What is the maximum recommended student loan debt relative to your starting salary when attending college?

The correct choice reflects a widely recommended guideline in finance for managing student loan debt responsibly. It specifies that students should aim to keep their total student loan debt to no more than half of their anticipated starting salary upon graduation. This benchmark is significant because it ensures that graduates can reasonably expect to pay back their loans without straining their finances.

Carrying debt that is half of one's starting salary allows for a manageable repayment plan, reducing the risk of default and financial stress after graduation. By maintaining this ratio, graduates can allocate a reasonable portion of their income to loan repayments while still meeting living expenses and other financial responsibilities.

In contrast, the other options don't provide a practical approach to student loan debt management. Simply matching debt to total tuition fees does not account for living expenses and other costs associated with college. Suggesting that debt should be no more than minimum wage ignores the reality of graduate salaries and the economic situation faced by many students. Lastly, capping debt at $20,000 may not align with the reality of attending certain institutions or pursuing specific fields, where the cost of education may far exceed this limit. Thus, the recommended guideline serves as a balanced, strategic approach to student loan debt in the context of future earnings.