[s0rce]

Isn't the important statistic when break even with someone who makes less but started saving earlier with less debt (say only college debt). I haven't run the numbers but 250k in debt doesn't seem so bad if you make 300k after you finish at 32, compared to making $100-150k with 50k debt starting at 22.

You could also compare the opposite, if you have 250k at 19 is it a good investment to go to medical school or take a less lucrative job and just invest the 250k in index funds, I'm guessing medical school still comes out on top, maybe after 20 years.

[potatote]

I agree with your point. I never understood why making >150K starting at the age of 32 with a debt of about ~300K is an insurmountable burden. I have a close friend who fits the above profile. She actually makes about ~200K/year (after tax and everything, she nets about 100K); her work hours are nothing unusual--~9-10hours. With this rate, she can comfortably pay off her debt in ~10 years top.

[fjsolwmv]

1. Because they might burn out or change career to homemaker before they make that money.

2. Because when they make $300k/yr they feel entitled to spend $250/yr or more

[s0rce]

Changing careers is definitely an issue when you end up with 200k+ in debt. Although, even without the debt 10 years has a large opportunity cost. However, not saving because you make money is up to you, if you want to live lavishly to make up for the 2 decades living like a student who is to say thats wrong. You'll obviously end up with less savings but if your a doctor I think you can figure that you.