James Madison University (JMU) Tuition and Fees
James Madison University (JMU) Tuition and Fees
(Last Updated – 08/2025)
James Madison University is a four-year public research university in Harrisonburg, Virginia. U.S. News and World Report ranks the university as #26 in best undergraduate teaching and #78 nationally as a public educational institution. In this guide, you’ll find the latest information about admission requirements, the JMU acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, and more.
Total Cost of Attendance
In 2024-25, James Madison University tuition and other expenses are as follows:
• Tuition in-state: $14,250, a 5.0% increase over the previous year
• Tuition out-of-state: $31,604, a 2.6% increase over the previous year
• Books and supplies: $1,298, a 3.5% increase over the previous year
• On campus room and board: $13,056, a 3.8% increase over the previous year
• Other fees: $4,672, a 2.5% increase from the previous year
Total costs, then, are as follows:
• Total for in-state, on campus: $33,276, a 4.1% increase over the previous year
• Total for out-of-state, on campus: $50,630, a 2.9% increase over the previous year
Financial Aid
In 2022-23, 89% of first-time, full-time undergraduates received financial aid. More specifically:
• Grants or scholarship aid: 81% received this type of aid with an average award of $4,456
• Federal grants: 14% received this type of aid with an average award of $5,850
• Pell grants: 14% received this type of aid with an average award of $4,814
• Other federal: 7% received this type of aid with an average award of $2,592
• State/local: 11% received this type of aid with an average award of $5,913
• Institutional: 80% received this type of aid with an average award of $2,629
• Student financial aid: 34% received this type of aid with an average amount of $9,972
• Federal student loans: 32% received this type of aid with an average amount of $5,193
• Other student loans: 8% received this type of aid with an average amount of $22,593
Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.
Recommended: Scholarship Search – College Scholarships Finder Tool
The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:
• Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.
• Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.
• Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.
• Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.
Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.
You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:
• US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state
• College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid
Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Private Student Loans
In 2022-23, 8% of JMU students received private student loans with an average amount of $22,593.
Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.
What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.
Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.
If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.
Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans
Projected 4-Year-Degree Price
In 2024-25, JMU cost $33,276 for in-state students. At that price, the cost for four years would be $133,104. The average in-state cost nationally was $28,840, or $115,360 for four years, significantly less than a JMU education.
Out-of-state cost was $50,630 in total. At that price, four years of tuition would total $202,520. Nationally, the average out-of-state cost of attendance was $46,730, or $186,920, which is again a chunk less than attending JMU.
Here’s some Virginia Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
In 2024-25, James Madison University tuition was:
• In-state: $14,250
• Out-of-state: $31,604
• Books and supplies: $1,298
• Total in-state tuition and fees: $15,548
• Total out-of-state tuition and fees: $32,902
How does that compare to other colleges? The average annual tuition and expenses for four-year public universities in the U.S. is $11,260 for in-state, and $29,150 for out-of-state. JMU’s total costs are higher for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Graduate Tuition and Fees
In 2024-25, JMU tuition for graduate students was:
• In-state tuition: $12,216
• In-state fees: $1,248
• In-state total: $13,464
• Out-of-state tuition: $29,736
• Out-of-state fees: $1,248
• Out-of-state total: $30,984
The average graduate student spends $21,730 on tuition and fees each year in the U.S,. meaning James Madison University may offer a good deal for in-state students.
Cost per Credit Hour
In 2024-25, in-state undergraduate students who take up to 11 credit hours will pay $463 per credit hour. Out-of-state students will pay $1,041 per credit hour.
Campus Housing Expenses
In 2024-25, housing costs were as follows:
• On campus room and board: $13,056
• Off campus housing: $650-$1,375+/mo* for a one-bedroom
*JMU lists off-campus housing rentals here.
James Madison University Acceptance Rate
In fall 2024, 44,134 students applied to the university. The JMU acceptance rate was 66%.
Admission Requirements
JMU looks for applicants who took rigorous high school coursework in core academic areas and reviews grades in core areas rather than the student’s GPA. Transcripts are required with the following being optional:
• SAT/ACT Scores
• Lists of extracurricular activities
• One letter of recommendation
• Personal statement
Deadlines are:
• November 1 of the prior year for early action, non-binding
• January 15 for regular decisions
SAT and ACT Scores
JMU no longer requires SAT/ACT scores. Students who do not submit them are not penalized. In fall 2023, 19% of applicants submitted an SAT score, and 3% submitted an ACT score. The 25th and 75th percentile numbers of those who submitted were:
|
Subject |
25th Percentile |
75th Percentile |
|
SAT Evidence-Based |
600 |
670 |
|
SAT Math |
570 |
650 |
|
ACT Composite |
25 |
29 |
Popular Majors at JMU
In 2023-24, these were some of the most popular majors at James Madison University.
1. Community Health Services
Health science students learn about disease causes and wellness strategies, analyzing health concerns and more. This degree can prepare students for medical and dental careers, including public health and veterinary careers.
Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 413
1. Community Health Services
Health science students learn about disease causes and wellness strategies, analyzing health concerns and more. This degree can prepare students for medical and dental careers, including public health and veterinary careers.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 413
2. Speech Communication and Rhetoric
Students can choose between a BA and a BS degree, which will prepare them to further their education in speech/language audiology or pathology.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 398
3. Psychology
Students study psychology as their main focus in a liberal arts education or use it as a foundation for graduate programs in education, counseling, clinical psychology, social work, criminal justice, and more.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 323
4. Registered Nursing
JMU prepares students to become professional registered nurses with courses in biology, chemistry, nutrition, math, psychology, and more while also providing a strong liberal arts foundation.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 286
5. Biology
Undergraduates study a range of sciences, including botany, genetics, evolution, and medicine, with access to labs. Biology research projects can range from genome sequencing to microbiology.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 173
6. Marketing
In this program, students learn traditional and digital forms of sales and marketing as well as communication and problem-solving skills. They will develop broad expertise that will be valued in business settings.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 169
7. Sport and Fitness Administration
Students are provided with theoretical courses alongside innovative activities and mentoring opportunities. This degree helps prepare them for working with commercial fitness companies, professional sports teams, and more.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 156
8. Information Science
Students learn how to solve problems through business and technical skills as they help to design and build computer-based solutions. Course work includes app development, networking and security, business intelligence, and more.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 143
9. Liberal Arts and Sciences
Referred to as “general education” at JMU, students in this program complete five interconnected areas of study to receive a broad, integrated education, One key goal: for a student to develop sound reasoning habits and communication skills.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 142
10. Business Administration
Undergraduates choose from multiple specialties: accounting, computer information systems and business analytics, economics, finance and business law, international business management, marketing, and quantitative finance.
Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 129
JMU Graduation Rate
The graduation rate at JMU for the fall 2017 cohort is 81%.
Post-Graduation Median Earnings
Graduates of James Madison University earn a median annual salary of $69,954. Compared to the average annual earnings of college grads in the U.S of $68,516, the salary of JMU graduates is slightly higher.
Bottom Line
JMU is a respected research university that offers degrees in a number of programs. The school’s acceptance rate is high, and the admissions process is need-blind, which can benefit students. Graduates of James Madison University go on to earn a good salary, and the school has been named the university in Virginia with the highest employment rate post-college.
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.
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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Roundups
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What are SoFi Roundups, and how do they work?
SoFi Roundups help you build your savings automatically, without changing your spending habits. When you make a purchase with your SoFi debit card, the transaction is rounded up to the nearest dollar. The difference moves into your Savings account.
For example, if you buy something for $3.50, SoFi rounds it up to $4 and transfers the extra $0.50 into savings. Over time, these small amounts can add up—making it easier to reach your financial goals, one purchase at a time.
How much could you save with Roundups?
Just 50 purchases a month with an average $0.50 roundup adds up to $25 in savings a month. That’s about $300 a year—automatically.
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Open a SoFi Checking and Savings account.
If you’re not already a member, open a bank account online to access Roundups and other banking features.
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Create a SoFi Vault.
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Easily monitor Roundups and Vault balances in the SoFi app. Mobile banking makes it simple to stay on top of your savings from anywhere.
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FAQs
Roundups apply to eligible debit card purchases made with your SoFi Checking and Savings account. ATM withdrawals, ACH transfers, and peer-to-peer payments via platforms like Venmo or PayPal are not eligible.
A Vault is a savings sub-account within SoFi Checking and Savings that lets you organize your money by goal. You’ll need at least one Vault to use Roundups, since that’s where your spare change will be saved.
No. Roundups are only available with SoFi debit card purchases tied to your Checking and Savings account. They don’t apply to credit card transactions.
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No. Roundups is a free feature included with your SoFi Checking and Savings account.
You can only assign Roundups to one Vault at a time, but you can switch the destination anytime in the SoFi app.
Your Roundup amounts are automatically saved into a designated SoFi Vault. To use these saved funds, you can easily transfer them from your Vault back to your SoFi Checking account.
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Utah Student Loan & Scholarship Information
Utah is full of rich history and natural resources. It’s no wonder so many students want to study in the Beehive State. Taking the time to learn about grants, scholarships, student loans, and student loan forgiveness options for Utah students can be an important way to help make sure you aren’t overwhelmed by college costs. Here’s what you need to know.
Average Student Loan Debt in Utah
As a prospective Utah college student, you’ll likely want to know the average student loan debt in Utah. According to a 2023 report, 39% of Utah college attendees have student loan debt, with an average balance of $18,344.
39%
of Utah college
attendees have student
loan debt.
SoFi offers simple student loans that work for you.
Utah Student Loans
Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans are provided by the U.S. Department of Education’s Direct Loan Program. If you take out a federal loan, the DOE is your lender. All federal student loans have fixed interest rates — which are generally lower than private loans’ — and carry fees between 1.057% and 4.228% that are deducted from the loan amount before disbursement.
To see which type of loans you may qualify for, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to apply for financial aid for college or grad school. Be aware of your state’s deadline as well as the federal FAFSA deadline.
You should also review the deadlines for each college to which you are applying, as one college may define their deadline as the date you submit your FAFSA form, while another considers it to be the date on which your FAFSA is actually processed. FAFSA will then offer you a financial aid package, dependent on your college, that may include grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loan options. It is important to note that not every student will qualify to receive federal aid.
Recommended: FAFSA Guide
Direct Subsidized Loans: These are for eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need, and they help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school. The federal government pays the interest on Direct Subsidized Loans while a student is in school at least half-time. Interest starts accruing on these loans after a six-month grace period once students graduate or if they drop below half-time enrollment.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students may qualify for these loans. Eligibility is not based on financial need. The interest on these loans begins accruing immediately after funds are disbursed (meaning paid out).
Direct PLUS Loans: These loans are for parents of dependent undergraduate students who need help paying for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Eligibility for this loan is not based on financial need, but it does require a credit check.
PLUS loans for graduate and professional students are being phased out. Only borrowers who already received these loans before June 30, 2026, can continue to borrow under their current terms through the 2028-29 academic year.
Recommended: Types of Federal Student Loans
Private Student Loans
Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. A key point to note: Private lenders follow a different set of regulations than federal loans, so their interest rates can vary widely. What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed.
Private lenders may require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school. On the other hand, you don’t have to start paying back federal student loans until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.
Unlike federal loans which can only be applied for within certain deadlines (once a year, and states have their own deadlines), private loans can be applied for on an as-needed basis. Even if you suspect you may need to take out a private loan, it’s still a smart move to submit your FAFSA before applying. That way, you can see what federal aid you may qualify for first.
If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline and you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your education payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.
Scholarships & Grants
Who doesn’t love a gift? You may sometimes hear grants and scholarships referred to as gift aid. That’s because while grants or scholarships may have certain academic or other requirements to keep them, you usually don’t have to pay them back as you would with a loan. Whether you call that a gift, a windfall, or free money, it’s a huge help when it comes time to pay for higher education.
There are a few instances where you may have to pay back grant money, but typically only if certain requirements aren’t met. Generally, grants are need-based (meaning they are distributed due to your financial need), while scholarships are awarded based on merit (such as academic, athletic, or artistic achievement).
There is no one-size-fits-all grant or scholarship amount or requirements, and both scholarships and grants can come from a variety of entities (including private organizations and federal or state governments).
Some scholarships or grants can be for a small amount that may help you pay for your books or research supplies, but others can cover the entire cost of your education. That means tuition, room and board, and the extras. Which is a very good thing. Who knew parking passes could be so expensive?
Utah Scholarships & Grants
Utah students can check out the scholarships and grants available in the state. This gift aid is essentially free money. Your parents and your bank account may thank you for exploring these options.
Utah Promise Scholarship
This needs-based scholarship program in Utah is available to eligible students at Utah’s public colleges, universities, and technical colleges. The award covers tuition and fees for up to two years.
T.H. Bell Education Scholarship
Eligible students intent on entering the teaching profession in Utah public schools can utilize this renewable scholarship at all public or private institutions in Utah that offer an approved program. The award amount is based on available funding.
Student Success Scholarship
Recipients of this award receive $7,000 during their freshman year and may be eligible for further funding in subsequent years. Students must be entering freshmen at the University of Utah and maintain a 3.3 GPA while attending full time, among other eligibility requirements.
Utah Sterling Scholar Award
This scholarship awards recipients, who must be Utah residents entering their first year of college, for outstanding scholastic achievement. The award amount is $5,000 annually.
Get low-rate in-school loans that work for you.
Utah Student Loan Repayment & Forgiveness Programs
If you’ve taken out student loans to attend a school in Utah, it is never too early to start thinking about your repayment plan. And guess what? You have a few repayment options at your disposal.
Under the 2025 domestic policy bill, the standard student loan repayment term is between 10 and 25 years, based on the loan amount. Federal student loan interest rates vary based on what year you receive the loan.
For the 2025-2026 school year, the federal student loan interest rate is 6.39% for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans for undergraduates, 7.94% for Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate and professional students, and 8.94% for Direct PLUS loans for parents and graduate or professional students.
For private loans, terms and conditions such as interest rates are set by the lender and vary due to many factors. Federal student loans typically offer the lowest interest rates and more flexible repayment options as compared to private student loans.
10-30
Years
New federal student loan repayment terms,
depending on the loan amount,
beginning July 2026.
Federal Student Loan Repayment Options
The U.S. domestic policy bill that was passed in July 2025 eliminates a number of federal repayment plans. Because current borrowers may remain in the plans, we are including them here. But for borrowers taking out their first loans on or after July 1, 2026, there will be only two repayment options: The Standard and an income-driven plan. You can learn more about your repayment options for federal student loans here.
Standard Repayment Plan
This plan will continue to be available in a modified form. Most borrowers were eligible for the original plan, which had a 10-year repayment period. Borrowers often paid less over time than with other plans because the loan term was shorter. (Typically, less interest accrues over shorter loan terms than longer ones if payments are made in full and on-time.) For loans taken out on or after July 1, 2026, the repayment term will range from 10 to 25 years based on the loan amount.
Repayment Assistance Program
This new program is similar to previous income-driven plans, which tied payments to income levels and household size. Payments range from 1% to 10% of adjusted gross income over a term up to 30 years. At that point, any remaining debt will be forgiven. If your monthly payment doesn’t cover the interest owed, the interest will be cancelled.
Graduated Repayment Plan
This plan will be closed to new loans made on or after July 1, 2026. Most borrowers were eligible for this plan, which allowed them to pay their loans off over 10 years. Payments started relatively low, then increased over time (usually every two years). Current borrowers in this plan will continue to make payments according to the plan’s graduated structure.
Extended Repayment Plan
This plan will be closed to new loans made on or after July 1, 2026. To qualify for this plan, you must have had more than $30,000 in outstanding Direct or FFEL loans. Monthly payments on the Extended Repayment Plan were typically lower than under the 10-year Standard Plan or the Graduated Repayment Plan, because borrowers had a longer period to pay them off (and therefore made more interest payments). Current borrowers in this plan will continue to make payments according to the plan’s extended term.
Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE)
This plan is scheduled to be eliminated by June 30, 2028. Most student borrowers were eligible for this plan. The SAVE Plan lowered payments for almost all borrowers compared to other income-driven plans because payments were based on a smaller portion of your adjusted gross income (AGI). In addition, any remaining balance would be forgiven after 20 years. Current borrowers in this plan may transition into the new Standard Repayment Plan or Repayment Assistance Program (RAP) beginning July 1, 2026.
Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
IBR is available to anyone currently in an income-driven plan that’s scheduled to close. It was designed for borrowers who have a high debt relative to their income. Monthly payments were never higher than the 10-year Standard Plan amount. Generally, however, borrowers paid more over time than under the Standard Plan.
Still not sure which payment plan is right for you?
For more information on repayment plans, check out our Student Loan Repayment Options article to help add some clarity.
Granted, it’s not always easy to pay loans back on time. When it comes to student loan default, 10% to 20% of student loans are typically in default. To help you avoid being among those who default on your student loans, let’s take a look at refinancing options.
Student Loan Refinancing
One option to potentially help accelerate student loan repayment is to refinance your student loans with a private lender. Some private lenders, like SoFi, will let you consolidate and refinance both your federal and private student loans into one loan and a single interest rate. It’s a great way to streamline your bill paying and financial life in general.
Consolidating your loans (aka combining them) under one lender gives you the opportunity to refinance your loan and get a new term and interest rate. If you have an improved financial profile compared to when you took out your original loan, you may be able to lower your interest rate when you refinance, or shorten your term to pay off your loan more quickly.
But it is important to remember that if you refinance federal student loans with a private lender, you will lose access to federal programs such as the income-driven repayment plans mentioned above, as well as student loan forgiveness and forbearance options.
Student Loan Forgiveness
At first glance, student loan forgiveness looks appealing, but it is not easily attainable. That being said, there are state-specific and federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs that certain student loan borrowers may be eligible for.
Before you review your options, it’s important to know that the terms forgiveness, cancellation, and discharge essentially mean the same thing when it comes to federal student loans, but are applied in different scenarios. For example, if you are no longer required to make loan payments due to your job, that could fall under forgiveness or cancellation.
Or, if the school you received your loans at closed before you graduated, this situation would generally be called a discharge.
Even if you don’t complete your education, can’t find a job, or are unhappy with the quality of your education, you must repay your loans. But there are circumstances that may lead to federal student loans being forgiven, canceled, or discharged. Here are some of those options:
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
The PSLF Program may forgive the remaining balance on eligible Direct Loans, after 120 qualified monthly payments are made under a repayment plan (and working with a qualifying employer).
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Those who teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in a low-income school or educational service agency may be eligible for forgiveness of up to $17,500 on select federal loans.
Perkins Loan Cancellation
Cancellation for this specific loan is based on eligible employment or volunteer service and length of service, among other factors.
Total and Permanent Disability Discharge
Qualification may relieve eligible borrowers from repaying a qualifying Direct Loan, a Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loan, and/or a Federal Perkins Loan or a TEACH Grant service obligation.
Death Discharge
Due to the death of the borrower or of the student on whose behalf a PLUS loan was taken out, federal student loans may be discharged.
Bankruptcy Discharge
Certain eligible borrowers may have federal student loans discharged if they file a separate action during bankruptcy, known as an “adversary proceeding.”
Closed School Discharge
Borrowers who were unable to complete an academic program because their school closed might be eligible for a discharge of Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans, or Federal Perkins Loans.
Utah Specific Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
Federal loan forgiveness programs are a logical place to start, but it can be smart to also consider other student loan forgiveness programs. There are forgiveness programs tailored to loan borrowers who live in certain locations, or have an in-demand and service-based vocation.
Rural Physician Loan Repayment Program
This loan forgiveness program is for qualified physicians who commit to working in an approved rural hospital in Utah for a minimum of two years. The award amount is up to $40,000 plus a required 100% match from your employer. The total award for two years of full-time service is $80,000.
SoFi Private Student Loans
In the spirit of transparency, we want you to know that you should exhaust all of your federal grant and loan options before you consider a SoFi private student loan.
We believe that it is in each student’s best interest to look at federal financing options first in order to find the right financial aid package for them.
If you do decide a private student loan is the right fit for your educational needs, we’re happy to help! SoFi’s private student loan application process is easy and fast. We offer flexible payment options and terms, and there are no origination or late fees.
Read more
How ‘Sinking Funds’ Can Lift Revenge Savers
We’re hearing more and more about the “revenge saving” mindset: the impetus to stash your money away with the same intensity that you may have spent it after COVID lockdowns ended.
The driver? A need to feel in control over rising costs and an unpredictable economy. (And in some cases, a little regret about not hanging on to more of your cash after the pandemic.)
Indeed, there’s growing evidence that the U.S. is shifting into a more frugal mode. After nearly steady monthly declines in 2024, Americans’ saving rate (the % of disposable income that people save vs. spend) is ticking back up this year. Workers are contributing a record share of their paychecks to their 401(k)s. And challenges like “no-buy July” are sweeping social media.
As inflation and tariffs fuel economic uncertainty, 52% of Americans polled by Marist/Yahoo Finance in May were eating out less, 48% were spending less on clothing, and 39% were cutting back on travel.
So what? No matter where the economy is headed, you’re not likely to regret some extra financial discipline. If your inner revenge-saver is ready to come out, one way to maintain momentum is to earmark savings for specific expenses that fall outside your regular budget.
Here are a few tips:
• Whether you’re saving for your next vacation or for a set of braces, separating your cash into goal-specific buckets, or “sinking funds,” can make it easier to track your progress. By walling off these funds, you’ll also be less tempted to dip in and use the money for other things.
• The beauty of sinking funds is they keep you organized and on track for financial goals – i.e. planned expenses. Keep them separate from your emergency savings, which you’ll want as a buffer if you lose your job or something else goes wrong unexpectedly.
• You can have a sinking fund for just about anything: Maybe you’re saving to cover necessities like that bathroom that needs renovating or replacement tires for your car. Or, perhaps you want to avoid breaking the bank on fun stuff, like new climbing gear or Comicon tickets.
• Thanks to modern tech, there’s no need to dig backyard holes or open a dozen new accounts. One option is to create SoFi Vaults within a primary SoFi high-yield savings account. With up to 20 separate vaults available, you can explore sinking fund categories beyond the standard vacay and holiday gifts to quality-of-life upgrades like a new pet or hobby.
Saving starts with a mindset. It’s not about denial and deprivation, but control and agency. Reframe it as a choice, and you’re much more likely to make it happen.
Related Reading
Feel Like Saying ‘Screw You’ to the Economy? Try Revenge Saving (CNET)
Sinking Funds: Everything You Need To Know (How to Money)
8 Key Frugal Living Tips (SoFi)
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