Real estate school can be expensive. Depending on your chosen route, it can cost from $1,000 to over $100,000. As a result, student loans are occasionally needed.
You should first consider federal loans and then use private lenders to fill any gaps.
Information advertised valid as of 05/04/2026. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s).
All rates shown include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit.
College Ave Student Loan Servicing, LLC, NMLS#1263410 NMLS Consumer Access
College Ave’s student loan products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or BTG Pactual Bank, N.A., member FDIC
Information advertised valid as of 05/04/2026. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s).
All rates shown include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit.
College Ave Student Loan Servicing, LLC, NMLS#1263410 NMLS Consumer Access
College Ave’s student loan products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or BTG Pactual Bank, N.A., member FDIC
Information advertised valid as of 05/04/2026. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s).
All rates shown include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit.
College Ave Student Loan Servicing, LLC, NMLS#1263410 NMLS Consumer Access
College Ave’s student loan products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or BTG Pactual Bank, N.A., member FDIC
Borrow responsibly
We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan.
Loans for Undergraduate & Career Training Students are not intended for graduate students and are subject to credit approval, identity verification, signed loan documents, and school certification. Student must attend a participating school. Student or cosigner must meet the age of majority in their state of residence. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend school in the U.S., and apply with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident). Requested loan amount must be at least $1,000.
1. Loan application must be submitted to see available rates.
2. Although we do not charge you a penalty or fee if you prepay your loan, any prepayment will be applied as provided in your promissory note — first to Unpaid Fees and costs, then to Unpaid Interest, and then to Current Principal.
3. Based on a comparison of the percentage of students who were approved with a cosigner to the percentage of students who were approved without a cosigner from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024.
4. The borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae to receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate reduction benefit. This benefit applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment.
5. Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan with a 4-year in-school period, a 6-month grace, and the longest loan term offered. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment.
6. Savings comparison assumes a freshman student receives a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common variable rate as of January 2025 and the longest loan term offered.
7. Examples of typical transactions for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, Fixed Repayment Option, two disbursements, a 4-year in-school period, and a 6-month grace: For a borrower with the shortest loan term, it works out to 16.16% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $296.32 and one payment of $41.82, for a total loan cost of $36,578.90. For a borrower with the longest loan term, it works out to 16.38% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 177 payments of $265.54 and one payment of $173.00, for a total loan cost of $48,448.58. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. A variable APR may increase over the life of the loan. A fixed APR will not.
Information advertised valid as of 05/26/2026.
ALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. CHECK SALLIEMAE.COM FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PRODUCT INFORMATION.
Sallie Mae loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank.
Borrow responsibly
We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan.
Loans for Undergraduate & Career Training Students are not intended for graduate students and are subject to credit approval, identity verification, signed loan documents, and school certification. Student must attend a participating school. Student or cosigner must meet the age of majority in their state of residence. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend school in the U.S., and apply with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident). Requested loan amount must be at least $1,000.
1. Loan application must be submitted to see available rates.
2. Although we do not charge you a penalty or fee if you prepay your loan, any prepayment will be applied as provided in your promissory note — first to Unpaid Fees and costs, then to Unpaid Interest, and then to Current Principal.
3. Based on a comparison of the percentage of students who were approved with a cosigner to the percentage of students who were approved without a cosigner from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024.
4. The borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae to receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate reduction benefit. This benefit applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment.
5. Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan with a 4-year in-school period, a 6-month grace, and the longest loan term offered. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment.
6. Savings comparison assumes a freshman student receives a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common variable rate as of January 2025 and the longest loan term offered.
7. Examples of typical transactions for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, Fixed Repayment Option, two disbursements, a 4-year in-school period, and a 6-month grace: For a borrower with the shortest loan term, it works out to 16.16% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $296.32 and one payment of $41.82, for a total loan cost of $36,578.90. For a borrower with the longest loan term, it works out to 16.38% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 177 payments of $265.54 and one payment of $173.00, for a total loan cost of $48,448.58. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. A variable APR may increase over the life of the loan. A fixed APR will not.
Information advertised valid as of 05/26/2026.
ALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. CHECK SALLIEMAE.COM FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PRODUCT INFORMATION.
Sallie Mae loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank.
Borrow responsibly
We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan.
Loans for Undergraduate & Career Training Students are not intended for graduate students and are subject to credit approval, identity verification, signed loan documents, and school certification. Student must attend a participating school. Student or cosigner must meet the age of majority in their state of residence. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend school in the U.S., and apply with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident). Requested loan amount must be at least $1,000.
1. Loan application must be submitted to see available rates.
2. Although we do not charge you a penalty or fee if you prepay your loan, any prepayment will be applied as provided in your promissory note — first to Unpaid Fees and costs, then to Unpaid Interest, and then to Current Principal.
3. Based on a comparison of the percentage of students who were approved with a cosigner to the percentage of students who were approved without a cosigner from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024.
4. The borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae to receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate reduction benefit. This benefit applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment.
5. Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan with a 4-year in-school period, a 6-month grace, and the longest loan term offered. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment.
6. Savings comparison assumes a freshman student receives a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common variable rate as of January 2025 and the longest loan term offered.
7. Examples of typical transactions for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, Fixed Repayment Option, two disbursements, a 4-year in-school period, and a 6-month grace: For a borrower with the shortest loan term, it works out to 16.16% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $296.32 and one payment of $41.82, for a total loan cost of $36,578.90. For a borrower with the longest loan term, it works out to 16.38% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 177 payments of $265.54 and one payment of $173.00, for a total loan cost of $48,448.58. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. A variable APR may increase over the life of the loan. A fixed APR will not.
Information advertised valid as of 05/26/2026.
ALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. CHECK SALLIEMAE.COM FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PRODUCT INFORMATION.
Sallie Mae loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank.
Ascent Funding, LLC products are made available through Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions may apply for Ascent‘s Terms and Conditions please visit AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 06/01/2026 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount (ACH). The ACH discount consists of 0.25% on credit-based college student loans submitted prior to 6/1/2025, a 0.5% discount for on credit-based college student loans submitted on or after 6/1/2025 and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions. The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. Variable rates may increase after consummation.1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. For details on Ascent borrower benefits, visit AscentFunding.com/
Ascent Funding, LLC products are made available through Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions may apply for Ascent‘s Terms and Conditions please visit AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 06/01/2026 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount (ACH). The ACH discount consists of 0.25% on credit-based college student loans submitted prior to 6/1/2025, a 0.5% discount for on credit-based college student loans submitted on or after 6/1/2025 and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions. The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. Variable rates may increase after consummation.1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. For details on Ascent borrower benefits, visit AscentFunding.com/
Ascent Funding, LLC products are made available through Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions may apply for Ascent‘s Terms and Conditions please visit AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 06/01/2026 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount (ACH). The ACH discount consists of 0.25% on credit-based college student loans submitted prior to 6/1/2025, a 0.5% discount for on credit-based college student loans submitted on or after 6/1/2025 and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions. The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. Variable rates may increase after consummation.1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. For details on Ascent borrower benefits, visit AscentFunding.com/
Can I get federal student loans for real estate school?
You could use a federal student loan to pay for real estate school. However, your school must be an accredited school to qualify. To check its accreditation status, search the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database to see if your school is accredited.
Depending on your financial situation and the real estate program you’re enrolled in, you might qualify for one of these federal loans:
| Loan type | What to know |
| Direct Subsidized | For undergraduates who demonstrate financial |
| Direct Unsubsidized | Don’t need to demonstrate financial need, but the government doesn’t cover your interest while in school |
| Grad PLUS | For those enrolled in an eligible real estate master’s degree program and requires a credit check |
- Direct Subsidized Loan. You might qualify for this loan if you’re an undergraduate student who can demonstrate financial need. While you’re enrolled in school at least half-time, the U.S. Department of Education pays your interest.
- Direct Unsubsidized Loan. If you’re an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at a qualifying school, you may qualify for an Unsubsidized Loan. While you don’t need to demonstrate financial need to qualify, interest does accrue on the loan while you’re in school.
- Grad PLUS loan. Once you’ve maxed out your unsubsidized loans eligibility, a Grad PLUS loan could help fill any funding gaps. You might qualify if you don’t have any adverse credit history on your credit reports.
Best private real estate student loans
If you’re seeking private loans, two solid options are available: College Ave is great for borrowers attending accredited institutions, and Sallie Mae’s Career Training Smart Option Student Loan might be ideal for those considering a non-degree-granting institution.
College Ave
Why it’s one of the best
College Ave is a premier choice for students pursuing career development, including those enrolled in real estate programs at accredited institutions. This lender caters to various educational pursuits, from associate degrees to postgraduate studies, ensuring that students at various levels can find suitable funding options.
What sets College Ave apart is its broad eligibility criteria and its commitment to supporting students beyond the classroom. The cash-back reward is an incentive that motivates students to achieve their educational goals.
College Ave understands the diverse financial backgrounds of its borrowers, offering the option to add a cosigner to improve approval chances. This flexibility, coupled with the option to release the cosigner after repaying half of the original loan amount, highlights College Ave’s adaptability to borrowers’ evolving financial independence.
College Ave combines flexibility with financial viability, making it an excellent option for real estate students.
- Cash back reward of $150 upon program completion
- Finance up to 100% of educational expenses
- Choose from 16 different repayment schedules.
Sallie Mae
Why it’s one of the best
Sallie Mae is a top lender for students seeking loans for professional training and trade certificate programs, including those in real estate. Its comprehensive approach to funding, which encompasses not just tuition but also books, housing, travel, and more, ensures that students can focus on their education without financial distractions.
The Smart Option Student Loan for Career Training is beneficial for students at non-degree-granting institutions, providing vital financial support where it may otherwise be scarce.
One of Sallie Mae’s standout features is its cosigner release policy, which allows borrowers to apply for cosigner release after 12 on-time payments, offering a faster path to financial independence than many other lenders.
Sallie Mae offers flexible repayment terms ranging from 10 to 15 years and competitive interest rates. Including immediate repayment options, such as interest payments or a nominal flat fee, alongside the potential for making interest-only payments for the first year postgraduation, reflects Sallie Mae’s commitment to accommodating diverse financial situations.
- Cosigner release after 12 consecutive, on-time payments
- Loans can cover 100% of all program-related expenses
- Immediate repayment options and the ability to make interest-only payments for the first 12 months after school
Do student loans cover all real estate schools?
Getting a private or federal student loan for a real estate school is possible. You could get one while pursuing a real estate degree program or a certificate at a trade school.
That said, you might have trouble qualifying for one if your school isn’t an eligible or accredited institution.
Before you take out a student loan, research scholarship opportunities. Some REALTOR® associations offer scholarships up to $2,000 for students majoring in business or real estate. A scholarship can help minimize your borrowing cost; unlike a loan, you don’t have to repay it.
How to get student loans for real estate school
The process varies depending on whether you apply for a federal or private loan. For a federal loan, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After you complete the FAFSA, you’ll receive a student aid report (SAR) outlining your loan eligibility.
Completing the FAFSA generally takes an hour. Once completed, it can take a few weeks to months for the government to disburse funds to your school to cover your outstanding balance. Your school will then send you any leftover funds to cover other expenses.
The application process for a private student loan varies by lender, but here are the general steps.
- Review eligibility requirements. Many private student loan companies have minimum income and credit score requirements. If you don’t meet those requirements, some will allow you to apply with a cosigner.
- Prequalify. Compare your options by prequalifying with multiple lenders. Though prequalifying doesn’t guarantee a lender will approve the loan, it can give you an idea of what rates and terms you could receive.
- Submit formal application. After choosing the best option for you, submit a complete loan application. Documentation requirements vary, but lenders might ask you to provide your school information and your—or your cosigner’s—latest tax return, W-2s, and bank statements.
- Receive funds. Like a federal student loan, lenders usually send funds directly to your school to cover your balance. Afterward, your school will send you any remaining funds.
If you are looking to get a four-year degree in real estate, I encourage you to complete the FAFSA form first to see what they qualify for before going to private lenders. The cost will be significantly less if you just pay for the licensure to become a real estate agent. You are also unlikely to qualify for student loans in this situation, so your options are to self fund or fund through your employer.
Natalie Slagle, CFP®
If you want a four-year degree in real estate, I encourage you to complete the FAFSA form first to see what they qualify for before going to private lenders. The cost will be significantly less if you just pay for the licensure to become a real estate agent. You are also unlikely to qualify for student loans in this situation, so your options are to self-fund or fund through your employer.
Alternatives to real estate student loans
Student loans for real estate school are a common route to fund your education, but they’re not the only option. Consider whether these alternatives are available. They can make your real estate career dreams a reality while lightening your financial burden.
- Employer assistance: This option involves an employer financially backing your education. It’s an alternative worth considering because it can save you money upfront. Unlike student loans, employer assistance doesn’t need to be repaid. However, some employers might require you to work for them for some time in return for their support.
- On-campus employment: On-campus employment could also help fund your real estate school—and it might be a viable way to lessen how much you owe after graduation. Job availability and work-study hours may affect this option’s viability, and it might not cover all your educational expenses.
- Personal savings: The primary advantage of personal savings is that it allows you to avoid debt. But real estate school can be expensive, and you may need to save substantially to cover the full costs.
- Education savings accounts: An education savings account is a type of investment account that offers tax advantages intended to encourage savings for future education costs.
- School payment plans: Some real estate schools offer payment plans that may require regular payments sooner and have higher monthly payments than a loan would.
- GI Bill: The GI Bill, designed to help veterans finance their education, is another alternative to student loans for real estate school. This benefit can cover full tuition costs if you’re eligible, but it’s only an option for veterans and eligible dependents.
- Real estate internships: Real estate internships can sometimes offer stipends or other payment methods to help fund your education. The amount you earn can vary and may not cover full costs. Balancing work and study commitments can be challenging.
FAQ
How much does it cost to get a real estate license?
he cost to obtain a real estate license varies by state but generally includes several expenses:
- Pre-licensing education can range from $200 to $1,000, depending on the state and the provider.
- The exam fee typically ranges from $50 to $100, while the license application fee is usually between $50 and $250.
- Background checks and fingerprinting costs around $30 to $100.
- Errors and omissions insurance is an annual fee that can range from $200 to $400. Additionally, some states require post-licensing education, which can cost $100 to $300.
Overall, the total cost to get a real estate license can be between $500 and $1,500.
What are the consequences of student loan debt as a realtor?
Student loan debt can have several consequences for realtors:
- It can create financial stress, as monthly loan payments strain personal finances and make it harder to invest in marketing, continuing education, and other business expenses.
- High levels of debt can affect credit scores, impacting the ability to obtain loans for business or personal needs.
- With a significant portion of income going toward student loan repayments, realtors may find it challenging to save for retirement, invest in property, or build an emergency fund.
- Reduced disposable income can limit lifestyle choices and financial flexibility, affecting overall quality of life.
- A high debt-to-income ratio can also make it difficult to qualify for mortgages or other loans needed to grow a real estate business.
How much student loan debt is too much for a realtor?
Determining how much student loan debt is too much for a realtor depends on several factors. The realtor’s annual income plays a crucial role, with a general rule of thumb being that monthly student loan payments should not exceed 10-15% of the realtor’s gross monthly income.
High living expenses can make even moderate debt burdens unmanageable. Newer realtors with lower incomes may struggle with higher debt levels, while more established realtors with higher incomes may manage larger debts more easily. In a slow real estate market, even a moderate amount of debt can become overwhelming.
Generally, if student loan debt significantly hinders the ability to save, invest in the business, or maintain a comfortable lifestyle, it may be considered too much. Realtors should aim to keep their total debt-to-income ratio, including all debts, below 36% to ensure financial stability.
How we selected the best real estate school student loans
LendEDU evaluates student loan lenders to help readers find the best student loans. Our latest analysis reviewed 725 data points from 25 lenders and financial institutions, with 29 data points collected from each. This information is gathered from company websites, online applications, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives.
These star ratings help us determine which companies are best for different situations. We don’t believe two companies can be the best for the same purpose, so we only show each best-for designation once.
About our contributors
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Written by Jerry Brown, CFEI®Jerry Brown is a freelance personal finance writer and Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ (CFEI®) who lives in New Orleans. He covers a range of personal finance topics, including credit, personal loans, and student loans.
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Edited by Amanda HankelAmanda Hankel is a managing editor at LendEDU. She has more than seven years of experience covering various finance-related topics and has worked for more than 15 years overall in writing, editing, and publishing.