Tuition Assistance For CDL Training
How to Pay for Truck Driving School in Virginia
At CDS Tractor Trailer Training, we provide multiple tuition assistance options to help qualified students cover the cost of training with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. Whether you’re asking, “How do I pay for CDL training?” or “Is financial aid available for truck driving school?” We’ve got answers to help you find what works best for you.
What Financial Aid Is Available for CDL Training?
Fast Forward Grant (Formerly Workforce Credentials Grant)
- Who qualifies? Virginia residents (12+ months)
- How does it work? Covers 2/3 of your CDL tuition
- Do I need to repay it? No, as long as you complete the training on time
The Fast Forward Grant is a valuable financial aid option for individuals pursuing CDL training in Virginia. To qualify, applicants must be Virginia residents for at least 1-year prior to enrollment. This grant significantly reduces the cost of CDL training by covering a majority of tuition costs, making it more accessible for those looking to start a career in the trucking or transportation industry.
One of the biggest advantages of the Fast Forward Grant is that it does not need to be repaid, as long as the student successfully completes the training within the required timeframe. This makes it an excellent opportunity for Virginians to gain the skills and credentials needed for high-demand jobs without taking on significant debt.
Can I Get Workforce Funding for Truck Driving School?
WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) Grants
- Am I eligible? If you’re unemployed, laid off, or receiving SNAP benefits
- Where do I apply? Through your local Workforce Center
- What’s covered?: Up to 100% of CDL training tuition
You may be able to get workforce funding for truck driving school through a WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grant. This federal program is designed to help job seekers access training and employment services, especially those who are unemployed, recently laid off, or receiving government assistance such as SNAP benefits.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, WIOA funding can cover up to 100% of your CDL training tuition, making it an excellent option for starting a new career in trucking without taking on debt. To apply, we will help connect you with a local Workforce Center, where a career counselor can guide you through the process, help determine your eligibility, and assist with enrollment in our approved training program.
Is CDL Training Covered by the GI Bill®?
Veteran Educational Benefits for CDL Training
- Who qualifies? Eligible U.S. military veterans
- What’s covered? Tuition and other training-related expenses
- Approved by: Virginia State Approving Agency
CDL training can be covered by the GI Bill® for eligible U.S. military veterans. This benefit allows qualified veterans to use their educational assistance to pay for truck driving school, helping them transition into a rewarding civilian career. The GI Bill® may cover not only the tuition for CDL training but also additional costs such as books, supplies, and other necessary training-related expenses.
To receive these benefits, the CDL program must be approved by a State Approving Agency — in this case, the Virginia State Approving Agency, ensuring that the training meets the standards required for veterans’ education funding. Veterans interested in this opportunity should contact their VA representative or a member of our admissions office to confirm eligibility and begin the application process.
Can I Get a CDL Loan With Bad Credit?
CDL Training Loan – Credit-Based Lending Programs
- Who qualifies? CDS Tractor Trailer School works with several lenders, and loans for tuition are based on certain credit qualifications determined by the lender.
- What’s covered? If approved by the lender for financing, a portion or the entire amount of your tuition can be covered.
- No employment contract required
Regardless of your credit, CDS Tractor Trailer School will try to help you find a way to attend truck driving school. We work with several lenders who attempt to help students who may have had past financial issues. The trucking industry’s driver shortage makes employers eager to help candidates who may not have the best credit scores. In addition, if you secure a loan for CDL training, major companies like Swift, Werner, and Schneider provide tuition reimbursement programs to help pay off training loans once employed.
Unlike traditional student loans, CDL financing typically doesn’t require long-term employment contracts, giving you flexibility to choose employers after graduation while accessing necessary funding.
What Other Tuition Assistance Options Are Available?
Additional CDL School Funding Resources
- CDS partners with programs and agencies like:
- Social Services
- Vocational Rehabilitation (DARS, TAP)
- Private Banks
- Out-of-pocket payment options (cash or card) are also accepted
- Carrier Tuition Reimbursement programs (Trucking companies can make monthly payments to your loan balance)
- Our team helps create a custom financial plan to match your needs
CDS provides multiple financing options beyond traditional financial aid to make CDL training accessible. Our school partners with social services agencies and vocational rehabilitation programs like DARS and TAP, which can cover partial or full tuition costs for qualifying students, particularly those with disabilities or career transition needs.
Students can also pay directly through cash or credit card for immediate enrollment flexibility. Most importantly, CDS’s financial aid team works individually with each student to create customized payment plans that may combine multiple funding sources, establish manageable payment schedules, or identify additional opportunities based on the student’s unique circumstances and career objectives.
Get Rolling Toward Your Truck Driving Career With CDS Tractor Trailer Training.
Call us today and speak with a CDS student coordinator to see which tuition assistance programs you qualify for and get help starting your trucking career!