PSLF or aggressively pay off student loans?

The common question we all have. I feel like I’m split in the middle because the older folks in my life say do PSLF, but the friends my age say to pay into it aggressively.

Entered into a direct-entry masters of nursing program and now working in southern california at a large health care system that qualifies for PSLF.

All federal student loans now consolidated: $138k with 6% interest rate

Hourly pay / net monthly income: $67.26 / ~$6.5k-$7k

Monthly bills: $2300

Average variable expenses (which I could probably cut back on in some categories): $2k

I can live pretty minimally, my largest expenses tend to be activities (when i have a rare full weekend off) and traveling. I eat for sustenance and enjoy mostly outdoor activities/sports. I *splurge* on my $99/month classpass and currently take the bus to work which minimizes gas, parking permit, and car maintenance.

I may be moving soon which would dramatically increase my commute expenses but otherwise my lifestyle remains the same. I use points to travel whenever I can.

My question is if it’s worth it to aggressively pay off $3k a month and pick up a couple break shifts throughout the month OR if i should utilize PSLF and allocate the money elsewhere? I feel like i could be investing more or finding ways to make my money work for me more. I have a fully funded 6-month emergency fund, pension at work, and indexed life insurance with living benefits that follows the s&p 500.

I don’t mind playing the long game, but man is 10 years long and with this administration i’m worried PSLF might disappear.

Posted Apr 1, 2026, 5:50 AM UTC

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