Diesel Mechanic School Financing Guide: Scholarships, Loans and Grants

Paying for training doesn’t have to stand in the way of becoming a diesel technician. Today, there are multiple financing options for diesel mechanic trade school that can help reduce upfront costs and long-term debt. From federal financial aid and student loans to scholarships and grants you may qualify for, understanding your options can make diesel mechanic training more accessible and affordable.¹⁰ 

This guide walks through the most common ways eligible students finance diesel mechanic school and provides a step-by-step plan to help you move forward with confidence. 

Complete the FAFSA for Federal Aid Eligibility 

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an essential step in seeing what federal financial aid you may qualify for when enrolling in diesel mechanic trade school. 

What is the FAFSA? 

The FAFSA is the official application used to determine eligibility for aid, such as: 

• Pell Grants 
• Federal student loans 
• Federal work-study programs 

Each year, the federal government distributes federal financial aid to help eligible students pay for education and career training programs, so it’s worth taking the time to see if you qualify for any assistance. 

How to complete the FAFSA 

You can visit a Universal Technical Institute FAFSA Service Center near you for assistance in completing the FAFSA, or follow these steps:  

• Visit studentaid.gov and create an account to establish a Federal Student Aid username and password (FSA ID). 
• Gather necessary documents, like W-2s, tax returns, Social Security number, etc. 
• Start the FAFSA form and begin an application for the correct school year. 
• Complete the student demographics section, which includes your name, date of birth and address. 
• List the schools you want to receive your FAFSA information. This includes listing Universal Technical Institute as the school you’re considering. Our campus school codes can be found here. 

To qualify for federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited, Title IV–participating trade school. 

Read More: Your Guide to Federal Student Aid 

Research Scholarships and Grants for Diesel Mechanic Training 

Scholarships and grants can be desirable options to pay for diesel mechanic school because they do not need to be repaid.  

Many organizations actively support students entering skilled trades, making diesel mechanic scholarships and trade school scholarships widely available. 

Grants are a form of federal financial aid that can help reduce education costs and are typically need-based, which is determined by information provided on the FAFSA form. 

How to find diesel mechanic scholarships  

To maximize your chances, start your search early and use multiple strategies: 

• Use scholarship finder tools to search by trade, location, GPA and career focus. Filtering for specific trade programs can identify opportunities specific to technical training. 
• Check trade school and industry websites for school-specific and partner-sponsored scholarships. At UTI, we have an entire page dedicated to scholarships and grants that you can check out. There are different types of scholarships, with some available to all eligible students and others for specific groups, like high school students or students who are relocating. 
• Apply early, as many scholarships have limited funds and firm deadlines. 

Common grant options 

Grant availability can vary based on factors like financial need, program eligibility, and location, but many trade school students may be surprised by how many options exist. Some of the most common grant types that may be available to help offset the cost of training include: 

• Pell Grant: Available to qualifying students enrolled in eligible diploma or associate degree programs at trade schools. 
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Awarded to students with exceptional financial need. 
• State and school-based grants: Offered by states or directly through trade schools. 
• Industry-sponsored grants: Some employers and trade organizations offer grant funding or tuition assistance for diesel mechanic training. 

Understand Federal and Private Loan Options 

Student loans can help cover trade school costs as well, but not all loans work the same way. 

Federal loans are often a preferred financing option for diesel mechanic trade school because they typically offer lower interest rates and more borrower protections. Private loans may be an option if additional funding is needed, but students should borrow carefully and understand all terms before committing. 

Work With School Financial Aid Offices for Personalized Support 

Navigating financing options for diesel mechanic trade school can feel complex, but school financial aid offices are there to help. At UTI, our Financial Aid Advisors can assist students with completing the FAFSA, understanding loan options and how to apply. 

Develop a Step-by-Step Financing Plan 

Creating a plan helps ensure you can account for various expenses as you plan to attend trade school. 

Diesel mechanic school financing checklist 

• Estimate total costs, including tuition, fees, tools and living expenses. 
• Research and apply for diesel mechanic scholarships and other trade school scholarships. 
• Complete the FAFSA to see if you qualify for federal financial aid. 
• Review grant opportunities at the federal, state and school level. 
• Compare loan options if additional funding is needed. 
• Consult with financial aid advisors for personalized guidance. 

Read more: Tuition Estimates by UTI Campus 

Take a Step Toward Your Future With Diesel Mechanic Training 

Now that you’ve seen the different options for financing your trade school education, we encourage you to learn more about UTI’s Diesel Technology program! Spanning 45 weeks, it teaches the fundamentals of diesel inspection, repair and maintenance to help students prepare for a career as a diesel technician.^1,7 

We’re here to help. Whether you have more financial aid questions or want to know more about enrollment, you can connect with us to get started!  

Frequently Asked Questions 

What financing options are available for diesel mechanic trade school? 

Financing options for diesel training could include scholarships, grants or loans, depending on what you’re eligible for.  

What scholarships are available for diesel mechanic students? 

Diesel mechanic scholarships may be offered by industry organizations, employers and trade schools. Awards may be based on merit, financial need or career goals.  

How do I apply for financial aid for diesel mechanic school? 

Complete the FAFSA online to determine eligibility for grants and loans that could help fund your education. 

What is the difference between grants and scholarships? 

Neither grants nor scholarships require repayment. Grants are usually need-based, while scholarships may be awarded based on merit, background or commitment to the trade. 

Can I get financial aid if I attend a trade or technical school? 

Yes. Accredited trade and technical schools that participate in federal aid programs allow eligible students to access federal financial aid, scholarships and grants. 

How can I increase my chances of winning a scholarship? 

You can improve your chances of receiving a scholarship by applying to multiple scholarships early, meeting all eligibility requirements and carefully following application instructions.