Average Loan Debt?

[AFdude411]

Hey all,

I was just thinking about student loans and how much the average loan debt to us up and coming regional pilots are incuring.

I know people have different situations than mine, but I wonder how guys that go to the ER/CAPT, FSI, RAA, Pan-Am, etc.. afford to live after thier flight school debt. Also, what if they have college debt on top of that?

The reason I bring this up is because it scares me a little. I have stacked up almost $60k from ERAU and am now looking to go to ATP's 90 day program, which is another $40k. Before I know it I'll be over $100k in student loan debt.
However, I know that I'm not the only one.. there's got to be people here that are well over $100k invested...

I know that we will be paid beans as 1st year guys and furthermore, how do the guys that go to the really expensive schools fair when it comes to finally getting to the regional?

Anybody care to share their avg. "investment" into this? Also, how are you managing it?

[JEP]

If at all possoble, take as little debt on as you can. I went the loan route and it is tough to keep up now. It has slowed my training towards my commercial rating. They are sometimes a necessary evil, but the less, the better.

[Texasspilot]

25,000
PVT, Comm, CFI, CFII, ME.
With a 4 year degree.

[Sprint100]

I only take out loans for the flight time, but pay everything else out of pocket. Hopefully, I can get the funds to pay at least half of ATP out of pocket, but if not, I am totally fine with staying at an FBO.