By NICK VILLALOBOS, Editor in Chief
Northwestern was ranked first in Oklahoma in minimizing student loan debt according to the Student Loan Report released on Wednesday.
According to the report, 59 percent of Northwestern’s graduates leave without student loan debt. The other 41 percent graduate with leave with a debt less than $7,000.
In addition, Northwestern also ranked 47 among all public and private schools, and 16 among all public schools in the nation.
On both a national and state level, Northwestern president, Dr. Janet Cunningham said it is a combined effort in making these rankings possible.
“Northwestern has tried really hard to keep costs as reasonable as possible, especially in its housing and food service,” Cunningham said. “Our Foundation has communicated a great message to donors on the importance of investing in our students and contributing funds for student scholarships.”
Cunningham added, “The City of Alva Incentives have supported first year students in a substantial way, and our financial aid office does a wonderful job of counseling students on the long-term consequences of student debt.”
Northwestern senior biology major, Erin Norrie, said the affordability of the University has helped her significantly with her pursuit of a career in the health field.
“As a student here at Northwestern, I really appreciate the opportunity to have a quality education while not being stressed with the burden of future debt,” Norrie said. “It helps me achieve my long-term goals while focusing on my education instead of having to pay back my debt.”
Nationwide, Oklahoma ranks eighth in the nation for average debt per graduate with $12,600.
Break-out Box
How did other schools in the state match-up?
Southwestern Oklahoma State University ranked seventh in the state for minimizing student loan debt with 62 percent of its graduates leaving with an average of about $11,700 of debt.
East Central University ranked sixth in the state with 45 percent of its graduates leaving with an average of about $11,400 of debt.
The University of Oklahoma ranked eighth in the state with 44 percent of its graduates leaving with an average of about $12,000 of debt.
Oklahoma State University ranked ninth in the state with 50 percent of its graduates leaving with an average of about $12,050 of debt.
Oklahoma Baptist University ranked 12 in the state with 58 percent of its graduates leaving with an average of about $14,200 of debt.