What do you do when you’re ready to hit the road down a new career path, but you can’t afford truck driving school? The average Class A CDL program can run up thousands of dollars, and many cannot afford such a steep cost. You may research alternative payment methods, but how are you supposed to know which financial aid offers are legitimate? Enter Truck Driver’s Institute. 

With 11 locations across the United States, we pride ourselves by having the best quality truck driving training for one of the lowest prices out there. Alongside that, there are more ways than you may think to pay for school, and we can help you however we can. As long as you’re ready to put in the work, we connect you to whatever resources you need to earn your CDL. So don’t think you can’t afford truck driving school—just keep reading.

What Does CDL Training Usually Cost?

The average cost for a CDL course can run anywhere from $1000 to $8000 depending on the program. Pricing can vary depending on the type of license, the length and quality of the driving course, and the school’s location. However, many companies charging these prices are usually trying to make an extra buck while training you for your commercial driver’s license. 

This is counterproductive to the cause. Steep price tags often scare quality driver candidates away, as many do not afford this extra expense. Life is unpredictable, and TDI knows that not everyone has the means to save up so much dough. Our company’s goal is to assist driver candidates toward the next stage of their career paths, with no profit. This is why our Class A CDL program starts with as little as $200-300, depending on if you’ll need to lodge with one of our many campuses. We’re able to keep our top-quality classes at low prices because we are not owned by a trucking company. We work for ourselves, and we want to help you gain that independence in your new career,

What are My Options?

While our TDI is one of the most affordable driving schools in the country, there are a number of reasons a candidate may need financial assistance. You could have student loan payments, a loved one in the hospital,  or funds may be dedicated to the home. Thankfully, there are many outside opportunities to fund your education, you just may need help finding them. TDI is happy to help find the option that is best for you so that you may start learning with us as soon as possible.

Grants and Scholarships

Just like for any school, there are ways to earn cash towards your education through grants and scholarships. Some scholarships are privately funded, while others like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) are government-funded. Many find it is best to start your search at the local level since trucking associations can operate on both state and citywide levels. 

Starting with smaller, lesser-known scholarships will give you the advantage. Usually, you only need to become an association’s student member to apply. Other scholarships promote inclusion and are targeted toward specific demographics, such as the Women in Trucking Foundation Scholarship.  When you apply at TDI, our Admissions Office can meet with you to discuss any financial aid you may need, including scholarships you qualify for and assist you with applications. 

GI Bill® or Other Veteran Benefits

Veterans are hard workers and the best candidates when it comes to truck driving. Vets who want a career change won’t have to worry on the financial front since they can usually enlist their GI Bill® to cover the cost of career education. If you are a veteran, you can explore your options and compare benefits by the school through the  GI Bill® Comparison Tool or call our financial assistance program for more information.

Employer Tuition Assistance

The high demand for truck drivers creates an incentive for carrier companies to guarantee education for future employees. Many companies offer competitive salaries and benefits to qualified CDL candidates in order to keep their fleet fully staffed. Some companies may even fully reimburse your tuition without having to sign an employment contract. Coverage varies by carrier, but businesses know that TDI produces some of the most qualified drivers in the country. We have fostered connections with reputable carriers since 1973, and we use our inside knowledge to help connect you with a company that will suit the needs of you or your family.  

Having this many options for financial aid may feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to go at it alone. You may dream of being your own boss, of meeting new people, or of seeing all the great sights this country has to offer. TDI will help you achieve that dream, and we are ready to ride alongside you to find the best payment option for you.

Can’t Afford Truck Driving School? Call Truck Driver’s Institute

At TDI, we understand that means of income don’t matter when it comes to driving. Our business is getting our skilled graduates certified and out on the road. No matter how you pay to be with us, you’ll get the same quality truck driving education in as little as 3 weeks. Our skilled instructors are experts in the trucking industry and have years of experience driving in all conditions. 

Alongside offering comprehensive courses, our program is the most worth it for your wallet. Not only will we help you find financial assistance, one of our biggest draws is our rate of job placement. Over 80% of students receive offers of employment before graduation, and TDI provides free hiring services to anyone who comes from our program, no matter when they graduated. We believe it doesn’t matter what tax bracket you belong to as long as you have the drive to succeed. For more information on TDI or our financial assistance programs, call us today!