@noname87 I consider 29K to be less than 100K, which is exactly what I meant by “anything under 100K” and “normal”. I am sure OP’s debt is much lesser than that, but even if it was $99.9K, it would still be manageable, assuming average salary $50-60K. 10 year term is actually pretty standard (government source): http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/597/how-long-does-it-take-pay-federal-student-loans.html
I agree, taking out a private loan is kind of like signing your soul away (along with your firstborn).