How To Get Student Loans for Ultrasound Technician School in 2025

Ultrasound technician programs vary in cost, depending on the school and location. Generally, students can expect to pay between $1,400 and $11,000 or more for this training. Regardless of the program, school expenses can add up quickly, and turning to student loans is one option to cover the cost.

This guide explores how to pay for ultrasound technician school, including through federal and private loans.

Current private student loan rates

Can you get student loans for ultrasound technician school?

If your school qualifies, you can get student loans to attend ultrasound technician school.

Federal student loans might be available if the ultrasound or sonography program you have in mind is at an accredited school that participates in the Title IV federal aid program. Typically, the program must run for at least 10 weeks in order to qualify.

Depending on the school and the lender, private student loans might also be an option. Some private lenders offer loans for ultrasound technician programs through community colleges and trade schools, but the program must be on the lender's approved list.

Federal student loan options for sonography students

Before you apply for federal student loans, it's helpful to find out if your ultrasound technician school qualifies for federal financial aid. You can determine your program's eligibility through the U.S. Department of Education's accreditation database.

Next, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what type of financial aid you qualify for. If you're enrolled in an eligible program on at least a half-time basis, you may qualify for the following types of federal student loans:

• Direct Subsidized Loans: Direct Subsidized Loans are reserved for undergraduates who demonstrate financial need. If you take out these loans, they won't accumulate interest until 6 months after leaving school or dropping below half-time enrollment status.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Students of all financial backgrounds can qualify for unsubsidized loans, which begin to accrue interest from the date of disbursement. Unsubsidized loans have higher limits than subsidized loans.
• Direct PLUS Loans: These loans are available to graduate students and parents of dependent undergraduate students. You can borrow up to the cost of attendance at your school, minus other financial aid received.

Although the first two loan types come with annual and aggregate limits, many students find the financing they need to pay for school.

Beyond loans, submitting the FAFSA also puts your hat in the ring for federal grants, including the Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). Eligible students with demonstrated financial need may receive federal aid in the form of grants, which don't need to be repaid.

Private student loans for ultrasound tech programs

Although private student loans tend to come with higher interest rates than federal student loans, turning to private student loans could make sense if you've hit your federal borrowing limits.

Some private lenders offer community college loans or loans for trade school to help you pay for ultrasound or sonography programs. Two options to consider are:

• Ascent: Ascent offers loans for ultrasound and sonography programs at eligible schools. Use Ascent's school search tool to check if your program qualifies before applying.
• Sallie Mae: Sallie Mae offers loans for technician programs at eligible schools.

Other ways to pay for ultrasound technician school

While it's tempting to turn to loans as an easy funding source for ultrasound technician school, it's important to consider other options when paying for school. Some other ways to pay for your ultrasound technician education include:

• Scholarships from health care organizations and schools
• State workforce development grants
• Employer tuition reimbursement programs
• Installment plans from the school
• Tuition discounts for early payment

Take a closer look at all of your options before committing to student loans. If possible, find funding solutions that don't require future repayment to limit your student loan burden after graduation.

Tips for borrowing responsibly for sonography school

Although you can likely find student loans to cover your sonography school costs, borrowing money to pay for school can put a strain on your budget after graduation. Here are some ways to borrow responsibly as you prepare for your career:

Carefully consider your career path

“My advice for a very specialized career like this is don't go in blindly without knowing what you absolutely want to do,” says Reyna Gobel, author of “Graduation Debt: How To Manage Student Loans and Live Your Life.”

“Do shadow days in hospitals and clinics any chance you get,” Gobel adds.

Before committing to a program, confirm that you'll enjoy what the job entails. Otherwise, you might end up with the credentials for a position you don't want to hold.

Compare your program options

“Trade schools and community colleges may offer less expensive options, but don't overlook aid that could be offered at four-year programs that could dramatically reduce the cost,” says Jack Wang, a wealth adviser at Innovative Advisory Group who focuses on helping families cover college costs.

Before committing to a particular school, determine what makes the most financial sense for your situation. For example, you might spend significantly less at a community college or trade school for a shorter program.

Apply for scholarships

Scholarship funds don't have to be repaid after graduation, which makes them a great way to pay for school.

“There are also a number of health-professions-related scholarships that the student should apply for,” says Wang. “They aren't just for doctors or nurses!”

Consider your potential income

As you weigh your career choices, consider what you can realistically expect to earn.

“The student needs to have a realistic idea of their job prospects and potential income,” says Wang.

“While medical professions generally are in high demand, the pay can vary, and for positions such as ultrasound techs, hours worked can vary even though the hourly pay rate may be high,” Wang explains.

Only borrow what you need

Doing everything in your power to limit the amount of loans you take out can transform your financial situation after graduation. Some ways to minimize your borrowing costs include applying for scholarships and picking up part-time jobs.

After graduation, you'll appreciate any sacrifices you've made to limit your student loan debt.