If your cash-strapped when it comes to truck driving school you may be happy to know that we have some information here to point you in the right direction. Well, you probably aren’t the only one.  While tuition at different trucking schools can vary, most creditable schools cost between $2000 & $5000, and if you’re like most of us, you don’t exactly have that kind of money just sitting around.  So here are just a few ways you can get access to the money needed to jumpstart your new driving career.

Federal Loans – The federal government provides loans for individuals continuing their education past high school; they are one of the lowest-cost ways to pay for your training since the loans are offered at a low, fixed rate. You must begin paying back the loan (with interest) once you’ve completed your education.  To find out if you’re eligible for any federal loans, you can submit a FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online.

Federal Grants – The difference between a loan and a grant is a grant does not have to be paid back.  Grants are given to a wide variety of recipients based on certain criteria, such as individuals with low income, disabled individuals, or people who have served in the military.  Visit Grants.gov to search grant opportunities that you may be eligible for.

Federal GI Bill – If you are a veteran who served for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001, you may be eligible for the education benefits offered through the Federal GI Bill.  The program provides money to help you pay for tuition and fees and provides a housing allowance (some trucking schools require you to stay in approved housing throughout the duration of the training).  Find out more at the official Federal GI Bill Education Benefits website.

State Trucking Association Scholarships – Some state trucking associations offer scholarships trucking students, such as the Wyoming Trucking Association Trust Fund Scholarship or the Oregon Trucking Association Scholarship.  Contact your state’s trucking association to see if they offer any such scholarships or programs.

Tuition Reimbursement – Some trucking companies will foot the bill for your training if you agree to work for them after graduation or if you attend their own trucking school.  Make sure you understand how any tuition reimbursement program works before you sign up; some companies will actually take the cost of the training right out of your pay.

Financing – You’ll find that most reputable trucking schools typically offer financing through a third-party financial institution.  Again, make sure you know all the terms of the financing, including the interest rate, before you sign up. Ask to talk to a financial adviser who can clearly explain how the financing works.