the financial burden for deserving students. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or an adult looking to change careers, these scholarships can help open doors to global opportunities.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Flatiron School Scholarship, from eligibility criteria and benefits to the application process. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to apply and set yourself on a course toward living, studying, and working abroad.
Overview of Flatiron School Scholarship
The Flatiron School is renowned for its tech boot camps that help students develop skills in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and product design. To support students who may not have the financial means to pay for their programs, Flatiron offers two types of scholarships:
Access Scholarship
- This scholarship offers partial tuition assistance of up to $2,000 for students in financial need.
- It is open to students from underrepresented communities, including minorities, women, veterans, and others facing economic challenges.
Merit Scholarship
- Flatiron also offers a Merit Scholarship for students who have demonstrated exceptional academic or professional potential.
- This scholarship awards up to $2,000 in tuition credit and is highly competitive.
Both scholarships aim to bridge the gap for students looking to break into the tech field but who need financial help to make it happen. Let’s dive into the details of each program.
Flatiron School Access Scholarship
The Access Scholarship is designed to support students who demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is a partial award that can reduce the cost of tuition by up to $2,000. While it won’t cover the full tuition, it can significantly ease the financial burden, especially for those from marginalized or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Key Benefits:
- Up to $2,000 in tuition assistance
- Access to a high-quality education in tech fields
- Support for underrepresented groups in tech, including women, minorities, and veterans
- Opportunity to join a global network of tech professionals
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the Access Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Demonstrate financial need through documentation
- Be accepted into a Flatiron School program (either full-time or part-time)
The Access Scholarship targets those who have historically had fewer opportunities to pursue a career in tech. Therefore, individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply:
- Complete the Flatiron School application: To be considered for the Access Scholarship, you must first be accepted into one of Flatiron’s tech programs.
- Submit a scholarship application: Once admitted, fill out the scholarship application and provide documentation of your financial need (e.g., tax returns or financial statements).
- Write a personal statement: You’ll also be asked to write a short essay detailing why you’re pursuing a career in tech and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
- Submit your application: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so it’s best to apply as early as possible.
Flatiron School Merit Scholarship
If you have a strong academic or professional background, the Merit Scholarship could be the ideal option. This award offers up to $2,000 in tuition credit to students who demonstrate exceptional potential.
Key Benefits:
- Up to $2,000 in tuition credit
- Recognition for academic or professional achievements
- Access to the Flatiron School’s rigorous and supportive learning environment
Eligibility Criteria:
The Merit Scholarship is available to students who meet the following requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have a history of academic excellence or relevant professional experience
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in tech
Flatiron places a high value on students who are motivated and capable of excelling in a fast-paced, challenging learning environment. The Merit Scholarship aims to reward those who have shown they can rise to the occasion.
How to Apply:
- Apply for a Flatiron School program: As with the Access Scholarship, you must first be accepted into one of the Flatiron School’s tech boot camps.
- Complete the scholarship application: This involves providing a summary of your academic or professional achievements.
- Write a personal statement: You’ll need to explain why you believe you’re a strong candidate for the Merit Scholarship and how you intend to leverage your tech education for career success.
- Submit your application: Scholarship applications are reviewed regularly, so it’s best to apply early.
Scholarship Coverage and Program Costs
While both scholarships provide up to $2,000 in tuition assistance, Flatiron School boot camps can range from $15,000 to $17,000 depending on the program. This means that students will need to cover the remainder of their tuition through savings, loans, or other financial aid options.
To put this into perspective:
- Full-time programs (e.g., Software Engineering, Data Science) typically cost around $17,000
- Part-time programs can be slightly less, but still range from $15,000 to $16,000
Though the scholarships don’t cover the full cost, Flatiron School offers financing options and income share agreements (ISAs) to make paying for your education more manageable. An ISA allows you to pay for your tuition after you’ve secured a job, making it a viable option for students with limited upfront funds.
Real-Life Case Study: From Financial Struggle to Career Success
Take the story of Elias Delgado, a former Flatiron School student who wrote about his experience receiving a partial scholarship. Despite the financial challenges, Elias was able to break into the tech field and land a job as a software engineer. Through a combination of the Access Scholarship and an ISA, he minimized his upfront costs and focused on his education. After graduating, he quickly found work in the tech industry and was able to pay off his ISA within a year.
Elias’s story is just one example of how the Flatiron Scholarship can help students overcome financial barriers and pursue rewarding careers in tech.
Other Financial Aid Options at Flatiron School
In addition to the Access and Merit Scholarships, Flatiron School offers other financial aid solutions:
- Income Share Agreement (ISA): As mentioned earlier, the ISA allows you to defer tuition payments until after you land a job, at which point you’ll pay a percentage of your income over a set period.
- Loan Financing: Flatiron partners with companies like Climb Credit and Skills Fund to offer financing options with competitive interest rates.
- Veteran Benefits: Veterans can use their GI Bill® benefits to cover the cost of tuition at Flatiron School.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can international students apply for the Flatiron School Scholarship?
Yes, international students are eligible for both the Access and Merit Scholarships, provided they meet the general eligibility requirements.
Q2. Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
No, the Flatiron School Scholarship only covers a portion of the tuition. Students will need to arrange their own living expenses.
Q3. How many scholarships are awarded each year?
Flatiron does not have a set number of scholarships but awards them on a rolling basis. Therefore, it’s recommended to apply early to increase your chances of receiving one.
Conclusion: Take the First Step Toward a Bright Future
The Flatiron School Scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity for students looking to break into tech but who face financial challenges. Whether you’re eligible for the Access or Merit Scholarship, both can significantly reduce the cost of tuition and set you on a path to a fulfilling career. With additional options like ISAs and veteran benefits, Flatiron ensures that cost doesn’t have to be a barrier to success.
Ready to take the next step? Start your application today and begin your journey toward living, studying, and working abroad in the tech industry.