Worst case scenario, you get injured and can't work, you get on disability, you get on an IBR program for 0 dollar-100 dollar a month payments.
Second worst, you burnout and work part time in retail barely covering rent. This scenario requires the IBR program, minimum payments (usually 0 dollar payments) for 20 years until the debt is forgiven automatically.
Third worst, you make 45k as a lawyer for your entire career, but not in public service. You have to decide whether to struggle hard for a decade, or to not struggle and get on an IBR program, but potentially end up with the debt for 20 years.
Fourth worst. Public service. PD or DA office. Debt is forgiven after 10 years, making around 50k ish. Maybe you get the house you want after 5 years. You obviously enroll in the IBR program to make minimal payments for that 10 years.
Fifth worst. You make 70k. You decide to pay off the debt in 5 years, then qualify for that house you want. Life is a grind, but you get it done. After 10 years, you are living comfortably with a nice house and nice savings.
If I had to guess, I'd say most people on this subreddit are freaking out about the fifth worst case scenario.
That is likely because they doubt that even though they have performed really well so far, they are worried they won't continue performing once the game changes.
That could be true, but it seems like the worst case scenario is still, even if not performing as well, working hard for 5 years and having to wait on getting a house, and having less retirement for end of life stuff.
I assume that's why people freak out. I wish they would realize it is not normal debt. You'll never have to declare bankruptcy from student loan debt and suffer disbarrment or something if you read about IBR programs haha.
Student debt isn't what people need to freak out about. They need to make sure not to commit crimes! That's the thing that can end a career and make life difficult. Stay safe. Don't get greedy and cross the line. Don't get greedy and do drugs and party hard. Find a nice companion. Live a good life. That's the real stuff to worry about.
That being said, yes of course it would be nice to avoid the debt all together haha. That's a heck of a downpayment on a nice house.