<p>I’d say the total amount of student loan should not exceed 75% of the first entry level salary (ELS) job.</p>
<p>that’s a good rule of thumb. </p>
<p>I’d say that you should borrow 50% of your first ELS if you’re going into a profession in a location with a HIGH cost of living and/or that often starts lowish in salary…such as art, music, teaching. (not always lowish, but often lowish).</p>
<p>If your first job will likely barely pay your living expenses, how will you pay back debt…especially substantial debt?</p>