<prompt> Human: Im 24, went to a private college in Chicago so ive got 50K of school loans not smart in the long run and am currently working a research job making 41K a year still living in Chicago. My degree was in psychology so I dont have many options but I was lucky enough to find a great job right out of school. I love healthcare and regret not going into it in undergrad so ive been looking into programs and have started to seriously consider an entry to masters nursing program. Id become a nurse practitioner and hopefully could make around 100K a year if im still living in Chicago. The issue is, these programs are pricey and since I already have school loans im not sure how to go about making this huge decision. There is no moving up from my current position, no raises other than cost of living so things will not change much if I stay in my current position. Does anyone have any advice or any input that could help me make a smart decision for my future?  <response>: Consider that your current loans are sunk cost and shouldnt really be a significant factor in your decision to go back to school.Instead, focus on the total cost of the program, including any lost income if you cant work while studying and interest charges from new loans, your increased earning potential once you complete the program, and your expected level of happinesssanity then vs now. 