Dec
18
2025
Two pre-med students in scrubs examine a human heart model in class. They are smiling and appear to be engaged in learning.

What Is the Best Pre-Med Major?

By | Going to College, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off on What Is the Best Pre-Med Major?

You may think biology or chemistry is the best college major if you want to attend medical school, but that’s not necessarily true. Getting into medical school is highly competitive, but you can typically choose any undergraduate major, as long as you meet medical school prerequisites.

The best pre-med major is whichever one aligns with your interests, goals, and aptitudes. It should also be one that won’t stand in the way of earning good grades, as a high GPA will improve your chances of getting accepted to medical school.

Here’s a closer look at the best majors for pre-med students so you can pick the field of study that’s the best fit for you.

Key Points

•  There is no specific best pre-med major; selection should align with a student’s personal interests and aptitudes.

•  Biology and chemistry are frequent choices, though not mandatory for medical school applications.

•  Non-science majors may be able to distinguish themselves from other applicants by offering unique perspectives and skills.

•  Majors in math and humanities have notable success rates in medical school admissions.

•  Academic performance, including GPA and MCAT scores, is essential for a strong medical school application.

What Is the Best Pre-Med Major?

The term pre-med indicates that you plan to apply to medical school after you earn your bachelor’s degree, but it doesn’t require a specific major. Instead, it means taking the necessary medical school prerequisite courses, such as biology and chemistry. Some points to consider:

•  As long as you take the prereq courses, you can major in any field of study, from biology to political science to English. Of course, choosing a major in the sciences could make it easier to fulfill your prerequisite course load. Plus, science courses may equip you with the concepts, vocabulary, and knowledge that could help you do well on the MCAT, the medical school admissions test, and in medical school in the future.

•  If, however, you know you’ll be devoting the rest of your life to the medical field, you may prefer to explore other interests in college, such as the humanities or math. Having a degree in a non-sciences field could also potentially help you stand out among the pool of applicants to medical school, especially if it equips you with a unique perspective or experiences.

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Best Pre-Med Major Based on Matriculation Rate

When considering the best majors for medical school, one statistic you can look at is matriculation rate. This lets you know, of incoming students with various majors, how many enrolled as a student. Here’s how the data breaks down by undergraduate major for 2024-2025, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

Major Total Applicants Total Matriculants Matriculation Rate
Biological Sciences 30,202 13,420 44.4%
Humanities 1,483 785 52.9%
Math and Statistics 321 170 53.5%
Other 8,726 3,616 41.4%
Physical Sciences 4,088 2,121 51.8%
Social Sciences 4,736 2,040 43%
Specialized Health Sciences 2,390 1,002 41.9%

As you can see, math and humanities majors have the highest matriculation rates into medical school, while “other” and specialized health sciences majors have the lowest. This data doesn’t necessarily mean that these are the best pre-med majors, though.

For one thing, there are a lot fewer humanities and math majors applying to medical school in the first place, which could suggest that those who do apply are highly motivated to study for the MCAT and accept admission.

By contrast, health sciences students have various fields open to them and may choose to go to nursing school or another alternative program rather than enrolling in medical school. The cost of medical school and the length and rigor of the program can mean it’s not for everyone.

For these reasons, you may find that the best major for med school is the one that you find most motivating and satisfying.

Recommended: The Basics of Student Loans

Best Pre-Med Major Based on Graduation Rate

Although the AAMC doesn’t share data on graduation rates by pre-med majors, it does reveal that the four-year graduation rate among all medical school students ranges from 80% to 84.1%. Six years after matriculating into medical school, the average graduation rate is 96.1% for non-dual degree MD students.

It’s worth considering how your choice of a major as a pre-med student will impact your chances of graduating on time. The medical school curriculum is science-based and will require you to understand scientific terms and use them in a sophisticated way in papers, projects, and exams.

If you choose a non-sciences undergraduate major, make sure to get up to speed on scientific concepts and terminology through your prerequisite courses, preparation for the MCAT, and other outside studies and experiences. While some sciences could seem like the best major for pre-med, they aren’t the only possibility.

Recommended: 8 Medical School Loan Forgiveness Programs for Doctors

Best Pre-Med Major Based on GPA and MCAT

Your GPA and MCAT play a major role in your chances of admission to medical school. Choosing a concentration where you can get good grades, may be a top priority when considering good majors for applying to a graduate school pre-med program.

According to AAMC data for academic year 2025-2026, math and statistics majors have the highest average GPA at 3.71. They also score highly on the MCAT, with an average total score of 511.6 (total MCAT scores range from 472 to 528).

Humanities and biological sciences majors follow close behind, with an average GPA of 3.68 and 3.67 respectively. Humanities majors beat out biological sciences majors in terms of MCAT scores, with an average score of 508.8 as compared to 506.3.

As with the other data points in this guide, remember that correlation does not equal causation. In other words, a math or humanities major doesn’t necessarily prepare you to score higher on the MCAT.

Since there are a lot fewer math and humanities applicants to medical school, this group may be more self-selecting and represent some of the most academically strong students. At the same time, this data should reassure you that choosing a non-sciences major won’t necessarily be a roadblock on your journey to medical school.

Major Total MCAT Score GPA
Biological Sciences 506.3 3.67
Humanities 508.8 3.68
Math and Statistics 511.6 3.71
Other 505.3 3.67
Physical Sciences 509.6 3.70
Social Sciences 505.8 3.62
Specialized Health Sciences 504.0 3.66

💡 Quick Tip: Federal parent PLUS loans might be a good candidate for refinancing to a lower rate.

Best Pre-Med Major Based on Number of Applicants

In the 2024 to 2025 school year, 51,946 students applied to medical school, according to the AAMC. Here’s how many of those students majored in the biological sciences, humanities, social sciences, and other majors.

Major Total Applicants Percentage of Total Applicants
Biological Sciences 30,202 58.1%
Humanities 1,483 2.8%
Math and Statistics 321 0.61%
Other 8,726 16.7%
Physical Sciences 4,008 7.7%
Social Sciences 4,736 9.1%
Specialized Health Sciences 2,390 4.6%

As you can see, more than half of applicants to medical school majored in the biological sciences. Majoring in biology can help you meet your prerequisite course load, as well as prepare you for the types of classes you’ll be taking in medical school.

However, majoring in biology isn’t required, and choosing an alternative major could help you stand out among applicants. When choosing a major, whether you’re aiming for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), consider what will best prepare you to meet your future goals, and commit yourself to earning a strong GPA and MCAT score.

Recommended: Private Student Loan Guide

Takeaway

There is no one best major for med school. While the majority of medical school applicants (58.1%) major in the biological sciences, that’s not required to get into medical school. While you may have to take some science class prerequisites as an undergraduate, your choice of major is entirely up to you.

As the data shows, choosing a non-science major isn’t necessarily an obstacle, as humanities and math majors had some of the highest GPAs and MCAT scores among all medical school applicants.

When choosing your college major, consider your personal interests and aptitudes, and work closely with your advisor to make sure you’re fulfilling all your major and pre-med requirements.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.


With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQ

What pre-med major has the highest matriculation rate?

The pre-med major that has the highest matriculation rate is math and statistics, with a rate of 53.5%, followed by humanities, with a rate of 52.9%, and physical sciences, with a rate of 51.8%, according to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) for the 2024-2025 academic year.

What major prepares you best for the MCATs?

While there is no “best” major for the MCATs, math and statistics majors have the highest average MCAT scores (511.6) followed by physical sciences (509.6), according to AAMC data for the 2025-2026 academic year. However, a major such as biology can provide a strong foundation for and an understanding of the material tested on the exam.

Do med schools like unique majors?

While majors such as biology and chemistry are common pre-med majors, a unique major may help a candidate stand out among applicants. Unique pre-med majors might include English, psychology, sociology, or philosophy, which could help a pre-med candidate develop skills like critical thinking, communication, and cultural understanding.

Photo credit: iStock/SDI Productions

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Dec
17
2025
A male medical student wearing scrubs, with a stethoscope around his neck, working on a tablet and sitting in front of a laptop.

Making Sense of the Rising Cost of Medical School

By | Debt Payoff, Fresh Out of School, Student Loans, student_loan | No Comments

The cost of medical school is rising at an alarming rate. According to the Education Data Initiative (EDI), the cost of attending medical school rises by more than $1,500 each year.

Thirty-five years ago, medical students graduated with an average of $32,000 in student loan debt. Now, the average medical school debt for graduates is $216,659 according to EDI, with 70% of students graduating with debt.

The rising cost of medical school, plus the daunting number of years of education and training, is making some prospective medical students ask: Is an M.D. really worth it?

To gain a better understanding of how much medical school actually costs, we’ll take a look at the costs of an M.D., and some ways young doctors can get out of medical school debt faster after graduation.

Key Points

•   High demand, limited spots, increased educational expenses, and reduced state funding for public colleges are some of the factors driving the rising cost of medical school.

•   The average debt for medical school graduates is $216,659, with 70% of students incurring debt.

•   Income-driven repayment plans, making extra payments, and student loan refinancing are options to manage medical school debt.

•   Making payments during residency may help shorten the debt repayment timeline.

•   Despite high costs and debt, a career in medicine can be financially and personally rewarding, which may help justify the investment for some students.

How Much Does Medical School Cost?

The average medical school tuition varies depending on factors like whether the student is attending a public or private university.

The average total cost of in-state tuition for a student at a public university is $161,222. At a private school, the average total cost is $255,497.

But that’s only the cost of tuition, fees, and insurance — there’s also living costs to consider, which is why it’s useful to consider the entire cost of attendance (COA).

Each school publishes the estimated costs of attendance for their program, which typically not only include tuition and fees, but also costs like room and board, college textbooks and supplies, and travel.

Why Is Medical School More Expensive Than Ever?

The rising cost of medical school tuition is part of a larger trend. According to the College Board’s Trends in College Pricing 2025 report, the cost of college tuition and fees at private, nonprofit, four-year institutions in America is 4% higher for the 2025-2026 school year than for the 2024-2025 academic year.

In general, college tuition has increased dramatically in the past 30 years, while wages have grown at a much slower rate. So what’s behind the dramatic uptick in college prices?

One factor is the demand for a college education has dramatically risen over the last three decades. In addition, there is a high demand for getting into medical school and a limited number of spots available.

Another factor is the increasing expenses colleges pay for educating and housing students and for administration and maintenance, among other costs, according to research by the Lumina Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on higher education.

And finally, there has been a decline in state funding for public colleges. According to a report by the National Education Association, 32 states spent less on public colleges and universities in 2020 than they did in 2008, which works out to an average of almost $1,500 less per student. That means students end up paying more for their education.

How Long Does Paying for Med School Take?

Many medical students apply for financial aid to cover their college price tag, which means they graduate with significant amounts of medical school debt.

How long it takes to pay back the debt depends on the student, the career path they take, and the medical loan repayments they make. However, the relatively low salaries young doctors earn during their residencies don’t typically allow for much opportunity to pay back loans until their first position after residency.

Let’s say, hypothetically, a borrower has federal Direct Loans and that they qualify for the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan, which is one of the income-driven repayment (IDR) plans.

In that situation, the monthly repayment would be capped at 10-15% of the borrower’s monthly discretionary income for a period of up to 25 years, after which time on the IBR plan, the remainder of their student loan debt is forgiven.

However, if after residency, the borrower in question gets a position with an income that’s too high to qualify for an IDR plan, they could currently switch to the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan for federal student loans and potentially pay off the loan more quickly.

It’s worth noting that student loan repayment plans will be changing in mid-2026 under President Trump’s big domestic policy bill that was signed into law. While the Standard Repayment Plan will continue to exist, there will be some changes to it. Starting on July 1, 2026, borrowers taking out new loans on this plan will have fixed payments over a term based on their loan amount. Borrowers with loans of less than $25,000 will have 10 years to repay what they owe, while those with loan amounts of $100,000 or more will have 25 years.

Also starting on July 1, 2026, there will only be one other repayment plan for borrowers to choose from: the Repayment Assistance Program (RAP), which is similar to an IDR plan. Payments on this plan may be 1% to 10% of a borrower’s discretionary income for a term of up to 30 years, after which time any remaining balance will be forgiven.

Is It Possible to Shorten the Medical Debt Payment Timeline?

Here are some tips for those medical school students and grads who are able to shorten their repayment timeline, which can lower the amount of student loan interest paid over the life of the loan and help them pay off their student loans faster.

Repaying Loans During Residency

It is possible to start paying down medical school debt in residency. While some students may be tempted to put their loans in student loan forbearance in their residency years, doing so can add quite a bit in accruing interest to the bill.

Instead, consider an income-driven repayment plan to start paying back federal loans with an affordable payment. Another option is to look into medical residency refinance options to compare which method is best for you. Keep in mind, though, that if you choose to refinance your federal student loans, you will no longer be eligible for federal benefits and protections, including income-driven repayment plans, deferment, and student loan forgiveness.

Making Extra Payments

Another tactic to help pay off student loans faster is by creating and sticking to a budget. After getting your first position post-residency, consider committing to living on a relatively tight budget for just a few more years. Putting as much salary toward extra student loan payments as possible could potentially help cut time — and interest payments — off the repayment timeline.

Speeding Up Med School Debt Repayment With Refinancing Student Loans

If you choose to refinance your medical student loans, it may be possible to secure a lower interest rate and/or a lower required monthly payment – depending on the terms you choose, your credit score, and other factors.

A lower interest rate through student loan refinancing could help reduce how much money is paid in interest over the life of the loan. Extending your loan term could mean a lower monthly payment – but keep in mind that you’ll most likely pay more in interest over the life of the loan.

While refinancing may help borrowers save money over the life of the loan, it does mean giving up the benefits that come with federal student loans, like income-driven repayment, deferment, and forbearance.

The Takeaway

The cost of medical school has risen in the past 30 years, and so has the amount of debt med students take on. But a career in medicine can be both lucrative and rewarding, making medical school worth the time, effort, and cost for many students.

Borrowers who are repaying student loans from medical school may consider strategies like income-driven repayment plans, making extra payments, or student loan refinancing to help them tackle their student loan debt.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQ

Why has medical school gotten so expensive?

Medical school has gotten more expensive due to a number of factors, including an increased number of students applying to medical school and limited availability, which allows schools to charge more; the rising expenses colleges and universities pay for educating and housing students; and a decline in funding for state colleges.

What is the average cost of medical school today?

The average total cost of medical school today is $161,222 for an in-state student at a public university, and $255,497 for a student at a private college, according to the Education Data Initiative.

How do people afford medical school?

Many students afford medical school through a combination of sources, including financial aid, scholarships and grants, federal and/or private student loans, and financial help from parents. Some med school students also work part-time or use personal savings to help cover the cost.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Dec
17
2025
A woman sitting at a table outside with her laptop and a coffee, looking up information on student loan refinancing on her phone.

Can You Refinance Student Loans Without a Degree?

By | Debt Payoff, Student Loans, student_loan | No Comments

If you’ve dropped out of college but are still carrying student loan debt, you have a number of repayment options, depending on your income and credit profile. Some private lenders (including SoFi) may allow you to refinance your federal student loan, but others will not.

College dropout rates indicate that up to 39% of undergraduates do not complete their degree program, according to the most recent data from EducationData.org. If anyone hopes that not graduating gets them off the hook for paying back a student loan, the answer is a resounding no. Federal and private student loans must be repaid if you drop out of college before earning a degree.

Lenders believe that not having a degree can pose difficulties in getting a high-earning job. College dropouts make an average of 35% less income than bachelor’s degree holders. And some data show that college dropouts are four times as likely to default on their loans compared to graduating counterparts.

Key Points

•   Refinancing student loans without a degree is challenging due to perceived higher risk and lower income potential.

•   Many private lenders require borrowers to have a degree, limiting refinancing options.

•   Federal loan consolidation simplifies payments and may lower monthly amounts by extending the loan term.

•   Income-driven repayment plans adjust monthly payments based on income and family size, offering financial flexibility.

•   The IBR plan provides potential forgiveness of outstanding balance after 20 years of consistent repayment.

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Can You Refinance Student Loans Without a Degree?

Student loan refinancing allows you to pay off federal student loans with a private one carrying different terms. For some borrowers, this new loan might come with a lower interest rate or lower monthly payment than their existing debt, particularly if they have a strong credit and employment history.

However, many private lenders won’t allow you to refinance student loans if you haven’t graduated. Some lenders require that you have at least an associate degree from a Title IV accredited school in order to be eligible for refinancing.

Title IV schools are eligible to process federal student aid under the Higher Education Act. You can verify whether the institution you attended is a Title IV school on the Federal Student Aid (FSA) website.

Even though some of the most popular lenders require you to have a degree, that doesn’t mean you can’t refinance student loans if you did not graduate. There are some financial institutions that may offer refinancing to borrowers who dropped out.

Federal Student Loan Consolidation Without a Degree

There are other solutions to easing your burden. If you have more than one federal student loan, not having a degree doesn’t stop you from being able to combine them through a Direct Consolidation Loan. Doing so could be beneficial because it allows you to make just one payment every month instead of many, potentially with multiple loan servicers. That can make things simpler for you and make it more likely that you’ll remember to pay your loans on time.

Another reason to consider consolidation is that you could qualify for a lower monthly payment by extending the term of the loan (though you’d pay more interest over the life of the loan). Also, by consolidating, loans that wouldn’t otherwise qualify might become eligible for income-driven repayment plans or the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Should I Consolidate Student Loans?

Consolidation isn’t for everyone, however. As we mentioned above, extending the term of the loan means interest will have more time to stack up. Plus, if you’ve already been making payments under an income-driven repayment plan or toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness, you could lose credit for those payments and have to start over.

You can apply for a Direct Consolidation Loan as soon as you leave school or are enrolled less than half-time. You’d submit an application through the FSA website. If your loans are still in the grace period, you can ask for the consolidation to be delayed so that it’s closer to the end of that period. If you receive the loan, you’ll need to start repaying it 60 days after it’s paid out.

Repayment Options for Federal Student Loans

Borrowers who have dropped out of school may want to consider repaying their loans under an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. These plans are designed to make loans easier to manage by basing your monthly payments on your discretionary income and family size. Currently, there are three IDR plans, but only one of them — the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan — offers forgiveness on any outstanding balance after 20 years.

You can also apply for forbearance or deferment, temporarily pausing or lowering your payments if you qualify. Keep in mind that forbearance and deferment have financial pros and cons, including the fact that in most cases, interest will accrue during these periods.

Refinancing Your Student Loans

Now or in the future, you may be able to apply for student loan refinancing. You can check your rates with several lenders (using a soft credit check, whenever possible) to compare rates and terms and see what you might prequalify for.

If you decide to complete a full application, the lender may ask for information like your Social Security Number, outstanding loans and repayment history, income, and employment history. They typically complete a credit check to find out your FICO® Score and look for any red flags, like a history of missed payments, student loan default, eviction, or bankruptcy.

Those who don’t initially qualify for refinancing, or get a favorable rate, can try reapplying with a cosigner — someone who guarantees to repay the loan if the primary borrower can’t.

If you feel you need a cosigner, one with strong credit history and a solid income and employment history (among other financial factors) could help you qualify. If you do use a cosigner, remember that if you default, any missed payments on your end may damage their credit.

It’s important to bear in mind with refinancing that, if approved, you would lose out on several options. These include:

•   Access to temporary loan payment relief through approved periods (deferment or forbearance) when you do not have to make payments because of financial hardship, continuing your education, or military service.

•   No interest accumulation on subsidized student loans during periods when payments are deferred.

•   Access to repayment plans based on your income, including one plan, the IBR plan, that offers loan forgiveness once you have been in repayment for 20 years.

Recommended: Refinancing Student Debt With a Cosigner

The Takeaway

Not completing your college degree is far from uncommon. However, it can be frustrating to carry a student loan balance for a degree you don’t have.

Not all lenders offer student loan refinancing to borrowers who don’t have at least an associate degree, but some lenders do (including SoFi). Plus there are other options, such as applying for income-driven repayment and exploring other federal programs to help with loans.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQ

Can I get a loan without a degree?

Yes, it’s possible to get student loans without a degree — if you are currently enrolled in school. The federal student loan program offers student loans to qualifying borrowers who are attending eligible institutions. Students may also look into private student loans.

Can you refinance student loans without a job?

Refinancing student loans without a job may be more challenging than if you are able to show a record of stable employment. However, lenders evaluate a variety of factors when making lending decisions including employment history, income, and credit score, among other factors. The lender is trying to evaluate whether you are able to repay the loan. If you are able to show other sources of income — outside of a traditional job — it may be possible to refinance your student loans.

Do you need to graduate to refinance student loans?

In many cases, yes, you do need to graduate before you can refinance student loans. Many private lenders won’t allow you to refinance your student loans if you haven’t graduated. However, there are some lenders that are willing to refinance student loans for borrowers who did not graduate.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Dec
17
2025
An apple, stack of books, and a diploma resting on a surface with a military-themed background.

What Are Student Loans for Military Dependents?

By | Going to College, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off on What Are Student Loans for Military Dependents?

Military members, veterans, and their families have special opportunities when it comes to funding higher education. Given the high cost of attending college, they’re well worth checking into.

Find out about student loans for military dependents: children, spouses, and sometimes other relatives of active duty service members.

Key Points

•   Military dependents (spouses, children, and sometimes other relatives of service members) have access to specialized financial aid options for higher education.

•   Federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and subsidized student loans, may be available to military dependents.

•   Organizations such as the American Legion, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Veterans of Foreign Wars offer scholarships and grants specifically for military families.

•   ROTC programs provide no-cost scholarships at over 1,000 colleges in the U.S.

•   Private student loans can help cover educational expenses if federal aid and scholarships are not enough, but they may come with higher interest rates and fewer borrower protections.

What Are Student Loans?

First things first: What are student loans, and how do student loans work?

Student loans are a type of financial product wherein a bank or other lender gives a student up-front money with which to pay for college and other educational expenses. Student loans can be used to cover tuition, textbooks, and even living expenses such as housing. Student loans are available through the government as well as through private lenders, and can be taken out by parents or students themselves.

Student loans, like all forms of debt, come at a cost: Interest accrues from the time the first loan check is disbursed. In the case of Direct Subsidized loans, the U.S. government covers the interest so long as the student is enrolled at least half-time and for the first six months after the student stops attending.

Although student loan interest rates tend to be lower than, say, credit card interest rates, the charges can still rack up over time. This is part of the reason Americans are saddled with a whopping $1.8 trillion in student loan debt.

💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a competitive-rate, no-fees-required private student loan that covers up to 100% of school-certified costs.

Who Is a Military Dependent?

Military dependents are relatives of an active-duty service member, or sometimes a veteran, who can qualify for benefits based on their family member’s service.

Some family members, such as military spouses and children under the age of 21, automatically qualify as dependents. Other family members, such as parents and adult children, may also qualify if they meet certain criteria. Military dependents may receive death benefits, low-cost housing, and other discounts due to their status.

Financial Aid Service Organizations for Military Dependents

Here are some of the financial aid options open to military members and their dependents.

Government-Sponsored Financial Aid

For most students, including military dependents, the government is the first place to turn for financial aid: Along with the opportunity to take out Subsidized Direct Loans, you may be eligible for grants and scholarships thanks to your service or your family member’s. To apply for federal aid, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) annually.

For instance, if your parent or guardian died in service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11, you may be eligible for the maximum federal Pell Grant regardless of your family’s income.

If you already have federal student loans, you may also be eligible for military student loan forgiveness, depending on the type of loans you have and what you or your family member’s service history looks like.

Additionally, the Army and Navy Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, or ROTC, offers no-cost scholarships at over 1,000 colleges across the United States. See the official Federal Student Aid website (StudentAid.gov) for full details.

Recommended: I Didn’t Get Enough Financial Aid: Now What?

American Legion

The American Legion offers college funding to the children of veterans who died or became disabled as part of post-9/11 service through their Legacy Scholarship program. The scholarship awards up to $20,000 and can be renewed up to six times.

AMVETS

AMVETS offers scholarships of $4,000 for military dependents, including sons, daughters, and grandchildren of veterans or active-duty personnel, as well as spouses, to help with educational expenses. These scholarships, awarded based on need and academic merit, are designed to bridge financial gaps after other aid is applied.

💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Paralyzed Veterans of America offers scholarships of up to $2,500 for full-time students and $1,000 for part-time students to its members, their spouses, and their dependent children under 24 years of age. Awardees may apply a second time, but are only eligible to receive the scholarship twice in a lifetime.

Veterans of Foreign Wars

The organization Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) also offers student veteran support in a variety of ways, including its Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship, which awards qualified applicants up to $5,000 per semester (per family), as well as the Student Veteran Support Grant, which is designed to be used for events and outreach efforts that assist veterans who are currently enrolled in college. The Student Veteran Support Grant can be used for up to $500 per event up to twice per fiscal year for a total of $1,000.

Recommended: Types of Federal Student Loans

Private Student Loans for Military Dependents

Finally, military dependents may also choose to look into private student loans to fund their education.

Private student loans are, as their name suggests, not backed by the government and are instead offered by private banks, credit unions, and lenders. They do come with certain advantages — for example, they generally don’t carry the same lifetime maximums as publicly funded student loans, and you may have more flexibility when it comes to your loan term and repayment schedule.

However, private student loans sometimes carry higher interest rates than federal loans do, and your (or your cosigner’s) credit report will be pulled in order to qualify you — which isn’t the case for loans from the government. Because private loans lack the borrower protections afforded to federal student loans, they are most often considered as a last resort option.

The Takeaway

As a military dependent, you have a lot of options to consider when it comes to financial aid. Be sure to look into scholarships offered by the American Legion, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the VFW. Military dependents should also apply for a Pell Grant, which doesn’t need to be repaid. And federal subsidized student loans give borrowers a break on some accrued interest.

For some, private student loans offer an attractive combination of accessibility and flexibility. (Keep in mind, though, that private student loans tend not to be eligible for student loan forgiveness and other programs.)

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.


Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

FAQ

Do military dependents get free college?

Not automatically, but there are programs specifically designed to help military members and their dependents pay for college.

Does the military pay spouses’ student loans?

No, the military does not have programs that directly pay off a spouse’s existing student loans. Military loan repayment programs are incentives offered to the service member as part of their enlistment contract, not their spouse.

However, military spouses can take advantage of other benefits and federal programs to manage or potentially forgive their student debt.

Can military dependents get FAFSA?

Yes, military dependents can qualify for federal financial student aid using the FAFSA®, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is a good first place to turn when looking for financial aid because it can match you with low-cost, need-based options like Direct Subsidized Loans.

Photo credit: iStock/Liudmila Chernetska

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Dec
16
2025
A smiling young woman in a yellow sweater and jeans lies on a gray sofa, typing on a laptop as she researches how to recertify her student loan income-based repayment plan.

How to Recertify Your Income Based Repayment for Student Loans

By | Debt Payoff, Fresh Out of School, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off on How to Recertify Your Income Based Repayment for Student Loans

If you have federal student loans, you can enroll in an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan, which may make your monthly payments more affordable. That’s because the amount is calculated based on your discretionary income and the size of your family.

Income-Driven Repayment is the umbrella term for several federal repayment programs tied to salary, while Income-Based Repayment refers to one specific plan. (Yes, it’s a bit confusing.)

Once you are enrolled in an IDR plan, you will need to “recertify” annually, by providing updated information about your salary and family size — essentially reapplying for the plan. The government uses this information to calculate your payment amount and adjust it if necessary.

You can easily recertify online or by mail. Read on to find out when to recertify your income-driven repayment, how to do it, and more.

Key Points

•   Annual recertification updates IDR plan payments, ensuring they remain affordable based on current income and family size.

•   Missing the recertification deadline switches payments to the amount the borrower would pay under the Standard Repayment Plan, potentially increasing costs.

•   Recertify online at StudentAid.gov by logging in and verifying income and family details.

•   Recertification can also be done by mail using the Income-Driven Repayment Plan Request form, attaching necessary documents.

•   IDR plans apply to federal student loans, including Direct, Stafford, and FFEL loans, but not PLUS loans to parents or private loans.

What Is Income-Based Repayment?

As noted above, the correct umbrella term is Income-Driven Repayment, which currently encompasses three different plans. These plans are available to federal student loan borrowers to help make their payments more manageable. It’s an option to keep in mind when choosing a loan or if your current federal loan payments are high relative to your income. The program is intended to make the amount you pay on your student loan each month more affordable.

The big domestic policy bill that President Trump signed into law in July 2025 makes significant changes to student loan repayment plans. Borrowers who take out loans on or after July 1, 2026, will only have two repayment plans to choose from: a revised version of the Standard Repayment Plan, with a repayment term based on a borrower’s loan amount, and the Repayment Assistance Program (RAP), which is similar to an IDR plan. Payments on RAP may be 1% to 10% of a borrower’s discretionary income for a term of up to 30 years, after which time any remaining balance will be forgiven.

Borrowers with loans taken out before July 1, 2026, will retain access to the three existing IDR plans until July 1, 2028.

The three existing income-driven repayment programs offered for federal student loans are:

•   Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Repayment Plan

•   Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan

•   Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) Plan

For all of these plans, your payment amount is generally based on a percentage of your discretionary income, which is defined by the U.S. Education Department (ED) as “the difference between your annual income and 150% of the poverty guideline for your family size and state of residence.” There is a Loan Simulator tool you can use to see what your payments would be for each of the repayment programs.

IDR payments are determined as 10% of your discretionary income if you are a “new borrower,” who received their loan on or after July 1, 2014. You must also have no outstanding balance on a Direct Loan or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL). Loan terms are 20 to 25 years.

Loan forgiveness is now available only under the IBR plan. Any loan balance that remains unpaid at the end of the repayment period on IBR will be forgiven.

Recommended: Guide to Student Loan Forgiveness

Which Federal Loans Are Eligible for an Income-Driven Repayment Plan?

IDR plans are available for the following types of federal loans:

•   Direct Subsidized Loans

•   Direct Unsubsidized Loans

•   Direct PLUS Loans made to graduate or professional students

•   Direct Consolidation Loans that did not repay any PLUS loans made to parents

•   Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans

•   Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans

•   FFEL PLUS Loans made to graduate or professional students

•   FFEL Consolidation Loans that did not repay any PLUS loans made to parents

•   Federal Perkins Loans, if consolidated.

Income-Driven Repayment plans are not available to FFEL PLUS loans or Direct PLUS loans that are made to parents.

It’s also worth noting that IDR plans are not available to private student loan borrowers. One option a borrower with student loan refinancing, you replace your existing loans with one new loan from a private lender. Ideally, the new loan has a lower interest rate, which could lower your monthly payments. However, it’s important to understand that if you refinance federal student loans, you lose access to federal benefits. Borrowers thinking about refinancing should make sure they won’t need those programs before moving ahead.

Recommended: Refinancing Student Loans Without a Cosigner

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The Status of the SAVE Plan

The SAVE plan, which was introduced as an IDR plan in 2023, was closed to new borrowers as of February 2025, when a court order blocked its implementation. Borrowers already on the plan have been placed in forbearance; however, interest on their loans began accruing in August 2025.

Also, the time spent in SAVE will not count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or IDR forgiveness. According to the ED, borrowers currently in SAVE can enroll in the IBR plan to work toward forgiveness.

Unless the court rules before that time, the SAVE plan will be terminated on July 1, 2028.

What Is Student Loan Recertification?

Since your repayment plan is based on your income and the size of your family, you need to reconfirm these details every year.

If you apply for an income-driven repayment plan online, the ED will ask you for consent to access your tax information. If you give consent, they will automatically recertify your plan every year.

If you choose to apply manually, you will need to manually recertify every year.

If your financial situation changes ahead of recertification — like you lose your job — you can submit an IDR plan request to have your payment recalculated.

How to Recertify Income-Driven Repayments

You can apply for income-driven repayments and recertify your status at StudentAid.gov. Filing your application online ensures that it is sent to each of your loan servicers if you have more than one. Alternatively, you can print out the application, fill it out, and send it by mail.

To file online, go to the student aid website above, click on “Manage My Loans,” and then click on “Recertify an Income-Driven Repayment Plan.” You’ll need to log in with your federal student aid ID. Then you can choose to have your plan automatically recertified each year or you can opt to do it manually.

Next you’ll answer questions about your family, including family size, your marital status, and your spouse’s income, if applicable. You can connect your account directly to your tax return to verify your income information. And if your income has changed since your last tax return, you can upload more recent pay stubs.

To recertify by mail, you can download the Income-Driven Repayment Plan Request form. Fill out the form and attach the required documents. You’ll send the request to the address provided by your loan servicer.

When to Recertify Income-Driven Repayment Plans

Your recertification date is generally the date one year after you started or renewed your IDR plan. Your loan servicers will send you a notice in advance that it’s time to recertify your loan.

If you opted to have your plan automatically recertified by consenting to let the ED access your tax information, the process will happen without you doing anything. You will be notified before payment amounts change.

If your income decreases or your family status changes before your annual recertification date, you may want to recertify earlier. You can fill out a recertification form at any time if you’re struggling to make your payments because your financial situation has changed, and ask for an immediate payment adjustment.

If you fail to recertify your IBR plan by the annual deadline, your monthly payment will switch to the amount you would pay under the existing Standard Repayment Plan. You’ll be able to make payments based on your income again when you update your income information.

The Takeaway

Income-Driven Repayment plans are available to most federal student loan borrowers and they can be a way to make sure your student loan repayments work with your budget. Recertification is a critical step borrowers need to take each year to inform the government of changes to their situation that might affect their payment size.

Borrowers with private loans are not eligible for IDR. They may want to consider other options, such as refinancing, to help manage their loan payments.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.


With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQ

Can you recertify student loans early?

Federal student loan borrowers who are on an income-driven repayment plan can recertify early if their family has grown or their income has decreased by filling out a recertification form at StudentAid.gov. Otherwise, they need to recertify their loans once a year.

How do I recertify my student loans?

You can recertify the IDR plan under which you pay your student loans online at StudentAid.gov. Or you can download and mail in the Income-Driven Repayment Plan Request form with any supporting documentation. If you mail in the request, you’ll need to send a copy to each of your loan servicers.

When should I recertify my student loans?

Your recertification date is the date one year after you started or renewed your IDR plan. Your loan servicers will send you a notice in advance that it’s time to recertify your loan. You can also choose to have your plan automatically recertified each year when you first apply for IDR by consenting to let the Education Department access your tax information.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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