<p>Ok ive seen ppl saying that graduating with 40-45k in loans is low debt.. so is this true?? and how does 18-20k rank on the scale of debt burden?</p>
<p>Depends where you are now and where you later hope to be.
The figures you give 40-45k is low for some and high to others, just like the 18-20k numbers. </p>
<p>The 40-45k is low to us because the interest is very low. However, if we were to take that same amount of loans today, I'd say this amount is high. </p>
<p>Money is relative to the owner. Einstein theory of relativity also applies to $$. He also knew this.</p>
<p>My rule of thumb (and many other people's..) your undergrad debt should not exceed the price of a modest new car. $18000 or less is okay, anything over $20,000 is excessive. Both my kids are aiming for $0, and that's a good number to strive for. :)</p>
<p>I agree with anxiousmom about debt. I think that upto 20,000 is okay. Much beyond that number, I do not think is okay. My son said good-bye as soon as he saw some financial packages (with no regrets). He applied to a generous number of schools and was left with 3 privates, and 2 public choices that would not leave with a huge debt after graduation. He understood going into the process that the quality of education was important, but so were the financial numbers.</p>
<p>Someone I know graduated 2 years ago with 15,000 in debt. She moved home and worked for a year. At the end of the year she had the 15,000 paid off. She then applied to Law School (I am sure much more debt, this time around).</p>
<p>i don't know, i've been worryign about debt a lot, but at the same time, i think the "NO DEBT or no deal" kind of mentality is also ruinous. Ford went bankrupt four times before he succeeded with his Model T, and I think we'd be missing out on a lot of potential if we did not suck up a medium loan for our goals. It's some of our idealism that brought us our college choices in the first place.</p>
<p>Well, when I said 20,000 I was thinking about a good LAC, or good state school. If one is considering Harvard vs. Podunk U there is some room for a little bit more debt. There are many of students qualified for HYPS that opt for an honors program at a state school b/c they do not want debt, and want their parents to hold onto their hard earned money too. It is a matter of choice.</p>
<p>and many more who opt for HYPS (with more than 20K) over full-ride state school, adopting Ford's spirit that the post above wonderfully described.</p>
<p>Life is a daring adventure or nothing. To keep your faith toward a change and behave like a free spirit in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable ;)</p>