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I Graduated With $80,000 in Student Debt. Here's What I Wish I Knew.

When Sarah Johnson graduated from college in 2019, she was filled with hope and excitement. She had a degree in communications and a job offer from a marketing agency. She also had $80,000 in student debt. "I didn't really understand what that number meant," Sarah told YEET Magazine. "I thought I'd just pay it off over time. I had no idea how heavy that debt would become."

Sarah's story is all too common. In 2026, borrowers owe over $1.7 trillion in student debt. The average graduate leaves college with $37,000 in loans. For Sarah, the weight of her debt affected every aspect of her life.

For the first few years after graduation, Sarah made her monthly payments on time. But she was barely making a dent in the principal. "It felt like I was throwing money into a void," she said. "I was paying $600 a month, but my balance barely moved."

Sarah had to make tough choices. She delayed buying a car. She moved into a smaller apartment. She stopped going out with friends. "I felt like I was missing out on my 20s," she said. "I was working to pay off a debt that felt like it would never end."

In 2024, Sarah refinanced her loans at a lower interest rate. She also started a side hustle to earn extra money. "I worked evenings and weekends to pay down my debt," she said. "It was exhausting, but it was the only way I could see progress."

Today, Sarah has paid off half of her student debt. She still owes $40,000. She expects to be debt-free by 2030. "I'll be 40 by the time I'm done," she said. "That's a lot of years spent paying for an education."

Sarah's advice for current students: "Think carefully before you borrow. Go to a community college first if you can. Apply for scholarships. And make sure you understand what your monthly payments will be after you graduate."

Despite the struggle, Sarah doesn't regret her education. "I learned so much in college," she said. "But I wish I had been more financially prepared."

What You'll Learn in This Article

• A real story of student debt after graduation
• How student debt affects life choices
• Strategies for paying off student loans
• What to consider before borrowing
• Advice for current and future students

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