Ideal salary needed to afford college in your state — without loans

Americans have been taking on more and more debt to keep up with the rising cost of college. According to the latest figures from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Americans owe $1.3 trillion in student loan debt, up from just $340 billion in 2001. But how much would you have to earn to avoid — or help your children avoid — the college debt trap and live comfortably while doing so?

GOBankingRates surveyed college costs — using College Board data on the average price of in-state tuition and fees at public four-year institutions — and calculated what you need to earn to pay for college without loans and still live comfortably based on the cost of living and average mortgage rates in your state.

Click through to find out how to manage your money better in case your salary isn’t enough to afford college.