Three friends on their student debt: one paid off, one chipping away and one creeping up

In the early 2010s, three friends - Lizzy, Libby and Charlotte - embarked on their student journeys at the University of Newcastle. As freshers, their primary focus was attending lectures after early morning sports practice. At the time, they were unaware of the looming student debt that would grow with interest from the moment they took out their loans.

Fast forward a decade, and the trio's career trajectories, life choices and earnings have significantly impacted the amount they've repaid, the interest accumulated and the remaining debt. Though they all began with similar circumstances, their paths have diverged, leading to vastly different outcomes.

Student loans have come under scrutiny, particularly regarding Plan 2 loans introduced in 2012. The government announced updated terms in November, with the income threshold for repayments set to be frozen for three years, resulting in higher monthly payments. Additionally, the higher interest rate has contributed to the growth of graduates' debts, even with regular repayments.

Current repayments of Lizzy, a physiotherapist in Bristol, amount to about £450, while the loan balance has increased by over £500 in interest. Despite earning around £50,000, she remains frustrated by the situation, as her loan balance continues to rise. Research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests that Plan 2 graduates need to earn approximately £63,000 or more for a loan balance of £50,000 to start decreasing.

Libby, a project manager in a housing association in Worcester, earns £72,000 and has had her student loan balance hover around £47,000 for several years. Currently on maternity leave, she acknowledges that interest will continue to accrue during this period. Her partner, who started the same course a year before her, faces a similar frustration due to the increased repayment burden.

In contrast, Lizzy decided to clear her student debt by borrowing money from her family. By making an early repayment, she estimates that she will repay her debt in four years, saving about £20,000 in interest. However, Finance journalist Holly Mead cautions that voluntary repayments are only beneficial for higher earners, as most should not be pressured into overpaying.

The friends' experiences highlight the varying impacts of student loans, particularly regarding Plan 2 loans. Lizzy acknowledges that there are scenarios where early repayment may not be advantageous, emphasizing that making such decisions requires careful consideration of one's financial situation and future prospects.