If you’re a working adult who feels stuck in a rut, it might be time to assess your career. You could choose to return to college, earn another bachelor’s degree (or finish a degree you started years ago), and hope to be hired in this new field after graduation. Another option is to attend CDL School as a student driver and then become an over-the-road truck driver. Here’s a good comparison of both options.
Cost
According to the College Board Annual Survey of Colleges, the average cost for a full-time student to attend an in-state public university in the 2012-13 academic year was $17,860. Public out-of-state school was around $30,911 per year. These costs covered tuition and fees, books, room and board, and miscellaneous expenses, totaling an average investment of $64,000 to $132,000. Even if you only return to school for a year or two, that’s still a substantial investment.
The Student Driver Program with Prime, Inc. is a value of $3500. If you are dedicated to Prime and drive for them for one year, the cost of the Prime Student Driver program is forgiven. The only cost to you would be a one-time $100 administrative fee.
After Training Has Begun
As a non-traditional college student returning for a second degree, you have the first year behind you and up to three more years to go. You’re starting to rack up debt, but the thought of escaping your dead-end job will make it all worth it.
As a graduate of Prime’s Student Driver Program (comparable to a CDL School), you’ve been driving with the company for three to four months now. The $200-per-week Prime loaned you is well on its way to being paid back through nominal $25-per-week paycheck deductions. You’re running solo as an “A Seat” driver making 37 cents per mile or more depending on what type of equipment you drive, and you’re eager to see more of the country from behind the wheel of your big rig.
Four Years Later…
Congratulations, college graduate! Those four years of hard work have earned you a diploma that should help you get a new, more invigorating career, but of course, there’s no guarantee. You hope you can find that career within the next six months in order to start paying off that $64,000 to $132,000 of debt.
Or, having chosen the student driver path, you are now earning $50,000 to $60,000 per year or more and enjoying a life that’s free of student loan payments. You have a solid income from a job that invigorates you, enabling you to support your family and save money for the future and retirement.
Is it Too Late?
Even if you have been a working adult for many years, it’s not too late to become a student driver. CDL School is a fantastic option if you’re tired of feeling stuck in your current job and you want to get out and see the world in a whole new way.
Who knows? One day you may return to your original field, but even if you decide to stick with trucking long-term, your previous working experience enhances your worldly views and makes you a well-rounded individual.
Want to do both and get your college degree while out on the road as a truck driver? Surprisingly enough, Prime can help you make that happen. Prime’s Success Scholars program provides driving associates and their dependents deep discounts on online and traditional programs at Bethel University to help you earn your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from wherever you are in the country. Learn more here: http://bethelsuccess.net/corporate_partnerships/prime
To become a student driver and start your career in the transportation industry, look into Prime, Inc.’s Student Driver Program to learn more. Then, be sure to connect with us on our social media sites to keep up with the latest industry information.
