Ways to Pay for CDL Training

Tuition is one of the first questions most prospective students have. Southwest Truck Driver Training offers several options for covering CDL program costs, and the admissions team works with each student to find what fits their situation.

SWTDT does not participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs. That means no Pell Grants and no federal student loans. However, there are other paths that cover tuition for many students.

Workforce Grants (WIOA)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federally funded program that helps adults pay for occupational training. CDL programs at SWTDT qualify as eligible training under WIOA for students who qualify for this funding.

WIOA funding is administered through Arizona’s local workforce development boards. Students apply through a workforce center, not through the school. If approved, WIOA can cover a significant portion of tuition costs, usually the full amount.

Who May Qualify

Adults and dislocated workers who meet income or employment eligibility criteria
Job seekers who have been laid off or are underemployed
Arizona residents actively seeking workforce re-entry

How to Get Started

Contact our team and we’ll help you check your eligibility. SWTDT is an approved training provider, so the program qualifies for WIOA-funded enrollment.

State Grants and Scholarships

Certain state-funded grants and scholarships are available to Arizona residents pursuing CDL training. Availability, eligibility requirements, and award amounts vary by program and funding cycle.

The SWTDT admissions team can point prospective students toward current state funding opportunities and help them understand what documentation is required to apply.

Carrier Tuition Reimbursement

A number of trucking companies, including national carriers like Werner, Covenant, Stevens Transport, and Schneider, offer tuition reimbursement as part of their hiring packages. Graduates who take a driving job with one of these carriers may recover part or all of their training costs.

This option does not reduce upfront tuition costs. The reimbursement comes after a graduate is hired and typically after a required employment period. Students should review the terms of any carrier reimbursement agreement before committing to a specific employer.

What Graduates Should Know

Reimbursement terms vary by carrier
Some carriers require graduates to remain employed for a set period to receive full reimbursement
SWTDT is not affiliated with any carrier, so graduates choose where they want to work
The career services team can provide information on which carrier partners offer reimbursement

Private Student Loans

Private financing is available through third-party lenders for students who need to cover tuition costs. These are not government-backed loans, so terms, interest rates, and approval requirements vary by lender.

SWTDT can provide information on lenders that work with CDL students. Prospective students should review loan terms carefully and understand the repayment timeline before committing.

Trucking careers typically offer competitive starting pay. This helps graduates be in the position to begin repayment shortly after starting work.

Payment Plans

Southwest Truck Driver Training offers in-house payment plan options for students who prefer not to pay the full tuition cost upfront. Payment plan details are reviewed with each student during the admissions process.

Talk to an admissions representative to find out what plan options are available and whether this approach makes sense for your situation.

Cash and Self-Pay

Students who choose to pay tuition in full out of pocket have that option. Self-pay is straightforward and does not require third-party approval, loan agreements, or employer coordination.

The admissions team can provide a full breakdown of program costs before enrollment.

529 College Savings Plan

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to help families set aside money for education. Funds in a 529 account grow without federal income taxes, and withdrawals for eligible expenses are also tax-free at the federal level. Some states also offer tax deductions for contributions.

As of July 2025, the 529 plan can now be used to pay for tuition, books, fees, and supplies at workforce training programs, including CDL schools. SWTDT qualifies as an eligible institution under this expansion

What This Means for Students

Students or family members with an existing 529 account may be able to use those funds for tuition at Southwest
Eligible expenses include tuition, books, fees, and supplies related to the CDL program
Federal tax-free treatment applies to qualifying withdrawals
State tax treatment varies, so students should confirm with their plan administrator

How to Use a 529 Plan at SWTDT

Contact your 529 plan administrator to confirm that your account allows withdrawals for workforce training programs under the new law. Then speak with our admissions representatives to coordinate the payment process.