How long do doctors take to pay off loans?

Asked by: Estrella Hoppe  |  Last update: August 26, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (64 votes)

Average Time to Pay Off Medical School Debt. The standard federal student loan repayment time is 10 years. Due to the size of most medical school debts, students may enroll in an income-driven repayment plan (IDR). IDR plans can last 20-25 years.

How long does it take to pay off medical loans?

Depending on various factors, paying off medical school loans might take 10 to 30 years. According to a study from Weatherby Healthcare, 25% of doctors expect to take six to 10 years to pay off their student loan debt, while 34% expect to take at least 10 years to pay off their student loans.

What is the average age doctors pay off debt?

Consistent and on-time payments will see an average medical graduate concluding loan repayments around age 50. This long-term commitment underscores the need for strategic financial planning, as it will significantly influence the personal and professional aspects of a physician's life for decades.

What is the average debt of a doctor?

Between medical school and undergraduate study, physicians must pay for 8 years of postsecondary education before they can work as doctors. Medical school graduates owe an average of $243,483 in total educational debt, premedical debt included.

How to pay off $100k in debt in 2 years?

How To Eliminate $100,000 of Debt
  1. Recognize You Have a Big Problem on Your Hands. ...
  2. Make a Plan. ...
  3. List Out All Your Debts. ...
  4. Create a Hard Budget. ...
  5. Focus On Paying Off Debts With the Highest Interest Rates First. ...
  6. Don't Skimp On an Emergency Fund. ...
  7. Get a Personal Loan To Consolidate Debt. ...
  8. Consider Debt Resolution (Settlement)

I'm $415,000 in Medical School Debt!!

33 related questions found

Is 200k a lot in student loans?

A student loan balance of $200,000 is comparable to a mortgage, making it a significant financial obligation you'll likely manage for years.

Do most doctors pay off their debt?

Nearly three-quarters (74%) were medical school debt-free in five years or less, while 47% had paid off their loans in two years or less.

Are med school loans forgiven after 10 years?

Through this program, physicians working at eligible nonprofit or government organizations can have the remaining federal student loan debt forgiven after 10 years of repayment (120 qualifying payments) and you'll also be able to enroll in an IDR plan.

What is the average wealth of a doctor?

About 51% of doctors reach a net worth of $1 million or more, but this changes a lot based on their age and area of work. Younger doctors, especially those just starting out, usually have lower net worths. This is because they often have student loans and haven't had enough time to grow their savings.

Is being a doctor financially worth it?

Earning 4-5 times the average is a great income. You can have a wonderful financial life on an income of $275,000. You can pay off your debts, live comfortably, never worry about money, become financially independent by mid-career, help others, and even buy a few luxuries along the way.

How much does 8 years of medical school cost?

The cost of eight years of medical school, which includes four years of undergraduate education and 4 years of medical school, can be substantial. The combined cost for eight years of education can range from $309,232 to $442,384, excluding additional expenses such as room, board, and books.

Do you get paid during residency?

Some larger healthcare organizations offer competitive residency programs with supplemental compensation networks in addition to a base salary. Kaiser Permanente's Southern California residency program, for instance, provides benefits such as a housing stipend and meal allowance.

Does medical debt go away after 7 years?

It takes seven years for medical debt to disappear from your credit report. And even then, the debt never actually goes away. If you've had a recent hospital stay or an unpleasant visit to your doctor, worrying about the credit bureaus is likely the last thing you want to do.

How much do doctors take out in loans?

A 2023 study involving 15,000 new doctors revealed that the average student loan debt stands at approximately $200,000. Among the participants, 25% reported debts ranging from $200,000 to $300,000, while the remainder indicated that their loans were below $200,000 after four years of medical school.

How long do doctors have to pay off student loans?

Data Summary. Each year, thousands of medical school students graduate with roughly $3 billion in total student loan debt. In 2023, the median medical school debt was $200,000. Borrowers with medical school debt may take 20-25 years to repay federal loans in income-driven repayment (IDR) plans.

How much debt is 4 years of medical school?

Here's a look at the average medical school debt and earnings for graduates nationwide, based on information from the AAMC and the Bureau of Labor Statistics: Average medical school debt: $200,000. Average education debt after medical school: $203,062.

Which Med schools are tuition free?

Tyson School of Medicine. This Pasadena, California-based medical school is the only truly free medical school in the United States. It charges no tuition, fees, or health insurance premiums, and it has no strings attached like the USUHS does. However, given its location, it might not be the cheapest option.

Why are doctors paid so much?

One basic reason why doctors earn a lot is that medical care costs a lot, researchers say. And the federal government largely sets those prices. Medicare, the federal insurance program, establishes prices for medical services.

Can physicians write off bad debt?

If a patient has an outstanding balance with your practice, you have the right to attempt to collect that debt, regardless of how long it has been or whether you have already written off the debt. The write-off is an internal issue in your practice; it's not an agreement with patients to erase a debt.

What is the average monthly payment for medical school loans?

On a standard 10-year plan, monthly payments for the median medical school debt of $200,000 at 7.00% interest are just over $2,300 per month.

Is $50,000 in student loans bad?

Having $50,000 in student loan debt can be a tremendous financial burden. Depending on your interest rate and the types of loans you have, the payments can amount to a very large portion of your monthly budget.

How many people have more than $1000000 in student loans?

Due to escalating tuition and easy credit, the U.S. has 101 people who owe at least $1 million in federal student loans, according to the Education Department. Five years ago, 14 people owed that much. More could join that group.