Student loans are an investment so not consumer debt ...I had those too which definitely too a while to pay down ... Just like a mortgage though it was an investment in better Jon prospects later in life ... what sucks is when we invest in education and never work in the field ...I got a second degree after my ECE as a back up plan for when I cannot physically do this however have yet to use it and the requirements for the field I took have changed yet again so likely would have to go back again when if the time comes - in meantime likely think I will do this until I drop dead from exhaustion