Friends University has been ranked No. 37 in the lowest student debt, as assessed by Best Value Colleges. Friends University is one of only two Kansas institutions included in the list of “Top 50 Universities with the Lowest Student Debt.”
Best Value Colleges compared all four-year institutions in the United States (online, private, public and for-profit), with the exception of specialty institutions. The rankings were based upon the students’ average total debt upon graduation. Data from the 2013-14 school year was used.
Friends University came out substantially lower than the national average student loan debt of $28,110 according to usnews.com. Graduates of Friends University have an average debt of $15,289, which is approximately $9,000 less than graduates of other private, four-year colleges in Kansas, according to Best Value Colleges.
“Friends University provides its students with a quality education at an affordable price, especially when compared to other universities across the nation,” said Amy Bragg Carey, Friends University president. “Around one fourth of our graduates have no student debt, and approximately 69% of our undergraduates have their needs fully met. Need-based grants, Pell Grants, work-study grants and scholarships help students pay for college.”
Earlier this year, Friends University was ranked No. 44 in the nation by LendEDU’s 2016 College Risk-Reward Indicator (CRRI), which compared the students’ loan debt (risk) and median early career salary (reward). Friends University was the only Kansas institution placed in the top 250.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.