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If you’re a parent, you’ve likely already begun to worry about how you’re going to pay for your kid’s college tuition. But what percentage of parents pay for college? It may be less than you expect. Learn more, and tips for helping to afford college.

What Percent of Parents Pay for Their Children’s College Education?

About half of families (53%) have a plan to pay for college, and of those, 61% say borrowing will likely be part of how they help their child afford higher education, according to Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2023.

But the reality is, even a percentage of the total college bill can be tough for most families to pay. How much exactly should parents be saving? Average yearly tuition, fees, and living expenses per student, per year, currently rings in at $38,270, according to the Education Data Initiative. (As you might guess, private colleges can be significantly more expensive than in-state public universities.)

To put it another way, the typical family plans to contribute to the total college cost of almost $160,000 for four years, meaning they could aim to save tens of thousands of dollars to help their kiddos with college.


💡 Quick Tip: Ready to refinance your student loan? With SoFi’s no-fee loans, you could save thousands.

What Student Loans Are Available to Parents?

Parents considering borrowing a student loan to pay for their child’s education can choose between a federal Parent PLUS Loan, or explore options available at private lenders.

According to the same Sallie Mae survey, parents’ income and savings account for nearly 50% of college costs. Other sources of funding include scholarships, grants, or student loans borrowed by the student. Parents can also borrow a loan to help their students pay for college. Approximately 41% of families report borrowing to help fund their child’s education.

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Parent PLUS Loans

Parent PLUS Loans, as mentioned, are a type of federal student loan available for parents of dependent undergraduate students.

To apply, parents or their students must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Then, the parent can apply for the PLUS Loan directly on the federal aid website. There will be a credit check to review any adverse credit history, but approval typically won’t be dependent on factors like the applicant’s credit score or debt-to-income ratio.

Parent PLUS Loans have a fixed interest rate that is set annually by Congress. For loans disbursed between July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025, the rate is 9.08%.

Direct PLUS Loans carry an origination fee. For the 2024-25 school year, the origination fee is 4.228%.

Private Parent Loans

Private loans for parents are available from private financial institutions including banks and credit unions. These lenders generally review factors like the applicant’s credit score, income, and those for any cosigner. Private lenders determine their own interest rates, terms, and repayment plans.

Compare annual percentage rates among lenders to help you decide whether a fixed or variable interest rate would be best for your financial situation. Some private lenders charge an origination fee, while others do not.

Saving for Future College Costs

It can seem insurmountable to even think about saving in the range of $40,000 for each year for college costs on top of all your other financial responsibilities. One recommendation is to pay off your own student loans before putting significant amounts of money into college savings. Some parents find that refinancing their own student loans if they haven’t yet paid them off may allow them to save money — giving them more financial wiggle room to start saving up for future educational expenses.

How can refinancing help you save on your student loans so you can start saving for your kids’ education? Student loan refinancing allows you to trade in all your student loans for one new loan with a potentially lower interest rate and more favorable repayment terms.

But refinancing your student loans has, like many things in life, both pros and cons. Consider if the benefits outweigh any potential negatives. For example, you may be able to secure a more competitive interest rate and lower your monthly costs. However, refinancing federal loans will eliminate access to borrower protections or benefits. So, if you are using one of these benefits — such as pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness — refinancing may not make sense.

In addition, if you refinance for a longer term, you may well pay more interest over the life of the loan, which is why you should read up on the topic with student loan refinancing guides and other resources.

When you refinance your student loans, the lender looks at your current financial situation, including your credit score, income, and future earning potential (among other factors) to calculate an interest rate that could potentially be lower than what you might be paying to the federal government or a private student loan lender.

Refinancing Options

If you are interested in refinancing student loans with bad credit, know that it may be more challenging to secure a competitive interest rate. It’s possible to find a lender and refinanced loans that meet your needs, but you may need to shop around. Be patient as you go through the process.

You might also consider adding a cosigner to your application. A student loan cosigner is someone who agrees to take on responsibility for the loan if you, the primary borrower, is unable to make payments in the future.

If you’re unable to add a cosigner or just want to focus on refinancing without a cosigner, you might want to take some time to focus on building your credit. A few tips on building credit include making monthly payments on-time, keeping your debt-to-income ratio low, and checking your credit report regularly to remove any errors.

On top of potentially saving on interest rates, refinancing your student loans can consolidate multiple student loan payments into one monthly payment. This can simplify your money management and bill paying.

Furthermore, if you’re able to shorten your loan term through student loan refinancing, you could pay off your student loans even faster, further reducing the amount of interest you’d pay over the course of your loan. Those savings can be converted into savings for your child’s future education — hopefully saving them from having to take out too many student loans themselves.

Recommended: Student Loan Refinancing Calculator

Tips for Saving for College

There are a few options to help parents maximize their savings. In fact, one of the main benefits of saving up for college while your child is still fairly little is that you have time on your side.

•   If you can sock away even small amounts of money over time, depending on where you put it, you give that money a chance to earn interest or dividends over time — and potentially increase the amount you’ll have to put toward your child’s tuition payments.

•   Once you’ve decided to start saving up a college fund, you’ll have to choose where exactly you want to save that money. While some parents choose to set aside cash in a regular savings account, the relatively low interest rates on most standard savings accounts mean that your money may not grow as much as you’d like over time. A high-yield savings account with compound interest can help your funds grow.

•   Many parents consider a government-sponsored savings program in order to net some serious tax benefits, or even to start investing in order to grow money over time.

•   When it comes to government savings plans, you can choose from a 529 college savings plan, which offers generous tax benefits, or a Coverdell Education Savings Account, which allows you to invest in stocks and bonds to cover educational expenses.

The Takeaway

Most parents plan to contribute to their child’s college costs. Starting to save today can help you save as much as possible for future educational expenses. If you have your own student loans from your college days, one option to create some wiggle room in your budget is to refinance those loans to a lower interest rate.

If you are considering refinancing as one strategy to help you save more for your child’s college fund, take a look at what SoFi offers.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQ

How many families fill out the FAFSA?

In the most recent year studied, about 70% of families reported completing the FAFSA.

What percent of parents borrow money to help pay for college?

According to the most recent Sallie Mae data, 61% of families say they will borrow to help pay for a child’s college expenses.

What are the pros and cons of refinancing student loans?

On the plus side, refinancing student loans could yield a more competitive rate and lower monthly payments. That could potentially lower your costs. However, when you refinance federal student loans, you lose federal protections, such as forbearance, and, if you refinance for a longer term, you could wind up paying more interest over the life of the loan.

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SoFi Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). SoFi Student Loan Refinance Loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers, or may become available, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, PAYE or SAVE. Additional terms and conditions apply. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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.

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Big life changes can mean both excitement and nervousness. It’s normal to feel both happy and anxious about starting college. New experiences can introduce a lot of pressure. And it may be the first time that many students leave home and are surrounded by new people.

Not only is feeling nervous about college normal, it’s also manageable. For high school students still getting ready for college, here are five tips that may help ease the nerves.

1. Make a List and Pack Early

To lessen anxiety, preparation for college is key. For students who are planning to live on campus, packing can feel like a monumental task. It’s already stressful to imagine living away from home, and on top of that students don’t want to forget anything important.

One of the best ways to help ensure a smooth transition is to make a list early and start packing ahead of time. When dealing with a large task, it helps to break it down into smaller pieces that are easier to tackle.

For example, students who are nervous for college could break up their packing list into sections like clothing, school supplies, and living essentials. Even just taking the small step of making the lists could ease some of the worries.

Some schools will provide guidelines for packing and lists of items that are prohibited on campus, so it can be worth checking the website or contacting a rep from Residential Life, a program that helps students with on- and off-campus housing. Once students know what they’ll need to purchase, they can go through the items they already have and make a list of which of these are coming with them, and which items are staying behind with Mom and Dad.

Depending on the weather where students are moving to, they can start by packing the clothing they know they won’t need to wear for the next few weeks. If it’s currently warm, start packing up those winter clothes!

This is one task that high school students not ready for college can tackle early on to build some confidence and feelings of preparedness.

💡 Quick Tip: Make no payments on SoFi private student loans for six months after graduation.

2. Learn About Independent Living

Students who are planning to go away for college should spend time before they go learning what they can about living independently. This can cover a wide range of tasks, such as learning how to cook, how to make a doctor’s appointment, and how to use public transportation. It can help students to work with their parents to make a list of tasks that the students need to get familiar with.

Some ways to get ready for college and living on their own can include:

•   Gathering a list of important phone numbers and addresses and entering them into their phones (doctor’s office, school counselor, roommate, etc.).

•   Making a few simple meals so they feel confident in the kitchen.

•   Practicing household chores like doing laundry and dishes if they don’t already.

If students are nervous about finding their way around campus, it may be helpful to explore the campus before classes start and find their classes.

For students who will be attending online classes, they will need to develop extra self-discipline and get familiar with online programs like Zoom. Doing this ahead of time can help minimize the stress of trying to log on the first time.

Recommended: 11 Strategies for Paying for College and Other Expenses

3. Develop Coping Skills

Students who are feeling nervous or anxious about beginning college can take the time before classes start to develop coping skills that will help them manage those feelings. Setting up a self-care routine that includes taking care of physical and mental health can help students manage the stress of college more easily.

Parents can also get involved in this process by sharing the coping skills that work for them and providing emotional support. Teens who know their parents are supportive are more likely to open up and actually use that support.

Recommended: College Planning Guide for Parents of High School Students

4. Ask Questions

Sometimes, not knowing what to expect can contribute to feelings of anxiety, but this can be minimized by asking questions. Students who have family members that went to college or are currently in college may want to set aside time to chat with them about their experiences.

High school guidance counselors can also be helpful in preparing students for college and easing their nerves.

There may also be an opportunity to go on a campus tour and ask questions there. High school students nervous about college may also benefit from attending their college’s orientation, so they show up on their first week prepared. Asking questions from others who’ve been to college will take away some of the scary mystery of the experience and may increase feelings of preparedness for high schoolers.

5. Focus on the Positives

Is college going to be tough? Of course! The classes will be more intense than high school level classes, and there will certainly be an adjustment period. In addition to these things, though, there are also numerous positives. College will give students opportunities to meet new people, learn about themselves, and have fun!

Some students may be overwhelmed at first at the prospect of making friends on a large campus, but there are many clubs and organizations that students can join. Getting involved in extracurricular activities can help students to form friendships and build a support system that may make their college experience more positive.

It may be a challenging four years, with adjusting to adult life and tackling finals every semester, but college can also be fun. High schoolers can help ease their nerves by embracing this aspect of college as well. Having a more realistic and balanced view of the experience may help them enter into it with less apprehension.

💡 Quick Tip: Need a private student loan to cover your school bills? Because approval for a private student loan is based on creditworthiness, a cosigner may help a student get loan approval and a lower rate.

Paying For College

Another source of anxiety when it comes to preparing for college is the finances. College can be expensive, and figuring out how to pay for tuition, books, and living expenses is a confusing process. Luckily, there are multiple options that students can utilize to help cover the cost of their education.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows students to apply for federal student aid. This aid can come in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study, or federal student loans. Grants from the government usually do not need to be repaid, whereas loans do need to be repaid.

Students who are eligible to take out federal loans may benefit from doing so before looking into private student loans. Federal loans come with certain benefits, such as deferment and income-based repayment plans, that private loans may not.

If students are not eligible for federal aid or the aid isn’t enough to cover their costs, applying for additional scholarships is one option. Scholarships are widely available and the eligibility criteria varies for each scholarship. Some scholarships are need-based, whereas some are merit-based. Scholarships are offered by schools, private corporations, community organizations, religious groups, and more.

Taking out private student loans is another option for helping to fund a college education. The eligibility for private loans will usually depend on a student’s (or cosigner’s) credit history and income. When considering private student loans, students should remember that each institution will have its own terms for the loans.

The Takeaway

It’s normal to be nervous about attending college. To help settle your nerves, you can make a list of all the essentials you’ll need, learn about living independently, develop coping skills, ask questions, and focus on the positive aspects of attending college.

If finances are stressing you out, you have options, too. You can work a part-time job to help cover expenses, apply for grants and scholarships, and rely on federal and private student loans. It’s recommended to take out federal loans first, as they come with borrower protections that private student loans do not.

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.

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Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

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.

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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It’s not a secret that the cost of attending college is more expensive than most people can afford to pay for in cash. Many students turn to federal student loans to help pay for college. But what can someone do if they’ve already tapped out their federal student loan resources or don’t want to take on any federal loans?

Thankfully, there are a variety of resources available to help students pay for their education. From scholarships to savings, continue reading for 14 ways to make college tuition more affordable. It may even be possible to figure out how to pay for college without loans.

14 Ways to Make College Tuition More Affordable

The key to figuring out how to pay for college without loans or financial aid is to make the overall cost of college a lot less expensive. Here are a few ways someone can make the cost of college more affordable.

1. Apply for FAFSA

It’s always a good idea to apply for federal financial aid — even if you don’t think you’ll qualify. That’s because the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), is absolutely free to fill out. This form helps determine the type and amount of aid a student qualifies for. While it’s not a guarantee that students will get financial aid granted to them, it’s worth applying to try to lower the overall cost of pursuing higher education.

Federal financial aid includes both need-based aid, like Direct Subsidized Loans or Pell Grants and non-need based aid, like Direct Unsubsidized Loans. After submitting the FAFSA, schools will use the information to determine your financial aid package. This will detail the aid you qualify to receive for the school year. The FAFSA must be completed annually.

Sometimes, federal financial aid isn’t enough to allow a student to pay for the full cost of college. Keep reading for ways to lower the costs of attending college in the event you don’t receive enough financial aid to make it easy to pay for school.

2. Qualify for Merit Scholarships

Because scholarship funds don’t need to be paid back, they can be a valuable tool to help pay for school. While there are need-based scholarship opportunities, there are also merit-based scholarships that focus on giving money to students that meet or exceed certain standards set by the person or organization issuing the scholarship. These can include such factors as academic excellence, musical talent, or athletic ability.

Merit scholarships may be available from your college or university. Contact your school’s financial aid office for information on scholarships available at your academic institution.

3. Apply for Private Scholarships

While colleges often offer scholarship opportunities, so do private companies, nonprofits, and other organizations such as religious groups. Both school-based and private scholarship opportunities are worth looking into. You can find information on private scholarships from both your school’s financial aid office and by searching online databases, like Scholarships.com, that aggregate information on available scholarships.


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

4. Apply for ROTC Scholarships

If someone is considering joining the military, they may be able to receive up to 100% in tuition assistance if they do so. College’s may have ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) programs that make it possible to qualify for scholarships before joining the military — unlike the GI Bill which gives education money to those already enrolled in the military.

5. Attend a Community College

Attending a community college before transferring to a four-year university is another option to cut tuition costs. Some community colleges even offer tuition-free programs. Not to mention, when attending a local community college, it may be easier to remain living at home with mom and dad which can cut down living expenses massively.

6. Earn College Credit in High School for Free

Some community colleges partner with local school districts to give high school students the opportunity to take college classes for free which allows them to earn college credits in high school. Taking advantage of free college classes while in high school can make the cost of attending college later cheaper — especially if the student can graduate early as a result. Advanced placement (AP) classes in high school can have a similar benefit.

7. Ask for Family Donations

While there’s no guarantee that a family will be able or willing to help pay for someone to go to college, it can be worth asking grandparents and other close family members for assistance (in addition to parents, as you might assume). Together, their contributions may help lighten the overall load of attending college.

8. Consider Private Student Loans

If someone wants to take out loans but didn’t receive enough federal student loans to fully cover their education and living expenses while in college, they can apply for private student loans to help make up the difference. Unlike federal student loans which are awarded based on the FAFSA, private student loans are awarded from individual lenders and require their own application.

Because private student loans can be more expensive than federal loans, it may be a good idea to exhaust any potential federal options before applying for private student loans. In addition, it’s important to recognize that private student loans don’t offer the benefits that federal student loans can, such as forgiveness. In addition, with loans, a longer term loan can mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.

9. Choose an Affordable School

Usually, attending an in-state public school is more affordable than attending an out-of-state public school. Additionally, private universities tend to cost more to attend than public universities. If a student can go to an in-state public university, that is likely the most affordable route they can pursue. Especially if they attend community college first to get some general education classes out of the way.

While public schools are generally more affordable than private institutions, financial aid packages can potentially even the playing field. When evaluating colleges, be sure to factor in the actual costs after any scholarships or grants and other aid.

10. Work During School

It can be challenging, but if a student can work part-time while enrolled in college, they can pay some if not all of their way as they go. If they took out loans, they may be able to use their earnings to start paying them down early so they can avoid paying interest after they graduate.

11. Budget for College With Parent’s 529 Plan

If a student’s parents set up a 529 plan (which is a tax-advantaged investment account that can be used to pay for qualifying educational costs), they can budget out those savings to see how much of their education they can pay for; a budgeting app could help with this.

Some students may not have the benefit of parents who can support their education in this way. Students figuring out how to pay for college without their parents’ help may want to focus on finding an affordable school, filling out the FAFSA, applying for private scholarships, working while in college, and using student loans wisely.

12. Complete College Earlier Than Four Years

If a student hustles, even shaving off one semester of college can save them a decent chunk of change in tuition, fees, and room and board. If they can take an extra class each semester, they may be able to graduate early and save a lot of money. Another path is to try to complete college credit-worthy classes in high school, as noted above.

13. Live Off Campus and Commute

As convenient as living on a college campus is, it can also be expensive. The cheapest living option is to live at home with parents if that’s possible and commute to school. If a student does need to live on their own, renting an apartment or a room in a house off campus may still be more affordable than living on campus. Price the different options to see which is most affordable and in line with your budget.

Recommended: Does Net Worth Include Home Equity

14. Opt for a Payment Plan

Some colleges offer tuition payment plans that distribute costs over several months. These don’t necessarily reduce expenses but can make it easier to pay for tuition by spreading payments out instead of expecting one upfront lump sum payment. This can be an especially good option for students working to pay for school.

The Takeaway

Paying for college is a big endeavor, but one that can be made easier if a student takes certain steps to reduce the overall costs of college. Figuring out how to pay for college without loans is challenging, but starting by applying for scholarships and financial aid can help.

To make it easier to reach major financial goals, including paying for college, SoFi can help you budget well.

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

What can I do if my parents won’t pay for college?

Students can apply for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), look for scholarships, take out federal or private student loans, or work their way through school. It may be challenging, but students do have options outside of their parents for financing higher education.

How can I pay for college by myself?

If someone needs to pay for college on their own, they’ll want to fill out the FAFSA each year to see how much financial aid they qualify for and how much federal student loan coverage they can get. If they need more money to pay for school, they may consider applying for private student loans and/or scholarships, as well as working part-time during college.

Is Sallie Mae a federal loan?

Sallie Mae student loans are no longer federal student loans. They are a kind of private student loan.

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Photo credit: iStock/AntonioSolano

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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.

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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People who are introverts can succeed in almost any job that interests them. Contrary to what many people might think, introverts aren’t necessarily shy, but they do like working independently or in small groups. They typically are drawn to inner thoughts and ideas versus focusing on external matters. In addition, they may prefer having some quiet time to reflect and recharge instead of a job that requires nonstop meetings.

Thankfully, there are plenty of jobs that can suit this personality type and offer a challenging and fulfilling career path. Read on to learn more about this topic.

What Makes the Ideal Job for an Introvert?

According to conventional psychology, introverts prefer to spend time with just one or two people, rather than larger groups or crowds. They’re not necessarily loners; in fact, many introverts have highly developed social skills. However, introverts tend to gravitate toward situations and environments where they feel less pressure to react or respond quickly or to engage with multiple people (say, constantly leading major team meetings).

An ideal job for an introvert may allow them to:

•   Work independently

•   Work alone or in quiet spaces that allow them to think and deploy their analytical and decision-making skills

•   Focus on one task at a time

•   Engage one-on-one (or “one on a few”) instead of in large groups

•   Leverage their empathy and creativity

What Kind of Work Does Not Fit an Introvert

As noted above, jobs that require a lot of collaboration with or presentations to large groups of people may not be a great fit for introverted people. Introverts are likely to be less comfortable with jobs that involve loads of group brainstorm sessions or that require them to regularly verbalize their thoughts and feelings to multiple people at once.


💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.

30 Jobs for Introverts Without a Degree

Finding a rewarding job as an introvert means finding a career that suits your interests and caters to your inner-directed personality type, as described above.

Here are 30 jobs that can be a great match for introverts, with salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

1. Web Developer or Digital Designer

•   2023 Median Salary: $92,750

•   Primary Duties: This career is all about the design, coding, and development of websites for optimal performance and user experience. This could be a job where an introvert works solo all day, or it might involve small team collaborations. With its union of creativity and analytical insights, web development can be a great option for introverts.

2. Farmer or Rancher

•   2023 Median Salary: $83,770

•   Primary Duties: The image of farmers and ranchers working solo in wide open spaces is iconic. While that can be true, this career may involve some interaction with others on a work team. Primary duties are overseeing the production of crops, livestock, and dairy products.

3. Psychologist

•   2023 Median Salary: $92,740

•   Primary Duties: Psychologists can work in a variety of settings, from a medical center to private practice, but the field involves assessing and supporting cognitive and emotional wellness. This can be a very rewarding career for introverts who want to channel their empathy and social skills.

Recommended: Could a Small Business Loan Be Right for You?

4. Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter

•   2023 Median Salary: $61,550

•   Primary Duties: This career is all about installing and repairing pipe fixtures. There aren’t many meetings, nor lots of large-group interactions. Introverts can enjoy the focus and problem-solving this job demands.

5. Postal Service Worker

•   2023 Median Salary: $56,510

•   Primary Duties: Typically, this work involves collecting, sorting, and delivering mail to businesses and private residences or else helping post office customers. It can give introverts the opportunity to work alone or have small-scale interactions.

6. Social Worker

•   2023 Median Salary: $58,380

•   Primary Duties: Social workers help people resolve problems in their lives. Introverts who are empathetic listeners, enjoy helping others, and find lots of one-on-one interaction satisfying will likely enjoy social work.

7. HVAC Technician

•   2023 Median Salary: $57,300

•   Primary Duties: This job requires workers to assemble and repair heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. It can suit the mechanically inclined and those who like to be immersed in hands-on problem solving.

8. Environmental Scientist

•   2023 Median Salary: $78,980

•   Primary Duties: In this job, a person uses their knowledge of nature to improve the environment and human health. It can involve time in the outdoors and the lab, with opportunities to focus on and interpret research data.

9. Delivery Truck Driver

•   2023 Median Salary: $39,950

•   Primary Duties: For those who like lots of solo time and the feeling of being on the open road, being a delivery truck driver can be a dream job. Duties involve the pickup, transport, and delivery of packages or goods from one location to another.

10. Writer or Author

•   2023 Median Salary: $73,690

•   Primary Duties: Writing is a diverse career, ranging from writing fiction books to completing technical writing for manufacturers. It can allow an introvert to explore a particular passion of theirs in print and often involves a good amount of independent work.

11. Librarian

•   2023 Median Salary: $64,370

•   Primary Duties: This can be a fulfilling career for introverts; most interactions involve collaborating with individuals seeking help with research. Plus, it taps both creativity and problem-solving skills and usually has a not too frenetic pace. Bonus: Librarians tend to work in very quiet environments.

12. Physician

•   2023 Median Salary: $236,000

•   Primary Duties: This demanding career requires a high level of training. With a salary well into the six figures, this is one of the highest paying jobs on our list. It offers the rewarding work of interacting one-on-one with patients and other members of a medical team to help people achieve optimal health and to treat illnesses.

13. Roofer

•   2023 Median Salary: $50,030

•   Primary Duties: For introverts who value independence and enjoy problem solving, being a roofer can be a good fit. Most of the workday is spent replacing, repairing, and installing roofs on buildings and houses. Working remotely is not an option.

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14. Surveying and Mapping Technician

•   2023 Median Salary: $48,940

•   Primary Duties: Collecting data and taking land measurements in order to create maps of the Earth’s surface is a unique job, melding creative and analytical pursuits. It’s unlikely to involve many large meetings and can give introverts the “think time” they love.

15. Mechanic

•   2023 Median Salary: $51,940

•   Primary Duties: This job can be a good fit for those who like to work with their hands and problem-solve with a small team as they troubleshoot and repair automobiles and other forms of transportation.

16. Bookkeeper

•   2023 Median Salary: $47,440

•   Primary Duties: Love a good spreadsheet and balancing finances? Being a bookkeeper can provide satisfying work for those who enjoy working with numbers. The role also has potential as a work-at-home job for retirees.

17. Interpreter or Translator

•   2023 Median Salary: $57,090

•   Primary Duties: Provided one has deep knowledge of a foreign language, this can be a solid job for introverts, collaborating one-on-one or in small groups to convert one language into another. Some jobs may strictly involve texts versus in-person interaction.

18. Software Quality Assurance Analyst or Tester

•   2023 Median Salary: $101,800

•   Primary Duties: Techies, this one is for you: This path typically involves testing software to identify and debug problems or to learn how the software works. This can offer plenty of focused work time.

19. Marketing Manager

•   2023 Median Salary: $156,580

•   Primary Duties: This potentially high-earning career focuses on managing outreach to build a business or a brand. This can tap an introvert’s creativity and analytical skills. Small team meetings and travel to meet with clients may be part of the job.

20. Photographer

•   2023 Median Salary: $40,760

•   Primary Duties: Photographers produce, shoot, and potentially edit (hello, Photoshop!) images for personal or professional use. It’s a highly creative pursuit that may suit an introvert’s personality type.

21. Proofreader

•   2023 Median Salary: $48,790

•   Primary Duties: This can be a satisfying job, tapping an introvert’s analytical abilities and giving them space to think as they read content and correct spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. Proofreading is usually a quiet, somewhat solitary profession.

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22. Landscaper

•   2023 Median Salary: $37,360

•   Primary Duties: There’s not too much large group interaction if you’re a landscaper. Workdays are spent maintaining outdoor grounds by mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, raking, and other methods.

23. Physician Assistant (PA)

•   2023 Median Salary: $130,020

•   Primary Duties: Assisting both physicians and patients can put an introvert’s empathy and technical know-how to good use. It does require specialized training: A PA is one step below doctor and a step above nurse — similar to a nurse practitioner.

24. Animal Trainer

•   2023 Median Salary: $44,910

•   Primary Duties: Dog, horse, and other animal lovers may find this to be an ideal career, with time spent teaching animals obedience and staying calm, and assisting people.

25. Medical Transcriptionist

•   2023 Median Salary: $37,060

•   Primary Duties: Medical transcriptionists, as the name indicates, transcribe voice recordings from physicians and nurses and convert them into written reports. This can provide a career with plenty of “quiet time” for detail-oriented introverts.

26. Floral Designer

•   2023 Median Salary: $34,690

•   Primary Duties: A floral designer can spend their days arranging decorative displays using live, dried, or silk flowers, which can be a creative endeavor without too many big meetings.

27. Data Scientist

•   2023 Median Salary: $108,020

•   Primary Duties: Data scientists deploy analytical tools and techniques to pull valuable insights from data. This is a growing field in today’s digitized world.

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28. Teacher

•   2023 Median Salary: $64,390

•   Primary Duties: Teachers and instructors are responsible for helping students of different ages learn various topics and skills. The job may tap an introvert’s empathy, and it may involve small meetings with students or their parents. Bonus: Teaching can be one of those jobs that pay off student loans through the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

29. Hand Sewer

•   2023 Media Salary: $32,240

•   Primary Duties: Technically speaking, this job is about sewing and finishing items with needle and thread. It can suit craft-oriented, creative, and independent workers who like the mental space it provides.

30. Accountant

•   2023 Mean Salary: $79,880

•   Primary Duties: An accountant prepares or reviews financial records, tapping their analytical skills. This career can incorporate interactions with individual clients or businesses, which may suit introverts well.

Recommended: 25 Best Jobs for Extroverts That Pay Well

The Takeaway

There are many challenging and satisfying jobs that can suit introverts, from writer to data scientist to physician. In fact, many high-paying and rewarding jobs are well-suited to the personality traits of an introverted person.
Introvert or not, everyone can benefit from better budget planning and tools that give you back control of your finances.

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

What are good jobs for introverts?

There are many jobs that suit introverts well and leverage their empathy, creativity, and analytical skills. These can include being a research librarian, physician, or landscaper, among other careers.

Is self-employment good for introverts with anxiety?

Self-employment can be a good fit for introverts who experience anxiety working with large teams or with multiple people. However, self-employment can also create stress if it requires you to find your own clients or manage a large workload on your own.

What is a good job for someone with introverted qualities?

Jobs that allow you to work independently and in quiet environments at least some of the time are generally better for introverts, as are those that involve one-on-one interaction versus large group meetings.

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Photo credit: iStock/Wiphop Sathawirawong

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