Taking on student loans to go to nursing school or to return to school for advanced education and certification is not uncommon. There are many different loan options to consider, from federal student loans to private loans to HRSA loans. It’s important to take the time to review each option before selecting the right one for your financial situation. Nursing programs can be costly, so federal financial aid is usually the best place to start looking. Once you’ve completed school, these federal loans usually qualify for income-driven repayment plans, which mean your monthly payments will be determined according to your income. You may also qualify for the student loan forgiveness program. Both of these possibilities make federal student loans attractive to nursing students.