[legion]

Yep, I looked into it here in IL about 10 years ago. I just have a casual interest and just wanted to learn to drive a big rig. At the time, it was $4,500 for the class, for four weeks straight, with mandatory drug testing (wouldn't be a problem, but I still don't like it).

My understanding is the vast majority of students are "sponsored" by a trucking company, and have to work for a certain amount of time (usually around two years) to pay back the debt. Part of me wonders if the cost isn't high just to discourage casual or self-funded learners to the benefit of the big trucking companies. (They are willing to pay big bucks for the classes because it discourages competition for drivers, therefore the schools charge as much as the big trucking are willing to pay.)