I took out $50k in loans for nursing school, thinking I’d pay them off fast with overtime and solid RN pay. But between rising interest rates, rent, and the cost of literally existing, my balance isn’t shrinking the way I expected. I throw extra money at it when I can, but it feels like I’m barely making a dent. Meanwhile, I see new nurses coming out with $80k+ in debt, and I wonder how anyone ever gets ahead. If you’ve actually paid off your loans, how did you do it? Did you pick up extra shifts, refinance, or leave bedside for a better-paying role?

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I’m an OT but had almost 100,000 in loans…I was able to pay off in 10 years but it was challenging. I had been renting and was discouraged by the rising cost in rent…I worked for a contract/travel company and was making 2200 a week for some assignments and was able to make a down payment on a condo …figured that my monthly mortgage payment would actually be much lower than renting and Hoa fees cover most utilities.. most of the $ from my paychecks went towards paying off my loans…it was hard to not really take vacations and shopping was limited but I paid it all off by the time I was 36..

Give yourself grace. Everything is really expensive right now.

Student loans can feel never-ending. Refinancing for lower interest rates, budgeting aggressively, or exploring travel nursing or specialty roles with higher pay might help. Side gigs or PRN shifts could speed things up too.

My loans are more now than when I took them out. Do what you can and the rest will follow.

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