Student Loan Debt Is a Major Problem for Large Numbers of HBCU Students

A new report from the Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute of the United Negro College Fund finds that student loan debt is a greater problem for those who are enrolled at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) than for students at other educational institutions.

The data shows that 80 percent of all students at HBCUs borrow money under federal student loan programs. The average amount of loan debt for HBCUs graduates is $26,266. For students at other educational institutions the average debt load is $14,881. One quarter of all HBCUs graduates had student loan debt of more than $40,000. This is four times the rate of non-HBCU graduates.

The report concludes that “the federal student aid system must be simpler and more targeted to maximize assistance to those students in need of financial help to enter and complete college. HBCU students, who are among the country’s most financially needy students, should be at the top of the list.”

The full report, Fewer Resources, More Debt: Loan Debt Burdens Students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, may be downloaded by clicking here.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Get the JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

Latest News

California State University Sacramento Launches Black Honors College

Officially launching for the fall 2024 semester, the Black Honors College will support students from all backgrounds who study Black history, life, and culture by providing them with a specialized curriculum and mentoring opportunities.

Higher Education Gifts or Grants of Interest to African Americans

Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.

In Memoriam: Norman B. Anderson, 1955-2024

Dr. Anderson was the assistant vice president for research and academic affairs at Florida State University at the time of his death. He had an extensive career in clinical psychology, which led him to become the first African American chief executive officer of the American Psychological Association.

Georgia State University Launches Program to Support Black Women in Tech

While Black women account for roughly 29 percent of the Georgia State University undergradaute student body, they represent only 10 percent of the university's computer science majors and 18 percent of the computer information systems majors.

Featured Jobs