Income share agreement

Jeremy Rossmann describes Make School as an accredited, project-based college for applied computer science that lets students defer tuition through income share agreements (ISAs). He explains how structured schedules, industry-experienced faculty, mentorship, and hands-on projects help students build skills and portfolios for software careers while developing the ability to keep learning. He argues that education and financing should align with student outcomes, especially for students without the financial safety nets that make traditional college or self-directed learning easier. He also discusses how colleges, employers, and startup founders may change as higher education faces pressure to improve access, relevance, and career outcomes.

Austen Allred explains how Lambda School makes job-focused software engineering education accessible through online instruction and an income-sharing model. The school emphasizes admissions based on readiness and effort, structured learning, career coaching, and employer connections to help students complete the program and find work. Allred discusses the trade-offs of venture capital and remote work, and how Lambda applies labor market data to identify fields with worker shortages. He argues that educational outcomes, student experience, and subtle product quality are harder to measure but are central to building a durable company.