In the United States the class of 2015, on average, graduated with $35,000 in student-loan debt according to the analysis of Edvisors’ publisher Mark Kantrowitz.  It seems that now, more than ever, it is becoming increasingly difficult to graduate college with minimal or no debt.  However at Emporia State University there has been a renewed desire to make the students at ESU the exception to this national statistic.

“Emporia State has really been focused for the past several years in doing everything we can to reduce student debt,” President Allison Garrett said.  

Well below the national average the graduating class of 2015 at Emporia State University graduated with an average of $22,364 in student-loan debt.

The most recent graduating class of May 2016 graduated with an average of $20,720 in debt over a $1,600 reduction since 2015 according to Garrett.   

SALT, an online resource for students, helps students plan, organize and manage their finances.  Last year Emporia State University partnered with SALT to help better inform students about scholarships, managing loans and completing their desired degree with a small amount of debt.  

The financial aid office is working on getting the information out to students both in classrooms and throughout events hosted at the school.  

“It’s a really good thing because it really is about educating a whole person so there’s some courses that it fits really well,” said Elaine Henrie director of financial aid, scholarships and veteran services. “We’re hoping by growing it a bit more, we’re helping students understand that it’s important to get your education, it’s important to watch your dollars.”