Chipping away at student debt

The financial aid directors of the regent universities presented their annual report (2015-16 academic year) to the state Board of Regents' academic and student affairs committee on June 7. In response to declining federal and state financial aid, institutional aid for undergraduates rose 12 percent in 2015-16. University totals were:

  • Iowa State: $81.4 million
  • Iowa: $75.4 million
  • Northern Iowa: $13.2 million

The percentage of students who graduate with debt is trending down, as is the average amount owed for those who have debt at graduation. More information is available in the agenda document.

ISU undergraduates: Debt at graduation

 

2015-16

2014-15

2013-14

Seniors graduating with debt

62.3 %

65.6 %

64.2%

     Resident seniors

68.2%

73.7%

72.1 %

Average debt for seniors graduating with debt

$27,563

$27,070

$27,940

     Resident seniors

$26,371

$25,831

$26,848

     National average

NA

$28,100

$28,950

Average need-based debt* for seniors graduating with debt

$13,044

$13,171

$13,485

     Resident seniors

$12,928

$13,023

$13,280

*Need-based refers to type of loan program, not student's need