The median household income in West Virginia is $48,000. On the national average student loan balance of $37,650, a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.54% costs $428/month — representing 10.7% of gross median income. Financial planners typically recommend keeping student loan payments below 10% of gross income.
West Virginia's cost of living is 16% below the national average. Lower living costs mean more room in your monthly budget to make extra payments and reduce total interest paid over the life of the loan.
West Virginia has a state income tax of 3%–6.5%. 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 West Virginia mirrors the federal deduction for state return purposes.