The Highest-Paying Jobs in Every State

The Highest-Paying Jobs in Every State

It’s no surprise that where you live can greatly impact your salary. But if you’re looking to increase your pay and don’t want to leave your state, a career change may be a better option.

In fact, so many Americans started leaving their jobs halfway through 2021 that analysts started dubbing this period of mass job departures as “The Great Resignation .” In November 2021 alone, about 4.5 million Americans left their jobs.

The Highest-Paying Jobs in Every State

If you’re part of the Great Resignation (or are exploring this possibility), we’ve got some potentially good news: The Bureau of Labor Statistics1 recently released its State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates .

This data shows just how much certain professions get paid, including the highest-paying professions by state (unsurprisingly, medical fields dominated the list). So if you’re looking for a career change or are just curious about which profession brings in the most bucks in your state, look no further than this list of the highest-paying jobs by state.

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1. Alabama

Career: Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Average Salary: $269,920

2. Alaska

Career: General Internal Medicine Physicians
Average Salary: $282,730

3. Arizona

Career: Anesthesiologists
Average Salary: $285,470

4. Arkansas

Career: Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Average Salary: $258,940

5. California

Career: Psychiatrists
Average Salary: $245,000

6. Colorado

Career: Anesthesiologists
Average Salary: $289,920

7. Connecticut

Career: Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Average Salary: $275,520

8. Delaware

Career: Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Average Salary: $287,160

9. Florida

Career: Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Average Salary: $245,570

10. Georgia

Career: Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Average Salary: $259,670

11. Hawaii

Career: Physicians and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
Average Salary: $263,200

12. Idaho

Career: Anesthesiologists
Average Salary: $253,460

13. Illinois

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $271,280

14. Indiana

Career: Anesthesiologists
Average Salary: $282,310

15. Iowa

Career: Anesthesiologists
Average Salary: $291,670

16. Kansas

Career: Psychiatrists
Average Salary: $281,410

17. Kentucky

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $292,350

18. Louisiana

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $287,840

19. Maine

Career: Physicians and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
Average Salary: $279,700

20. Maryland

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $287,900

21. Massachusetts

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $265,790

22. Michigan

Career: Anesthesiologists
Average Salary: $252,000

23. Minnesota

Career: Psychiatrists
Average Salary: $278,380

24. Mississippi

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $282,660

25. Missouri

Career: Dentists, All Other Specialists
Average Salary: $270,760

26. Montana

Career: Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Average Salary: $296,770

27. Nebraska

Career: Psychiatrists
Average Salary: $268,200

28. Nevada

Career: General Internal Medicine Physicians
Average Salary: $277,340

29. New Hampshire

Career: Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Average Salary: $278,350

30. New Jersey

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $275,710

31. New Mexico

Career: General Internal Medicine Physicians
Average Salary: $271,210

32. New York

Career: Anesthesiologists
Average Salary: $237,380

33. North Carolina

Career: Anesthesiologists
Average Salary: $279,300

34. North Dakota

Career: Psychiatrists
Average Salary: $288,060

35. Ohio

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $277,510

36. Oklahoma

Career: Orthodontists
Average Salary: $286,050

37. Oregon

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $293,170

38. Pennsylvania

Career: Anesthesiologists
Average Salary: $289,850

39. Rhode Island

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $285,920

40. South Carolina

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $295,380

41. South Dakota

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $290,730

42. Tennessee

Career: Anesthesiologists
Average Salary: $255,210

43. Texas

Career: Chief Executives
Average Salary: $239,060

44. Utah

Career: Pediatricians, General
Average Salary: $255,900

45. Vermont

Career: Dentists, General
Average Salary: $254,190

46. Virginia

Career: Orthodontists
Average Salary: $279,710

47. Washington State

Career: Orthodontists
Average Salary: $277,050

48. Washington, D.C.

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $286,160

49. West Virginia

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $262,690

50. Wisconsin

Career: Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Average Salary: $278,720

51. Wyoming

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $279,830

The Takeaway

Many Americans are still participating in The Great Resignation in hopes of finding jobs that more closely match their career goals and evolving lifestyle needs. Other workers are seeking higher-paying jobs with better benefits such as more flexible hours or the ability to work 100% remotely. If you fall into the latter category, this list of high-paying jobs could give you a better idea of what fields in your state have the highest salaries.

But if you’re struggling with money and can’t afford to go back to school to become an anesthesiologist, there are other ways you could better manage your money, such as opening a checking and savings account with SoFi. It could help you get your paycheck up to two days early and avoid overdraft fees. While getting a higher-paying job sure can help you make ends meet, so can better managing and budgeting your money with SoFi.

Better banking is here with up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

Photo credit: iStock/Eva-Katalin


1 The BLS conducts a semi-annual review of non-farm establishments based on data from the State Workforce Agencies (SWAs).The BLS selects a sample size from SWA’s lists of establishments in order to collect data from every metropolitan and nonmetropolitan area in each state from a variety of industries and establishment or company sizes. You can learn more about the BLS’s methodology on their website.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
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SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
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How Do I Get My Student Loan Tax Form?

What Is a Student Loan Tax Form? How Do You Get One?

If you’re a borrower who paid interest on a qualified student loan, it’s possible to deduct some or all of that interest on your federal income tax return with a special tax form for student loans.

To do so, you’ll need to acquire a student loan tax form commonly known as IRS Form 1098-E. You can use this form to report how much you paid in student loan interest. One copy will go to the IRS, and you’ll keep the other.

To learn how to get your hands on your student loan tax form, when to deduct student loan interest and how to file a student tax form, keep reading.

What Are the Tax Forms for Student Loans?

The IRS Form 1098-E is a tax form for student loans that’s sent out by your loan servicer, or the company that collects your student loan payments. Sometimes, your lender services their own loans. Other times, they hire an outside service to collect their payments for them.

The loan servicer is required to send borrowers a 1098-E to complete their taxes if the borrower owes at least $600 in student loan interest. Typically, they’ll get them out by the end of January, since the interest forms for student loans and tax season coincide.

If you have more than one loan servicer, you’ll receive a 1098-E form from each.

The Purpose of a Student Tax Form

The student loan tax form is designed to give people with student loan debt the opportunity to deduct some or potentially all of the interest the debt accrues on their federal income tax return.

If you paid at least $600 in interest on a qualified student loan, the lender you paid that interest to should send you a 1098-E. Regardless of how many student loans you have, the $600 threshold still applies.

Recommended: What is the Average Student Loan Debt After College?

Uses of a Student Loan Tax Form

The student loan tax form is used to calculate your student tax interest deduction on your tax return.

As long as you meet certain conditions, you may be eligible to deduct up to $2,500 in student loan interest from your taxable income:

•   You are filing separately and/or not married

•   Your income is below the annual limit

•   You are legally obligated to pay the interest, not someone else

•   If you’re filing a joint return, neither you nor your spouse is being claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return

The eligibility for the student loan interest deduction is determined based on a borrower’s modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), or their adjusted gross income (AGI) after factoring in any tax penalties incurred and allowable deductions. At a certain higher income bracket, the deduction is reduced or eliminated.

•   For taxpayers filing as single: The deduction is reduced once they have $70,000 of modified AGI and it’s eliminated at $85,000

•   For taxpayers filing jointly: The deduction is reduced at $140,000 of modified AGI and it’s eliminated at $170,000

Getting Your Student Tax Form

To obtain your college student tax form and ensure you aren’t missing any tax documents this season, there are a few steps you can take:

1.    Go directly to your loan servicer ’s website, where a downloadable 1098-E form will likely be available.

2.    Contact your loan servicer via telephone if you’re unable to visit their website.

3.    If you don’t know who your loan servicer is, visit StudentAid.gov or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID, then complete steps 1 and 2.

Finally, note that student tuition tax form 1098-E is not available for download through the Federal Student Aid website .

There are plenty of useful tools on the site to get you where you need to go, but, ultimately, you can’t download your student loan tax form directly from the website.

If you have private student loans, contact your lender directly.

Recommended: What Is IRS Form 1098?

Filling Out a Student Loan Interest Tax Form

When it comes to filling out a college student loan tax form, the IRS provides detailed instructions for the 2022 tax season to help financial, educational, and governmental institutions and borrowers cover all their bases.

At the most basic level, according to the IRS , if a loan servicer receives student loan interest of $600 or more from an individual during the year in the course of their trade or business, they must:

•   File a 1098-E form and;

•   Provide a statement or acceptable substitute, on paper or electronically, to the borrower

There are two boxes on the 1098-E form:

•   Box 1 is the amount of student loan interest received by the lender. It’s important to note, this figure represents interest paid, not loan payments made.

•   Box 2, if checked, denotes the fact that the amount in Box 1 does not include loan origination fees and/or capitalized interest for loans made before September 1, 2004.

Once you receive the 1098-E form, it’s up to you to include it when you file your taxes.

When to Deduct Student Loan Interest?

Student loan interest tax deduction is a type of federal income tax deduction that lets student loan borrowers deduct up to $2,500 of the interest paid on qualified student loans from their taxable income. It’s one of many tax breaks available to students and their parents to help them pay for college.

To know when to deduct student loan interest, it’s important to know if you meet the necessary qualifications:

•   Your student loan was taken out for the taxpayer (you), your spouse, or your dependent(s).

•   Your student loan was taken out when you were enrolled at least half-time in an academic program that led to a degree, certificate, or recognized credential.

•   Your student loan was used for qualifying education expenses such as tuition, textbooks, supplies, fees, or equipment (not including room and board, insurance, or transportation).

•   Your student loan was used within a “reasonable period of time,” and its proceeds were disbursed 90 days before the beginning of the academic period in which they were used or 90 days after it ended.

•   The college or school where you were enrolled is considered an eligible institution that participates in student aid programs managed by the U.S. Department of Education.

Do International Students Have a Different Tax Form?

For international students, it’s possible to deduct student loan interest from a foreign country, as long as their student loan is qualified (meeting the requirements listed above) and they’re legally obligated to make student loan payments on that loan.

There’s no need for international students to acquire a special international student tax form, however. The year-end financial statement from their loan servicer is typically sufficient enough proof for them to claim the student loan interest.

The Takeaway

If you paid interest on a qualified student loan for yourself or a dependent, you can likely deduct that interest on this year’s tax return. Once you’ve determined when and whether you’re able to deduct student loan interest and how to file a student loan interest form, you can simply wait for your loan servicer to send along a copy of your 1098-E or visit their website.

When you work with a private student loan lender like SoFi, you can access your 1098-E online, making it even easier to file your taxes and deduct student loan interest without waiting by your mailbox.

Photo credit: iStock/FG Trade


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.


SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.


Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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.

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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7 Easily Avoidable Mistakes When Choosing (or Removing) a Student Loan Cosigner

7 Easily Avoidable Mistakes When Choosing (or Removing) a Student Loan Cosigner

In order to get approved for some student loans, some borrowers may choose to apply with a cosigner — a creditworthy individual who will be legally responsible for repayment should you default, become disabled, or die.

While there is no credit check or requirement to add a cosigner for most student federal student loans, students applying for private loans may consider adding a cosigner to their application. Applying for a student loan with a cosigner can help strengthen the overall application and as a result, may help a borrower get approved for a loan they otherwise wouldn’t have or could help the borrower secure a more competitive interest rate than they would have alone.

But, adding a cosigner is a serious decision, for both the borrower and the potential cosigner. That’s because both the cosigner and primary borrower are both equally on the hook for the loan. Read on for some cosigner mistakes to avoid.

Understanding the Role of a Cosigner

A cosigner is someone who signs onto a loan with a primary borrower, and in doing so, takes full responsibility for the loan. This means that if the primary borrower is unable to make payments on the loan, the cosigner is responsible for stepping in. The loan will appear on the cosigner’s credit report and if there are any missed or late payments, the cosigner’s credit score can also be impacted.

Pros and Cons of Cosigning on a Student Loan

There are benefits and downsides to having a cosigner on a student loan.

Pros of a Cosigner

If a student isn’t approved when applying for a student loan without a cosigner, the major pro of adding a cosigner to a student loan application is that the borrower becomes a more favorable candidate for the loan.

Additionally, adding a cosigner can help boost the creditworthiness of the application, allowing the student borrower to secure a more competitive interest rate or more favorable terms on their loan.

If the student is approved for the loan with a cosigner, this can help the student borrower build their own credit history as they make on-time payments on the loan.

Cons of a Cosigner

The cosigner’s debt-to-income ratio can be impacted by cosigning on a student loan. This could potentially impact the cosigner’s ability to borrow down the line, depending on their overall financial situation.

Additionally, because the cosigner is equally responsible for repaying the loan, if the primary borrower have any issues repaying the loan this could lead to serious implications for the cosigner, including:

•   The cosigner is responsible for making payments if the primary borrower cannot.

•   The cosigner’s credit report and credit score could be negatively impacted.

And having a cosigner on a student loan can potentially add stress or strain to the relationship should anything go wrong during the repayment process.

Mistakes to Avoid When Adding or Removing a Cosigner

Borrowing a private student loan with a cosigner is common. According to the Measure One Private Student Loan Report published in December 2021, during the 2021-2022 school year, 92.16% of newly originated private student loans borrowed by undergraduate students had a cosigner. But, before you jump in, make sure you understand the ins and outs of choosing — and removing — a student loan cosigner.

(And while you’re at it, check out SoFi’s Student Loan Debt Navigator tool to assess your student loan repayment options.)

1. Ignoring Your Income and Cash Flow

When you apply for a private student loan or refinance, lenders check your financial fitness (credit score, debt-to-income ratio, etc.) to see if you qualify.

Some lenders, (including SoFi) will review a borrower’s income as part of their eligibility requirements and may also consider something called “free cash” flow — the amount of money you have left at the end of each month after subtracting taxes and cost of living expenses. If the lender feels you lack the necessary free cash flow to repay your loan, either your application will be declined or your loan will be approved at a less-than-desirable interest rate.

If your cash flow is more of a trickle, the lender may prompt you to add a cosigner to your application.

2. Going for Romance

When considering the best cosigner, steer clear of asking your boyfriend or girlfriend. If the relationship goes south after signing, your ex will still be legally responsible for the loan. Would you want to be on the hook for the student loan payments of someone you’re no longer dating?

Instead of focusing on a romantic connection, it may make sense to consider family members. Though anyone can cosign a loan for you, a relative is generally a more reliable choice than a friend. Typically, a cosigner is a parent or guardian, spouse, or other family relative.

3. Going in Blind

A family member may think cosigning a loan is as simple as signing his or her name on a contract, but it’s more complicated than that. A cosigner is a coborrower, which means the debt will show up on your credit report and on his or hers.

Plus, if you can’t make good on your loan for any reason, the lender has the legal right to pursue your cosigner for repayment.

4. Failing to Set Expectations

It may be unpleasant, but it’s important to discuss worst-case scenarios with your cosigner. If you lose your job and can’t make payments, your cosigner must be prepared to assume full responsibility for the loan. Plus, you’ll need to discuss whether you’ll repay that person should he or she have to make payments at some point, or if those payments will be gifts.

Note: Once you set clear expectations, it’s a good idea to sign a legal agreement together. Depending on your relationship, the agreement can be as simple as an email or as formal as a document drafted by a lawyer.

5. Expecting a Handout

If you think a legal agreement sounds drastic, keep in mind that a friendly cosigning situation can go sour when you don’t hold up your end of the deal. As mentioned, if the primary borrower fails to make payments on their loan, the cosigner is equally responsible. That means they’re responsible for repaying the loan if the borrower cannot, their credit score can also be impacted by late payments, and should the loan go into default, collections agencies can try to collect from the cosigner as well.

Word to the wise: Don’t make your cosigner regret doing you the favor. The fact is, your cosigner is taking a risk for you. You should feel confident in your ability to repay the loan fully on your own.

6. Not Understanding How to Remove a Cosigner

When you start conversations with a potential cosigner understand the options for removing them down the line. Some lenders may offer an official cosigner release option. This means filing an application with the lender to remove the cosigner from the loan. If the lender doesn’t offer cosigner release, it may be possible to refinance the loan and remove the cosigner.

Not all lenders offer a cosigner release option — and those that do have stipulations for removal. Typically, you’ll need to make anywhere from 12 to 48 months of on-time, consecutive payments to qualify for cosigner release.

The lender will also look at your overall financial situation, including how well you’ve managed other debts, and may require that you submit supporting documentation such as a W-2 or recent pay stubs.

Understanding your lenders requirements for cosigner release and ensure you are establishing strong financial habits like making monthly payments on time, and are effectively budgeting and saving, could potentially improve your chances of being approved for a cosigner release.

7. Not Realizing Refinancing May Still Be an Option

In the event you aren’t successful in removing your cosigner via cosigner release, another potential option is refinancing the loan. When you refinance a loan, you take out a new loan (sometimes with a new lender), that has new terms. Doing this can allow you to potentially remove your cosigner, so long as you are able to meet the lender’s eligibility requirement on your own.

While refinancing can be an option to consider for some borrowers, it won’t make sense for everyone. When federal loans are refinanced, they are no longer eligible for any federal protections or programs.

The Takeaway

Adding a cosigner to your student loan can truly work to your advantage, potentially helping you qualify for a more competitive interest rate on a student loan or a refinance. So if someone in your life has offered to cosign, consider it seriously — just make sure you both understand what you’re signing up for from the start.

SoFi makes it easy to add a cosigner to student loan or refinance applications and borrowers can apply for a cosigner release after 24 months of on-time payments.

Check your rate for a student loan refinance, and share this article with someone else who should know the dos and don’ts of co-signing.


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.


SoFi Student Loan Refinance
If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.


SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.


Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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.

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.

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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woman studying

How to Study for the MCATs

It’s no secret, the MCAT is notoriously difficult. Thankfully, by learning how to study for the MCATs, medical school hopefuls may be able to improve their scores come testing day, which could bring them one step closer to fulfilling their dreams.

Here are a few ways in which prospective medical school students can study for the MCATs and go the distance with their goals.

What Are the MCATs?

MCAT stands for Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) . The test, which the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) creates and administers every year, is multiple-choice and standardized. Medical schools have been utilizing it for more than 90 years to determine which students should gain admission.

Most medical schools in the United States and some in Canada will require that students take the MCATs. Every year, more than 85,000 prospective medical school students take it.

There are four sections to the MCATs, including critical analysis and reasoning skills, biological and biochemical functions of living systems, chemical and physical foundations of biological systems, and psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior.

Students will receive five scores: one for each section, and then one total score. In each section, they can get a score ranging from 118 to 132, and the total score ranges from 472 to 528. Generally, a competitive MCAT score is a total of 509 or above, which would place a student in the 80th percentile.

The average MCAT score for all medical school applicants is between a 500 and 508. Usually, students will receive scores 30 to 35 days after they take the exam.

Keep in mind that MCAT scores, while important, are just one part of a medical school application. Medical schools often review other factors, including things like a student’s:

•  GPA
•  Undergraduate coursework
•  Experience related to the medical field, including research and volunteer work
•  Letters of recommendation
•  Extracurricular activities
•  Personal statement

If a student has a high GPA from a competitive undergraduate school, for instance, and they don’t score very high on the MCATs, they may still have a chance of getting into a medical school.

Getting a competitive score on the MCAT can give applicants an edge, especially when applying to ultra-competitive medical schools. One way students can help improve their chances of getting a desirable score on the MCAT is to learn how to study for the unique demands of the test.

Studying for the MCAT

One of the first things a student can do when determining how to study for the MCAT is to create a study plan. A well-crafted study plan will review what materials the student should review in order to prepare for the exam.

The AAMC Website

One jumping off point – review the material covered on the MCAT. The AAMC provides an in-depth outline on their website . Obviously, the same questions students will see on the actual exam won’t be listed, but sample questions that are similar to the real questions are.

The website allows students to download the entire exam content in a PDF and watch tutorial videos. For instance, according to the AAMC’s guide , the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems section of the MCAT “tests processes that are unique to living organisms, such as growing and reproducing, maintaining a constant internal environment, acquiring materials and energy, sensing and responding to environmental changes, and adapting.”

The section has 59 questions, and students get 95 minutes to complete them.

Online Resources

There are a variety of other online resources students can explore to help them review. For example, the AAMC currently recommends students take a look at Khan Academy’s MCAT Video Collection , where there are more than 900 videos and 3,000 questions that students can use to review. This content will be available for students to access until September 2021.

There are also MCAT study apps like MCAT Prep from Varsity Tutors LLC and MCAT Prep by Magoosh that students can download and use to study.

Books, Textbooks, and Class Resources

It may also help to buy or borrow books from the library that go into detail on the MCAT. Students should just make sure that the books they’re reading are up to date.

It can also be helpful to review class notes and study guides from courses you’ve taken that are related to MCAT materials. Some schools have study groups and other academic support resources for students who are studying for the MCAT. If you’re currently enrolled in classes, take a look to see what might be offered at your campus.

Practice Tests

AAMC offers official sample MCAT practice exams online , and they cost $35 each. Taking practice tests can help students familiarize themselves with the exam. Taking practice tests can also be important in helping students understand the timing of each section.

Study Groups and Tutors

Getting an MCAT tutor who has taken the test could also be helpful. A tutor will generally be able to provide guidance on what kind of questions a student can expect and effective methods and tips for studying. Additionally, a tutor could help a student stay motivated and hold them accountable.

Students can find tutors by asking friends and family members who have taken the MCATs recently for recommendations. There are also test preparation companies that provide resources for students to find tutors online or in person.

A search on an independent website like Google or Yelp can help students be sure that the test prep company they are looking into is legitimate.

Study groups can also be a tool to help students who are preparing for the MCAT. Students can find others who are on the same trajectory and plan to take the test and go to medical school around the same time as them. If possible, find a group where each student has a different strength and weakness, this way each student can learn from one another.

It may help to use a shared calendar or another tool to make sure everyone is on the same page for dates, times, and locations for when the study group will meet. Students can find MCAT study groups by looking on Google and/or signing up for virtual groups on Facebook.

Important Dates to Keep in Mind

Students can take the MCATs several times throughout the year, from late January through September. There are hundreds of test locations around the U.S. and Canada as well as select locations around the globe.

If a student’s preferred MCAT test date or location is not available, they can sign up for email notifications to see if it becomes available down the line.

If students are ready to take the test in 2021, they can see the full schedule of testing dates on the AAMC’s website. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the AAMC has released protocols for in-person testing in the coming year. While they currently plan to offer in-person testing, they acknowledge that this may change. Learn more about the AAMC’s approach here .

Paying for the MCATs and Medical School

The registration fee for the MCAT exam is $320, and that includes distribution of scores. There may be additional fees for changes to a registration, a late registration, and for taking the test at international sites.

The AAMC does offer a Fee Assistance Program to students who are struggling to pay for the test and/or medical school applications. To be eligible for the Fee Assistance Program, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

•   Be a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident of the US.
•   Must have a total family income that is 400% or less than the 2019 national poverty level for their family size.

Note that the Fee Assistance Program will review financial information of the student and the student’s parents, even if the student is considered independent.

Keep in mind that along with the MCAT fee, applying to medical school can be quite expensive. Most medical schools in the US utilize the AAMC’s American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®). To apply to schools in 2021, students will generally pay a first-time application fee of $170, as well as $41 for each additional school.

Some medical schools may require a secondary application, and those fees range depending on the school. Students may also need additional money to travel to and tour schools.

The application process is just one portion of the cost of med school. After being accepted, there’s the cost of tuition, books, and more. The average cost of the first year of medical school at a public school with in-state tuition is $37,556, which includes tuition, fees, and health insurance.

The average cost for the first-year at a private medical school is $60,665. According to the AAMC, the median debt for medical school graduates is $200,000.

Paying for School with the Help of SoFi

Paying for the MCATs and medical school can be a challenge. SoFi understands this, which is why they offer students no-fee private student loans and the opportunity to refinance their current student loans.

Note that refinancing federal student loans eliminates them from any borrower protections like Public Service Loan Forgiveness, income-driven repayment, and deferment options, so it may not be the right choice for everyone.

Applications for a private student loan or refinancing loan with SoFi can be completed entirely online. SoFi members gain access to career coaching, special events, and more.

Worried about the cost of medical school? Learn more about options available with SoFi, like private student loans to help pay for medical school or refinancing existing student loans—either of which could help you make your med school dreams a reality.



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If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.


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What Is the Student Loan Forgiveness Act?

Editor's Note: For the latest developments regarding federal student loan debt repayment, check out our student debt guide.

With Americans facing over $1.6 trillion in combined student loan balances, many borrowers are on the hunt for ways to ease their debt burden. One option you may have seen was called the Obama Student Loan Forgiveness Plan, which according to some websites, was a way for some borrowers to escape their debt for a small fee.

This offer might sound appealing, but there’s one problem: It’s fake. It’s just one example of real ads that scammers have used to target and bilk borrowers.

Fraudsters have used lines like this to lure in their marks, then charged them hefty fees to fill out forms they could’ve filled out themselves for free. In the worst cases, people end up paying for nonexistent services.

Here are some answers to your burning questions on student loan forgiveness, so you can get a better idea of how the program works:

Does Any Student Loan Forgiveness Act Exist?

Yes. The Student Loan Forgiveness Act (SLFA) was a congressional bill introduced in 2012 intended to help borrowers with paying down their student debt.

In addition to capping interest rates for all federal loans, the proposed law would have introduced a repayment plan that allows borrowers to have their loans forgiven after 10 years if they made monthly payments equivalent to 10% of their adjusted gross income. The bill also would have made borrowers in public service jobs eligible for loan forgiveness after five years, instead of 10.

Sound too good to be true? It was. The bill never made it out of committee.

So, What is Obama’s New Student Loan Forgiveness Program?

Even though you may have heard about it, “Obama’s new student loan forgiveness program” doesn’t exist. During his tenure, President Obama did expand the reach of federal loan forgiveness programs. A bill he signed in 2010 allowed students who took out certain federal loans to have their balances forgiven in 20 years, rather than 25.

The same bill capped annual payments at 10% of adjusted gross income, rather than 15%. It also ushered in loan forgiveness after 10 years for borrowers working in qualified public service jobs.

Those changes preceded the introduction of the Student Loan Forgiveness Act (SLFA), and was never officially called “Obama’s Student Loan Forgiveness Program.” Likewise, there is no “new” student loan forgiveness program in Obama’s name, either, obviously.

Then Why Have I Read About Obama’s New Student Loan Forgiveness Program?

Because it’s a term that debt relief companies use to confuse student loan borrowers. The name seems convincing since President Obama did take action on federal student loans and legitimate federal loan forgiveness programs exist. That’s why some borrowers have been duped into paying high fees for pointless—or nonexistent—services. Don’t be fooled: The program isn’t real!

Debt relief companies advertising the “Student Loan Forgiveness Act” or “Obama’s New Student Loan Forgiveness Program” are bad news. Understanding which programs are real and which are fake can help you avoid being scammed—and find legitimate ways to actually have some of your student loans forgiven.

What Are Some Legitimate Options for Student Loan Forgiveness?

No, Obama’s Student Loan Forgiveness Act never passed. However, there are several real options for having federal student loans forgiven.

In fact, in response to the coronavirus epidemic, the CARES Act suspended federal student loan interest and payment suspension through September 2020. (Update: The pause on federal student loan repayment has been extended through Dec. 31, 2022)

The pending HEROES Act (narrowly passed by the House in mid-May, 2020) proposed $10,000 each of federal student loan AND private student loans forgiveness initially but may have more stringent eligibility requirements if passed by the Senate. While it’s definitely something to keep an eye on, here are some existing programs that may be helpful.

Income-Driven Repayment Plans

The government currently offers four income-driven repayment plans for federal student loans that can forgive borrowers’ balances after 20 or 25 years.

There are eligibility requirements, like making required monthly payments for a designated period of time, which are tied to a person’s income. The plans a borrower qualifies for will depend on the types of loans they have and when they took them out.

These student loan repayment plans are based on borrowers’ discretionary income, or the amount they earn after subtracting necessary expenses like taxes, shelter, and food. Here is a brief overview of each one:

•   Revised Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan (REPAYE): Borrowers’ monthly payment is typically 10% of their income. If all loans were taken out for undergraduate studies, they’ll make payments for 20 years; if they also took out loans for graduate or professional studies, they’ll make payments for 25 years. At the end of 20 or 25 years, the remaining amount will be forgiven.
•   Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan (PAYE): People pay up to 10% of their discretionary income each month, but they never pay more than they would under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan. After 20 years, the remaining debt will be forgiven.
•   Income-Based Repayment Plan (IBR): People will pay 10% of their discretionary income for 20 years if they became a new borrower on or after July 1, 2014, and 15% for 25 years if they were a borrower before July 1, 2014. They will never pay more than they would under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan. Borrowers’ debt will be forgiven after either 20 or 25 years.
•   Income-Contingent Repayment Plan (ICR): Borrowers choose whichever repayment plan is cheaper—20% of their discretionary income or what they would pay if they spread their payments out equally over 12 years. Any remaining balance will be forgiven after 25 years.

These four plans are designed to help borrowers make monthly payments they can actually afford. Some people may assume that an income-driven repayment plan that results in forgiveness is best for them, when in reality, this might not be the case.

Note that if the remaining balance of your loan is forgiven, you may be responsible for paying income taxes on that amount.

A repayment calculator can be a useful tool to help determine enrolling in an income-based forgiveness program that would be beneficial. After a borrower plugs in their information, they could discover that they would pay less, in the long run, should they enroll in, say, the government’s Standard Repayment Plan.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Borrowers can have their loans forgiven in 10 years under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. To potentially qualify, they must work full-time for a qualified government organization, nonprofit, or certain public-interest employers, such as a public interest law firm, public library, or public health provider.

Over those 10 years, borrowers must make 120 qualifying monthly payments, and the payment amount is based on their income. Those 120 payments don’t necessarily have to be consecutive. For example, let’s say a borrower works for the local government for three years, then switches to the private sector for a year.

If they decide to go back into public service after that year, they can pick up where they left off with payments rather than start all over.

The PSLF program can be difficult to qualify for, but some people have successfully enrolled. As of March 2020, 145,758 borrowers had applied for the program. Only 3,174 applications were accepted. 171,321 applications had been rejected, and the remaining applications were still processing.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program

Qualifying teachers can also get up to $17,500 of their federal loans forgiven after five years teaching full-time under the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program. The American Federation of Teachers has a searchable database of state and local loan forgiveness programs.

To qualify for the full amount, teachers must either teach math or science at the secondary level, or teach special education at the elementary or secondary level. Otherwise, borrowers can have up to $5,000 forgiven if they are a full-time teacher at the elementary or secondary level.

NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program

Health professionals have access to other loan assistance programs. The federal government’s NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program pays up to 85% of eligible nurses’ unpaid debt for nursing school.

To receive loan forgiveness, borrowers must serve for two years in a Critical Shortage Facility or work as nurse faculty in an accredited school of nursing.

After two years, 60% of their nursing loans will be forgiven. If a borrower applies and is accepted for a third year, an additional 25% of their original loan amount will be forgiven, coming to a total of 85%.

Borrowers interested in the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program can read about what qualifies as a Critical Shortage Facility or an eligible school of nursing before applying.

Indian Health Services’ Loan Repayment Program

The Indian Health Services’ Loan Repayment Program will repay up to $40,000 in qualifying loans for doctors, nurses, psychologists, dentists, and other professionals who spend two years working in health facilities serving American Indian or Alaska Native communities.

Once a borrower completes their initial two years, they may choose to extend their contract each year until their student loans are completely forgiven.

In 2019, the Indian Health Service’s budget allows for up to 384 new awards for two-year contracts, and around 392 awards for one-year contract extensions. The average award for a one-year extension is $24,840 in 2019.

Even those who aren’t typical medical professionals, like doctors or nurses, may still qualify. The IHS has also provided awards to people in other fields, such as social work, dietetics, and environmental engineering.

The National Health Service Corps

The National Health Service Corps offers up to $50,000 for loan repayment to medical, dental, and mental health practitioners who spend two years working in underserved areas.

Loan forgiveness programs are generally available for federal loans, as opposed to private ones. In rare cases, such as school closure while a student is enrolled or soon after, they could qualify to have their loan discharged or canceled.

Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) include facilities such as correctional facilities, state mental hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and Indian health facilities, just to name a few. Each HPSA receives a score depending on how great the site’s need is.

Scores range from 0 to 25 for primary care and mental health, and 0 to 26 for dental care. The higher the score, the greater the need.

Borrowers have the option to enroll in either a full-time or part-time position, but people working in private practice must work full-time. Full-time health professionals may receive awards up to $50,000 if they work at a site with a score of at least 14, and up to $30,000 if the site’s score is 13 or below. Half-time employees will receive up to $25,000 if their site’s score is at least 14, and up to $15,000 if the score is 13 or lower.

Interested in learning more about your options for student loan repayment? Check out SoFi’s student loan help center to get the answers you need about your student debt. The help center explains student loan jargon in terms people can understand, provides loan calculators, and even offers student loan refinancing to hopefully land borrowers lower rates.

Refinancing student loans through a private lender can disqualify people from enrolling in federal loan forgiveness programs and loan forgiveness programs, and disqualifies them from CARES Act forbearance and interest rate benefits.

Check out SoFi to see how refinancing your student loans can help you.


SoFi Student Loan Refinance
If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.


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.

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.

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