Home » Guide to CDL Training » Financial Aid for Truck Driving School

Financial Aid for Truck Driving School

“How do I Get Financial Aid for CDL School?” Ways to get financial assistance for local truck driving schools and trade schools with CDL training include the Workforce Investment Act or “W.I.A.”, student loans and tuition reimbursement. Military veterans have other options too.

Jump to:

Use the program search application to connect with a CDL training school near you.

Truck Driver Program Financial Aid Info

Although training for a truck driving job only lasts a few weeks, the cost associated with this training can be more than most people have laying around the house or in between the couch cushions. Many people see the benefits of a quick learning process with a high potential salary after being laid off from their existing jobs. This can make paying for training up front very difficult.

While there are differences from state to state and school to school, below is an overview of the some of the financial aid options you can explore with a career adviser at your local truck driving school.

Workforce Investment Act

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds are often available for trucking school. These funds are offered at the state level and are used to help people train for new careers when they are unable to find employment in their current industry with their current skill set.

In some cases, there are also other funding programs available for the unemployed. These programs are designed to help fund vocational rehabilitation for those unable to gain employment with their current skill set.

Student Loans

There are many private loan institutions that will provide personal loans to students looking for assistance with paying for CDL training. These loans usually require a credit check and in some cases a cosigner for the loan.

Private lenders may require you to have your student loans repaid by automatic draft from your paycheck once you are hired by a transportation company. Tuition reimbursement (see below) offered by companies may also be sent directly to the private lender to help pay off your loans. Receiving a loan from a private lender is one of the most common methods of financial aid for truck driving school.

Military Veterans

There are truck driver programs that specialize in truck driving for veterans. While some companies offer low-cost tuition, military benefits may cover the cost of training needed to obtain your CDL and begin a successful career in trucking.

Read: Can I Use My GI Bill For Truck Driver Training?

Tuition Reimbursement

A lot of major transportation carriers offer partial or full reimbursement for the cost of your CDL training. Usually, this type of reimbursement is offered in smaller payments added on to your paycheck throughout the first year of employment with the company.

This is a wonderful option for people who either have enough money saved up for CDL training or are able to raise money through friends and family. This allows you to get through CDL school and pay off your personal loans within a reasonable amount of time, without having to repay them from your regular driving job earnings.

Jobs with Paid CDL Training

Some of the top companies do offer entry level positions where a student can train on-the-job and still take home a decent check. Normally, you’ll need to make a commitment to work for the company for about 1 year to qualify. Your training is then paid by some type of tuition reimbursement agreement.

One of our partners, C.R. England, has an offer like this.

CDL-A Truck Driver – No Experience – Get Training

  • Entry Level
  • Full Time
  • Chicago, IL
  • 50000 USD / Year

C.R. England

C.R. England is hiring student drivers near Chicago, IL. now.

C.R. England is hiring student drivers near Chicago, IL. now. No experience? No problem. If you don’t currently have your CDL we will train you.

Benefits

  • Tuition Reimbursement Twelve Month Driving Commitment*
  • Guaranteed Job Offer After CDL School Graduation (When qualifications are met)
  • Safety of our Drivers is ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT things!
  • Late Model Equipment
  • Career Progression

*Tuition Reimbursement

Tuition has a cost of $5,995. Once you complete the program and are hired, you’ll make weekly payments of $38.75 ($155/monthly) for 48 weeks (36 weeks for qualified Veterans) through automatic payroll deduction that will be applied towards your tuition contract. These payments will start approximately 3 weeks after your hire date.

Upon completion of the 12-months, you will have only paid $1860 [$1395 for Veterans] of the $5995. The remaining balance will be paid by C.R. England per our Tuition Reimbursement Agreement and you will be cleared of any further financial obligation on your Tuition Agreement. We do want to mention that if you leave before the 12 months are over, (9 months for qualified Veterans) you’ll be responsible for the remainder of the loan along with the interest at the applicable rate.

Apply Now

^ Yes, that’s a real job listing.

Other Financial Aid Options

Believe it or not, there are a lot more options available when it comes to financial aid for trucking school. However, not all options are available in all states and at all schools. If you are interested in exploring all of the financial aid options available to you, fill out the form and connect with a CDL school in your area.

Popular Cities For CDL Training

These are some of the most popular cities by volume of students searching.

You’re city’s not here? No worries! Find a CDL school near you.

Reference and More Reading: