So my daughter starts paying her student loan in January

[laundry_queen]

67. a 30K salary right out of college is normal, sadly

I have friends making that who graduated with accounting majors. It's the sign of our times. It's part of the reason why I avoided loans for my schooling (I scrimped and pinched and paid as I went...plus I live where post secondary is much cheaper than in the U.S.) Even my brother, with an engineering degree through a co-op program (so he already had 2 years of related work experience) only started at about $40,000/year. 10 years later he makes probably 4-5 times that. He lived at home for the first 2 years after graduation to save up for a condo and pay off his loans.

My opinion: she should live at home as long as is humanly possible and chunk as much of her salary to the loan as possible. If you, as her parent, can contribute in anyway, do it (she can always pay you back once the loan repayment is done...keep track and make up an agreement with her. You won't lose anything in the long run if she pays you back and you will be not having her -or your - money go to the banks). It's most important, as with any amortization, to try to put as much money towards the principle as you can in the very beginning where it will have the most impact. If she is able - find other ways to make extra money and slot that money solely for loan repayment. Part-time job, sell stuff on ebay, make crafts on etsy...whatever. I clean relatives' houses bi-weekly for $150/month. Even a small amount like that can make a big impact in the first year or 2. And then all the other things everyone has said about modifying the loan would help too.

No, it's not fair and post-secondary is way too expensive and should be free as it is a net benefit to society and the economy but unfortunately that's just not the way it is right now. I know she probably wants to move out but putting it off for a little while longer can make a big difference in her life going forward.