You’ve worked hard, cared deeply, and spent years building your nursing career. But student loans? They’ve stuck around longer than they should. If you’re still carrying student loan debt as a nurse, you’re not alone. Whether you’re thinking about slowing down, retiring, or just getting ahead financially, now is the time to take control and lighten the load.
This guide will help you move forward without student debt holding you back.
Why Is Student Debt Still Hanging Around?
Nursing isn’t just a job, it’s a profession that often requires lifelong learning. From your first degree to continuing education, certifications, and advanced licenses, tuition costs add up. For many nurses, that means student loan balances that linger well into mid-career or beyond. Rising interest rates and long repayment terms can make the debt feel never-ending. But it doesn’t have to be.
What You Can Do Today to Tackle Student Loan Debt
1. See If You Qualify for Loan Forgiveness
If you’ve worked in nonprofit hospitals, clinics, or government roles, you may be eligible for forgiveness through programs like:
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program
- Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) forgiveness
Even if you haven’t hit the required number of payments yet, it may be closer than you think.
2. Check for State and Employer Repayment Programs
Many states and hospital systems offer student loan repayment assistance for experienced nurses. It’s often underutilized, so check with HR or your state board of nursing.
3. Consider Refinancing Carefully
If forgiveness programs aren’t an option, refinancing may help reduce your interest rate or shorten your loan term. Just be aware that refinancing federal loans with a private lender means losing access to federal benefits like PSLF or IDR plans.
4. Consolidate and Strategize
If you’re juggling student loans along with credit card or personal loan debt, debt consolidation is an extremely effective method for you. It can simplify your payments, reduce stress, and create a clearer path toward financial freedom.
How Salarly Can Help You Regain Control
If you are still balancing student loan payments with other responsibilities, Salarly can support your financial goals.
Salarly is a financial wellness tool designed specifically for healthcare professionals. Here’s what it offers:
- Borrow up to $15,000 (loan offer is tailored to each applicant)
- Receive funds in 1 to 3 business days
- No hidden fees or prepayment penalties
- Repayments are automatically deducted from your paycheck
- 100% online
Use it to pay down high-interest debt, student loan debt for nurses, build an emergency fund, or free up cash flow to focus on student loan payments. With Salarly, you stay organized and avoid falling into costly traps like credit cards or payday loans. If you are looking into consolidating debt, Salarly is a great tool. Streamlined loans from Salarly make it easier to improve your financial wellness.
Break Free, One Step at a Time
Student loan debt shouldn’t follow you into the next phase of life. With the right plan, support, and financial tools, you can move forward feeling confident, clear, and in control.
FAQs: Student Loan Debt for Nurses
Can nurses still get student loan forgiveness after many years in the field?
Yes. If you’ve worked in public or nonprofit healthcare for 10 years or more, you may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Use the PSLF Help Tool to check eligibility.
What if I’m close to retirement and still have student loans?
You may still qualify for forgiveness or refinancing options. Nurses can use Salarly to consolidate other debts and reduce financial pressure as they plan their next steps.
Best tools to pay down student loans directly?
Salarly is a great tool to help pay down student loans. It can help you manage other financial needs so you can focus on paying off your student loans more aggressively, meanwhile repayments will be linked to your paycheck, breaking the debt cycle!
