What is the average student loan debt for a lawyer?

Asked by: Gerda Sipes II  |  Last update: September 1, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (6 votes)

The average law student graduates with $130,000 in student loan debt, according to the American Bar Association (ABA). Additionally, many new lawyers end up with lower annual incomes than their total loan balances, which can make it difficult to repay the debt.

How long does it take to pay off student loans as a lawyer?

19.1 years is how long it will take the average lawyer working in the public sector to pay off their loans if they use 25% of their income. 9.9 years is how long it will take a lawyer working in the private sector to pay off their loans following CFPB guidelines.

How much is a $30,000 student loan per month?

A $30,000 private student loan can cost approximately $159.51 per month to $737.38 per month, depending on your interest rate and the term you choose. But, you may be able to cut your cost by comparing your options, improving your credit score or getting a cosigner.

Is 200k student debt a lot?

According to StudentAid.gov, about 900,000 borrowers owed $200,000 or more in federal student loans, as of the second quarter of 2023. So if you carry a large student debt, rest assured you aren't alone.

How much student loan for law school?

Law students may borrow up to a total of $20,500 in the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program each academic year from the US Department of Education. Interest starts accruing as “simple” interest (it is not compounding while you are in school) once the loan is disbursed.

How to Minimize Law School Debt

23 related questions found

What is the average law student debt?

Law school debt statistics

The average law school debt among graduates is $130,000, according to the Education Data Initiative (EDI).

What if I can't afford 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.

How many Americans have over $1000000 in student debt?

Behind the numbers (WSJ): 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.

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.

What is the average student debt after 4 years?

The average debt for a 4-year Bachelor's degree is $35,530. The average 4-year Bachelor's degree debt from a public college is $31,960. 61% of students who completed a Bachelor's degree have received student loans. The average 4-year Bachelor's degree debt from a private for-profit college is $47,730.

What is the smartest way to pay off student loans?

Here are seven strategies to help you pay off student loans fast.
  1. Make extra payments toward the principal. ...
  2. Enroll in autopay. ...
  3. Make biweekly payments. ...
  4. Pay off interest before it capitalizes. ...
  5. Stick to the standard repayment plan. ...
  6. Refinance if you have good credit, a steady job and private loans.

Is the average student loan debt for a four year degree is nearly $30000?

Nearly eight in ten students graduate with less than $30,000 in debt. Among those who do borrow, the average debt at graduation is $27,100 — or $6,775 for each year of a four-year degree at a public university.

How long does it take the average American to pay off student loans?

On average, people with student loans have spent just over 21 years paying back their loans. Federal student loans offer repayment plans that last from 10 to 30 years. Private student loan repayment terms vary.

Are most lawyers in debt?

Eighty-three percent of those with no loans would still get a JD, compared to 69% with student debt greater than $250,000. Finances are a worry for 67% all young lawyers and 68% of young lawyers with student debt, according to a Sept. 9 ABA press release summarizing the survey findings.

What lawyer makes the most?

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.

Do lawyers get loan forgiveness?

Attorneys employed by a government or nonprofit organization may receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Is $100,000 in student debt a lot?

$100k is a lot to pay off, and you'll need to make sure you always have a stream of income to cover your monthly loan payments,” he said.

Why is it so hard to pay off student loans?

If your monthly payment does not cover the accrued interest, your loan balance will go up, even though you're making payments. Unpaid interest will also capitalize each year until your total balance is 10% higher than the original balance. This means you will pay interest on your interest.

Is $70,000 a lot in student loans?

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.

What person has the highest student loan debt?

A large cadre of research now shows that student debt disproportionately burdens Black borrowers. Not only are Black students more likely to borrow, and to need to borrow more, but they struggle much more with paying back their loans.

Who is the dentist with a million dollar student loan?

Mike Meru, a 37-year-old orthodontist, made a big investment in his education. As of Thursday, he owed $1,060,945.42 in student loans. Mr. Meru pays only $1,589.97 a month—not enough to cover the interest, so his debt from seven years at the University of Southern California grows by $130 a day.

What is the average student loan debt for a bachelor's degree?

The average federal student loan debt is $37,853 per borrower. Outstanding private student loan debt totals $128.8 billion. The average student borrows over $30,000 to pursue a bachelor's degree.

What is the lowest GPA a law school will accept?

What Is the Lowest GPA For Law School? Since the majority of law schools require a GPA of 3.0 or higher, anything below a 3.0 is considered very low. Some of the absolute lowest GPA requirements for schools are 2.80.

What is a good LSAT score?

According to U.S. News, law school admissions experts recommend striving for at least a 150; however, for a top-ranking law school, you should aim for a 160 or better. For a Top 10 law school, a 170 or more is desired. Of course, this all depends on which schools you are applying to.

Will a 175 lsat get me a full ride?

Needs-based scholarships don't require a high LSAT score. However, to be considered for a merit-based scholarship, it's wise to have a score close to 170.