How To Get Student Loans for Appliance Repair School in 2025

If you're looking for a practical trade with a steady paycheck, appliance repair could fit the bill. Home appliance repair technicians make an average annual salary of $50,640, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also expects more than 600,000 job openings in installation, maintenance, and repair occupations each year through 2033.

Before you jump in, you may be wondering how to pay for your appliance repair certification. Student loans are available, but your options vary depending on the school you attend. Here's a closer look at student loans for appliance repair school.

Current private student loan rates

Can you get student loans for appliance repair school?

If you need to borrow money to pay for appliance repair school, student loans may be available, but it depends on your circumstances. You may qualify for federal student aid for appliance tech programs, including student loans, if you're attending an accredited school that participates in the Title IV federal student aid programs. Some community colleges, for example, offer appliance repair programs and are eligible for federal aid.

“If [schools] are eligible for federal student aid, they will have a federal school code,” explains Mark Kantrowitz, author of “How To Appeal for More College Financial Aid.” You can look for federal school codes with StudentAid.gov's School Search tool.

If you enroll in a shorter or non-degree program at an unaccredited school, you likely won't have access to federal student loans. However, you can take out a private student loan from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. You may also explore options for state or local workforce grants.

You can use student loans to pay for various educational costs, including tuition, certification exam fees, tools, and even transportation. Avoid taking out more loans than you need, as you'll have to pay back the amount you borrow, plus interest.

Federal student loan options for appliance repair training

If your program qualifies for federal financial aid, you can access that aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a free form that unlocks the door to federal grants, student loans, and the work-study program.

You can fill out the form for free on StudentAid.gov, and you must submit it for each year that you want aid. If you're a dependent student, your parents will provide their information, too. Try to complete the form early, as some financial aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

By submitting the FAFSA, you can put yourself in the running for federal aid like the Pell Grant, which offers up to $7,395 for the 2025-26 school year to students with exceptional financial need. Unlike student loans, you don't have to repay grants. It's best to maximize your grant and scholarship opportunities before turning to loans.

You may also be eligible for appliance repair training loans, specifically Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and PLUS loans. Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need, while Direct Unsubsidized Loans are offered to both undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of finances.

Direct PLUS loans are designed for graduate students and parents of dependent undergraduates. They have higher interest rates and fees, but may be worth exploring if you've hit your borrowing limits for other loan types and need additional funding.

Private student loans for appliance repair school

If you can't qualify for federal student loans or need additional funding beyond them, private student loans for vocational school are worth considering. Unlike Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, you'll have to meet credit and income requirements to qualify for a loan. If your credit score is low or you have no credit, you'll need to apply with a cosigner who has strong credit.

You can often choose a fixed or variable interest rate, as well as select repayment terms between five and 15 years — though this varies by lender. By contrast, federal student loans offer a variety of repayment plans that span 10 to 25 or 30 years, including income-driven repayment options.

Federal loans are also eligible for federal forgiveness programs, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Private trade school loans for appliance repair don't qualify for these programs and have fewer borrower protections overall.

The good news is that private lenders may offer financing for unaccredited programs that don't qualify for federal loans. Some lenders that fund vocational and trade school programs include Sallie Mae, Ascent, and Edly.

Before choosing a lender, it's worth shopping around to find the best deal. Look for a low interest rate, no origination fees, and repayment terms that work for your budget.

Cost of appliance repair training and certification

The cost of appliance repair school can vary significantly, depending on the program you choose.

If you attend a community college for two years, expect an average in-district cost of $4,050 — though this varies widely by location. Some community colleges offer stand-alone appliance training programs with a lower price tag. Kishwaukee College, for instance, has an appliance repair technician program that costs $1,300, including textbooks and supplies.

“Many career and technical education programs offered at public community and technical colleges have much lower tuition rates and fees compared to four-year colleges, reducing financial barriers to entry,” says Catherine Imperatore, research and content director at the Association for Career and Technical Education.

You might also find a program with an independent organization, such as Fred's Appliance Academy, which charges $4,200 for tuition. Cornerstone Appliance Training charges between $695 and $2,000, and Uncle Harry's Appliance Repair programs cost $799 to $2,899.

When considering costs, find out if the program's fee includes tools and safety gear. If not, you might have to budget for items like screwdrivers, pliers, work gloves, and a hammer.

You may also choose to pay for the National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC) exam, which provides certification for technicians who service major home appliances. It's not required, but it could help you stand out to employers. Exam fees range from $50 to $185, depending on whether you add specialties.

Earning potential with appliance repair training

The average appliance repair technician salary is $50,640 per year, or $24.35 per hour, according to the BLS. Experienced technicians or self-employed repair professionals may earn more — those in the top 90% percentile make $72,660 per year. Given this potential income, paying a few thousand dollars for an appliance repair program can be worth the investment.

On the other hand, you'll likely earn less than you would with a bachelor's degree. The median weekly earnings for those with a bachelor's degree is $1,543, while those with an associate degree earn $1,099, and those with a high school diploma earn $930, according to the BLS.

Other ways to pay for appliance repair school

Student loans aren't your only option for financing appliance repair school. Here are some other funding sources to explore:

• Scholarships and grants: You may find opportunities from trade associations, individual schools, or other organizations. The Horatio Alger Association, for example, funds career and technical scholarships. Cast a wide net to boost your chances of earning a grant or scholarship.
• Workforce development programs: Some states and local organizations offer funding for training programs, especially for high-demand industries or occupations.
• Employer-sponsored training: Look for companies that offer tuition reimbursement or will sponsor your training if you commit to working for them after graduation.
• Flexible school payment plans: Find out if your school offers a tuition payment plan that lets you spread out the costs over time.

“Students in many program areas may also pursue apprenticeships, which often involve taking relevant coursework while earning a wage and learning on the job under the supervision and mentorship of an experienced worker,” says Imperatore.

Tips for borrowing responsibly for vocational education

Appliance repair school can lead to a steady paycheck, but you don't want to be burdened with student debt. Here are some tips for borrowing responsibly and keeping student loan debt to a minimum:

• Compare tuition costs for multiple schools: Research several programs to find one that offers solid training and fits your budget. Factors like accreditation, job placement rates, and student reviews can help guide your selection.
• Estimate your expected post-certification earnings: Consider your projected income to make sure the program is worth the cost. One student loan guideline is to borrow no more than the amount you expect to make in your first year after graduating.
• Prioritize grants and scholarships before loans: You don't have to pay back grants or scholarships, so apply for as much gift aid as possible before taking out student loans.
• Borrow only what you need: Avoid spending loan money on nonessentials, such as travel or restaurants. You might also consider working part-time while you study to reduce your borrowing.
• Understand interest rates and repayment terms: A student loan calculator can help you estimate your monthly payments and long-term interest costs. Make sure you understand your financial obligation before you borrow.