What’s the Real Story Behind Grad School Student Loan Debt?

Here’s What You Should Know 

If you’re thinking about grad school, or already in it, you’ve probably got student loans on your mind.  

Let’s break down what grad school debt really looks like in 2025, what it means for you as an SLP, and how you can navigate it with confidence (and maybe a little less stress). 

So, How Much Debt Are We Talking About? 

Let’s start with the big picture. Right now, the average grad school student in the U.S. carries about $46,800 in student loan debt. But that number jumps up pretty fast depending on your degree and where you go to school. 

Master’s Degrees (That’s You, SLPs!) 

• On average: $66,000–$71,000 

• Public universities: Around $58,600 

• Private schools: As high as $77,250 

Professional Degrees (think doctors, lawyers, dentists) 

• Law school: Around $150,000 

• Med school: Roughly $200,000 

• Dental school: As much as $300,000 

Ph.D. and Doctoral Programs 

• Typical range: $62,000–$123,000 

• Medical Ph.D.s average around $199,000 

Keep in mind, these numbers include not just tuition, but also the cost of living. Grad students aren’t exactly rolling in extra income during school, so many need loans to cover rent, groceries, and more. 

What About SLPs Specifically? 

Most of our clients fall into the master’s degree category, and yes, you’ll likely take on debt to get there. 

• Typical SLP debt: $60,000 to $80,000 (more if you attend a private school) 

Most of our clients don’t graduate with the six-figure salaries of some other professions, so loan repayment takes careful planning. But here’s the good news: there are smart ways to tackle it. 

Why Do Some People End Up with More Debt Than Others? 

Here are some of the big factors that affect how much grad students borrow: 

• Private vs. public schools – Private tends to cost more (surprise!) 

• Where you live – Big cities = higher living expenses = more borrowing 

• Program length and structure – Dual degrees or longer programs often cost more 

• Funding options – Some Ph.D. programs offer stipends or assistantships, while others don’t 

What Will My Monthly Payments Look Like? 

That depends on your total debt and which repayment plan you choose. Here’s a rough idea: 

• Master’s degree grads: $367–$835/month 

• Professional degrees: Could be $1,000+/month 

• Some folks spend 10–20% of their income just on student loans 

If you’re earning $60K as a new SLP, that’s a big chunk, so choosing the right repayment strategy is key. 

Is Grad School Actually Worth It? 

Totally fair question. Let’s talk about ROI (return on investment). Here’s how the math plays out for different degrees: 

SLPs actually stack up pretty well here, your ROI is strong, and your debt isn’t as extreme as it is in law or medicine. 

Challenges Grad Students Face with Loans 

Here’s what makes grad student loans trickier than undergrad: 

• Higher interest rates (8.08% for federal loans in 2025) 

• Capitalized interest – Interest gets added to your principal if unpaid 

• No subsidized loans – That helpful “no interest while in school” benefit ends after undergrad 

Translation? Grad school loans are more expensive, and they start costing you sooner. 

How to Keep Your Debt in Check (and Your Sanity Intact) 

If you’re planning to become, or already are, an SLP-client, here are some smart moves: 

• Shop around – Public or in-state programs can save you a ton 

• Apply for scholarships and assistantships – Every dollar helps 

• Look for employer loan repayment perks – Some schools and healthcare facilities offer them 

• Check out federal repayment options – Especially Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) if you work in public schools or non-profits 

Final Thoughts 

Grad school debt can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to run the show. For SLPs, the investment often makes sense, especially if you’re strategic about how you borrow and repay. 

You don’t have to figure this all out on your own. Talk to financial aid offices, mentors, and (of course!) reach out to us if you want help creating a student loan plan that fits your career and life goals. 

Stats pulled from trusted sources like the Education Data Initiative, Student Loan Professor, and other 2025 higher-ed research reports.