see edit. The major difference is you don't have to worry about one of the most common debt traps: getting stuck paying only the interest. The amount you have t

see edit. The major difference is you don't have to worry about one of the most common debt traps: getting stuck paying only the interest. The amount you have to pay is totally fixed. 150% of the principle is the most you'd have to pay assuming you've had a high enough paying job for long enough within that 5 year span after graduating (most people do)