Owing money on student loans can feel like a major financial burden. After all, you have to send money to lenders each month and tons of debt shows up on your credit report.

While you may be tempted to get rid of your student debt ASAP by making extra payments and throwing as much cash at it as you can, this may not actually be the best financial decision. In fact, there are a few key reasons why paying off your student loans early might be a bad idea indeed. Here are four of them.

1.Federal student debt comes with borrower protections you can't get with other debt.

2. The interest rates on your student loans may be lower than other debt.

3. You could potentially earn a better return on your money by investing it.

4. You'll be giving up a tax deduction (if you qualify.)

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