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If the lure of the open road intrigues you and the idea of spending years in classrooms doesn’t, then becoming a commercial driver may be ideal for you. Before hitting the highway, you’ll need to secure a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which could cost between $3,000 to $10,000 depending on state fees.

Keep reading to learn more on the costs of obtaining a CDL, whether or not you have to go to school, and how to pay for your commercial driver’s license.

Typical Cost of Obtaining a CDL

The typical cost of obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) ranges from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the training program, location, and endorsements required. These expenses include tuition for CDL school, fees for written and skills tests, medical exams, and any additional certifications. Some training programs may also charge for classroom materials or driving practice hours.

Costs can vary based on the duration and comprehensiveness of the program. To offset these expenses, individuals may explore financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, employer-sponsored training, or loans. Researching and comparing programs can help identify the best value for your investment.

Recommended: Student Loan vs Personal Loan for College Expenses

Do You Have to Go to a School to Obtain Your CDL?

As of February 7, 2022, new federal regulations require individuals to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered training provider before obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for the first time, upgrading a CDL, or getting certain endorsements.

While this doesn’t strictly mean attending a traditional “school,” the training must meet federal standards and be provided by an ELDT-certified provider. This requirement ensures that CDL applicants receive the necessary education and hands-on experience to safely operate commercial vehicles. Many choose CDL schools because they are often ELDT-compliant and provide a comprehensive training environment.

How to Pay for CDL School

Paying for CDL school can be a significant financial investment, but there are several options to help ease the cost. Whether you’re looking to finance your training through scholarships, grants, employer-sponsored programs, or loans, understanding your choices is essential for making this career path affordable.

To help, we’ve listed ten ways to pay for your CDL school costs and associated expenses.

1. Workforce Training Funding

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) became law on July 22, 2014, and is designed to help job seekers get the education, training, support, and employment they need. The WIOA requires states to ensure that their workforce development programs are strategically aligned to meet the needs of workers. The WIOA is managed through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in collaboration with numerous partners to get the necessary resources to states and local areas.

Plus, the FMCSA CDL Program Implementation Grant provides financial resources to states.

2. State CDL Training Grants

Each of the states in the United States and the District of Columbia can apply to the federal CDL implementation grant to get funding for relevant programs that assist in their CDL program. Contact the field office of your state (links are included in the field office chart) to get information about what’s currently available to cover your CDL school price. Explain that you need financial assistance to get quality CDL training.

3. Local CDL Training Grants

Many local governments and workforce development programs offer grants to cover CDL training costs. These grants are typically aimed at addressing regional driver shortages and providing opportunities for individuals in need of employment. Check with your local employment office or community organizations for available programs and eligibility requirements.

4. Scholarships

Various organizations offer scholarships to help cover the cost of CDL school. Industry associations, trucking companies, and vocational schools may provide funding opportunities for eligible candidates. Research scholarship programs specifically for aspiring truck drivers, and apply early to maximize your chances of receiving financial assistance for your training.

Recommended: SoFi’s Scholarship Search Tool

5. Funding for Veterans

Veterans may be eligible for funding to cover CDL school through the GI Bill or other veterans’ benefits. Programs like the Yellow Ribbon Program may also offer additional financial support for CDL training. Contact your local Veterans Affairs office to learn about specific programs and eligibility requirements for veterans.

6. Federal Student Loans

To qualify for federal loan funding, you must first fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). If a CDL school meets requirements, federal student loan aid may be available. Going this route will also let you know if you qualify for a Pell Grant based on your income; again, make sure that the CDL school is eligible to receive federal funding.

7. Private Student Loans

If grants, scholarships, and federal student loans don’t cover the CDL school costs, then explore private student loans. These loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders to pay for educational expenses. You’ll fill out an application and what you’ll receive typically depends on your credit score and income.

Note that not all private lenders will cover loans for CDL school, including loans from SoFi.

8. Trucking Company Tuition Reimbursement

This is when a trucking carrier pays part to all of your CDL school costs. They may do this if, for example, you’re a current employee in another capacity. Trucking companies may also choose to take this route to encourage someone to join their company.

9. Savings

You may find that you have enough money in your savings account to pay for the CDL program. Or you may create or continue a savings plan to accrue enough funds to pay for your training. That way, there are no loans to pay back.

10. Company Sponsored CDL Training

A company in need of drivers may be offering a training program. Just ensure that the program, which is run by the trucking company itself instead of a training school, is quality. Typically, you’ll need to work for the company offering the training for a certain amount of time; this can be good if you’re looking for a job, eliminating the stress of the job hunt that may follow the completion of a CDL program.

The Takeaway

You may decide that becoming a commercial truck driver is a good way to earn income. When it comes to how to pay for CDL school, you can save up and pay cash, apply for scholarships and grants, look for an employer who will cover part or all of the costs of training, or take out loans.

Community college and other certificate programs aren’t eligible for SoFi’s private student loans. If you’re interested in private student loans for another educational venture, consider SoFi’s no fee private student loans. These loans can be used to cover your costs of tuition, books, supplies, and more so you can get on the road as a fully licensed commercial truck driver.

FAQ

Can you get your CDL without going to school?

Yes, you can obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) without attending school, but most states require you to meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) standards. Self-study and private practice with a qualified driver are options. However, CDL training programs provide structured learning, making it easier to pass written and skills tests.

Do some trucking companies pay for your CDL training?

Yes, many trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs. These companies cover training costs in exchange for a commitment to work for them for a specified period, often one to two years. These programs can be a cost-effective way to enter the trucking industry while gaining hands-on experience.

How much does getting your CDL cost?

The cost of obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) varies but typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the training program and location. Costs include tuition for CDL school, fees for written and skills tests, medical exams, and additional endorsements. Some employers or grants may help cover these expenses.

Photo credit: iStock/FG Trade

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SOISL-Q424-053

Donating to charity is a rewarding way to support causes you believe in. And these days, you can do it with just a few clicks on your keyboard or taps on your phone. But you need to be vigilant when making an online donation. With the rise of digital giving, scammers have also adapted, making it difficult to discern legitimate organizations from fakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid online donation scams and ensure your money really does make a difference.

Research the Charity

Unfortunately, not all “charitable” organizations are legitimate. Many scammers market fake charities with real-sounding names and sophisticated websites and social media channels. Before you part with your money, it’s a good idea to vet the charity on a government or watchdog site. Here are four you can trust:

•   Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance

•   Charity Navigator

•   CharityWatch

•   Candid

You can also use the IRS’s Tax Exempt Organization Search to verify the nonprofit status of any organization you are donating to.

As an additional safeguard, you may want to do an online search of the charity name with words such as “complaints” or “scams” to see if others have had issues when donating to the organization.

💡 Quick Tip: Online bank accounts with SoFi can help your money earn more — up to 3.80% APY, with no minimum balance required.

Verify the Website’s Legitimacy

Online scammers sometimes create fake sites to imitate legitimate charities. Here are some quick ways to verify that you’re donating on an authentic website:

Check for HTTPS and Privacy Policies

A real nonprofit organization will have a website with “https” (not “http”) at the start of the site’s URL, This signifies that the website is secure and that payment data will be encrypted and securely transmitted. In addition, most charity web addresses end with .org and not .com.

Another way to verify a website is legitimate is to look for the site’s privacy policies. Real nonprofit organizations are typically transparent about how they collect, use, and protect your information. If a website lacks these explanations or has a poorly written privacy policy, it could be a red flag.

Look for Secure Payment Methods

Before making an online donation, you’ll want to make sure the site offers reputable and secure payment processing options. Trusted charities typically offer credit card payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or other well-known processors. Be wary of any charity sites that only accept unconventional payment methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto assets. Requests for these hard-to-trace forms of payment are a hallmark of fraudsters.

Be Cautious of Unsolicited Requests

While real charities may reach out asking for donations, they’re usually ones you’ve given to in the past. Legitimate nonprofits typically do not use emails or text to pursue first-time donors. Here are two common solicitation schemes to be aware of:

•   Email donation scams: Scammers often disguise their emails to look like official charity communications. Look out for generic greetings, misspellings, or requests for personal details. If you receive an unsolicited email, avoid clicking on any links or attachments. Instead, go directly to the charity’s official website.

•   Social media fraud: Fraudsters may set up fake profiles or ads claiming to raise funds for people in need. The fundraising page may even have photos of real people. However, the money you give to these scammers never reaches actual people in need. Be sure you only donate through verified charity sites, and be skeptical of individuals claiming to fundraise on behalf of established organizations.

Use Secure Payment Methods

Choosing the right payment method can add an extra layer of protection when donating online. Generally, credit cards are safer than debit cards, which pay directly from your checking account. If a fraudulent charge occurs, it’s often easier to dispute the charge and recoup your funds when you’ve paid with a credit card.

Another way to donate online safely is to use a charity-focused donation platform like JustGiving, GoFundMe Charity, or Donorbox. These platforms verify charities and typically have secure payment methods in place, making it safer for donors. They also provide an accessible, organized way to track your donations, which can be helpful for future reference.

Recommended: IRS Tax Deduction Rules

Keep Records of Your Donations

Whenever you make an online donation, it’s important to maintain good records and receipts of the transaction. This is for two main reasons:

•   Tax purposes: If you’re eligible for charitable tax deductions, you’ll need proper documentation of each donation, including receipts and confirmation emails. This makes tax filing easier and ensures compliance with tax regulations.

•   Ensuring accuracy: With good records, you can check to see that the correct amount was processed by the organization. If you notice an additional donation made from your card that you didn’t authorize, you’ll have the records to show how much you truly agreed to donate.

Be Wary of Pressure Tactics

Scammers often pop up during times of crisis like natural disasters or tragic events with requests of urgent support. Be wary of any charity that pressures you to make a donation right away. Genuine nonprofit groups typically give donors time to learn more about their organization, answer any questions they might have, and work on building relationships with donors — even when time is of the essence.

Recommended: Helpful Tips on Recovering From Being Scammed

Set Up Recurring Donations Carefully

If you find an organization you love and want to donate to regularly, you might want to set up recurring donations. If it’s a charity you’ve never given to in the past, however, it’s a good idea to start with a single donation. If everything goes smoothly, you can go ahead and set up a recurring donation. Just be sure the charity provides clear instructions on managing and canceling recurring payments and that you have the ability to easily cancel or alter your contributions at any point. It’s also a good idea to regularly review your bank statements to ensure that only authorized amounts are being charged.

Stay Informed About Current Scams

Unfortunately, online donation scams are always evolving. Charity scammers will often use recent emergencies and conflicts as opportunities to solicit money from concerned people. To stay updated on the latest charity scams, follow reports from trusted sources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and your state attorney general’s website. Being aware of current tactics can help you avoid falling victim to fraud, especially during times of crisis.

The Takeaway

Giving money to a charitable cause can make a real difference. However, there are scammers out there who may attempt to take advantage of your good nature by tricking you into donating to a fake charity. Fortunately, there are ways to beat them at their own game. Simple steps like vetting charities before you donate, verifying website security, and using secure payment methods, can help ensure your online donation goes directly to the causes you believe in and your money makes a real impact.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

FAQ

How can I verify an online charity is legitimate?

You can verify a charity is legitimate by looking it up on charity watchdog websites like Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, and the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. These sites offer reports and ratings on charities based on their transparency, finances, and accountability.

It’s also a good idea to check out the organization’s website and review the web address. Look out for slight misspelling in the nonprofit’s name and note the URL (a secure URL should begin with “https” rather than “http”).

Are there secure payment methods for online donations?

Yes, legitimate charities offer a way to make secure online donations. Look for a site with “https,” not “http,” in the URL (this means your financial information will be encrypted). It’s also a good idea to use a credit card, versus a debit card, for payment, since credit cards offer additional layers of fraud protection. You’ll want to avoid making an online donation via wire transfer, gift cards, or crypto assets — these hard-to-trace forms of payment are often preferred by scammers.

Can I get a tax receipt for online charitable donations?

Yes, legitimate charities typically provide a tax receipt for online donations. After donating, you should receive an emailed receipt containing the donation amount, date, and the charity’s tax ID. Be sure to save all online donation receipts. You’ll need them in order to claim any deductions at tax time.

Photo credit: iStock/jacoblund

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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

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