I don’t mean to assume anything about anyone’s personal circumstances and I certainly know not everyone is afforded much flexibility about school timing and/or program choice overall, but I would just....really caution considering what this kind of debt means in practical terms. It can be debilitating. It can severely limit your financial security and ability to support yourself in just the fundamentals for many years to come. Again, I know debt forgiveness programs work out for some people, and that’s great! But it’s not the majority. And more and more people are applying as the student debt crisis worsens. And for people who really want to be an OT and have to rely almost entirely on loans - myself included - it isn’t fair to weigh following your dream career on what life has allowed you to afford. Graduate school isn’t and shouldn’t be possible for only those with money. Loans are unavoidable for most people. However - please consider every option available. The less you have to take out, the better, period. Regardless of school. Sometimes the dream school just isn’t worth it, or the smartest choice. Private schools in particular can really cripple you with debt, and some don’t even allow federal loans. Private loan interest rates can really hurt. Is it smarter to maybe hold off a year, and try again for a state school with more reasonable tuition? Are the public/state schools around you not exactly reasonable as it is? Well - is it feasible to move somewhere with a state school offering more reasonable tuition rates, and working for a year to get in-state tuition there? Obviously this is not practical or possible for many, but I would just really take the time to research every possible option available to you, and work hard to figure out something that will minimize your debt as much as possible. It’s no small matter.
For a little reference, I waited 2 years, worked, gained experience, and applied once I found/researched and felt prepared for a school that checked off most of my personal preferences - and wouldn’t financially hurt me too much. Good reputation, very high NBCOT pass rates, and it’s a program that is literally a quarter the cost of some of the numbers you guys are throwing out. Even with additional cost of living numbers factored in. Consider the highest possible salary you’ll ever make as an OT and then compare that again to the 100k+ debt some are facing. Just...take your time and make sure you have a solid, long-plan regarding whatever choice you make. Be confident in your choice. “Ah, well, I’ll figure something out” is something I’ve heard a lot from others and it’s not a good jumping off point lol. Just be cautious and patient and you'll feel better about starting this wonderful career with a clear mind 🙂
It sucks to think about how much money I'll owe and I get very anxious about it at times. So any advice will help!
