How To Get Student Loans for Radiologic Technologist School in 2025

Vacancies for radiologic technologists are on the rise, increasing by 18% in recent years, according to a 2024 workplace study conducted by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). An upward trend in vacancies, when paired with a competitive salary and predicted job growth, can make it a career worth considering. But, how do you pay for a radiologic technologist program?

Fortunately, there are many ways you can cover the costs, including federal and private student loans, as long as you qualify.

Here's what you need to know about student loans for radiologic technologist programs, as well as tips on finding additional funding.

Current private student loan rates

Can you get student loans for radiologic technologist school?

You may be able to get a student loan for radiologic technologist programs if your school of choice is accredited. Funding is typically available for certificate, associate, and bachelor's degree programs.

Generally, you can get a federal student loan as long as the school you choose participates in the Title IV federal student aid program. You can check a school's accreditation status using the Department of Education's accreditation search tool.

Private student loans are also available from some lenders and can act as a supplement to your federal financial aid package.

Federal student loans for radiologic technologist programs

Many accredited radiologic technologist programs at community colleges and universities qualify for federal aid. To apply for federal student aid for a radiologic technologist program, you'll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Once you submit your application, you'll be notified if you qualify for one or more of the following:

• Direct Subsidized Loans: Available to undergraduate students with financial need, the interest accrued is covered by the government while you're in school at least half-time and during the 6-month grace period following the completion of your program.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Both undergraduate and graduate students can take out unsubsidized loans, regardless of financial need. Interest accrues immediately upon disbursement.
• Direct PLUS Loans: PLUS loans are available to graduate students and parents of dependent undergraduate students. Eligibility is dependent on your credit history, and interest starts accruing when the loan is disbursed.
• Grants: Federal grants, such as the Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are a form of aid that doesn't have to be repaid. Grants are issued based on financial need.
• Work-study: Available to individuals who demonstrate financial need, eligible students can work part-time within their school system through the work-study program. You can put the income you earn toward your academic expenses.

Private loans for radiologic technologist training

If you still have a funding gap after receiving federal aid, private loans can help you cover any remaining costs. Private loans for radiologic technologists and other health care and vocational programs training are available through several student loan companies, including:

• Sallie Mae
• College Ave
• Ascent

When applying for private student loans, it's important to note that each lender sets its own eligibility requirements, terms, and rates. For example, College Ave offers student loans for community college, but not for trade school.

Before selecting a lender or a loan product, consider the following factors:

Interest rates

Loans can have fixed or variable rates. Fixed rates remain the same for the life of the loan. Variable rates can fluctuate over time, increasing or decreasing in line with the market index.

Repayment terms

Repayment terms dictate when your repayment obligations start, as well as how and when interest accrues. Common student loan repayment options include deferred payments, interest-only payments, and immediate payments. Consider your financial situation and the immediate and future implications of the loan's repayment terms.

Grace periods and borrower protections

Lenders may offer borrowers a grace period, or a short window after leaving your program during which you don't need to make payments.

Cosigner options

If you have thin credit or poor credit, your lender may require a cosigner, someone who shares in your repayment obligations. If you need a cosigner, ask your lender about the conditions for releasing them. Some lenders will release a cosigner after certain milestones, such as making a specific number of consecutive on-time payments.

Other ways to pay for radiologic tech school

Student loans aren't your only option for financing your radiologic technologist degree. Here are a few more ways you may be able to fund your career ambitions:

• Scholarships and grants: Many schools offer institutional scholarships. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists also provides awards to students in eligible programs.
• Employer tuition assistance: Some hospitals and imaging clinics may reimburse tuition for students who agree to maintain employment for a period following graduation.
• Military benefits: The GI Bill and other Veterans Affairs (VA) programs can help eligible students cover tuition and fees for a range of programs, including those for radiologic technologists.
• Workforce development programs: Available through state labor departments and American Job Centers, funding may be provided for approved training programs.
• School payment plans: Some schools offer students monthly payment plans, often with no interest. Repayment programs may be available at various training facilities, including colleges and medical institutions.

Smart borrowing tips for rad tech students

The following tips can help you navigate student loan borrowing for your radiologic technologist program:

Know your total program cost

Bruce McClary, senior vice president of membership and communications at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, stresses that students “need to understand the full cost of attendance, factoring in location, and should borrow only what is absolutely essential.”

For a better understanding of your program's total costs, contact the financial aid department. They should be able to provide you with tuition costs, fees, and a list of additional expenses you may incur, such as licensure exam costs, clinical fees, textbooks, or required equipment costs. In many cases, this information is also available online.

Use scholarships and grants before turning to loans

Grants and scholarships are free money that can help reduce your debt burden. McClary consistently advises student borrowers to explore these options before turning to student loans.

Many schools offer scholarships to eligible applicants, so it's wise to check with your school's financial aid department to see what, if any, opportunities may be available.

You may also qualify for scholarships offered by industry-specific associations and organizations, such as the ASRT.

“For the 2025-26 academic year, the ASRT Foundation funded nearly $300,000 in scholarships to ASRT members who may be practicing medical imaging or radiation therapy professionals working toward new certifications and degrees or radiologic science students attending colleges and universities throughout the United States,” says Steven Hardy, a registered technologist and chief operating officer of the ASRT Foundation.

As you identify and apply for scholarships and grants, keep eligibility requirements in mind. Hardy notes that the ASRT Foundation Scholarship Review Committee takes a holistic approach to eligibility, considering financial need and academic performance as well as “non-cognitive variables,” such as volunteerism and academic motivation.

“It's important when completing scholarship applications to use the essay questions to share broader details about oneself and highlight past challenges or achievements,” advises Hardy.

Estimate your post-certification salary and only borrow what you need

As you apply for loans, it may be tempting to borrow funds for basic living essentials or other purchases, but it's wise to limit your debt obligations to just the essentials.

“Student borrowers should avoid owing more than their first year's salary,” says McClary.

Choose loans with flexible repayment options

When exploring loan options, it's essential to consider the repayment terms carefully. Look for loans that offer flexibility, such as adjustable payment schedules or the possibility to defer payments when necessary.

Such features can provide financial relief and make loan repayment more manageable, especially during times of economic hardship. Taking the time to evaluate these options can help you choose a loan that best fits your financial situation and offers the most protections during repayment.

Radiologic tech program cost

The cost of a radiologic technologist program can vary significantly depending on the school, program, and state.

For example, tuition and fees for the Radiologic Technology program at Novant Health are $6,310, while the total cost of the three-year Rad Tech program at St. Clair County Community College is $43,235, not including books, for in-district students.

Salary outlook

Radiologic technologists earned a median salary of $77,660 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Specializing in areas like MRI or CT imaging can increase earning potential. MRI technologists earned a median annual wage of $88,180 in 2024, with the top 10% earning $121,420 annually.

These opportunities, as well as related bachelor's degree programs, can also enhance earnings. However, it's important to weigh the financial implications and plan your path accordingly, as bachelor's programs generally come with a higher price tag.

Regardless of which path you choose, the job outlook for radiologic technologists is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a growth rate of 6% by 2033 (faster than average), with 16,000 radiologic and MRI technologist openings projected annually.