Many people want to become a truck driver but worry about the cost of CDL training. The good news is that many trucking companies offer tuition reimbursement programs that help pay back the cost of CDL school.
Tuition reimbursement means a trucking company helps pay back your training costs after you start working as a driver.
The Benefit of Tuition Reimbursement
CDL tuition reimbursement is a program offered by many trucking companies. Instead of paying for truck driving school before you start working, the company helps pay back the cost of your training over time.
Most companies reimburse a set amount monthly while you work for them. For example, a trucking company may reimburse $150 to $200 per month up to a set amount. Amounts can vary by transportation company. This means your CDL training can eventually be paid for by your employer.
How Tuition Reimbursement Programs Work
The process is simple and happens after you complete CDL training.
Here are the typical steps:
- Enroll in CDL training
- Graduate and get your CDL
- Start working for a trucking company
- The company reimburses part of your tuition each month directly into your pay check.
Many students begin their career in trucking just weeks after finishing training, and reimbursement can begin shortly after they start working.
Who Qualifies for Tuition Reimbursement?
Many entry-level trucking jobs offer tuition reimbursement.
You may eligible for tuition reimbursement if:
- Graduate from an approved CDL school
- Paid for CDL school tuition with cash or a loan
- Accept a job with a trucking company that offers reimbursement
- Remain employed for the required period of time
Driver Resource Center works with many of the trucking industry’s top carriers. Many of these companies offer tuition reimbursement programs for new drivers. These relationships help connect graduates with companies that value well-trained CDL drivers.
Do You Have to Pay for CDL School Tuition First?
In most cases, yes. Tuition reimbursement is designed to pay you back after you start working.
Students often cover the cost of CDL training by:
- Paying cash upfront
- Using CDL training loans
- Taking out a personal loan
Once you have a commercial driver’s license and begin working for a trucking company, tuition reimbursement can help reduce or repay the cost of training over time. Pro tip: Pay off your CDL training loan faster by making two payments. One utilizing a tuition reimbursement program and the other with your truck driving wages.
Tuition Reimbursement vs Company-Sponsored CDL Training
When researching CDL school, you may hear about tuition reimbursement and company-sponsored CDL training. They are often referred to as paid cdl training options. While both can help reduce the cost of CDL training, they work in different ways.
With tuition reimbursement, you attend CDL school first and then get hired by a trucking company. After you begin working, the company helps pay back part of your tuition each month.
Company-sponsored CDL training means a trucking company agrees to cover most of the cost of CDL training upfront. In some cases, a loan through the DRC finance department may cover the remaining balance. Because the company is helping pay for training, students typically sign an employment agreement to work for the carrier for a set period after graduation. If you leave before completing that agreement, you may be responsible for repaying the full cost of training. Company-sponsored training is a great choice for students who do have the means or want to get a loan for the full cost of CDL training. It is a way to get free CDL training.
Talk to a CDL Career Specialist
Every student’s situation is different. Some students qualify for grants, while others use financing or tuition reimbursement.
A Driver Resource Center career specialist can help you:
- Understand tuition reimbursement programs
- Explore ways to pay for CDL training
- Find a CDL school near you
- Start your trucking career
Call 800-391-2754 or fill out the form to speak with a DRC career specialist today.