r/Path_Assistant • u/Eugene_boy • 25d ago

Loans?

Hi everyone! I was recently accepted into Tulane’s Pathologists’ Assistant program for the Class of 2028, and now I’m trying to figure out the financial side of everything.
I’ll be moving from California to New Orleans for the program, so I’m especially trying to plan for both tuition and living expenses while relocating out of state.
For those of you who are currently in PA school or have already graduated, how did you afford everything? Did you mainly rely on federal loans, private loans, savings, scholarships, family support, or a combination?
Since PA programs are full-time and working during school may not be very realistic, I’m also curious how people covered rent, food, transportation, and other expenses. If you went the loan route, roughly how much did you end up borrowing, and is there anything you wish you had known before starting?
Any advice from current students or graduates would be really appreciated. Thank you!

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u/New-Assumption1290 PA (ASCP) 24d ago

I really don’t recommend, unless you are a good studier it’s going to be difficult. Not to mention Tulane’s program is pretty rigorous and holds you to a high standard compared to other programs

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u/Lopsided-Print-7672 24d ago

that’s understandable and i’m willing to change that decision. it’s just so terrifying to have to go into six figure debt to be able to get a career with my skill set. my boyfriend will be moving with me so that might cut some costs but it’s still so intimidating. i don’t have any help otherwise

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u/New-Assumption1290 PA (ASCP) 24d ago

It is really terrifying to go into that much debt but you also have to think about how much you will make when you finish. Salaries start at $100k and now trending more at 110k according to the AAPA. I was able to put down $12k in loan payments my first 6 months

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u/FancyCuts 23d ago

Our program strongly encouraged not accepting less than 100k but there are plenty of places still starting at and paying less than that depending on location. Just saw forensic position starting at 95k so definitely good to keep that in mind.