Should You Take Out Student Loans to Pay for Graduate School? Don’t take on more student loan debt without a plan. A graduate degree can help you stand out in the job market and increase your earning potential. But is it worth taking on additional student loans so that you can continue your higher education journey? Graduate programs account for 40% of total federal student debt, which has reached more than $1.5 trillion. Although a graduate degree may benefit your career, the decision to take out student loans for grad school should not be taken lightly. What graduate student loan options are available? Graduate students no longer qualify for subsidized federal loans where the government covers loan interest for certain periods of time like during your grace period or deferment. But...