How to Pay for Your CDL Training with Grants and Scholarships

CDL training can change your life—but the cost can be intimidating. The good news? There are multiple grants, scholarships, and funding programs designed to help you cover your training expenses. In this guide, we break down all the major options—from well-known grants to lesser-known federal aid programs—so you can start your trucking career without the financial stress.

Why Financial Aid Is a Game-Changer

Earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) can lead to a reliable, high-paying career in a matter of weeks. But with training costs ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, many students hesitate to take that first step. Financial aid makes that step easier—sometimes even free.

At CDL Expert, we’re committed to helping you find and use every available resource to make your training affordable. Our online courses are already among the most budget-friendly and convenient out there—and we help you go even further with aid programs that match your background and goals.

Top Federal and National Financial Aid Programs for CDL Training

1. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Who it helps: Unemployed individuals, dislocated workers, and low-income adults. What it covers: Full or partial tuition, books, testing fees, and sometimes even transportation costs. How to apply: Visit your nearest American Job Center and ask about WIOA-approved CDL programs.

CDL Expert is compatible with WIOA funding in many states. We’ll help you navigate the process.

2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T)

Who it helps: Individuals receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). What it covers: Training costs for eligible SNAP participants, including CDL training. Why it’s helpful: If you receive SNAP, you may be eligible to train for a better job without paying for it. How to apply: Contact your state’s SNAP E&T coordinator or your local Department of Human Services.

3. Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Benefits

Who it helps: Veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible family members. What it covers: CDL training tuition through the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, Montgomery GI Bill®, and Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E). Bonus: You can receive a housing allowance while enrolled. How to apply: Go to va.gov to use the GI Bill Comparison Tool or speak with a VA benefits advisor.

CDL Expert training qualifies under many VA-funded programs when bundled with in-person testing or mentorship. Contact us for help verifying eligibility.

4. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program

Who it helps: Workers laid off due to foreign trade (factory shutdowns, outsourced jobs). 

What it covers: 100% of training costs, including CDL programs, plus relocation and income support. 

How to apply: Visit your local unemployment office or American Job Center and ask about TAA eligibility.

5. Federal Pell Grants (for qualifying programs through colleges)

Who it helps: Low-income individuals enrolled in Title IV-eligible CDL programs offered by accredited institutions. 

What it covers: Tuition, books, and related expenses. 

Important: This applies only if the CDL training is part of an accredited college or technical school.

How to apply: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) fafsa.gov.

If you’re attending a community college CDL program, you may qualify for Pell Grants and other campus-based aid.

Other National Opportunities

Women in Trucking Foundation Scholarships

Who it helps: Women seeking training in commercial transportation careers. What it offers: $1,000 scholarships to help cover tuition and supplies. When to apply: Applications typically open in spring and fall at womenintruckingfoundation.org.

Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation

Who it helps: Individuals entering skilled trades, including trucking. What it offers: Tuition assistance through the Work Ethic Scholarship Program. How to apply: Submit a video, references, and transcripts. The application usually opens in the spring at mikeroweworks.org.

State-Specific Workforce Grants

Every state has workforce development boards that may offer CDL training grants through:

• State Reemployment Programs

• Displaced Worker Programs

• Vocational Rehabilitation (for individuals with disabilities)

Ask your local job center or workforce agency what’s available in your area.

Who Qualifies for Financial Aid?

You may qualify for multiple programs if you:

• Are unemployed or underemployed

• Receive government assistance (SNAP, TANF, etc.)

• Are a veteran or military spouse

• Have a disability

• Are a young adult aged 21–26 with low income

• Are a career changer from industries like construction or warehouse work

No matter your background, there’s likely a program designed to help you succeed.

CDL Expert Makes It Easy

We’ve trained over 100,000 students—and we know what it takes to get your CDL without financial stress. Here’s how we help:

• Online, on-demand ELDT certification

• Practice questions to help you pass the CLP

• Resources to guide your job search

• Personalized support for financial aid, including help verifying eligibility

CDL Expert training is WIOA-compatible, FMCSA-registered, and trusted nationwide.

Ready to Take the Wheel?

Don’t let tuition costs hold you back. With federal grants, scholarships, and training programs, CDL training can be affordable—or even completely covered.

Get started today. Sign up for CDL Expert’s online training.

Unlock your earning potential—your new career starts now.