Path & Career ROI

Average cost of each path, typical salaries, and how long it takes to pay off the investment.

Apprenticeship

Program cost (tuition & fees): $4,000
Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation): $0
Estimated total cost of attendance: $4,000

Living at home

avg total · ~4 years

Trade school

Program cost (tuition & fees): $16,500
Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation): $0
Estimated total cost of attendance: $16,500

Living at home

avg total · ~1.5 years

Community college

Program cost (tuition & fees): $8,300
Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation): $0
Estimated total cost of attendance: $8,300

Living at home

avg total · ~2 years

4-year university

Program cost (tuition & fees): $47,800
Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation): $76,160
Estimated total cost of attendance: $123,960

Living at home

avg total · ~4 years

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How payoff time is estimated

We show the full cost of attendance, not just tuition. Program cost is what the school charges. Living costs are national estimates; yours may be lower if you live at home or higher in an expensive city. Most students borrow for both, so we include both in your loan and payoff estimates. Enter your school’s real numbers in the custom calculator for the most accurate picture.

Dependent undergraduate Direct Loans use 6.52%, Parent PLUS uses 9.07%, and graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loans use 8.07%. Annual and lifetime limits apply; no Grad PLUS for new borrowers.
Any remaining gap uses private loans at 10% (example rate). Each loan has a standard fixed monthly payment over 10 years after training; payoff time is the longest repayment term, not the time until school pays for itself.
Pay starts at the career's starting salary and grows 3% each year. When we don't have a verified starting salary yet, we use the typical salary, which is usually higher than starting pay.
Cost includes the training path, plus supplied graduate costs when available. Missing graduate costs are not estimated. No scholarships, grants or savings are subtracted here; add them in the custom calculator.

Career	Path	Avg. cost	Salary used	Trend	Rank	Payoff time	Estimated monthly payments
Electrician Skilled trades	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$49,430 Starting salary	Rising fast +11%	#21	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Plumber Skilled trades	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$50,190 Starting salary	Rising +6%	#45	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
HVAC Technician Skilled trades	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$48,360 Starting salary	Rising +9%	#26	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Welder Skilled trades	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$46,790 Starting salary	Steady +2%	#85	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Automotive Technician Skilled trades	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$38,900 Starting salary	Steady +3%	#77	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Carpenter Skilled trades	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$48,510 Starting salary	Rising +4%	#65	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Construction Manager Skilled trades	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$88,550 Starting salary	Rising +9%	#27	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Dental Hygienist Health	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$83,570 Starting salary	Rising +9%	#28	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
Registered Nurse (ADN) Health	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$80,330 Starting salary	Rising +6%	#46	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
Radiologic Technologist Health	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$64,810 Starting salary	Rising +6%	#47	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
Medical Sonographer Health	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$80,430 Starting salary	Rising fast +15%	#15	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
Physical Therapist Assistant Health	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$59,820 Starting salary	Rising fast +19%	#9	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
Physician Health	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $222,392 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $204,184 Estimated total cost of attendance $426,576	$162,420 Starting salary	Rising +4%	#66	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loan: $998/mo · 8.07% Private loan: $3,338/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Pharmacist Health	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $159,708 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $177,760 Estimated total cost of attendance $337,468	$129,380 Starting salary	Steady +3%	#78	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loan: $998/mo · 8.07% Private loan: $2,160/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Physical Therapist Health	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $152,360 Estimated total cost of attendance $200,160	$86,160 Starting salary	Rising fast +15%	#16	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loan: $748/mo · 8.07% Private loan: $617/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner. Graduate tuition not supplied; living included. Enter tuition in the calculator.
Dentist Health	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $235,260 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $177,760 Estimated total cost of attendance $413,020	$125,710 Starting salary	Rising +5%	#58	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loan: $998/mo · 8.07% Private loan: $3,159/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Veterinarian Health	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $204,188 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $177,760 Estimated total cost of attendance $381,948	$101,460 Starting salary	Rising fast +19%	#10	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loan: $998/mo · 8.07% Private loan: $2,748/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Occupational Therapist Health	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $73,000 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $126,960 Estimated total cost of attendance $199,960	$82,510 Starting salary	Rising fast +11%	#22	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loan: $499/mo · 8.07% Private loan: $885/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Speech-Language Pathologist Health	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $73,000 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $126,960 Estimated total cost of attendance $199,960	$77,730 Starting salary	Rising fast +18%	#11	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loan: $499/mo · 8.07% Private loan: $885/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Web Developer Technology	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$64,230 Starting salary	Rising +8%	#31	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
IT Support Specialist Technology	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$49,000 Starting salary	Rising +6%	#48	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
Software Engineer Technology	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$105,210 Starting salary	Rising fast +17%	#13	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Data Scientist Technology	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$85,660 Starting salary	Rising fast +36%	#3	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Cybersecurity Analyst Technology	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$97,810 Starting salary	Rising fast +33%	#5	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
UX Designer Technology	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$73,290 Starting salary	Rising +8%	#32	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Computer Systems Analyst Technology	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$82,860 Starting salary	Rising fast +11%	#23	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Accountant Business	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$67,020 Starting salary	Rising +6%	#49	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Financial Analyst Business	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$79,290 Starting salary	Rising +9%	#29	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Marketing Manager Business	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$123,020 Starting salary	Rising +8%	#33	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Human Resources Specialist Business	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$58,610 Starting salary	Rising +8%	#34	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Actuary Business	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$97,680 Starting salary	Rising fast +22%	#7	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Management Consultant Business	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$77,950 Starting salary	Rising fast +11%	#24	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Real Estate Agent Business	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$40,040 Starting salary	Steady +3%	#79	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Mechanical Engineer Engineering	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$84,130 Starting salary	Rising fast +11%	#25	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Civil Engineer Engineering	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$79,930 Starting salary	Rising +6%	#50	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Electrical Engineer Engineering	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$92,830 Starting salary	Rising +9%	#30	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Aerospace Engineer Engineering	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$106,110 Starting salary	Rising +6%	#51	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Biomedical Engineer Engineering	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$86,980 Starting salary	Rising +7%	#39	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Environmental Engineer Engineering	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$83,570 Starting salary	Rising +7%	#40	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Teacher Education	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$59,980 Starting salary	Steady +1%	#89	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
School Counselor Education	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $73,000 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $126,960 Estimated total cost of attendance $199,960	$51,270 Starting salary	Rising +4%	#67	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loan: $499/mo · 8.07% Private loan: $885/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Special Education Teacher Education	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$59,770 Starting salary	Steady +1%	#90	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Librarian Education	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $73,000 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $126,960 Estimated total cost of attendance $199,960	$56,310 Starting salary	Steady +3%	#80	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loan: $499/mo · 8.07% Private loan: $885/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Graphic Designer Arts & media	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$49,040 Starting salary	Steady +2%	#86	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Interior Designer Arts & media	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$51,840 Starting salary	Rising +4%	#68	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Film & Video Editor Arts & media	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$52,720 Starting salary	Steady +3%	#81	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Architect Arts & media	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$77,960 Starting salary	Rising +8%	#35	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Journalist Arts & media	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$45,370 Starting salary	Declining -3%	#96	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Paralegal Law & public service	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$50,340 Starting salary	Steady +1%	#91	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
Lawyer Law & public service	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $191,248 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $152,360 Estimated total cost of attendance $343,608	$102,990 Starting salary	Rising +5%	#59	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loan: $748/mo · 8.07% Private loan: $2,512/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Police Officer Law & public service	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$59,290 Starting salary	Steady +3%	#82	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Social Worker Law & public service	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$48,270 Starting salary	Rising +7%	#41	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Biologist Science	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$76,800 Starting salary	Rising +5%	#60	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Chemist Science	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$69,460 Starting salary	Rising +6%	#52	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Environmental Scientist Science	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$64,490 Starting salary	Rising +7%	#42	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Geologist Science	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$75,110 Starting salary	Rising +5%	#61	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Psychologist Science	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$73,210 Starting salary	Rising +7%	#43	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Ironworker Skilled trades	Apprenticeship	Program cost (tuition & fees) $4,000 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $4,000	$49,880 Starting salary	Rising +4%	#69	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $45/mo · 6.52%
Electrical Lineworker Skilled trades	Apprenticeship	Program cost (tuition & fees) $4,000 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $4,000	$67,270 Starting salary	Rising +6%	#53	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $45/mo · 6.52%
Elevator Mechanic Skilled trades	Apprenticeship	Program cost (tuition & fees) $4,000 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $4,000	$79,290 Starting salary	Rising +5%	#62	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $45/mo · 6.52%
Sheet Metal Worker Skilled trades	Apprenticeship	Program cost (tuition & fees) $4,000 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $4,000	$47,830 Starting salary	Steady +1%	#92	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $45/mo · 6.52%
Pipefitter / Steamfitter Skilled trades	Apprenticeship	Program cost (tuition & fees) $4,000 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $4,000	$50,190 Starting salary	Rising +6%	#54	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $45/mo · 6.52%
Mason / Bricklayer Skilled trades	Apprenticeship	Program cost (tuition & fees) $4,000 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $4,000	$51,110 Starting salary	Steady +1%	#93	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $45/mo · 6.52%
Roofer Skilled trades	Apprenticeship	Program cost (tuition & fees) $4,000 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $4,000	$46,260 Starting salary	Steady +2%	#87	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $45/mo · 6.52%
Heavy Equipment Operator Skilled trades	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$48,680 Starting salary	Rising +4%	#70	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Wind Turbine Technician Skilled trades	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$58,840 Starting salary	Rising fast +60%	#1	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Solar Panel Installer Skilled trades	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$46,700 Starting salary	Rising fast +22%	#8	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Diesel Mechanic Skilled trades	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$50,540 Starting salary	Rising +4%	#71	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Aircraft Mechanic Skilled trades	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$62,630 Starting salary	Rising +5%	#63	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Construction Estimator Skilled trades	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$61,150 Starting salary	Declining -1%	#94	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
Surveyor Engineering	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$58,170 Starting salary	Steady +2%	#88	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Industrial Engineer Engineering	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$83,600 Starting salary	Rising fast +12%	#20	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Robotics Technician Engineering	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$59,780 Starting salary	Rising +4%	#72	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
Licensed Practical Nurse Health	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$59,000 Starting salary	Steady +3%	#83	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Registered Nurse (BSN) Health	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$80,330 Starting salary	Rising +6%	#55	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Nurse Practitioner Health	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $73,000 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $126,960 Estimated total cost of attendance $199,960	$117,990 Starting salary	Rising fast +46%	#2	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loan: $499/mo · 8.07% Private loan: $885/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Physician Assistant Health	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $104,025 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $133,310 Estimated total cost of attendance $237,335	$120,670 Starting salary	Rising fast +28%	#6	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loan: $748/mo · 8.07% Private loan: $1,108/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Paramedic Health	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$49,660 Starting salary	Rising +6%	#56	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Medical Assistant Health	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$38,470 Starting salary	Rising fast +15%	#17	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Respiratory Therapist Health	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$74,520 Starting salary	Rising fast +13%	#19	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
Surgical Technologist Health	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$54,690 Starting salary	Rising +5%	#64	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
Cloud Engineer Technology	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$104,620 Starting salary	Rising fast +15%	#18	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
AI / Machine Learning Engineer Technology	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $73,000 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $126,960 Estimated total cost of attendance $199,960	$103,570 Starting salary	Rising fast +36%	#4	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loan: $499/mo · 8.07% Private loan: $885/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Network Administrator Technology	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$78,010 Starting salary	Declining -3%	#97	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
Video Game Developer Technology	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$105,210 Starting salary	Rising fast +17%	#14	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Sales Manager Business	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$100,360 Starting salary	Rising +4%	#73	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Supply Chain Manager Business	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$64,440 Starting salary	Rising fast +18%	#12	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Insurance Agent Business	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$46,870 Starting salary	Rising +6%	#57	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
Project Manager Business	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$78,440 Starting salary	Rising +7%	#44	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Bank Teller Business	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$37,040 Starting salary	Declining -15%	#99	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
Firefighter Law & public service	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$44,490 Starting salary	Rising +4%	#74	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Court Reporter Law & public service	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$53,760 Starting salary	Declining -2%	#95	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
Research Scientist Science	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$79,840 Starting salary	Rising +8%	#36	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Content Producer Arts & media	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$62,670 Starting salary	Rising +8%	#37	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Animator Arts & media	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$75,490 Starting salary	Rising +4%	#75	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Photographer Arts & media	Trade school	Program cost (tuition & fees) $16,500 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $16,500	$36,050 Starting salary	Rising +4%	#76	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $136/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $57/mo · 9.07%
Print Journalist (Newspaper) Arts & media	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$45,370 Starting salary	Declining -8%	#98	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.
Early Childhood Educator Education	Community college	Program cost (tuition & fees) $8,300 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $0 Estimated total cost of attendance $8,300	$34,530 Starting salary	Steady +3%	#84	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $94/mo · 6.52%
College Professor Education	4-year university	Program cost (tuition & fees) $47,800 Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) $76,160 Estimated total cost of attendance $123,960	$62,500 Starting salary	Rising +8%	#38	10 yrs	Federal Direct Loan (student): $307/mo · 6.52% Parent PLUS Loan: $826/mo · 9.07% Private loan: $422/mo · 10% Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.

Starting salary = 25th percentile wage, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

Rates and limits apply to loans first disbursed July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. Families who borrowed before July 1, 2026 may qualify for older limits. Check studentaid.gov.

Click any career for details. Estimates based on national averages; your actual costs depend on school and aid.

Compare your paths

Trade school, apprenticeship, community college or a 4-year degree — what each looks like over 5, 10 and 20 years.

Rising fast +11%

Apprenticeship

Training time: 4 yrs
Paid while training: $27,187/yr
Starting salary: $49,430

Program cost (tuition & fees): $4,000
Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation): $0
Estimated total cost of attendance: $4,000

Living at home

5 yrs

$157,638

10 yrs

$425,242

20 yrs

$1,099,703

✓ Get paid while you train
✓ Little or no debt
✓ Direct path to a licensed job
– Competitive to get into
– Physically demanding work
– Longer training (3-5 yrs)

Trade school

Training time: 1.5 yrs
Paid while training: —
Starting salary: $49,430

Program cost (tuition & fees): $16,500
Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation): $0
Estimated total cost of attendance: $16,500

Living at home

5 yrs

$172,818

10 yrs

$456,606

20 yrs

$1,193,652

✓ Fast — working in 1-2 years
✓ Low cost
✓ Hands-on, in-demand skills
– Lower pay ceiling without more training
– Some jobs are physically demanding

Community college

Best 20-year outcome

Training time: 2 yrs
Paid while training: —
Starting salary: $51,902

Program cost (tuition & fees): $8,300
Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation): $0
Estimated total cost of attendance: $8,300

Living at home

5 yrs

$157,040

10 yrs

$452,506

20 yrs

$1,203,976

✓ Cheapest college credits
✓ Live at home
✓ Can transfer to a 4-year school
– Fewer campus activities
– Some careers need a bachelor's later

Total earned minus full attendance costs (paid with the shared federal-first loan mix over 10 years), with 3% yearly raises. Rough national estimates — real pay varies by location and employer. All numbers are estimates. Actual costs, aid, interest rates and salaries vary by school, lender and location. Check with your school's financial aid office and your loan servicer.

This calculator and debt warnings are free. The optional upgrade adds saving and comparing scenarios.

Your custom ROI calculator

Pull in your matched careers and colleges, then adjust every number to fit your real situation.

Career / degree

College

Annual undergraduate / training costs

Living at home

Program cost (tuition & fees) / year

Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation) / year

Years of school

Starting salary

Program cost (tuition & fees): $47,800
Estimated living costs (housing, food, books, transportation): $76,160
Estimated total cost of attendance: $123,960

Money you don't pay back

Scholarships / yr

Grants / yr

Savings (total)

Your loans

Private loan rate (%)

Default 10% is an example rate, not a loan offer.

Student Direct 6.52% · Parent PLUS 9.07% · Graduate Direct 8.07%

Federal loans won’t cover this full cost. Private loans usually have fewer protections and may require a cosigner.

Amount ($)

Rate (%)

Term (yrs)

Amount ($)

Rate (%)

Term (yrs)

Amount ($)

Rate (%)

Term (yrs)

Scholarships & grants

Still needed

$123,960

Borrowed

$123,960

Estimated monthly payment

$1,555

Total interest

$62,648

Paid off in

10 yrs

Of your salary

18%

Estimated monthly loan payment

$1,555/mo

Federal Direct Loan (student) · $27,000 at 6.52% for 10 yrsest. $307/mo
Parent PLUS Loan · $65,000 at 9.07% for 10 yrsest. $826/mo
Private loan · $31,960 at 10% for 10 yrsest. $422/mo

Total paid back: $186,608 · Interest: $62,648

Heads up: experts suggest keeping loan payments under ~10–15% of your salary.

Your ROI, step by step

1. What you can expect to make

$105,210/yr

about $8,768/mo before taxes

2. Estimated monthly loan payment

$1,555/mo

18% of your pay · paid off in 10 yrs

3. Break-even point

~5.8 yrs

years from your first day of school until your pay covers school + all loan payments

4. Net after 10 years

$568,581

5. Net after 20 years

$1,934,097

Net = total earned − total paid for school and loans. Estimates only; your rates and pay may vary.

How we calculate your ROI

School years: full attendance includes program tuition and fees plus estimated housing, food, books and transportation, including graduate years. Living at home sets living costs to zero. Graduate tuition and living are separate, so neither is counted twice. Apprentices earn about 55% of full pay while training.
After school: you start at the career's starting salary, with 3% raises each year. If we don't have a verified starting salary yet, we use the typical salary for all experience levels and mark it as an estimate, because starting pay is usually lower.
Loan payments: scholarships, grants and savings reduce costs first. Dependent undergraduate costs use student Direct Loans at 6.52%, then Parent PLUS at 9.07%, up to annual and lifetime limits. Graduate costs use Direct Unsubsidized Loans at 8.07%, then private loans; Grad PLUS is unavailable to new borrowers. Any remaining gap uses an editable private rate (default 10% is an example). Each loan has its own standard fixed monthly payment over 10 years unless you edit the term. Payments start after training in this estimate; actual repayment timing may differ.
Break-even: the point (counted from your first day of school) when your total pay adds up to everything school costs you — out-of-pocket costs plus every loan payment, interest included.
10- and 20-year net: total earned minus total paid for school and loans, counted from your first day of school. Bigger is better.

Pay is before taxes and post-training living expenses. Living costs during school are included in attendance costs; this is not take-home savings.

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All numbers are estimates. Actual costs, aid, interest rates and salaries vary by school, lender and location. Check with your school's financial aid office and your loan servicer. Housing, food and books are rough averages — see each school's cost-of-attendance page.

Rates and limits apply to loans first disbursed July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. Families who borrowed before July 1, 2026 may qualify for older limits. Check studentaid.gov.