How To Get Student Loans for Plumbing School in 2025

Entering a trade profession like plumbing can be a lucrative career move. In just a few years or less, students can earn their credentials and enter the workforce, which is expected to grow 6% between 2023 and 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Although pursuing a certification or associate degree in plumbing might cost less than a traditional four-year education, the cost can still be significant if you're paying out of pocket. Paying for plumbing school with student loans and other sources of funding can help ease this financial burden.

Current private student loan rates

Can you get student loans for plumbing school?

Student loans for plumbing school are available through two main paths. The best place to start is with federal student loans. Accredited trade schools and colleges that participate in the Title IV federal aid program can offer federal education loans for trade school students.

However, federal student aid for plumbing programs isn't available if your school isn't accredited or is ineligible for Title IV aid. You can check your school's eligibility through the Department of Education's accreditation search tool or by contacting the financial aid office directly.

Students who can't access federal loans can look into private student loans for vocational school.

Federal student loans for plumbing school

To offer students federal financial aid, trade schools and community colleges must be certified to participate in programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. If you've confirmed that your plumbing school is a Title IV participant, you'll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal student loans.

Your school determines your eligibility for federal Direct Loans, including:

• Direct Subsidized Loans: These are need-based federal loans for undergraduate students. The government covers the interest during school, your grace period, and any periods of deferment.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Unsubsidized loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students, and are not need-based. While these loans don't have an interest subsidy, they have higher loan limits than Direct Subsidized Loans.
• Direct PLUS Loans: Available to graduate students and parents of dependent undergraduate students, PLUS loans allow you to borrow up to the cost of attendance at your school, minus other financial aid received.

Federal student loans offer many benefits, like low, fixed interest rates, income-driven repayment plans, generous deferment and forbearance relief, and loan forgiveness for qualifying borrowers.

Private loans for plumbing school

Not all private lenders provide education loans for short-term or non-degree programs, but some online lenders offer private student loans for plumbing school students.

You can find loans that can be used for plumbing school through lenders such as Ascent and Sallie Mae. You'll need to compare private student loan offers closely since lenders have varying rates and loan features. Key details to compare include:

• Interest rates
• Loan terms
• Repayment plans
• Cosigner requirements
• Hardship relief programs
• Fees
• Discounts

Private student loans don't offer the same borrower perks as federal loans. For example, private student loan forgiveness isn't an option. However, if you've exhausted all other avenues of aid and are still coming up short, private student loans can bridge the financial gap.

“Loans are just a tool, neither good, nor bad,” says Jack Wang, a college financial aid adviser at Innovative Advisory Group.

“The trouble comes when people overborrow as compared to their future earnings or job prospects,” he adds.

Related: The Pros and Cons of Student Loans

Other ways to pay for plumbing training

Although loans can be a useful way to pay for school if you don't have the cash to pay for plumbing training up front, they're not your only option. In many situations, loans should be a last resort compared to alternative methods to fund your education.

Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded based on need, merit, or unique factors like your cultural heritage. Unlike student loans, scholarships don't need to be repaid after you've finished plumbing training. Some vocational schools and community colleges offer scholarships, so reach out to your school's financial aid office to see if it has a scholarship program available.

You can also find scholarships through local and national trade organizations. For example, in 2025, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) is offering up to $152,000 across 65 scholarship awards to students who are pursuing plumbing or HVAC training.

Apprenticeships

A plumbing apprenticeship lets you learn the skills of the trade at no cost, while earning a living. Over time, you can acquire the necessary training to get a certification.

“Apprenticeships are one of the smartest, most cost-effective paths into the plumbing industry,” says James Stanley, owner of Midwest Plumbing in Colorado. “They let you earn while you learn.”

That said, apprentices “should know many apprenticeships take four to five years to complete, and the work can be physically demanding,” he adds. “But if you're committed, it sets you up for a stable, high-paying career without the burden of massive student debt.”

Other types of financial assistance for plumbing school

Alternative financial aid programs can help you pay for a future career in plumbing. Members of the military can use GI Bill benefits to pay for plumbing school, and some states have workforce programs that offer funding for in-demand trades like plumbing.

How much does plumbing school cost?

The cost of plumbing school varies, depending on the program you choose. For example, taking plumbing courses at a community college might cost around $3,000 or more per year, while a short-term plumbing certification might cost up to $15,000.

When it comes to related costs of a plumbing school program, Stanley notes that there's one important additional cost: “Tools, tools, tools, and more tools.”

“Many programs require you to have a basic tool kit from day one, and that can easily run several hundred dollars,” he says. “Uniforms, work boots, books, and exam fees for licensure are other hidden costs students should plan for.”

What can you earn as a plumber?

Once you've earned your license or certification, you can work as a plumber. In May 2024, the median annual salary was $62,970 among plumbers, with the profession projected to grow 6% between 2023 and 2033.

However, salaries can range from $40,670 to $105,150, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Tips for borrowing responsibly

• Estimate total program cost and earnings: Avoid borrowing more than you need, or more than you can afford to pay after completing your training program. Determine how much plumbing school will cost, including supplies and exams, and your realistic earnings in the first year after graduating.
• Choose federal loans first: If taking out student loans is necessary, prioritize federal student loans before turning to private loans. Federal Direct Loans offer fixed rates, flexible repayment plans, and access to loan forgiveness.
• Confirm that you can afford payments: Before signing a loan agreement, ensure that you can manage your monthly loan payments, especially shortly after earning your credentials. Use loan calculators to understand monthly payments and how much you'll pay toward interest overall.