The median household income in Vermont is $63,400. On the national average student loan balance of $37,650, a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.54% costs $428/month — representing 8.1% of gross median income. Financial planners typically recommend keeping student loan payments below 10% of gross income.
Living costs in Vermont are 12% above the national average, which compresses the amount of income available for debt repayment after housing, food, and transportation. Borrowers in Vermont may benefit from income-driven repayment plans, particularly IBR or SAVE, to keep payments proportional to take-home pay.
Vermont has a state income tax of 3.35%–8.75%. 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 Vermont mirrors the federal deduction for state return purposes.