The median household income in Utah is $79,500. On the national average student loan balance of $37,650, a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.54% costs $428/month — representing 6.5% of gross median income. Financial planners typically recommend keeping student loan payments below 10% of gross income.
Utah's cost of living is near the national average (index: 101). Standard repayment plans are manageable for most borrowers earning at or above the state median income.
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% flat. Federal student loan interest is deductible up to $2,500/year if your MAGI is below $85,000, reducing your effective borrowing cost. Check whether Utah mirrors the federal deduction for state return purposes.