Is it hard to pay off law school debt?
Asked by: Jodie Mueller DVM | Last update: August 10, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (40 votes)
First, the bad news: students are graduating from law school with an average debt of more than $139,000. Now the good news: paying off a debt that big is not only possible, but it can be done without undue agony or years of financial insecurity. It takes discipline, patience and a strict budget.
Is it worth going into debt for law school?
Many law school students borrow heavily to cover high tuition and other education costs. For some, the cost may be worth it, though it depends on the school and the career pursued after. Potential post-law school earnings vary widely by specialty, firm size, location, and other factors.
What is the average repayment of law school debt?
Graduates may also opt for an extended repayment plan with a 25-year loan term. While the median graduate at the median law school ($109,256 total borrowed) owes $574 per month on the 10-year plan, they owe $574 per month on the 25-year plan.
How do you survive financially in law school?
Financial aid is available. The primary funding options are Scholarships and grants—the “free” money this is either funded by your law school or funded by private organizations, civic groups, etc.; Loans which can be federal loans or private/alternative/institutional loans.
Is $100,000 in student debt bad?
For ANY bachelor's degree, $100000 is a huge debt. For anything other than a bachelor's in Computer Science, Engineering, or Nursing, a student debt of $100000 is **INSANE** and **CATASTROPHIC**. This is way, way too much debt.
How to Minimize Law School Debt
Can I buy a house with 100k in student loans?
Yes, home buyers with student loans can qualify for a mortgage because you don't need to be 100% debt-free to buy a house. However, when a lender evaluates your application, they will look at your current debt, including your student loans.
How to pay off $100k in debt in 2 years?
- Recognize You Have a Big Problem on Your Hands. ...
- Make a Plan. ...
- List Out All Your Debts. ...
- Create a Hard Budget. ...
- Focus On Paying Off Debts With the Highest Interest Rates First. ...
- Don't Skimp On an Emergency Fund. ...
- Get a Personal Loan To Consolidate Debt. ...
- Consider Debt Resolution (Settlement)
Is it easy to pay off law school debt?
It takes discipline, patience and a strict budget. Most important, it takes a plan. “Graduating with six figures of debt isn't easy,” according to the website Student Loan Hero. “With the average amount of law school debt coming in at more than $139,000, it's the second-most expensive graduate degree out there.
Is being a lawyer financially stable?
California has the highest average salary for lawyers, only being surpassed by the District of Columbia, where lawyers command an average annual salary of $226,510.
How much does the average person pay for law school?
How Much Does US Law School Cost? The average cost of private law school tuition in the US is $53,034 a year. Public in-state tuition is $29,610 a year, and out-of-state tuition is $42,754 a year.
What is the average debt after law school in Canada?
A 2018 survey suggests the average law student in Canada has $71,444 of student debt. It is important for high school students who want to be a lawyer to ask some hard questions sooner rather than later.
How do I get out of law school debt?
- Go for PSLF in a public interest law job.
- Use PAYE or REPAYE for a 20-25 year forgiveness strategy in the private sector.
- Aggressively pay back all your debt and become debt free as quickly as possible.
Are most lawyers in debt?
Of lawyers surveyed by the American Bar Association (ABA), 85 percent borrowed money to cover their studies, with the average law school debt exceeding $100,000. Luckily, there are a few alternatives law school grads can explore to reduce their debt burden and make payments more manageable.
How long to pay off 200k law school debt?
How long does it take to pay off $200,000 in loans? If you choose the standard 10-year repayment plan, you'll pay off your loans in a decade. Longer plans, like those with 15- or 20-year terms, reduce monthly payments but significantly increase the total interest you'll pay over time.
What is the dropout rate for law school?
The 2023 law school attrition rate was 3.8 percent, varying across demographics and institutions. This article delves into the types of attrition, the schools with the highest rates, and the impact of these rates on student choices and institutional policies.
Is law school harder than med school?
Although both law and medical schools present their unique challenges, it's generally accepted that medical school demands a higher level of intense coursework and thorough training.
Are lawyers becoming oversaturated?
Law School Myth 5:
The job market for lawyers is oversaturated. While it is true that there are more law school graduates than there are jobs available in some markets, the job market for lawyers is actually quite strong overall.
What type of lawyer makes the most money?
Patent Attorney Salary
Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.
Is law school worth it financially?
Earn More Money Over Your Lifetime
Starting salaries may dissuade you from investing in law school. Nevertheless, research shows that "law degree holders' earnings grow rapidly and peak late in life," suggesting better financial outcomes than forgoing a JD degree.
How do you pay for law school if you're poor?
You can borrow up to the remaining cost of attendance at your law school, minus other aid you've received. You can apply for all federal student loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Can law school loans be forgiven?
Student loan forgiveness and repayment programs can erase some or all of your federal student loan debt for law school and possibly even private student loan debt. Income-driven repayment plans, while not specific to the law field, will cancel your remaining federal student loan debt after 10 to 25 years of repayment.
Is 70k in student loans bad?
What is considered a lot of student loan debt? A lot of student loan debt is more than you can afford to repay after graduation. For many, this means having more than $70,000 – $100,000 in total student debt.
Is $30,000 in debt a lot?
The bottom line. While $30,000 in credit card debt can feel overwhelming, credit card debt forgiveness could be an option worth considering to help lower the amount you owe. As you consider your options, you may also want to weigh whether debt consolidation, debt management or a balance transfer make more sense.
Is 20k in debt a lot?
U.S. consumers carry $6,501 in credit card debt on average, according to Experian data, but if your balance is much higher—say, $20,000 or beyond—you may feel hopeless. Paying off a high credit card balance can be a daunting task, but it is possible.