Repayment & Beyond
Your career strategy and repayment strategy go hand in hand.
Know Your Repayment Options
- Income-Driven Repayment (IDR)
- Adjusts payments based on income—especially helpful early in your career
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Forgiveness after 10 years in qualifying public or nonprofit roles
California-Specific Support
- California Student Loan Ombudsman (DFPI)
- Free help resolving loan issues and disputes
- https://dfpi.ca.gov/consumers/student-loans/
- Additional resources:
Explore Profession-Specific Relief
- Architects Foundation Student Loan Relief Grant
- Targeted support for architecture graduates
Consider Career Positioning
- Higher-paying sectors (early career impact):
- Healthcare
- Commercial/corporate work
- Large firms and tech-adjacent design
- Public sector roles can support loan forgiveness pathways
Refinancing (Use Caution)
- Can lower interest rates
- But may remove access to federal protections like IDR and PSLF
Licensure Matters
- Becoming licensed earlier can:
- Increase earning potential
- Expand career opportunities
- Improve long-term financial stability
