How To Get Financial Aid and Student Loans for a Personal Trainer Certification in 2025

Becoming a certified personal trainer can lead to a new and fast-growing career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects fitness trainer jobs to increase by 14% between 2023 and 2033, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations.

“Many personal trainers in the United States practice without a relevant college degree,” says Domenic Angelino, a certified personal trainer. That means you don't need a four-year degree to get started, but you'll still need to pay for a reputable certification program.

This guide explores how to pay for your personal trainer certification using student loans and other forms of financial aid.

Current private student loan rates

Can you get student loans for a personal trainer certification?

Most personal trainer certifications, such as those from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), aren't eligible for federal student aid.

However, you might qualify for federal student loans if you're enrolled in an accredited school that participates in the federal aid program. For example, a community college or university offering a degree in exercise science or kinesiology may offer access to federal loans.

If you're pursuing a standalone certificate, you'll likely need to look at private student loans. Some lenders offer loans for certificate or trade programs, often with minimum borrowing amounts starting at $1,000. That could be more than you need, depending on the cost of your program. You'll also need to check that your training provider is on the lender's list of approved schools.

Federal student aid for fitness education

If you plan to earn an associate's or bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field, you may qualify for federal financial aid. To do so, you'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Depending on your financial situation, you could be eligible for the following:

• Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. These loans don't accrue interest while you're in school or during your six-month grace period after leaving.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to most students, regardless of financial need. Interest begins accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed.
• Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduates with financial need. Unlike loans, Pell Grants don't need to be repaid. For the 2025-26 school year, you could receive up to $7,395.

Private loans for personal trainer certifications

Some private lenders offer student loans for personal training certification programs, but eligibility varies. Sallie Mae and Ascent are among those that may offer loans for certificate programs if your school is on their approved list. Most private lenders also have minimum borrowing amounts, typically $1,000 or $2,000, which could be more than you need if your program is low-cost.

When comparing lenders, look for the lowest available interest rate and repayment terms that fit your budget. Most private lenders offer terms between five and 15 years, so be sure to choose an option that aligns with your financial goals.

Financial aid for personal trainers

Student loans aren't your only option for covering the cost of a personal trainer certification. Depending on your situation, you may be able to use one or more of the following financial aid options:

• Scholarships: Some fitness organizations offer financial support for aspiring trainers. For example, Revolution Training Academy offers scholarships for students pursuing certifications like NASM Personal Training, USA Boxing, or Fitness Business Training. To qualify, you must be between 17 and 26 years old and have an annual income under $35,000.
• Payment plans: Many certification programs offer in-house financing or installment plans that let you spread the cost over several months. For example, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) offers monthly payment plan options for most of its courses, while the American Council on Exercise (ACE) allows students to break up their course costs into four interest-free payments through Affirm.
• Employer tuition reimbursement: Some gyms, health clubs, or corporate wellness programs may cover part or all of your certification costs if you agree to work there after your training.
• GI Bill benefits: Some certification organizations allow eligible veterans to use their GI Bill funding to cover personal training course costs.

Cost to become a personal trainer

The cost of earning a personal trainer certification varies by program, but you can expect to pay at least $1,000 through a reputable organization.

For example, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) offers certification packages starting at $999, with more comprehensive options reaching $3,500 or more. The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) offers monthly payment plans, starting at $89 per month for 12 months ($1,068 total).

As you compare programs, pay close attention to what's included. For example, some packages cover the certification exam, while others charge exam fees separately.

Salary outlook for personal trainers

The median salary for fitness trainers was $46,180 as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $27,580, while the highest 10% earned more than $82,050.

Your earning potential depends on several factors, including where you work, your level of experience, and whether you offer private coaching. For example, personal trainers in high-income areas or those with specialized skills may be able to charge higher rates and earn more over time.

Tips to pay for your personal trainer certification

While it's possible to borrow money to pay for your certification, keeping your student loan debt as low as possible is a smart move. Here are a few strategies to help you manage the cost of becoming a personal trainer.

Estimate your total training costs

Start by estimating your entire training costs and comparing your options across programs.

Don't rely solely on the sticker price. Although you'll often see a sticker price for a program, that might just be the tip of the iceberg. On top of tuition or course fees, you might need to budget for textbooks, exam fees, retakes, and ongoing education requirements, all of which can drive up your total costs.

Consider your future salary expectations

With fitness trainer salaries ranging from around $27,000 to $82,000, it's important to weigh your earning potential against the training cost.

For example, taking on large student loans to earn a degree in kinesiology or exercise science could put more strain on your budget than starting with a personal training certification. Make sure your investment aligns with your financial goals.

Look for job placement support

“Personal trainer certifications make it easier for you to be hired as a personal trainer at most gyms,” says Angelino.

“However, you will functionally be new to the industry once you attain your first one. This can make it hard to find work,” he adds.

To improve your chances of landing a job, look for programs that offer job placement support, such as internships and shadowing opportunities.