Its income period. If you are reasonably frugal any sort of "real" programming job is enough to handle the loan payments. But no matter how frugal you are a $

Its income period. If you are reasonably frugal any sort of "real" programming job is enough to handle the loan payments. But no matter how frugal you are a $40000 debt is unlikely to be paid off on $10000 in funding. You would be making a big bet not only on a success but a timely one. So yes I think student debt is a large deterrent for those who have it.