how much debt is too much at last here's a rule of thumb 2/3

Carol Christen, co-author, What Color Is Your Parachute? For Teens, In Appendix B of the 2^nd edition, she discusses issues of affordability, the importance of identifying career goals before you incur college debt and how to avoid over borrowing.

A quote that Carol has used in workshops gives a rule-of-thumb regarding borrowing “Don't take on too much debt. Most students would be smart to limit their total borrowing to no more than two-thirds of the annual salary they expect to make in their first year after college. If you're at or near that limit and haven't finished your schooling, consider transferring to a cheaper college or taking a year off to work and pay down your loans.” Liz Pulliam Weston, MSN Money.

Another author who discusses this topic is Anya Kamenetz, journalist and author, Generation Debt, “Student debt is something that's grown very quickly and under the radar.  People need to approach college like they approach purchasing a car. Different people can afford different models.  Don't be deterred from going to college, but students need to be smart shoppers.”

Also check out:http://www2.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/DirectLoan/RepayCalc/dlindex2.html.

Note from Judith: Speak with the Student Services folks to see what $10,000 in loans comes to in monthly payments, then $15,000 then $20,000. BE SMART. Judith x0x0x0x