Paying for Truck Driving School
CDL financial aid makes it possible for students to afford truck driving school and start a career in the transportation industry. Not only will it jump-start your career, but it will also give you important skills and experience that will make you attractive to your future employer.
Continue reading to learn about the many CDL financial aid programs and loans for CDL training available, such as personal loans, employer tuition assistance, state workforce programs, and tuition forgiveness and reimbursement.
Choosing the Right CDL Financial Aid Option for You
Before you explore the many CDL financial aid or loan options available to you, understanding the overall cost of truck driving school will help you choose your best option.
How Much Does Driving School Cost?
Tuition at Shelly Truck Driving School is $5,800 for the entire course. Your tuition covers:
- 4 weeks of in-person instruction
- Practice time on a state-of-the-art driving simulator
- All books and training materials
- All fees you incur for taking your CDL tests
With one upfront payment covering every part of your training, Shelly Truck Driving School makes it easy to take the first step toward your new career.
Affordable CDL Financial Aid Paths
If you are committed to investing in your driving career, you will need to figure out how you will cover your tuition. Here are the more common solutions that students use to pay for truck driving school.
Loans for CDL Training
Personal loans for CDL training can be one of the fastest ways to secure financing for the CDL training program. Many students find that loan approval can move quickly, allowing them to start as soon as possible. At Shelly Truck Driving School, we recommend the following local York, PA institution that past students have found great success with:
First Capital Federal Credit Union in York: On their website, click the “Apply for a Loan” link at the top of the page. Once there, click the “My Choice” loan option and fill out your application. Membership eligibility applies. Or you can also work with a school loan company to help you finance your school tuition.
You can also explore other local or online credit unions, banks, or lenders that provide personal loans for vocational training, each with its own repayment options.
Tuition Assistance (Employer Programs)
If you are working for, or are hired by, a trucking company before attending truck driving school, your employer may help you cover the cost of tuition. This is a common practice in the trucking industry, though most companies require you to sign a 1-year contract to qualify. Be sure you’re comfortable committing to the company before agreeing to this option.
Tuition Forgiveness & Reimbursement
If you don’t have a job lined up with a trucking company, there’s no need to worry. After graduating from truck driving school, many employers offer tuition forgiveness or reimbursement programs. The amount and terms vary by employer, so be sure to clarify these details during your hiring/interview process.
State & Government Programs for Tuition Reduction
If you are unemployed or underemployed, you may qualify for state programs that can reduce or even eliminate your tuition to truck driving school. These programs are designed to help you get the training you need for your new career. Visit CareerLink PA to see if you qualify for this program.
Cash
If you have enough savings, you may choose to skip CDL financial aid and pay for school outright. This option gives you the greatest freedom, since you can select any trucking company after graduation without relying on tuition assistance or reimbursement.
Even if you have the cash available, you may still want to consider CDL financial aid options. Give us a call—we’re always happy to help eager students find the best way to start their training.
Financial Aid FAQ
Ready to learn more about the course, CDL financial aid, or loans for CDL training? Explore our Frequently Asked Questions to get the details you need and see why Shelly Truck Driving School is the best place to begin your trucking career.
Does FAFSA pay for CDL classes?
No, CDL training does not qualify for federal FAFSA funding. We recommend you apply for a personal loan, look into employer tuition assistance programs, or apply for a state-funded grant.
How to get the state to pay for your CDL?
In Pennsylvania, unemployed or underemployed students can apply for tuition assistance through the state workforce program CareerLink. Depending on eligibility, this program may cover part or even all of your tuition.
Are there companies that will pay for CDL training?
Yes, many trucking companies offer tuition assistance or reimbursement. Most require you to sign a contract and work for them for about a year.
Can you get financial aid for CDL school?
Yes, you can receive financial aid for CDL school by applying for a personal loan, company/employer assistance programs, or state-funded programs.
How to get a loan for CDL training?
At Shelly Truck Driving School, we recommend you apply for a personal loan through First Capital Federal Credit Union in York, PA. Or you can apply for a personal loan through other credit unions, banks, or an online lender of your choice.
Talk To Someone About Your Options
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you start a rewarding career in truck driving.