5 Tips for Paying off Loans Post-MBA

Whether you receive government loans, private student loans or a combination of both, MBA loans can help you cover all the costs of your MBA program without reaching into your own pocket. Once you finish that program though, you may find that you owe $30,000 or even more, which doesn’t include the interest charged on the loans. No matter where you work or how much you make each year, you can still pay off all those loans faster than you thought possible.

Pay More Than the Minimum Amount

Lenders send you a bill that shows you the amount due each month, but it is in their best interest to ask for less because this leaves a larger balance on your account and lets the lender charge more in interest. The more you owe, the more you’ll pay in interest. Business Insider recommends paying a little more each month than your bill states to pay off your loans faster and to reduce the amount you pay in interest.

Consolidate Your Loans

Many MBA students graduate and find that they owe loans to multiple lenders. Each of those lenders can charge different interest rates and send you bills each month. When you consolidate your loans, one company will pay off your loans and consolidate all those loans into one lump sum. You’ll then make a payment to that new company to pay on all loans at the same time. Some companies can help you refinance your loans too, which can help you qualify for a lower interest rate.

Related Resource: Top 10 Highest Paying MBA Jobs

Make More Money

Depending on how much time you have available in a standard work week, you might sign on for a second job and use the money you make in that position solely for your loans. You might work as a server in a restaurant or deliver food to make some extra cash. Companies like Uber and Lyft may have a need for drivers in your area too. If you don’t have enough time in your schedule for a second job, consider doing some freelance work and putting the money earned through that work towards your loans.

Enroll in a Loan Forgiveness Program

Using your MBA to teach business, economics, social studies or a similar subject in a public school may help you qualify for one of the loan forgiveness programs offered by the government. These programs allow students to sign up and commit to working for a specific period of time, which is usually around two to five years. Once you complete your commitment, the government will forgive your loans. Teachers typically work in urban or rural school districts that have a high need for qualified teachers. Other programs are available for those wiling to work in other areas.

Set a Better Budget

The best way to pay off your MBA loans after finishing school is with a good budget. Sit down with a list of your expenses as well as your most recent checks. Determine how much you spend on expenses like food and rent to see how much you can afford to pay on your loans. Look for ways to cut your budget too. You might decide to live with your parents for a few years, drive an older car to save on insurance costs or skip nights out with friends.

Most students leave school with one or more loans, which is why many colleges require that students go through exit counseling before graduating. Once you complete this counseling, you can look at ways to pay off your MBA loans like enrolling in a loan forgiveness program or paying more than the minimum due each month.

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