Financial Assistance
CDL Training Grants & Funding Options
Explore Ways to Pay for CDL Training
Grants, financial aid, military benefits, financing, payment plans, and employer assistance may help make training more accessible.
Your options depend on the program you choose, your eligibility, available funding, and your individual situation. HDS can help you understand the resources that may apply to you, gather the information you need, and take the next step with a clearer financial plan.
Ways to Help Pay for CDL Training
Federal Financial Aid & FAFSA
Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify for the 730-hour Professional Truck Driver Program.
Financial aid may include federal grants and student loans. Students begin by completing the FAFSA, and an HDS Financial Aid representative can help explain the process and required documentation.
Financial aid may include federal grants and student loans. Students begin by completing the FAFSA, and an HDS Financial Aid representative can help explain the process and required documentation.
HDS Federal School Code: 03445300
CDL Training Grants & Scholarships
A CDL training grant or scholarship may help eligible students cover part or all of their training costs.
Possible resources may include:
- ARIZONA@WORK and WIOA funding
- State and local workforce grants
- Tribal education and workforce programs
- Scholarships for women pursuing CDL training
- Rotary assistance
- Community and vocational-assistance programs
Most grants are offered through outside organizations. HDS can help identify possible resources and provide tuition, program, and enrollment documentation for your application.
Tribal Training Assistance
Members of federally recognized tribes may have access to education, workforce development, or vocational assistance for CDL training.
Depending on the program, funding may help cover:
- Tuition and fees
- Books or training materials
- Transportation
- Other approved education expenses
Eligibility and covered expenses are determined by each tribal program.
Military & Veteran Education Benefits
Eligible service members, veterans, spouses, and dependents may be able to use military or VA education benefits for approved HDS training programs. Options may include:
- Montgomery GI Bill®
- Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance
- Air Force COOL
- Military Tuition Assistance
- MyCAA for qualifying military spouses
- Other approved military education programs
HDS can help you understand which programs may apply, but final eligibility and benefit decisions are made by the appropriate military or VA agency.
529 Education Savings Plans
Some students may be able to use funds from a 529 education savings plan for qualifying training or credentialing expenses.
Check with your plan administrator to confirm whether your HDS program qualifies and what documentation or payment process is required.
Check with your plan administrator to confirm whether your HDS program qualifies and what documentation or payment process is required.
Private Financing
Students who do not qualify for grants or other assistance may consider third-party financing. Loan approval, rates, repayment terms, and eligibility are determined by the lender.
- Climb Credit
- Personal loans through a bank or credit union
- Other approved private lenders
HDS Payment Plans & Self-Pay
Certain HDS programs may offer payment-plan options that allow eligible students to divide tuition into scheduled payments.
HDS payment plans:
- Require an initial down payment
- Divide remaining tuition into weekly payments
- Do not charge interest through HDS
- Require tuition to be paid in full before CDL testing
Disclaimer: Availability and terms are reviewed before enrollment
Employer-Paid CDL Training
Some employers may pay part or all of an employee’s CDL training through education, workforce-development, or professional-training benefits.
Depending on the employer:
- HDS may be paid directly
- The employee may be reimbursed
- Part or all of training costs may be covered
- Employment or continued-service requirements may apply
Ask your employer about available education or CDL training benefits before enrolling.
Carrier Tuition Reimbursement
Some trucking companies offer tuition reimbursement after hiring CDL school graduates. This is different from a CDL training grant because reimbursement generally begins after training and employment start.
Carrier reimbursement may:
- Cover part or all of eligible tuition
- Be paid over time
- Require continued employment
- Include specific eligibility requirements
HDS Job Placement can also help students explore employers that may offer tuition reimbursement.
Not Sure Where to Start?
You do not have to sort through every option on your own.
1
Choose Your Training Program
Funding options can vary depending on which HDS program you select.
2
Talk With HDS
Our team can help you understand which financial assistance, CDL training grants, military benefits, financing, or payment options may apply.
3
Apply Early
Some grants and benefits require approval before training begins and may have deadlines or limited funding.
4
Build Your Financial Plan
Once you understand your options, HDS can help you determine the next steps toward enrollment.
FAQs About Our Professional Program
Can CDL training grants pay for the full cost of training?
Possibly. Some CDL training grants may cover part or all of the cost depending on the funding source, selected program, available funds, and your eligibility.
The organization providing the grant determines the final award.
Do I apply for CDL training grants through HDS?
Most grants come from outside organizations, so students generally apply through the workforce agency, tribal program, scholarship organization, or other funding provider.
HDS can help identify possible resources and provide the program, tuition, and enrollment documentation you may need to apply.
Is FAFSA available for CDL training?
Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify for the 730-hour Professional Truck Driver Program.
Students begin by completing the FAFSA. HDS Financial Aid representatives can also help explain the process.
Can I combine different funding and payment options?
Possibly. Depending on each program’s rules, students may be able to combine grants, scholarships, military benefits, employer assistance, financing, or self-pay options.
HDS can help you understand which options may work together.
When should I apply for CDL training grants or other funding?
As early as possible. Some funding sources require approval before training begins and may have deadlines or limited funds. Contact HDS before enrolling so our team can help you understand the documentation and next steps.
Can veterans use military education benefits?
Eligible service members, veterans, spouses, and dependents may be able to use approved military or VA education benefits for qualifying HDS programs. Eligibility depends on the individual, selected program, and administering agency.
Does HDS offer payment plans?
Certain programs may qualify for an HDS payment plan. An initial down payment is required, and the remaining tuition is divided into scheduled payments.
HDS does not charge interest on its payment plans. Tuition must be paid in full before CDL testing.
Can an employer help pay for CDL training?
Yes. Some employers offer education or workforce-training assistance that may cover part or all of CDL training.Students should ask their employer about available benefits and eligibility requirements.
What is carrier tuition reimbursement?
Some trucking companies reimburse graduates for eligible CDL school tuition after they are hired. Reimbursement amounts, payment schedules, and employment requirements vary by carrier.
Let’s Find the Funding Options That May Work for You
CDL training grants are only one way to help pay for training. Financial aid, military benefits, scholarships, payment plans, financing, employer assistance, and tuition reimbursement may also be available depending on your program and eligibility. HDS can help you understand your options and take the next step with a plan.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships, military benefits, financing, payment plans, employer-paid training, and tuition reimbursement are available only to those who qualify. Programs, eligibility requirements, and funding availability are subject to change. Approval is determined by the applicable agency, lender, employer, benefit provider, or funding organization.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.