For a four month difference it's a lot. I graduated with $129K in student loans but that was amassed over a 10 year period and three degrees. I have slightly more than half the principle paid off and now I'm on a graduated plan for only $300/mo. It increases each year. I haven't bought a house yet, but am considering it. $30K is student loan debt isn't treated quite the same as say $30K in credit card debt.