How To Get Financial Aid and Student Loans for Automotive School in 2025

Attending automotive school can provide the hands-on training needed to launch your career as a mechanic. But like many trade programs, the cost of tuition, books, and supplies can quickly add up.

If you need help covering those costs, student loans may be an option. Federal loans are available for many accredited programs, and some private lenders also offer loans for trade schools and community colleges.

This guide explores how to pay for automotive training, including loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options.

Current private student loan rates

Can you get student loans for automotive school?

You can get student loans for automotive school, but it depends on the program you choose.

To qualify for federal student loans, you'll need to attend an accredited school that participates in the federal Title IV aid program. Many community colleges and technical schools offering automotive technology programs meet this requirement.

To see if your school is eligible, use the U.S. Department of Education's accreditation search tool or ask the financial aid office directly.

If you're not eligible for federal aid, you may still be able to use private student loans. Just make sure the lender works with your school. Some lenders only offer loans for four-year colleges and may exclude community colleges or trade programs.

Federal student loans for automotive school

If you've overlooked federal student loans as a way to pay for automotive school, you're not alone.

“The FAFSA is so closely associated with universities that it is often overlooked for trade schools,” says Jack Wang, a wealth adviser and college planning strategist. “Not all trade schools accept the FAFSA, whereas almost all traditional two- and four-year colleges do.”

If your automotive school qualifies for federal aid, the first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form determines your eligibility for the following types of federal student loans:

• Direct Subsidized Loans: These loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The benefit of subsidized loans is that the government covers the interest that accrues while you're in school at least half-time and for 6 months after you graduate or leave school.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These loans are available to graduate and undergraduate students, regardless of financial need. With unsubsidized loans, the interest begins accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed.
• Direct PLUS Loans: PLUS loans are federal loans that professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students can take out. Unlike subsidized and unsubsidized loans, PLUS loans let you borrow up to the full cost of attendance at your school, minus other financial aid you receive.

Private student loans for automotive training

If your automotive training program doesn't qualify for federal student aid, private student loans may be an option. These loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders and can be used to cover tuition, tools, and living expenses.

Some lenders, like Sallie Mae and Ascent, offer loans for trade school programs, including automotive technology. Others, such as College Ave, provide loans for associate degree programs if your training is through a community college.

To qualify, you'll typically need a good credit score and steady income. If you don't meet the requirements on your own, you may need a cosigner with stronger finances to apply with you.

Before choosing a loan, compare quotes from multiple lenders. Look at interest rates, repayment terms, and deferment or forbearance options in case you run into financial hardship later on.

More financial aid for auto tech school

Before turning to federal or private student loans, explore these financial aid options that may help lower your out-of-pocket costs:

• Grants and scholarships: Many organizations offer financial aid specifically for trade school students, including those studying automotive technology. For example, the Garage Gurus Scholarship Program supports aspiring auto techs, and Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Central offers scholarships related to automotive, heavy-duty, and collision repair training.
• Employer tuition reimbursement: Some employers, like dealerships, repair shops, or manufacturers, may cover all or part of your training in exchange for a work commitment after graduation.
• State workforce development programs: Many states provide funding for job training through workforce development initiatives. These programs may cover tuition for in-demand trades like automotive technology.
• GI Bill benefits: If you're a veteran, the GI Bill may cover tuition and other costs for approved automotive training programs.

Smart borrowing tips for automotive school

Student loans can help you pay for automotive school, but they're still debt you'll need to repay. Here are some strategies to ensure you're borrowing responsibly:

• Estimate your future income: Look up entry-level salaries for auto technicians in your area. A good guideline is to borrow no more than your expected starting salary after graduation.
• Only borrow what you need: Don't accept the full loan amount just because it's offered. Try to limit borrowing to essential costs like tuition, tools, and basic living expenses.
• Look for free opportunities first: Always apply for grants and scholarships before turning to loans. These forms of financial aid don't need to be repaid and can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
• Start budgeting: Create a budget to track your expenses during school and prepare for future loan payments. This can help you avoid overspending and build good financial habits.

Cost of automotive tech training

The cost of automotive technician training varies based on the type of program and school you attend. Certificate programs at technical schools typically cost between $5,000 and $20,000 and can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete. If you're pursuing a two-year associate degree, the average tuition is $4,050 per year in 2024-25, according to the College Board.

Salary outlook for auto service technicians

In 2024, the median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $49,670, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, specialized technicians can command higher salaries — for example, the median annual wage for diesel service technicians and mechanics is $60,640, according to the BLS.