Guide to Paying for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) School

Guide to Paying for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) School

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are nurses with graduate-level education who provide anesthetics to patients in surgical and other procedures.

Currently, nurse anesthetists must have a registered nurse (RN) license and a master’s degree from a nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Nurse anesthesia programs typically range in length from 24 to 51 months. By 2025, all CRNAs must have a Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP), according to the COA. It typically takes two years for a student with an MSN to earn a doctorate.

Continue reading for a look at nine tips that can help you learn how to pay for CRNA school.

Key Points

•   Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) require advanced education, typically a master’s degree from an accredited program, with a shift towards requiring a Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) by 2025.

•   CRNA school costs vary significantly, with tuition and fees ranging from around $45,000 to over $138,666 depending on the institution.

•   Funding options for CRNA school include federal student loans, grants, scholarships, and private loans, with potential employer sponsorship for tuition reimbursement.

•   Financial strategies for managing CRNA school expenses include choosing less expensive schools, saving money in advance, and utilizing federal financial aid through FAFSA.

•   Additional funding sources like grants and scholarships specifically for nurse anesthesia students are available through professional associations like the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).

How Much Does CRNA School Cost?

You may have already spent a few years paying for nursing school to get your registered nursing degree, but how much does it cost to further your education to become a nurse anesthetist?

The total cost of CRNA school (including tuition, clinical fees and other expenses) can vary widely, depending on whether you choose to attend an out-of-state institution, a private college, or an in-state university.

For example, the 2021-2022 tuition and fees at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California, are an estimated $138,666. In contrast, tuition and fees are approximately $45,000 for Arkansas State University’s. Note that there may be additional costs associated with a CRNA degree, such as books, supplies, or exam fees.

Note that the average nursing school cost can vary widely, ranging from $6,000 for an associate degree to over $100,000 for an advanced degree.

9 Tips to Help You Pay for CRNA School

Let’s take a look at nine tips you can use to pay for CRNA school, from choosing a less expensive school to answering the question, “Will financial aid pay for CRNA school?”

1. Choose a Less Expensive School

You can save money by choosing a less expensive school and/or by making sure that you have residency in the state of the university you want to attend. For example, the total cost of attending Georgetown University’s DNAP program for the first year is $140,693, $86,361 for the second year and $75,884 for the third year.

The cost to attend the University of Iowa is $85,553 if you’re an in-state resident or $159,206 if you’re an out-of-state resident.

It’s important to compare and contrast the costs of several programs before you decide which school will both meet your needs and help you save money.

2. Save Money

You may also want to consider saving money for college to limit the amount of money you’ll have to borrow for CRNA education. Knowing the costs of the schools on your shortlist can help you earmark a certain amount of money to set aside. However, remember that you may receive scholarships and grants that you don’t have to pay back. You might not need to save for the complete costs of a nurse anesthetist program. One way to understand your exact costs is to meet with the financial aid office of the schools you’re considering. They’ll give you an idea of the type of institutional financial aid you could qualify for.

There are a wide variety of ways to save, including through a general savings account, certificate of deposit (CD) or a 529 plan, which is a state tax-advantaged plan that will allow you to withdraw funds tax-free to cover nearly any type of college expense. 529 plans may also have additional state or federal tax benefits.

3. FAFSA and Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) refers to a form you can complete to determine your eligibility for student financial aid. Learn more about the FAFSA with SoFi’s comprehensive FAFSA guide.

You can qualify for federal student aid, including grants and federal student loans, through the FAFSA. You may also have to file the FAFSA in order to qualify for institutional scholarships.

4. Work More

If you’re already working as a nurse, you may want to consider picking up some more hours in order or prepare to save for your CRNA degree. It’s important to note that since nurse anesthesia programs are so labor intensive, most students find it difficult to work while attending CRNA school. However, you can certainly save up as much as possible prior to entering school in order to save as much as possible. If you must work, you may want to strictly limit your hours, but that’s a personal decision.

5. Getting an Employer to Pay for Your Education

Will a hospital pay for CRNA school?

Hospitals and groups often offer tuition reimbursement to offset loan debt. However, you may have to sign a tuition reimbursement payback agreement, which means you may have to pay back your reimbursement if you leave the company within a specific amount of time.

Ask your human resources office and read the fine print if your hospital has an agreement to see if you need to repay tuition if you get laid off or fired.

6. Grants

Grants are “free money” that you typically don’t generally have to pay back. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) offers nurse anesthesia grants to develop research for member CRNAs to develop healthcare policy, the science of anesthesia, education, practice/clinical or leadership opportunities. The Foundation will reimburse up to 15% indirect costs with proper documentation.

The AANA grants listed above are research grants, but you may be able to tackle state grants, school grants for graduate students and other types of grants by filing the FAFSA. The best way to learn more is to ask more questions through the financial aid offices of the schools you’re considering.

7. Scholarships

Like grants, you also do not have to pay back scholarships.

The AANA also offers scholarships. Students who are AANA members and currently enrolled in an accredited nurse anesthesia program may be eligible for scholarships as long as you’re in good standing in your program, meet the application requirements, and apply online.

In addition, the university you plan to attend may also offer merit-based scholarships. Contact your school’s financial aid office to see what they offer and how to apply.

8. Private Student Loans

Private student loans originate with a bank, credit union, or online lender, not the federal government like in the case of federal student loans. Private student loans can fill in the gaps between tuition as well as your savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans.

It’s a good idea to explore the interest rates, fees, repayment terms, discharge, and repayment options among private student loan lenders.

The application process usually involves submitting information about your personal information, school you plan to attend, graduation date, and loan amount you need. You must also agree to the lender’s terms and conditions.

It’s important to note that private student loans don’t offer the same borrower protections, like income-driven repayment plans, as federal student loans, so they are typically considered an option only after they have thoroughly reviewed all other financing opportunities.

Recommended: Private Student Loan Guide

9. Direct PLUS Loans

Similar to student loans for undergrads, you can also get student loans for graduate school. You do have to repay loans.

As a graduate student, you can become eligible for federal loans that come from the U.S. Department of Education, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct Plus Loans. You can borrow up to your cost of attendance. Direct Unsubsidized Loans have a lower interest rate and origination fee than the Direct PLUS Loan, also called the Graduate PLUS Loan.

For Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate students disbursed on or after July 1, 2023 and before July 1, 2024, the fixed interest rate for Direct Unsubsidized loans is 5.50%. Direct PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024, have a fixed interest rate of 8.05%.

The benefits of federal loans include a six-month grace period before beginning repayment as well as flexible repayment plans with Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility. This means that as long as you make 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan, you might get your loans forgiven as long as you work full-time for a qualifying employer.

How Much CRNAs Can Expect to Make?

Nurse anesthetists can expect to make a median salary of $214,200 per year or $102.98 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job outlook for these jobs will grow about 38% from 2022 to 2032.

The Takeaway

There are a lot of ways to make your dreams of becoming a CRNA a reality. You may want to consider filing the FAFSA to qualify for federal loans, grants, and other types of funds. The AANA may also offer scholarships that you qualify for, but don’t forget to check with your employer or other sources, such as local businesses, for other funds.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.


Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

FAQ

Can you get paid for going to CRNA school?

You typically cannot get paid to attend CRNA school. However, universities often offer a wide variety of financial aid options, through both merit-based and need-based aid. You may need to file the FAFSA in order to qualify for certain types of aid. Check with the financial aid office at the universities you’re considering for more information about your financial aid options.

The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) also offers nurse anesthesia grants and scholarships to students who qualify.

How much does CRNA school cost?

The costs of CRNA school depends on a wide range of factors, including whether you plan to attend an in-state or out-of-state institution or plan to attend a private or public school.

For example, Georgetown University, a private institution, costs $140,693 for the first year, $86,361 for the second year and $75,884 for the third year. On the other hand, the full cost to attend the University of Iowa is $85,553 for three years as an in-state resident or $159,206 as an out-of-state resident.

How much do CRNAs typically make?

As a nurse anesthetist, you can expect to make a median salary of $214,200 per year or $102.98 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.


Photo credit: iStock/FatCamera

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Credit Card Refunds: Everything You Need to Know

Getting a credit card refund is usually a straightforward process, whether you’re asking for one because a product is defective or you’ve simply changed your mind. When you get a refund on a credit card, you’ll receive a credit on your account for the amount you paid for returned goods that you’d charged to your card.

Although credit card refunds are routine, there are some important things to know about the process. Read on to learn more about how credit card refunds work.

What Is a Credit Card Refund?

A credit card refund is the money you get back when you return something that you’d paid for with your credit card. Rather than getting cash back for the full amount of the returned item, you’ll receive a credit to your credit card account for that amount. The process of a credit card refund is started when you go to return the item, and it can take a few days or longer to see the money credited to your account.

How Do Refunds on Credit Cards Work?

When using a credit card to make a purchase, there’s a third party involved in your transaction. The store or other merchant at which you swipe or tap your card to buy something requests their payment from the credit card issuer. When your credit card issuer pays the charge, it adds the amount of the purchase to your account balance. Then, you pay your credit card bill to pay back the credit card issuer for the purchase you made.

When you return a purchase, the merchant issues a refund to the credit card issuer, not directly to you. In turn, your credit card company posts the credit to your account. This process is why credit card refunds aren’t immediate like cash refunds.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

Types of Credit Card Refunds

There are two basic types of credit card refunds. It can be helpful to know the difference between the two and how a refund to a credit card works in each instance. It may not be something that you took note of when applying for a credit card.

Refund at the Point of Sale

This is when you return an item, either by going to the store in person or sending back an online purchase. The retailer then credits you for the return when the item is received.

Disputed Transaction

Disputed transactions are different from straightforward returns. With a disputed transaction, you’re making a complaint about the purchase as opposed to just making a return. For instance, you might dispute a credit card charge for an online purchase that never arrived. Or you might dispute a charge for a canceled event.

In most cases, you must file a dispute within 60 days of the transaction, providing details and perhaps documentation of the problem. From there, your credit card company has 90 days to investigate the issue and resolve the issue.

While it’s best to start with the merchant when you have an issue with the goods or services provided, you do have options if the merchant will not grant you a credit card refund. In this instance, you can request a credit card chargeback, which reverses your original charge after you have filed a claim with your credit card company.

With a chargeback, the refund process is initiated by the credit card company (often automatically once you dispute a charge), whereas with a credit card refund, the merchant initiates the process.

Recommended: What is a Charge Card

How Long Does a Credit Card Refund Typically Take?

The amount of time it takes to receive a credit card refund depends on the retailer and the type of refund you’re requesting. It typically takes about three to seven business days to see your refund from a routine return you make in person, and sometimes it’s even faster than that.

Online merchants may take a bit longer to issue a credit card refund because you need to allot time for shipping and processing the returned merchandise. As mentioned above, chargeback or disputed charge refunds can take much longer — sometimes as long as 90 days due to the time allowed to file and investigate a disputed charge.

Do Credit Card Refunds Count Toward Payments?

No, credit card refunds are not considered a payment or partial payment, and they do not automatically go toward that month’s minimum payment on your card.

Instead, you’ll see a credit in the amount of the refund in your account statement and, depending on where you are in the billing cycle, this could reduce the total amount you owe by the amount of the refund. You will still need to make your monthly minimum payment while you’re waiting for a refund credit to appear on your account. In fact, one of the cardinal credit card rules is to always make your minimum payment on time.

Keep in mind that interest will continue to accrue on your charge until the refund credit appears. Depending on how much the purchase is for and where you are in the billing cycle, this can affect your overall balance.

How Credit Card Refunds May Affect Your Credit Score

To understand how credit card refunds work when it comes to your credit score, it’s important to understand something called credit utilization ratio. This term refers to the percentage of your total credit limit that you are currently using. Credit utilization can be an important factor in calculating your credit score — the lower your credit utilization ratio, the better. Most financial experts suggest a credit utilization ratio of no more than 30%, with 10% being a good figure to aim for.

In some situations, a refund may build your credit score if the refund reduces your balance and lowers your credit utilization ratio. On the other hand, a delayed refund could lower your credit score if the amount of the purchase pushes your credit utilization higher during a certain billing period.

What to Do With a Negative Account Balance

Sometimes a refund will give you a negative balance on your credit card, meaning your available credit is more than the amount you owe on the card. This can often happen with cardholders who pay their balance in full each month.

If you have a negative balance, it’s usually not a problem. The negative balance will be applied to the next purchase you make on that card, eventually bringing your balance back to $0 or above. A negative balance will likely not affect your credit score because that’s something that credit card companies report to credit bureaus.

However, a negative balance can be problematic if you’re receiving a large refund and don’t often use that credit card. In these instances, you can ask your credit card company to issue a refund via check, money order, or direct deposit. Your credit card issuer may require this request in writing in order to issue the refund.

How Credit Card Refunds Affect Your Rewards

Any credit card rewards you earned on a purchase that was returned, such as cash back rewards or miles, will not be awarded after your refund is processed.

If you decide that it makes more sense to keep the rewards, you can ask the merchant or service to refund you in the form of a merchant credit or store credit. However, that means you will still have to pay for the purchase on your credit card.

The Takeaway

Knowing how credit card refunds work will help you manage both your budget and your credit score. Credit card refunds are usually straightforward transactions. But they can take longer than a purchase made with cash, and they can affect your credit score. Additionally, you usually won’t be able to hang onto the rewards you’d earned from the purchase you returned.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

Do credit card refunds affect your credit

Yes, refunds can affect your credit score. A refund can lower your credit utilization — or the total amount of credit you’ve used compared to your overall credit limit. Credit utilization is something credit rating agencies look at closely when determining your credit score. A delayed refund could hurt your credit score because if the charge stays on your account for a while, it may increase your credit utilization ratio, thus negatively impacting your store. On the other hand, when you receive a refund, that may lower your credit utilization, helping to build your credit score.

Do credit card refunds affect the rewards earned from a refunded purchase?

In most cases, you will not receive the rewards that you may have earned from a purchase you’ve returned. You may want to consider getting a store credit for your refund if you want to keep your rewards, but you will then have to pay for the full amount of the purchase on your credit card.

What happens if I have a negative balance after a credit card refund?

Sometimes you’ll get a refund credit, and it will exceed the balance you have on your card. This is usually not an issue, as the amount of the credit will be applied to the next purchase you make on the card. If the refund is quite large and you don’t use the card often, you may want to ask your credit card issuer for a refund via check or direct deposit.


Photo credit: iStock/Amax Photo

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Differences Between a Deposit and Withdrawal

Differences Between a Deposit and Withdrawal

A deposit and a withdrawal are both common banking transactions, but the way they function is completely different. A deposit is money put into a bank account and held there until you need it. A withdrawal is money taken out of your account.

But that’s not the full story about deposits vs. withdrawals. You have many choices when it comes to getting money into your account and taking it out. Knowing the different methods is important and could even help you manage your finances.

What Is a Deposit?

In banking, a deposit generally means you put your money into a bank account. Deposits add to your funds in the account, and you can use that money to pay your bills, put it toward something like a vacation, or you can keep it there where it may grow over time.

How a Deposit Works

A deposit involves adding cash or check(s) to your bank account. You can do this in person at a bricks-and-mortar branch of your bank, at an ATM in your bank’s network or, in the case of checks, by using a bank’s mobile app.

You can also receive a deposit by electronic transfer from one bank account to another account. For example, if you are paid by direct deposit, the money moves from your employer directly into your account. Or you could receive a government benefit such as Social Security this way. In addition, you might receive funds from someone else, like a friend, via a mobile payment service like Venmo, and you could then move the money into your checking or savings account.

Both bricks-and-mortar and online banks typically offer different kinds of deposit accounts. You could consider a high-yield checking or savings account at a traditional or online bank, or, if you don’t need to access the money often, you may want to look into a money market account or a certificate of deposit (CD).

Types of Deposits

There are a number of methods you can use to put money into your bank account. Here are some of the ways to make a deposit:

•   Cash deposit at one of your bank’s ATMs or branches

•   Check deposit at one of your bank’s ATMs or branches

•   Check deposit electronically via your bank’s mobile phone app

•   Payroll direct deposit

•   Electronic funds transfer from a linked savings or checking account or via mobile payment services.

What Is a Withdrawal?

A withdrawal is when you take money out of your account. You can do that several ways, including using your debit card at an ATM, requesting the money in person from a bank teller, writing a check, scheduling an electronic bill payment, having the money transferred via a payment app, or wiring the money to someone.

Some of these methods of withdrawing funds can involve fees. If you use an out-of-network ATM, for instance, you can get hit with a charge. And wiring money may come with a fee. Check with your bank to find out.

How a Withdrawal Works

The difference between a withdrawal and deposit is that withdrawals take money out of your bank account. You might withdraw cash from your bank account to put in your niece’s birthday card, write a check (or authorize an electronic payment) to pay the electric bill, or use a mobile payment service to pay a friend back.

Any funds removed count as a withdrawal. Depending on your bank’s checking account terms, you may have limited or unlimited withdrawals. Often, there are savings account withdrawal limits. In the past, the number was typically six per month, though these restrictions have typically been eased in recent years.

Types of Withdrawals

Just like there are different types of deposits there are also different methods of withdrawing funds. Here’s how to withdraw funds from your bank account when you need them.

•   Cash withdrawal at ATM with a bank or prepaid debit card (though there will likely be ATM limits to the amount you may withdraw)

•   Cash withdrawal in person at one of your bank’s branches

•   Checks written from your account

•   Cardless withdrawals of cash using phone app at ATMs in your bank network

•   Bank-issued cashier’s check in person or online

•   Cashing a certificate of deposit (CD) at bank (if this is done before the maturity date, you may owe an early withdrawal fee)

•   Funds transfer from a brokerage account

•   Electronic funds transfer from a linked savings or checking account or via mobile payment P2P services

•   Electronic bill pay (recurring or not)

Similarities and Differences Between Deposits and Withdrawals

Deposits and withdrawals are two of the most common banking terms and transactions. Here are the differences and similarities you should know.

Differences

Deposits

Withdrawals

Adds to bank account balance
Immediately reflected in bank account balance
Transaction can typically only be done at in-network ATMS
Cashier’s checks can be managed at your bank branch

How Deposits and Withdrawals Are Similar

Here’s what these two kinds of banking transactions have in common.

•   Both can be done in person at ATMs or branches in your bank’s network (except for check withdrawals, which can only be completed in person or online).

•   Both can involve electronic funds transfer from a linked bricks-and-mortar, an online savings or checking account, or via mobile payment services.

How Deposits and Withdrawals Are Different

These are some of the key ways in which deposits and withdrawals are different.

•   A withdrawal leaves you with less money in the bank while a deposit puts more money in your bank account.

•   A withdrawal will immediately be reflected in your account balance, while a deposit may take longer to show up, until the funds clear.

•   Cash deposits generally have to be made at your bank or bank’s branded ATM network locations, while cash withdrawals can be made at any ATM. (But beware, if the ATM is out of your bank’s network, you could be charged an ATM fee by both the ATM owner as well as your bank.)

•   Check deposits often have to be made at your bank or bank’s branded ATM network locations, or via a bank’s mobile phone app. (Banks that allow you to make deposits at out-of-network ATMs may charge you a fee, plus there may be an ATM fee as well.)

•   Check withdrawals via cashier’s checks, on the other hand, are likely only available in person at one of the branches of your bank. Alternatively, you could request such a withdrawal online from your brick-and-mortar or online bank or credit union.

The Takeaway

While a deposit adds funds to your bank account and boosts your balance, a withdrawal takes money away, subtracting an amount from the funds you have on balance. There are many ways to conduct each of these transactions. You can do your banking in person or use an array of digital tools to send or receive money. And if you’re looking to set up a bank account, there are many different kinds of accounts to choose from.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.


Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What is a cash withdrawal?

A cash withdrawal involves taking money out of a bank account in the form of cash. This can be done at an ATM or a physical location of your bank.

What is a cash deposit?

A cash deposit is money that you add to your bank account. It could come via an electronic transfer, an ATM deposit, or currency that you hand off to a bank teller.

What is the difference between a deposit and a withdrawal?

The difference between a deposit and a withdrawal is that a deposit adds funds to your bank account while a deposit removes money from the account.


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Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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What Can Increase or Decrease Credit Card APR?

Reasons a Credit Card APR Can Increase or Decrease

The annual percentage rate (APR) of your credit card has a big impact on how much it costs you to carry a credit card balance. In some cases — if you have a variable interest rate or are late making payments, for example — your APR can change, causing your credit card interest rate to increase or decrease.

Understanding when and how these changes might occur can help you choose the right credit card and control how much you spend on interest. Here’s a look at what can impact your credit card’s APR.

What Is Credit Card APR?

A credit card’s APR, or annual percentage rate, is the interest rate you’ll pay on the money you borrow, stated as an annual rate. Your credit card APR will tell you how much a credit card costs you in terms of interest on the balance you carry. However, it won’t tell you anything about other fees and other credit card charges you may incur.

Credit cards will typically have a separate APR for credit card purchase interest charges, balance transfers, and cash advances. The APR you receive when you open a credit card will depend on a benchmark interest rate as well as factors like your creditworthiness, as determined by your credit score.

However, the definition of APR will vary depending on what type of loan product you’re talking about. In contrast to credit cards, the APR on other types of loans is determined by interest rates, the length of the loan, and lender fees.

Recommended: What Is a Charge Card

What Can Cause Your Credit Card’s APR to Increase?

There are a number of reasons that credit card APR can increase. Your credit card company can increase your APR on new transactions as long as they give you 45 days’ notice. The company is not allowed to increase your APR during the first year after your account is opened.

Further, there are only certain cases in which your card company can raise rate on existing balances, including when:

•   An introductory rate expires

•   You have a variable rate card (most credit cards have a variable rate) and the benchmark interest rate rises

•   You’re 60 days late making your minimum payment

•   You have completed or don’t comply with the terms of a workout agreement, which has renegotiated the terms of your agreement for a period of time

No matter how the increase occurs, it’s important to realize that your credit card payments increase when your interest rate increases.

Prime Rate Rises

Your credit card will have either a fixed or variable credit card interest rate. If you have a credit card with a variable rate, that rate is largely based on a benchmark interest rate. The benchmark that many credit card companies use is what’s known as the prime rate. And when the prime rate rises, your APR will rise, too.

The prime rate could rise due to a change in the federal funds rate, which is the Federal Reserve’s recommendation for what banks should be charging when they make overnight loans to help each other meet federal reserve requirements.

One rule of thumb states that the prime rate is equal to the federal funds rate plus three.

Late Payments

Your credit card interest rate may also increase if you’re 60 or more days behind on paying your credit card minimum. This is what’s known as a penalty APR. Not only may this rate apply to your overdue balance, it may also raise interest payments on future purchases.

End of Introductory APR Offer

Some cards offer 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers for an introductory period. During that time, you won’t pay any interest on balances that you carry from month to month. However, once the introductory period is over, your APR will jump to the regular purchase interest rate, which will apply to any remaining balance on your account.

High Credit Card Balance

If you carry a growing credit card balance from month to month, or you’ve hit your credit limit and are unable to make payments, your card company may decide to raise your APR on new transactions.

Failure to Meet the Terms of a Workout Agreement

If you had trouble paying off your credit card debt in the past, you may have renegotiated the terms of your agreement, which is known as a workout agreement. When you successfully complete it, your card company may return your APR to what it was prior to the arrangement, which may have temporarily reduced your interest rate. On the other hand, if you fail to comply with the agreement, your card company may also decide to raise rates.

Recent Cash Advance

As mentioned above, credit card companies often typically set different APRs for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances. If you’ve recently taken out a cash advance, you may have triggered the cash advance APR. This APR might be higher than the APR offered to you for regular credit card charges.

Recommended: What Is the Average Credit Card Limit?

What Can Cause Your APR to Decrease?

There aren’t as many triggers that will send your credit card APR lower, but here’s a couple to be aware of.

Prime Rate Falls

Once again, changes in the prime rate have a big impact on your APR. If the prime rate falls, your rate may also go down if you have a variable rate (as most credit cards do).

Negotiating for a Lower Rate

If you’d rather not sit around waiting for the prime rate to go down (or if it’s on an upward trajectory), one of the best ways to lower your credit card APR is by simply asking. Negotiating for lower rates and fees is one of the important credit card rules to know. (You can also negotiate on other things, such as credit card spending limits.)

You can improve your odds in this negotiation by arming yourself with some key information. First, get familiar with your credit score and make sure that it’s as high as possible. You may build your score by paying down debts and making sure to correct any errors on your credit report.

Also make sure to highlight your history with the company. Credit cards want to hold on to long-standing customers with a good history of paying their bills on time.

If your credit card company rejects your first attempt at negotiation, don’t be afraid to ask again or to speak to a manager who may have more power to make decisions about your account.

The Takeaway

Your APR can have a huge impact on how much it will cost you to carry credit card debt. As you choose a credit card, it’s important to shop around for the card that offers as low as possible an interest rate.

Still, your APR may rise at some point — especially if the prime rate increases or a low introductory offer expires. However, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the new rate. You can always try to negotiate with your card company to see if they can lower your rate.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

How can I lower my APR on my credit card?

You can try to lower the APR on your credit card by negotiating with your lender. Increase your odds of success by ensuring you have a history of paying your bills on time and a strong credit score.

How does the prime rate affect my credit card APR?

If you have a variable APR, when the prime rate rises, so too will your APR. When the prime rate falls, your APR falls as well.

Can the APR on a credit card change?

Yes, the APR on a credit card can change for a variety of reasons. This can include a shift in the prime rate, the expiration of a low introductory offer, or being 60 days late on paying your credit card minimum.


Photo credit: iStock/tolgart

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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Is $50K a Good Salary for a Single Person in 2024?

If you’re single and making $50,000 a year, you likely have enough to live on comfortably in just about any state in the U.S. This is particularly true in suburbs and smaller cities, like Jacksonville, FL, Birmingham, AL, and Toledo, OH, where the cost of living is lower than the national average. However, if you’re planning to live in a major metropolis like San Francisco, New York, or Boston, making ends meet on a $50,000 salary could be more of a challenge.

Is $50K a Good Salary?

While $50,000 a year isn’t a six-figure salary, it’s often enough for a single person to be able to afford the basics — think housing, utilities, food, and insurance — and still have cash left over for fun and savings.

If you’re just entering the job market after graduating college, $50,000 can be a good entry-level salary, especially if you decided to live at home for a while. Doing so can help you build up your bank account, so when it comes time to find a place to live, you’ll have a financial cushion to show potential landlords.

And remember, whether you’re earning $50K a year at your first job or less, your income will likely increase with time and experience. As your earning potential grows, a money tracker can help you keep an eye on where your paycheck is going.

Check your score with SoFi Insights

Track your credit score for free. Sign up and get $10.*


Average Median Income in the US by State in 2024

According to the latest data from the Social Security Administration, the average salary in the U.S. is $63,795. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median average salary, which represents the midpoint of salaries in the U.S., was $59,540 in 2023.

The chart below shows the list of the average median income in each U.S. state according to USA Today and Blueprint, based on BLS data:

State Average Median Income
Alabama $57,564
Alaska $66,820
Arizona $65,780
Arkansas $53,716
California $84,448
Colorado $74,152
Connecticut $78,572
Delaware $64,896
Florida $64,168
Georgia $64,844
Hawaii $62,296
Idaho $53,976
Illinois $70,564
Indiana $57,304
Iowa $56,264
Kansas $56,212
Kentucky $57,200
Louisiana $56,836
Maine $58,396
Maryland $72,904
Massachusetts $86,840
Michigan $63,440
Minnesota $68,380
Mississippi $48,048
Missouri $59,800
Montana $55,744
Nebraska $57,784
Nevada $61,828
New Hampshire $72,124
New Jersey $76,128
New Mexico $57,564
New York $84,292
North Carolina $62,296
North Dakota $61,568
Ohio $60,320
Oklahoma $54,704
Oregon $66,612
Pennsylvania $66,404
Rhode Island $63,492
South Carolina $56,108
South Dakota $53,820
Tennessee $62,140
Texas $68,744
Utah $61,516
Vermont $61,100
Virginia $71,292
Washington $85,748
West Virginia $55,900
Wisconsin $58,552
Wyoming $56,992

Average Cost of Living in the US by State in 2024

The term cost of living refers to the amount of money someone needs to cover basic necessities. Based on data from Forbes Advisor, here’s the average cost of living per state in 2024:

State Average Cost of Living
Alabama $33,654
Alaska $48,670
Arizona $39,856
Arkansas $32,979
California $53,171
Colorado $45,931
Connecticut $46,912
Delaware $44,389
Florida $40,512
Georgia $38,747
Hawaii $55,491
Idaho $37,658
Illinois $41,395
Indiana $36,207
Iowa $35,871
Kansas $35,185
Kentucky $35,508
Louisiana $35,576
Maine $39,899
Maryland $48,235
Massachusetts $53,860
Michigan $37,111
Minnesota $41,498
Mississippi $32,336
Missouri $35,338
Montana $37,328
Nebraska $37,519
Nevada $41,630
New Hampshire $45,575
New Jersey $49,511
New Mexico $34,501
New York $49,623
North Carolina $36,702
North Dakota $35,707
Ohio $35,932
Oklahoma $33,966
Oregon $46,193
Pennsylvania $40,066
Rhode Island $44,481
South Carolina $34,826
South Dakota $36,864
Tennessee $34,742
Texas $37,582
Utah $40,586
Vermont $43,927
Virginia $43,067
Washington $47,231
West Virginia $34,861
Wisconsin $37,374
Wyoming $37,550

Recommended: The 25 Highest-Paying Jobs in the U.S.

How to Live on a $50K Salary

To make sure you can live on a $50,000 salary without being stretched too thin, you’ll want to review your overall spending and create a budget. Online tools like a budget planner app can help with that.

When it comes to defining “living comfortably,” your salary would ideally be able to fit the guidelines of a 50/30/20 budget. This method suggests that 50% of your earnings covers your needs, such as housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare costs, 30% goes toward your wants, such as entertainment, hobbies and travel, and 20% goes toward savings and paying off debt.

How to Budget for a $50K Salary

Before you can create a budget, it helps to estimate how much you bring home. Here’s a breakdown of a $50,000 annual salary (40-hour work week, 52 weeks a year):

•   Monthly income: $4,166.93

•   Biweekly paycheck: $2,083.46

•   Weekly income: $961.60

•   Daily pay: $192.32

The figures above do not factor in taxes, so someone with an annual salary of $50,000 may actually end up taking home closer to $41,860.

Once you crunch the numbers and figure out how much you’ll need for your basic needs, you can see how much money you’ll have for the other 50% to cover your wants and savings.

Maximizing a $50K Salary

A person with a $50,000 salary can afford to spend about $1,250 a month on rent, which can be tough if you want to live alone. The average monthly rent in the U.S. is about $1,515, according to Apartments.com. Sharing an apartment or renting a house with another person can save you money on housing, allowing you more room to put your money toward other necessities.

Other ways to maximize making $50,000 a year include limiting dining out, shopping smartly when it comes to buying groceries, being mindful of utility usage, and riding your bike, walking, or taking public transportation to save on fuel costs.

Recommended: How to Calculate Your Net Worth

Is $50,000 a Year Considered Middle Class?

Yes. According to the Pew Research Center, people who have annual incomes between $39,693 and $119,080 in 2023 are considered middle-income or middle class.

While $50,000 a year may not be considered rich, you’re certainly living well above the poverty line, which for a single person household is between $12,880 and $16,090, depending on the state.

Examples of Jobs that Make About $50,000 a Year

Per the BLS, here are some of the occupations where you can earn $50,000 a year, some of which would be good jobs for introverts:

•   Automotive service technician and mechanic

•   Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk

•   Construction laborer

•   Correctional officer

•   Dental assistant or laboratory technician

•   Event planner

•   Firefighter

•   Makeup artist

•   Massage therapist

•   Mortician

•   Paramedic

•   Postal service mail carrier

•   Real estate sales agent

•   Secretary and administrative assistant

•   School bus driver

•   Social worker

•   Travel agent

•   Veterinary technician

•   Welder

The Takeaway

Is $50k a good salary for a single person? Generally speaking, yes. An annual salary of $50,000 is considered a middle-class income, and can be a comfortable wage for a recent graduate or a person starting a new career. A single person may not be able to live large in some areas of the country, but that doesn’t mean they can’t live comfortably elsewhere.

Depending on the cost of living in your area, making ends meet on $50,000 a year might require sharing a living space, keeping close tabs on your spending, and forgoing some luxuries. However, you should still have enough to take care of your basic needs with some left over to put toward your future.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

Can I live comfortably making $50K a year?

It depends on where you live. People making $50,000 a year can find a place to live easily in every state in the U.S., though it will be challenging if you decide to live in one of America’s largest cities. Still, a $50,000 annual salary is above the median cost of living in most states, so it’s possible to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle within your means.

What can I afford with a $50K salary?

With a $50,000 a year salary, you’d need between $20,000 and $35,000 for basic needs, including housing, groceries, healthcare, transportation, and other fixed expenses. That means you may have less than $15,000 for everything else. What you can afford will depend heavily on your geographical location and other factors, such as having a car payment and student loans.

How much is 50K a year weekly, hourly and daily?

Based on a 40-hour work week, the average weekly pay for someone who makes $50,000 a year (before taxes) is $961.60. Someone making $50,000 earns $24 an hour and approximately $192 a day.


Photo credit: iStock/Delmaine Donson

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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