Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program

The Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Higher Education to support workforce development and address the demand for commercial truck drivers within the state. The program is designed to promote job growth by providing financial assistance to students pursuing commercial driver’s license training at approved institutions. Rather than awarding funds directly to individuals, the program allocates funding to eligible institutions, which then distribute aid to selected students enrolled in approved CDL training programs. The program’s funding structure is unique in that it combines both grant and loan components. Specifically, each student’s total program cost is divided evenly, with 50 percent covered as a grant and the remaining 50 percent provided as a forgivable loan. This loan may be forgiven if the student meets certain post-completion employment requirements. The total funding awarded cannot exceed the cost of tuition and related training expenses, and institutions are responsible for ensuring that all financial aid aligns with these limitations. Additional funding sources may be layered to improve affordability, but institutions cannot issue excess funds as refunds to students. Eligible participants are determined by the participating institutions, which must verify that students meet specific criteria prior to enrollment. These criteria include Ohio residency, passing a drug test, maintaining a limited number of moving violations, and not having recent convictions for driving under the influence. Students must also comply with federal Selective Service requirements where applicable. Notably, individuals with felony records are not excluded from eligibility, indicating an inclusive approach to workforce entry. Institutions must also ensure that students receive comprehensive financial counseling before enrollment, including disclosure of loan obligations and program terms. The application and disbursement process is managed through the Higher Education Information system. Institutions select eligible students and submit their information, triggering the generation of a promissory note for the loan portion. Students must electronically sign this document before funds are disbursed. Payments are issued to institutions on a rolling basis, typically within seven business days after processing, and institutions are required to credit student accounts promptly and confirm receipt with the program administrator. Program timelines are tied to institutional training schedules rather than a single universal application deadline. The award period for the current cycle covers programs beginning on or after December 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026. Reimbursement requests are only permitted after a student has completed at least 25 percent of their training program and must be submitted within defined windows based on program dates. Institutions must also comply with ongoing reporting requirements, including annual performance metrics related to student outcomes and employment placement. A key component of the program is the employment verification requirement, which directly impacts loan forgiveness. Students must submit proof of employment within 60 days of completing their CDL training and again after one year of employment. Institutions play a supporting role in ensuring compliance with these requirements. The Ohio Department of Higher Education may also conduct monitoring activities such as site visits or desk reviews to ensure program integrity. Questions and communications regarding the program are directed to the program’s designated email contact, reinforcing a centralized administrative structure.