Should I save for retirement or pay off my student loans first?

Do both in the right order rather than choosing one entirely. First, contribute enough to your 401(k) to grab the full employer match, since that guaranteed return usually beats any loan interest rate. After that, compare your student loan rate to expected investment returns. High-rate private loans (say 7% or more) are worth attacking aggressively before extra investing, because paying them is a guaranteed return. Lower-rate federal loans can often be paid on a normal schedule while you also invest, especially if you might qualify for forgiveness programs. Keep a starter emergency fund alongside either path so a surprise expense doesn't push you back onto credit cards. There's also a real emotional payoff to being debt-free, which is a legitimate factor in your decision.