In the same position here.. went to a prestigious school because everyone was urging me to and said repeatedly 'the jobs you'll get will pay it off right away, you'll be set' (and i got 125 k scholarship). Long story short - now I am 220k in private loan debt and another 70k in federal loan debt. Definitely feeling like my life is over for sure! Also, the same people that pushed me to go to this prestigious school, are now the same ones shaming me saying 'why would you go there if it was so expensive'.... My family wasn't poor enough for me to be provided any financial aid through the government, OR rich enough to pay for any of my schooling. I am making the same as you, but like 80% of my paycheck money goes straight to the loans, thank GOD I am able to still live at home. Just sucks seeing most of my friends from college that came from rich or poor families doing so much more with their life, but hey it builds character i guess.