SpendSLR Archives

Apr

2025

Refinancing Associate Degree Student Loans

How to Pay for an Associate Degree

By Melissa Brock | Fresh Out of School, Student Loans | Comments Off

An associate degree is a two-year course of study often offered by a community college or junior college. You can get one of four types of associate degrees: AA (associate of arts), AS (associate of science), AAA (associate of applied arts), and AAS (associate of applied science).

Paying for an associate degree doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what to know about the options.

What Is an Associate Degree?

Associate degree programs can include a wide variety of course degrees, including general education coursework and job training. Many associate degrees require students to complete about 60 credits.

Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers with an associate degree had median weekly earnings of $1,002 in 2023 compared with $905 for workers with a high school diploma.

How to Pay for an Associate Degree

There are several ways to pay for an associate degree. Many students use a combination of job income, savings, and federal financial aid. You must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for federal aid and many scholarships and grants. Keep in mind that if you’re working while going to school, you must maintain at least half-time status (about 6 credit hours per semester) to be eligible for federal aid.

Scholarships and grants are award money that you don’t have to repay. Grants are usually need-based, while scholarships are awarded based on academics, extracurricular activities, major, and other merit factors.

You can apply for both federal and private student loans for associate degrees. Federal student loans are loans that come from the federal government. You do have to repay student loans after you leave school, even if you don’t finish your degree.

You may also want to apply for private student loans if the aid you receive won’t be enough to cover your expenses for the semester or for the year. It’s generally recommended that you exhaust all of your federal loan options before looking into private student loans, which aren’t backed by the federal government. Here’s an overview of applying for both federal aid and private student loans for associate degrees.

Step 1: File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In order to qualify for federal student aid (aid from the federal government), you must file the FAFSA and fill in the school code for the school or schools on your list. You’ll have to fill out the FAFSA every year prior to the start of a new school year.

Recommended: FAFSA Guide

Step 2: Review your Student Aid Report (SAR).

The financial aid office at the school you’re considering will receive your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for federal and state aid. You and the college will both receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which is a paper or electronic document that offers basic information about your eligibility for federal student aid. It also lists your answers on the FAFSA.

Step 3: Look over your financial aid award.

You’ll receive a financial aid package after you provide the college with all the necessary documentation. You will likely receive a financial aid award package via email, which will detail the scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans that your school will give you. You’ll then have to accept or decline the aid you receive from the college. If you’re awarded federal student loans, you can decline all or part of those loans.

You’ll also need to complete entrance counseling and the Master Promissory Note at the Federal Student Aid website.

Step 4: Evaluate your need for private student loans.

Do you need more coverage? You may need to apply for private student loans to cover the costs of your degree. This means shopping around for a private student loan lender that fits your needs. Find out if your school offers a lender list, and be sure to compare:

• Interest rates

• Student loan fees (like origination fees)

• Repayment options

• Whether you’ll need a cosigner. You may require a cosigner if you don’t have a credit history. A parent, relative, or any other creditworthy individual can cosign with you to boost your chances of getting a student loan.

Paying Off Student Loans for an Associate Degree

What are your options for paying off student loans? Here are some of the repayment paths to consider.

Job Income

Ideally, you’ll find a job directly related to your associate degree. You can set up automatic deductions from your bank account so you won’t need to worry about missing a payment. Contact your student loan servicer if you’d like to set up automatic deductions.

One way to pay off your loans faster is to pay more than the minimum monthly amount. This will also help you save on the interest that will accrue on your loans, because you’re paying them down faster. You can also save up and pay off a lump sum.

Start Early

You don’t need to wait to graduate to start paying off your student loans. You can start paying off your student loans early, while you’re still in school. This is a great way to save on the interest that could accrue on your loans in the future and help you pay your loans off faster.

It’s a good idea to have a plan in place if you want to start paying them off early (an online budgeting tool may help). Even little amounts can make a difference over the long run.

Use Tax Deductions

Some tax deductions can often be a big help and student loan tax deductions are no exception. You can get a student loan interest deduction when filing your taxes when you pay at least $600 in qualified student loan interest. Your lender will send you IRS Form 1098-E, the Student Loan Interest Statement. You’ll be able to save money on your taxes as long as you have student loan interest to deduct.

Apply for Loan Forgiveness

It’s important to note that you can only qualify for student loan forgiveness through federal student loans. For example, you may want to qualify for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. If you work for a government or not-for-profit organization, PSLF forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 monthly payments under a repayment plan as a full-time employee.

If you have Direct Loans or FFEL Program loans, you may be able to take advantage of the Teacher Loan Forgiveness program. In this case, you must teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in a low-income elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency. You can qualify for up to $17,500 on your Direct Loan or FFEL Program loans.

Contact your loan servicer if you think you qualify for one of these programs and take a look at other cancellation or discharge programs you might qualify for.

Refinancing Student Loans

When refinancing associate degree loans, a lender pays off your current loan or loans and gives you a new loan with new terms, ideally at a lower interest rate. Refinancing can help you save money over the life of your loan.

Note that having a good credit score is key to refinancing your student loans. Your credit score is a three-digit number that summarizes how well you pay back your debts. A private lender will also take your credit utilization into account, which reveals how much of your available credit you actually use. Having a high credit score and low utilization ratio can help you get the best rates possible.

If you’re thinking about refinancing associate degree loans, it’s important to understand that you can’t refinance a federal student loan into a new federal student loan — all refinances become private student loans. This also means that you give up the possibility of qualifying for forgiveness, cancellation, and discharge through the federal government, as well as deferment or forbearance options.

Refinancing Student Loans With SoFi

Refinancing student loans can be a great way to save money over the life of the loan if you’re able to refinance at a lower interest rate and you don’t plan to use federal programs. As a reminder, if you refinance a federal loan, you’ll lose access to federal benefits and protections.

If you’re considering refinancing, SoFi offers competitive rates, no origination fee, and unemployment protection. You can also talk to a representative who can walk you through the process.

Find out if SoFi student loan refinancing is right for you.

FAQ

How much are student loans for an associate degree?

Federal and private student loan lenders may charge a variety of fees for associate degree student loans, including origination fees, late payment fees, and returned check fees. However, some lenders don’t charge any of these fees at all. It’s a good idea to do a side-by-side comparison of all costs before you choose one lender over another.

Does FAFSA cover associate degrees?

Yes, you can tap into federal student aid options to pay for associate degrees. You must file the FAFSA and send the information to the schools on your list that you’re considering to complete your associate degree. You may qualify for a combination of federal student loans, grants, and work-study for student loans for an associate degree. One of the best things you can do is to talk through the details with a financial aid professional at the college you plan to attend.

Can you refinance after your associate degree?

Yes, you can refinance associate degree student loans after you obtain your associate degree. You’ll want to determine whether you can get a better interest rate and/or pay your loans off faster with a refinance. However, note that you’ll lose access to federal loan benefits and protections when you refinance. Federal programs such as forgiveness and income-driven repayment do not apply to private student loans.

About the author

Melissa Brock

Melissa Brock is a higher education and personal finance expert with more than a decade of experience writing online content. She spent 12 years in college admission prior to switching to full-time freelance writing and editing. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/SolStock

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Apr

2025

Student Loans: Refinance vs. Income Driven Repayment

Refinancing Student Loans vs Income Driven Repayment Plans

By Melissa Brock | Debt Payoff, Fresh Out of School, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off

If you’re having trouble making your student loan payments or just want to know if you can make a change to your payments, it’s worth looking into the options, such as refinancing student loans or an income-driven repayment plan.

Student loan refinancing is available for both private and federal student loans, while income-driven repayment plans are an option only for federal student loans. Recent changes to income-driven repayment lower monthly payments and curtail interest accrual, making the plans a better deal for borrowers. Here’s what to know about both options as well as the pros and cons of each.

What Is Student Loan Refinancing?

When you refinance a student loan, a private lender pays off your student loans and gives you a new loan with new terms. For example, the interest rate and/or the loan term may change. You can’t refinance loans through the federal government, however. You can only refinance federal student loans (or private student loans) through a private lender.

If you’re a graduate with high-interest Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Graduate PLUS loans, and/or private loans, a refinance can change how quickly you pay off your loans and/or the amount you pay each month.

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

Pros of Student Loan Refinancing

When considering refinancing your student loans, there are several benefits. You can:

• Lower your monthly payments: Lowering your monthly payment means you can save money or spend more in other areas of your life instead of putting that cash toward paying student loans. (Depending on the length of the loan term, however, you may end up paying more in total interest.)

• Get a lower interest rate than your federal student loan interest rates: This can result in paying less interest over the life of the loan (as long as you don’t extend your loan to a longer term). A student loan refinance calculator can show you the interest rate you qualify for.

• Decrease your debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Your DTI compares your debt payments to your income. So if you lower your monthly payments, you could be lowering your DTI ratio — and a lower DTI can help when applying for a mortgage or other type of loan.

• Remove a cosigner. Many borrowers who took out undergraduate loans did so with a parent or other cosigner. Refinancing without a cosigner allows you to regain some financial independence and privacy, provided you have a strong credit history.

Cons of Student Loan Refinancing

That said, refinancing federal loans can have some drawbacks as well. They include:

• No longer being able to take advantage of federal forbearance: When you refinance your student loans through a private lender, you no longer qualify for federal student loan forbearance, such as the Covid-19-related payment holiday. However, it’s worth noting that some private lenders offer their own benefits and protections after you refinance.

• No longer being able to tap into income-driven repayment plans, forgiveness programs, or other federal benefits: Refinancing federal student loans means replacing them with private loans — and forfeiting the protections and programs that come with them.

• Possibly seeing your credit score get dinged: Your lender may do a hard credit history inquiry (or pull), which can affect your credit score.

For a deeper dive into the topic, check out our Student Loan Refinancing Guide.

What Are Income Driven Repayment Plans?

Put simply, income-driven repayment plans are plans that base your monthly payment amount on what you can afford to pay. Under the Standard Repayment Plan, you’ll pay fixed monthly payments of at least $50 per month for up to 10 years. On the other hand, an income-driven repayment plan considers your income and family size and allows you to pay accordingly based on those factors — for longer than 10 years and with smaller loan payments. Income-driven repayment plans are based on a percentage of your discretionary income.

You can only use an income-driven repayment plan for federal student loans. If you qualify, you could take advantage of four types of income-driven repayment plans:

• Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan: You typically pay 5% of your discretionary income over the course of 20 years (on loans for undergraduate study) or 10% of your discretionary income for 25 years (on loans for graduate or professional school).

• Income-Based Repayment Plan (IBR Plan): As a new borrower, you typically pay 10% of your discretionary but never more than the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan amount over the course of 20 years. If you’re not a new borrower, you’ll pay 15% of your discretionary income but never more than the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan amount over the course of 25 years.

Two other plans, PAYE and Income-Contingent Repayment, stopped accepting new enrollments as of July 1, 2024.

How do you know which option fits your needs? Your loan servicer can give you a rundown of the program that may fit your circumstances. You must apply for an income-driven repayment plan through a free application from the U.S. Department of Education.

Note: Every income-driven plan payment counts toward the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). So if you qualify for this program, you may want to choose the plan that offers you the smallest payment.

Pros of Income Driven Repayment Plans

The benefits of income-driven repayment plans include the following:

• Affordable student loan payments: If you can’t make your loan payments under the Standard Repayment Plan, an income-driven repayment plan allows you to make a lower monthly loan payment.

• Potential for forgiveness: Making payments through an income-driven repayment plan and working through loan forgiveness under the PSLF program means you may qualify for forgiveness of your remaining loan balance after you’ve made 10 years of qualifying payments instead of 20 or 25 years.

• Won’t affect your credit score: This may be one question you’re wondering, whether income-based repayment affects your credit score? The answer is: no. Since you’re not changing your total loan balance or opening another credit account, lenders have no reason to check your credit score.

Cons of Income Driven Repayment Plans

Now, let’s take a look at the potential downsides to income-driven repayment plans:

• Payment could change later: The Department of Education asks you to recertify your annual income and family size for payment, which is recalculated every 12 months. If your income changes, your payments would also change.

• Balance may increase: Borrowers under the IBR plan receive a three-year interest subsidy from the government. However, after the subsidy expires, borrowers are responsible for paying the interest that accrues on subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

• There are many eligibility factors: Your eligibility could be affected by several things, including when your loans were disbursed, your marital status, year-to-year changing income, and more.

Refinancing vs Income Driven Repayment Plans

Here are the factors related to refinancing and income-driven repayment plans in a side-by-side comparison.

	Refinancing	Income-Driven Repayment Plan
Lowers your monthly payments	Possibly	Possibly
Changes your loan term	Possibly	Yes
Increases your balance	Possibly	Possibly
Is eventually forgiven if you still haven’t paid off your loan after the repayment term	No	Yes
Requires an application	Yes	Yes
Requires yearly repayment calculations	No	Yes

Choosing What Is Right for You

When you’re considering whether to refinance or choose an income-driven repayment plan, it’s important to take into account the interest you’ll be paying over time. It could be that you will pay more interest because you lengthened your loan term. If that’s the case, just make sure you are comfortable with this before making any changes. Many people who refinance their student loans do so because they want to decrease the amount of interest they pay over time — and many want to pay off their loans sooner.

That said, if you’re wondering whether you should refinance your federal student loans, you’ll also want to make sure you are comfortable forfeiting your access to federal student loan benefits and protections.

Refinancing Student Loans With SoFi

Refinancing your student loans with SoFi means getting a competitive interest rate. You can choose between a fixed or variable rate — and you won’t pay origination fees or prepayment penalties.

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

Is income-contingent repayment a good idea?

This plan may be a good idea for some borrowers because the repayment terms are based on the lesser of these two: 20% of your discretionary income or a fixed payment over the course of 12 years, adjusted according to your income over the course of 25 years. Any remaining balance will be forgiven if you haven’t repaid your loan in full after 25 years. Because of the longer repayment timeline, the drawback is borrowers may pay more over time. It also won’t provide payments as low as the SAVE Plan.

What are the disadvantages of income based repayment?

The biggest disadvantage of income-based repayment is that you stretch out your loan term from the standard repayment plan of 10 years to longer — up to 25 years. This means that more interest will accrue on your loans and you could end up paying more on your loan before your loan term ends.

Does income based repayment get forgiven?

Yes! Through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, student loans can be forgiven after making 10 years of qualifying, consecutive payments. Additionally, borrowers with an income-driven repayment plan may have the remaining balances on their loans forgiven after 20 or 25 years.

About the author

Melissa Brock

Photo credit: iStock/m-imagephotography

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.

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Apr

2025

Private Student Loan Forgiveness: What Is It & How Does It Work?

By Melissa Brock | Fresh Out of School, Student Loans, student_loan | No Comments

Although the Biden-Harris Administration’s plan for widespread student loan forgiveness was ultimately struck down by the Supreme Court in 2023, all has not been lost for the millions of borrowers hoping to have their loans canceled.

Under the Higher Education Act, the administration made changes to existing relief and forgiveness programs to forgive millions of dollars of federal student debt. As of October 2024, 4.8 million student loan borrowers have received debt relief.

That said, student loan forgiveness options may be more limited for borrowers with private loans, who owe an average of $54,921 each.

Key Points

• Private student loan forgiveness is rare, with limited options compared to federal loans.

• Deferment or forbearance options are typically available for financial hardship, though interest usually accrues during these periods.

• Negotiating with lenders may lead to loan modifications, such as a lower interest rate or extended payment term.

• Employer assistance programs may help with loan repayment, especially in certain professions.

• For some student loan borrowers, refinancing private student loans may result in a lower interest rate or better terms.

Student Loan Breaks for Many but Not All

As mentioned above, the Biden administration and the U.S. Department of Education have forgiven a large amount of student loan debt via targeted relief efforts. The administration provided $74 billion to more than one million students through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, $28.7 billion to the more than 1.6 million borrowers who were defrauded by their schools or saw them suddenly close, and 16.2 billion for more than half a million individuals who have total and permanent disabilities.

During his term, President Joe Biden announced several other measures for student loan debt relief, including an initiative to forgive up to $20,000 in federal student loans for those who met certain income requirements. However, the Supreme Court deemed that the President didn’t have constitutional power to implement such a plan. Another initiative by the administration, the income-driven repayment plan called Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) aimed at helping struggling federal student loan borrowers, was blocked by the courts.

These programs pertained only to federal loans. Private student loan borrowers were not included in any of the relief.

Recommended: A Guide to Private Student Loans

Can Private Student Loans Be Forgiven?

Do lenders forgive private student loans? Unfortunately, that almost never happens.

However, many do offer student loan deferment or forbearance options for private student loan borrowers facing financial hardship. Interest typically accrues during these periods, regardless of whether the borrower is making payments.

Read your loan contract or disclosure statement, which contains information about terms, rates, fees, and penalties. Here, you’ll find information related to any hardship programs offered by the lender. You can also reach out directly and ask about your options.

Whatever you do, don’t miss a payment. Contact your lender immediately if you’re facing a hardship that will prevent you from making payments on time and in full. After a default on a private student loan, which can happen quickly, private lenders may hire a collection agency or file a lawsuit.

Take control of your student loans.
Ditch student loan debt for good.

Private Student Loan Debt Relief Options

Refinancing your student loans can offer several benefits. If you have a good credit history and solid income, or a cosigner on the loan, you may be able to qualify for a lower interest rate, reducing your monthly payments and the total interest you pay over the life of the loan.

Or you might be able to lengthen the term of your loan and decrease your monthly payments (but elongating the repayment term will usually increase the total interest paid). Use this student loan refinancing calculator to see how refinancing could affect your payment.

When you refinance, the lender will pay off your old loans and issue you a new loan with a new rate and terms and with one payment.

You can typically refinance both federal and private loans. You’ll also be given a choice of a fixed or variable rate.

If you are thinking about refinancing your student loans, do your homework:

• Be sure you’re getting the lowest rate possible with terms that fit your short- and long-term needs.

• Although student loan refinancing rarely comes with any closing costs, it’s a good idea to find out if there are any fees involved. Keep in mind that you can refinance more than once.

• If you plan to refinance any federal student loans, know that doing so will permanently forfeit all federal benefits and protections, including income-driven repayment plans, federal deferment and forbearance options, and forgiveness programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

• Consider lenders that initially do a soft credit pull before you actually apply with them to refinance your student loan. That way, shopping for interest rates will not affect your credit.

2. Talk to Your Lender

Speak to your lender about your options to repay your student debt. You aren’t the first (and you won’t be the last) to ask for help, and many private lenders offer some type of loan modification for borrowers who are financially struggling.

You may be able to negotiate a lower interest rate or a lower payment over a longer term, or set up a period during which you can make interest-only payments.

Be ready to answer questions about why you’ve fallen behind, what other debts you’re paying, and about your income prospects.

Always communicate with your lender to avoid student loan forgiveness scams. Some private companies that falsely offer debt relief may try to get you to pay monthly costs or upfront fees, ask you for your identification, or promise immediate loan forgiveness.

If you think you’re the victim of suspicious activity, contact the Federal Trade Commission.

3. Consider a Payment Pause

Some private lenders offer deferment or forbearance, which will allow you to postpone payments.

• Deferment is sometimes available to borrowers who are planning to go back to school or who are entering military service.

• Forbearance is typically available for those who have had an unexpected hardship that makes repayment difficult, such as an illness or a job loss.

Interest will still accrue during these private loan payment breaks.

As with federal loans, your employer may assist you with your private loans, especially if your skills are in demand. Also, many industries and professional associations offer student loan repayment assistance for firefighters, teachers, lawyers, and health care workers.

The Takeaway

Private student loan forgiveness is rare and has not been included in any sweeping moves to cancel student loan debt or provide relief. Borrowers of private student loans may be able to refinance and get a better rate or work with their lender if they’re struggling.

SoFi refinances both federal and private student loans. There are no prepayment or late fees. Deferment and forbearance options are available.

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

About the author

Melissa Brock

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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.

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

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.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Apr

2025

Paying for Pharmacy School Need to Knows

By Melissa Brock | Going to College, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off

A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree is a four-year, licensed professional degree that teaches students how to fill prescription medications and how to educate patients about using prescriptions safely. Pharmacy school can be expensive, adding up to nearly $200,000 dollars on the high end.

With that price tag, it’s not a surprise that pharmacy students may have to rely on a few different sources of financing to pay for school, sometimes using a combination of savings, grants, scholarships, and student loans. This article will review the pharmacy school costs, the amount pharmacists can make, and nine tips for paying for pharmacy school.

How Much Does Pharmacy School Typically Cost?

The cost of pharmacy school can vary depending on where you enroll, the location, and the extent to which public dollars support the university you plan to attend. As mentioned, the complete cost of pharmacy school can add up to $200,000. The cost can swing higher for students who opt for an out-of-state institution. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) lists the tuition and fees for pharmacy school for the 2022-2023 academic year on its website, which can help you compare costs at the pharmacy schools you may be considering.

For example, the first school on the list, Auburn University, costs $22,736 for in-state pharmacy students and $43,508 for out-of-state students. Mandatory fees cost $410 for 33 credit hours for students in their first year. However, in the fourth year, it costs $27,216 for in-state students and $58,374 for out-of-state students, with $210 for mandatory fees for 46 credit hours.

It’s worthwhile to compare the costs of various institutions before you make a decision. However, remember that financial aid can potentially bring the costs down further, so don’t rely completely on the published tuition prices. A conversation with the financial aid office at each school may give you a more in-depth analysis of how much it will actually cost, taking your personal situation into account.

Is Pharmacy School Worth It?

For the right individual, pharmacy school can be worth it. The costs of pharmacy school may seem daunting, but the professional perks, ability to become a part of a healthcare team, job opportunities, and career stability can mean that pharmacy school is the right option for many individuals. The high salary of pharmacists may also make pharmacy school worth it.

How Much Can Pharmacists Make?

The 2023 median pay for pharmacists was $136,030 per year, or $65.40 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Job outlook from 2022-2032 will increase 3% per year, which is as fast as average.

9 Tips for Paying for Pharmacy School

Think of paying for pharmacy school as a pie. There are many ways to pay for pharmacy school by dividing that pie. For example, various pieces of the pie might make up scholarships, grants, loans, and money out of your own pocket. No matter how you slice the pie, every dollar you contribute is an investment into your career and your future. We’ll discuss scholarships, including university, pharmacy, and private scholarships, as well as grants in the next section.

1. Scholarships

Scholarships are funds that you don’t have to pay back. You can get scholarships as a pharmacy student from a number of different sources, including from the university that you plan to attend as well as through designated pharmacy scholarships and private scholarships.

It’s worth considering other interests beyond pharmacy. Scholarships may be awarded based on heritage, location, or even hobbies or special skills. Maybe you have talents in another area that qualify you for additional scholarships.

University Scholarships

Pharmacy colleges and schools traditionally offer direct financial assistance to pharmacy students through various sources, including alumni associations and local chapters of pharmaceutical organizations and fraternities.

Consider setting a meeting with the financial aid office at the university you plan to attend to learn more about specific scholarships from each pharmacy school you’re interested in attending.

Pharmacy Scholarships

Local and state pharmaceutical associations, practicing pharmacists, drug manufacturers, and wholesalers may offer pharmacy scholarships to promising pharmacists, as well.

For example, 10 pharmacy students annually can receive a $5,000 Walmart Health Equity Scholarship. Students must be accepted or enrolled in the professional curriculum at a U.S. college or school of pharmacy, and show evidence of leadership skills, academic success, and must have a preference to serve rural or medically underserved patients.

Here’s another example: Five underrepresented minority students can receive the CVS Health Minority Scholarship for Pharmacy Students annually. Students must be African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and/or Pacific Islander students, as well as U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Each successful candidate will receive a single $7,000 scholarship.

Private Scholarships

Private scholarships come from companies, service groups and organizations, foundations, and individuals. For example, Tylenol offers a scholarship for students pursuing careers in healthcare, including pharmacy. There may also be scholarships available from local or regional organizations.

2. Grants

Like scholarships, you do not have to repay the money you receive from grants. Grants, which are typically based on need, can also be awarded based on merit. Filling the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) automatically considers you for federal grants based on need. You may also become eligible for state grants. Your college or university can give you more information about the types of grants you’re eligible for through your pharmacy program.

3. Federal Student Loans

You may be wondering how to pay for pharmacy school without loans. It’s possible to do it through a combination of scholarships, grants, and savings, though many people take advantage of federal student loans through the U.S. Department of Education. Federal student loans have fixed interest rates and benefits such as income-driven repayment plans. Just like obtaining an auto loan or a mortgage, you must pay back loans with interest.

Federal student loans are a type of federal financial aid, and to apply, you must file the FAFSA. Learn more about the requirements for this application in SoFi’s comprehensive guide to the FAFSA.

You can qualify for two types of federal student loans for pharmacy school: Direct PLUS Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

Direct PLUS Loans

Pharmacy students can take advantage of Direct PLUS Loans, also called graduate PLUS loans or direct grad PLUS loans, to help finance graduate and professional school. The Graduate PLUS Loan comes from the U.S. Department of Education for graduate or professional students. In order to get one, your school must participate in the Direct Loan Program.

The Direct PLUS Loan is not need-based, which means you can get it no matter your income level. You can borrow up to the full cost of attendance and can use the money to pay for tuition, room and board, and fees. Your school will subtract other financial aid you receive (such as scholarships, grants, and fellowships) from the full cost of attendance and award you the difference with a Direct PLUS Loan.

The interest rate is 8.05% for Direct PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2023 and before July 1, 2024.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Similar to student loans for undergraduates, you can tap into Direct Unsubsidized Loans. You can borrow up to $20,500 per year with the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, and the interest rate is 7.05% if disbursed between July 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024 for graduate students. “Unsubsidized” means that the government doesn’t pay the interest while you’re in school and during the grace period.

It’s generally a good idea to first consider opting for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, over a Graduate PLUS Loan. Why opt for the Direct Unsubsidized loan first?

You’ll pay more in interest for the Direct PLUS Loan (8.05% interest rate).

4. Private Student Loans

Private graduate student loans do not come from the federal government. They can come from a bank, credit union, or another financial institution and can be used to help finance college or career school. The amount you can borrow depends on the costs of your degree, but also depends on personal financial factors (such as your credit score and income).

You may have gotten advice that suggested exhausting all of your federal grant and loan options before you consider private loans because interest rates are usually higher compared to federal student loans. Additionally, private student loans don’t qualify for the same borrower protections as federal student loans, like income-driven repayment plans or deferment options. However, private student loans can be an option to consider if you need additional funding to cover your pharmacy school expenses.

5. PSLF Programs

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program is a federal student loan forgiveness program. More specifically, you may qualify to have the remaining balance on your Direct Loans forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. You must work full-time for a qualifying employer in order to qualify and your employer must be a qualifying organization such as a federal, state, local, or tribal government organization or other nonprofit organization.

You must have Direct Loans or consolidate other types of federal student loans into a Direct Loan, repay loans under an income-driven repayment plan, as well as make 120 qualifying payments toward your student loans. The requirements for PSLF can be quite strict, so be sure to read the requirements closely.

For more information about PSLF programs and to learn more about your eligibility, contact your loan servicer, which is the entity that services your loan.

6. Pharmacy Internships

Pharmacy internships can be instrumental in your budding career as a pharmacist in helping you understand how pharmacies operate, learning the ins and outs of customer service, helping you dive into inventory management, and learning the professional skills necessary to become a pharmacist. You may also learn more from pharmacist professionals about leading a pharmacy team and help you bring tangible professional experience back to the classroom.

You may also want to look into pharmacy fellowships, which provide financial support in an external or internal capacity (in or out of the university environment). Assistantships also provide financial support in an academic department through teaching, research, or administrative responsibilities.

7. Work Part Time

You may want to consider working a part-time job in conjunction with pharmacy school. For example, if you attend school from 8am to 4pm, you may want to seek a part-time job after hours.

However, it’s important to consider your time constraints and whether you can succeed in your coursework. Consider your ability to manage your time before you take on a part-time job. However, for the right student, taking on a job can help pay for college tuition and give you an additional source of income. Networking opportunities and skill development can come from a part-time job, even if it doesn’t relate to pharmacy.

8. Borrow From Family

Do you have a family member who really wants to give you money for your education? You may seriously consider borrowing from your parents or a sister or brother (or whoever else wants to lend you money).

Just remember that it could strain family relationships if you fail to pay back the loan. It’s a good idea to have a plan in place to repay your relative(s) as well as create boundaries, so both parties feel good about the arrangement.

9. HRSA Loans

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, improves health care for geographically isolated and vulnerable individuals.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the HRSA, also offers several loans for health services students. For example, Health Professions Student Loans are available to individuals who study pharmacy (as well as dentistry, optometry, podiatry, or veterinary medicine). Pharmacy students who show financial need may also be able to tap into Loans for Disadvantaged Students (LDS). Health professions student loans have fixed interest rates of 5%, lower than both Direct Unsubsidized Loans and PLUS loans. They also allow 12 months of grace periods, while most other loans only offer six months of grace periods. In addition, health professions loans are subsidized, which means you don’t pay interest on the loan while you’re in school, nor do you pay additional loan fees.

However, they come with a few downsides: Not all schools participate, and there are no set borrowing limits. You also can’t tap into income-driven repayment plans or PSLF.

Private Student Loans for Pharmacy School

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 use FAFSA for pharmacy school?

Absolutely! It’s generally a smart idea to file the FAFSA for pharmacy school, no matter your financial situation. The FAFSA can give you access to a range of financial aid options, including scholarships (your school will consider your eligibility based on the FAFSA results), grants, loans, and work-study. You want to be able to put together the best financial aid options for your needs, and the best way to do that involves filing the FAFSA.

Does CVS or Walgreens pay for pharmacy school?

CVS and Walgreens both offer pharmacy scholarships, like the ones we listed above, the Walmart Health Equity Scholarship and the CVS Health Minority Scholarship for Pharmacy Students. If you work for either company, you may also qualify through each company’s employee tuition reimbursement program. Check with the human resources department at each company for more details.

How much can pharmacists make after graduating?

The 2023 median pay for pharmacists was $136,030 per year, or $65.40 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The job outlook for pharmacists is 3% from 2022 through 2032, which is as fast as average.

About the author

Melissa Brock

Photo credit: iStock/cagkansayin

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

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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SOIS-Q224-1902934-V1

Apr

2025

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

By Melissa Brock | Going to College, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off

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.

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.

About the author

Melissa Brock

Photo credit: iStock/FatCamera

SOIS-Q224-1902890-V1

How to Pay for an Associate Degree

What Is an Associate Degree?

How to Pay for an Associate Degree

Step 1: File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Step 2: Review your Student Aid Report (SAR).

Step 3: Look over your financial aid award.

Step 4: Evaluate your need for private student loans.

Paying Off Student Loans for an Associate Degree

Job Income

Start Early

Use Tax Deductions

Apply for Loan Forgiveness

Refinancing Student Loans

Refinancing Student Loans With SoFi

FAQ

How much are student loans for an associate degree?

Does FAFSA cover associate degrees?

Can you refinance after your associate degree?

Refinancing Student Loans vs Income Driven Repayment Plans

What Is Student Loan Refinancing?

Pros of Student Loan Refinancing

Cons of Student Loan Refinancing

What Are Income Driven Repayment Plans?

Pros of Income Driven Repayment Plans

Cons of Income Driven Repayment Plans

Refinancing vs Income Driven Repayment Plans

Choosing What Is Right for You

Refinancing Student Loans With SoFi

FAQ

Is income-contingent repayment a good idea?

What are the disadvantages of income based repayment?

Does income based repayment get forgiven?

Private Student Loan Forgiveness: What Is It & How Does It Work?

Student Loan Breaks for Many but Not All

Can Private Student Loans Be Forgiven?

Take control of your student loans. Ditch student loan debt for good.

Private Student Loan Debt Relief Options

2. Talk to Your Lender

3. Consider a Payment Pause

The Takeaway

Paying for Pharmacy School Need to Knows

How Much Does Pharmacy School Typically Cost?

Is Pharmacy School Worth It?

How Much Can Pharmacists Make?

9 Tips for Paying for Pharmacy School

1. Scholarships

University Scholarships

Pharmacy Scholarships

Private Scholarships

2. Grants

3. Federal Student Loans

Direct PLUS Loans

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

4. Private Student Loans

5. PSLF Programs

6. Pharmacy Internships

7. Work Part Time

8. Borrow From Family

9. HRSA Loans

Private Student Loans for Pharmacy School

FAQ

Can you use FAFSA for pharmacy school?

Does CVS or Walgreens pay for pharmacy school?

How much can pharmacists make after graduating?

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

How Much Does CRNA School Cost?

9 Tips to Help You Pay for CRNA School

1. Choose a Less Expensive School

2. Save Money

3. FAFSA and Financial Aid

4. Work More

5. Getting an Employer to Pay for Your Education

6. Grants

7. Scholarships

8. Private Student Loans

9. Direct PLUS Loans

How Much CRNAs Can Expect to Make?

The Takeaway

FAQ

Can you get paid for going to CRNA school?

Take control of your student loans.
Ditch student loan debt for good.

Student Loan
Refinancing

Personal
Loans

Online
Investments