<p>This topic has been addressed many times on various threads, but I wonder if there are any recent graduates (or parents of recent graduates) out there with an opinion? How much debt does the average student accumulate?
How much undergraduate debt do you reasonably think can be shouldered when approaching graduate school or first employment?</p>
<p>Just my guess, but between 20,000-30,000 price of a new car</p>
<p>Depends on where you want to go next. If you're going straight to work and graduating form a top-ranking school, up to $50,000. If you're going to law/med school and have to take out more loans there, keep it under 30k. If you're going into a grad program that will probably pay for you (phd programs usually), you can take out like 40k.</p>
<p>I think a lot depends on what field you are going into and how much it pays. My son plans to be a musician, and he knows he is not likely to make much money. I can't imagine him trying to pay off $20-30,000. It may just be the cost of a new car, but we have never been able to afford a new car, so it seems like a lot to me! </p>
<p>If, however, you will be coming out an engineer or some other occupation that pays better, then that amount might be reasonable.</p>