CDL Financial Aid

Stafford Driver Training School Payment Options
The decision to begin or change a career can be an important and costly one. Before enrolling in either of the professional truck driver training programs at the Stafford Driver Training School we encourage you to consider carefully the time and financial resources you must invest in order to successfully complete this program. While earning your commercial drivers license through our school will invariably give you a leg up on the competition in this rapidly expanding field, you must carefully develop a plan for paying the tuition and fees associated with enrolling in this program.

The very design of the program takes into account that many students wish to continue working while they earn their license. By holding the classroom component of your education only on Saturdays and scheduling practice yard and over-the-road driving time at times that are convenient both to you and your teachers, many Stafford Driver Training School students are able to keep their current jobs to help pay their educational costs. There are many other funding alternatives for prospective students to investigate in order to pay for the training that will provide them a new and lucrative career as a professional truck driver, and many of these options are listed below.

Personal Resources
Many students are able to find the funding necessary to enroll in the Stafford Driver Training School using one or a combination of the following payment methods: cash, personal check, credit or debit card. We currently accept only Visa and Mastercard.  A surprising number of students also receive loans from relatives to assist them in paying for a portion of the costs of attending our school. Students are advised to check all sources of funding that involve available assets including grants before investigating loan options.

State and Federal Grants
The Stafford Driver Training School is currently certified as an eligible training provider under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) in the state of Vermont. This designation allows us to participate in WIA funding programs administered by the Vermont Department of Labor. This agency and program can be very helpful in funding the tuition and fees associated with enrolling in and attending the Stafford Driver Training School training programs. Students should contact their local office of the Vermont Department of Labor or contact them through the Montpelier office at (802) 828-4000 or visit their website at www.labor.vermont.gov for details about available programs.

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation Non-Degree Grant (NDG)

The VSAC Non-Degree Grant program is a need-based program that provides funding for students in a number of certificate programs available to students through their local career and technical center. This grant covers tuition for income-eligible adults returning to school or entering training programs that improve employability or encourage further study. Interested students should contact their Regional Counselor from the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) to schedule an appointment to complete an application and to determine eligibility. Students will need to bring a copy of their most recent tax return. You may also reach a VSAC representative by calling (800) 882-4166 or through their website at www.vsac.org.

Dislocated Workers
Many of our students receive funding through state grant programs under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) which was formerly called the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Because our school is an Eligible Training Provider under the Workforce Investment Act, if you are a dislocated worker or are receiving any public assistance, you may be eligible for this type of funding. Students should call a representative of their local office of the Vermont Department of Labor. You may also contact them through the Montpelier office at (802) 828-4000 or visit their website at www.vermont.labor.gov for details about this and other education funding options.

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Some of our students receive funding through either state or private Vocational Rehabilitation programs. If you are an injured worker or are currently in a rehabilitation program, you may be eligible for this type of funding. For assistance in determining your eligibility for support through VocRehab you should call (866) 879-6757 (Voice/TTY) or visit their website at www.vocrehabvermont.org.

Workers Compensation
Professional assistance is available to help students who have been affected by workplace injuries and disabilities in Vermont. Workers compensation information including rules, statutes, forms, and counseling can provide answers to questions relating to how best to fund transitions in employment through education and training. Prospective students should visit their website at www.workerscompensation.com/vermont.php

Trade and Globalization Adjustment Act of 2009/Trade Reform Act of 2002
Individuals who have lost their job due to foreign competition or trade may qualify for Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) funding. Visit www.doleta.gov/layoff for more information about this opportunity and for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Veterans Administration Benefits/G.I. Bill and REAP
Students who have served in any branch of the United States military qualify to receive educational benefits through the traditional G.I. Bill program through the Veterans Administration. Additionally, the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) was established as a part of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. It is a new Department of Defense education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress.  This new program makes certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits. If you are a veteran or reservist, you may be eligible for this type of funding. For details about these and other programs that might help defray the cost of your driver training program, students should contact a representative from your local branch office of the Veterans Administration or visit their website at www.gibill.va.gov.

Agency of Transportation-Office of Civil Rights Grant
The AOT-OCR offers funding on a continuous basis to eligible women and minority males to help with the cost of CDL classes held at the Stafford Driver Training School. If you enjoy driving, have a current Vermont Driver’s license, are at least 18 years old, and think you would like to become a professional truck driver, please contact Sue Hackney to begin the simple and fast application process, or to determine if you meet the criteria for funding. She can be reached at (802) 828-5858, or visit their website at www.aot.state.vt.us/civilrights/CDL.htm.

Personal Loans
Many of our students are able to secure funding through their bank or credit union. Most personal loans are based on credit worthiness, and consequently the interest rates and payback options can vary significantly. However, this should not dissuade you from investigating this alternative as a possible means of funding your education. One such lending institution is Opportunities Credit Union—Vermont’s only community development credit union. As a community development credit union, Opportunities is chartered specifically to serve the financial needs of low income, un-banked and underserved populations and we are permitted to accept “non-member” deposits.  These deposits come from “non-members” who do not meet Opportunities traditional field of membership and include: banks, credit unions, corporations, foundations, government agencies, faith based organizations, non-profits and social investors, who are allowed to invest in Opportunities  in order to ensure that all Vermonters have access to affordable financial services.  You can learn more about Opportunities by visiting their website at www.oppsvt.org, or you may contact other local lenders or personal bankers for details about their training loan options available to you.

SallieMae Loan Service
Due to the current state of the American economy, this lender has put a “hold” on processing applications for students who wish to enroll in either of the Stafford Driver Training School programs or any other training or certificate program offered through Stafford Technical Center. Administrators for the Sallie Mae Career Training Loan program have indicated that as soon as the economy improves and the credit market is a little less volatile, these low and variable interest loan programs will be resumed for students looking to enroll in the Stafford Driver Training School.

Stafford Driver Training School Tuition Installment Plan

In some cases, the Stafford Driver Training School may offer eligible students an opportunity to pay for their tuition and fees using a three-payment financing plan that could enable you to enroll in one of our driver training programs. If you are interested in and eligible for this payment plan, you will be asked to sign a Promissory Note indicating that you will satisfy your financial obligation to the SDTS by providing a deposit of 1/3 of the cost of tuition at the time you enroll in the class; a second payment of 1/3 of the cost of your training at the time you intend to take your CDL permit test at the Department of Motor Vehicles Office in Pittsford, Vermont; and your final payment at least ten (10) days prior to your scheduled road test at the Department of Motor Vehicles Office in Pittsford, Vermont.

Note: If at any time during your enrollment you fail to meet the conditions of your payment plan we will consider you in default of your payment arrangement and you will be immediately disenrolled from the program. Call the Office of Adult and Continuing Education at (802) 770-1032 for additional details about this financing option.