Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program FY27
Forecasted
Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program FY27 supports Ohio students with grants and loans for commercial driver’s license training to connect them with Ohio jobs and expand the driving workforce.
Funder: Ohio Department of Higher Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Proposal submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $2,955,000 total; up to $125,000 per school/program, or $180,000 for multiple eligible locations; 12-month disbursement period
Summary: Supports grants and loans for Ohio residents enrolled in approved CDL training programs to expand Ohio’s commercial driving workforce.
Key Information: Schools apply for participation; student aid combines an equal grant and loan, with loan cancellation tied to completion and qualifying Ohio employment.
Description
The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) administers this program to promote commercial driver job growth through training connected to employment opportunities in Ohio. Participating schools receive funds on behalf of eligible students enrolled in approved commercial driver’s license (CDL) programs, including Class A and Class B training. Assistance is distributed as grants and loans rather than unrestricted institutional funding.
Established under Ohio Revised Code Section 3333.125, the program’s FY27 funding was appropriated through Section 381.540 of Amended Substitute House Bill 96. Schools and their identified CDL programs must qualify before students can receive aid. Applications address regional and statewide workforce needs, program performance, student eligibility, loan counseling, marketing, and a 12-month implementation plan.
