Veteran Benefits and Refund Policy for CDL Training

St. Louis Community College’s truck driver training program prepares students for careers in commercial driving through hands-on instruction, industry-standard equipment and experienced instructors. With CDL-A, CDL-B and HAZMAT training options available, students gain the skills needed to safely operate commercial vehicles and meet Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Entry-Level Driver Training requirements.

Veterans and eligible military-connected students may be able to use VA education benefits to support their training. STLCC is committed to helping veteran students transition into high-demand transportation careers by providing clear information about enrollment, training expectations and VA refund policies.

Transfer Credit Policy

Evaluation of Prior Transfer Credit Policy

St. Louis Community College shall evaluate and maintain a written record of each VA education benefit student’s previous education, training, and applicable occupational or military experience prior to or during enrollment in the CDL Programs.

In accordance with 38 CFR § 21.4253, STLCC will determine whether any prior education, training, licensure, certification, military training, or documented commercial driving experience is applicable to the students’ approved CDL-A program. When appropriate credit is granted, the student’s training period shall be shortened proportionately, and STLCC shall certify only the remaining required portion of the approved program to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

STLCC Veterans Pro Rata Refund Policy

CDL Training Program

The CDL Training Program is offered in an accelerated format with:

• CDL B Program: minimum length of five (5) instructional days
• CDL A Program: maximum length of five (5) weeks (25 instructional days)

In accordance with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations, if a veteran student fails to enter the program, withdraws, or is discontinued at any time prior to completing the program, the unused portion of tuition, fees, and other charges paid on the student’s behalf will be refunded to the VA, or any outstanding debt will be canceled, on a pro rata basis.

Pro Rata Refund Calculation

Refunds for veteran students are calculated daily by dividing the number of instructional days completed by the total number of instructional days in the program.

• The amount earned equals the percentage of instructional days completed.
• The unearned portion will be refunded to the VA.

VA regulations allow:

• A deviation of up to ten percent (10%) from an exact pro rata calculation. The $200.00 payment for DOT medical examinations and drug testing services is considered part of 10% allowable deviation under this policy. The following non-refundable fees are DOT medical exam $120.00; DOT drug test $80.00
• The institution to retain up to $10.00 of any registration fee, if applicable.

If the institution maintains a refund policy more favorable to the student, that policy will be applied.

Refunds will be processed promptly and no later than forty (40) days from the date of withdrawal or discontinuation. Veteran students are not required to request a refund. This pro rata refund policy applies to VA-funded students only.

Pro Rata Refund Examples

CDL A Program Evening Class (Maximum 5 Weeks / 25 Days) Daytime Class (4 weeks /20 Days)

If a veteran student completes 10 instructional days out of 25 total, the student has earned 10/25 (40%) of the program. The remaining 15/25 (60%) of tuition and applicable fees will be refunded to the VA, less any allowable retention under VA regulations.

CDL B Program (Minimum 5 Days)

If a veteran student completes 2 instructional days out of 5 total, the student has earned 2/5 (40%) of the program. The remaining 3/5 (60%) of tuition and applicable fees will be refunded to the VA, less allowable retention under VA regulations.

Failure to Enter

If a veteran student does not enter the program, 100% of tuition and applicable fees will be refunded to the VA, less any allowable registration fee retention.

CDL Program Cost Details (2026-2027)

 

Contact

If you have further questions, please reach out to the CDL training program coordinator Aira Durham at Adurham24@stlcc.edu  or 314-644-9740.