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Many professionals pursue law or business school with a clear goal: Higher income and greater financial security.

What often comes with it, however, is a six-figure salary paired with significant debt.

Law school graduates carry an average of about $130,000 in debt , often paid over the course of 20 to 25 years, while MBA graduates average close to $80,000 .

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These payments may feel manageable early, but they can quickly become a source of stress if your circumstances change, whether due to job loss, career shifts or burnout.

In one…