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$29k is a decent chunk of change of you don't have a high paying job. It'll take you many years to pay off because of all your other expenses (housing, transportation, healthcare, food, clothing, etc.).

Yes, but think of it as someone else lent you money to be housed, fed, and clothed for four years while you earned no income. That’s going to cost money anywhere in the world, before a single book is purchased or lecture paid for.

4.5% for US gov't subsidized loans.

Yes, but you get the 6-8% as a tax deduction if you can pay it as long as the loan is from the govt.