Paying for trade school does not have to mean taking on big loans. Accredited programs that meet federal length rules qualify for Pell Grants and federal loans, and shorter programs like CDL training can be paid for with workforce grants, tuition reimbursement, or school financing. This guide walks through each one, plus GI Bill benefits for veterans, and how they work at North American Trade Schools (NATS).
Key Takeaways
- Most skilled trade training programs qualify for federal aid. At NATS, Building Technology, Combination Welding, Diesel Technology, Electrical Technology, and HRVAC Technology are all long enough to qualify.
- Use grants before taking out loans. Pell Grants and WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding usually don’t have to be repaid, so they lower the amount a student owes. A payment plan or federal loan can then cover any remaining balance.
- CDL training needs a different plan. Most CDL programs are too short for a traditional Pell Grant, which requires at least 600 clock hours. WIOA grants and tuition reimbursement from trucking companies are two of the main ways to cover the cost.
- Workforce Pell now covers some short programs. Since July 1, 2026, Pell Grants can be used for programs of 150 to 599 clock hours that run at least 8 but fewer than 15 weeks. Each program needs state and U.S. Department of Education approval, so students should check before enrolling.
- Veterans can use the GI Bill without filing the FAFSA. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover tuition and fees, plus a monthly housing allowance and a books stipend.
Does FAFSA Cover Trade School?
Yes, if the school is accredited, takes part in federal student aid programs, and offers a program long enough to qualify. Traditional Pell Grants require programs of at least 600 clock hours and 15 weeks, so longer trade programs qualify while many short courses do not. Students can check a school’s status with the Federal School Code Search on studentaid.gov.
To apply, students create an account at studentaid.gov, list each school’s federal school code, and submit their tax and income information. After submitting, they review their FAFSA Submission Summary for errors and follow up with the school’s financial aid office, which builds the aid package.
NATS meets these requirements. The school is accredited by ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges) and approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Its Building Technology, Combination Welding, Diesel Technology, Electrical Technology, and HRVAC Technology programs are all long enough to qualify for federal aid. Students can complete the FAFSA online or during an appointment with a NATS financial aid representative.
What Grants Are Available for Trade School?
At NATS, the financial aid office helps eligible students apply for Pell Grants, FSEOG, and Maryland state grants.
What Loan Options Are Available for Trade School?
When grants do not cover the full cost of a program, federal student loans are the next step. Trade school students and their families can choose from three types, which differ in who borrows, who pays interest during school, and how the loan is repaid.
Students repay new federal loans under one of two plans: a standard plan with fixed monthly payments, or the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), which bases payments on income. Direct PLUS loans for parents have yearly and lifetime borrowing limits and can only be repaid under the standard plan.
Federal loans are not the only way to cover costs. Families who have saved in a 529 plan can use that money for tuition, fees, and books at schools that take part in federal aid, usually tax-free. For any remaining gap, private loans from banks and credit unions are another option. They often have higher interest rates and fewer repayment options than federal loans, so comparing rates and total cost helps borrowers find the best fit.
At NATS, students can choose from federal subsidized, unsubsidized, and PLUS loans. The school also offers tuition financing through its Alternative Loan Program for students who need help covering costs beyond federal aid.
How Can Students Pay for CDL Training?
Students can pay for CDL training with WIOA grants, tuition reimbursement, Workforce Pell, or school financing. Most CDL programs are too short for a traditional Pell Grant, so these other sources matter more for truck driving students.
- WIOA grants: WIOA funding is a common way to pay for CDL training. People may qualify if they are out of work or underpaid, get public assistance, or are a veteran or military spouse. The school must also be on the state’s approved training provider list.
- Tuition reimbursement: Some trucking companies repay training costs for new drivers who earned their CDL at an independent school, often in monthly installments after hire.
- Workforce Pell: Some CDL programs may qualify for Workforce Pell, so students should check whether a specific program is approved before enrolling.
NATS offers CDL Class A and Class B training, and because the school is on Maryland’s Eligible Training Provider List, students can use WIOA funds for CDL training there. Class A may also qualify for Workforce Pell if the state approves it, while Class B, at 48 hours, is too short. Students who want both a CDL and diesel repair skills can choose the 1,440-hour Diesel Technology with CDL program, which is long enough to qualify for federal aid.
Can Veterans Use the GI Bill for Trade School?
Yes. Veterans and eligible service members can use GI Bill benefits at any trade school approved by the VA. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover tuition and fees, along with a monthly housing allowance and a books stipend. How much a veteran receives depends on two things: how long they served and how many hours they train each week. For hands-on programs like trade school, 22 or more hours per week counts as full-time.
To use the benefit, veterans apply on VA.gov and receive a Certificate of Eligibility, which they give to their school. The GI Bill does not require the FAFSA, but veterans can still file it to see if they qualify for Pell Grants or other federal aid.
NATS is approved for VA education benefits and accepts the GI Bill for training at its Baltimore campus. Veterans and service members can learn more on the NATS GI Bill benefits page.
How to Get Started
Most students combine several sources, such as a Pell Grant, state or workforce funding, and a payment plan. Getting started early makes this easier, since some aid is limited and workforce funding usually needs to be approved before classes begin.
At NATS, students must schedule an appointment with a financial aid representative, who can confirm which options fit each program and help with the application process. Students can also estimate their costs with the NATS Net Price Calculator. NATS has trained Baltimore tradespeople since 1971 and offers day, evening, and weekend schedules for some programs. Students can contact NATS to get started.
FAQs
Can students apply for financial aid before being accepted to a school?
Yes. Students can list a school’s federal code on the FAFSA before they are accepted, such as NATS’s code 017074.
Do students need a high school diploma or GED to get federal aid?
Yes. Federal aid generally requires a high school diploma, GED, or a recognized equivalent.
Is there an age limit for financial aid?
No. Federal aid has no age limit, so adults returning to school can qualify if they meet the other requirements.
Can a student with a bachelor’s degree get a Pell Grant?
No. Pell Grants are only for students without a bachelor’s degree, but federal loans may still be an option.
Do students have to reapply for financial aid every year?
Yes. Students must file a new FAFSA for each school year they are enrolled.
What happens to financial aid if a student withdraws from a program?
Federal rules may require part of the aid to be returned. Students should talk with the financial aid office before withdrawing.