One of the biggest barriers to career training is cost. Many people assume that online certificate programs do not qualify for financial aid, but that is not always the case. If you choose an accredited institution that participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs, you can receive the same Pell Grants and federal student loans available at traditional colleges — even for online programs.
Here is what you need to know about finding online programs with real financial aid in New Jersey.
Why Accreditation Matters for Financial Aid
Not every online school qualifies for federal financial aid. To be eligible for Title IV funding (which includes Pell Grants and federal student loans), a school must be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency and approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Many popular online certificate programs and bootcamps do not meet these requirements, which means students have to pay out of pocket or take on private loans with higher interest rates.
CDE Career Institute: Accredited and Title IV Approved
CDE Career Institute is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in Title IV federal student aid. This means students enrolled in eligible programs can apply for and receive federal financial assistance.
CDE currently offers two diploma programs that are both 100% online and approved for Title IV financial aid:
Medical Transcription / Insurance Billing Specialist Program
This 940-hour online program trains students in medical billing, coding, transcription, medical terminology, anatomy, and insurance processing. Graduates are prepared for careers as medical billers, coders, transcriptionists, and health information technicians. The program qualifies for Pell Grants and federal student loans.
Computerized Office Assistant Program
This 930-hour online program covers Microsoft Office applications, keyboarding, business communications, office procedures, database management, and records management. Graduates are prepared for careers as office assistants, administrative assistants, receptionists, and data entry professionals. This program also qualifies for Title IV financial aid.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
The process is straightforward. First, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. CDE’s financial aid team will then work with you to determine your eligibility and help you understand your award package. Many students are surprised to learn they qualify for grants that do not need to be repaid.
How to Get Started
CDE Career Institute offers monthly start dates, so you do not have to wait for a traditional semester. The admissions and financial aid teams are available to walk you through every step of the process.
Ready to explore your options? Call 866-260-4005 or visit the admissions page to learn more about enrolling in a Title IV eligible online program.