What the debt figure covers
The College Scorecard reports the median federal loan debt of students who completed their program (students who left school in federal fiscal years 2024 and 2025). It includes Direct Loans taken by the student. It does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans, so total family borrowing can be higher.
By type of college
| Median federal debt of graduates | 4-year | 2-year |
|---|---|---|
| Public | $19,500 | $10,592 |
| Private nonprofit | $23,250 | $17,676 |
| Private for-profit | $28,729 | $19,500 |
Debt compared with earnings
Debt matters most next to what students earn. The median earnings of former students 10 years after entry are $59,172 at 4-year colleges. Each school page shows both, so you can see whether graduates are likely to manage their payments.
Borrow less
- Compare net price by income before you apply; schools with big grants often mean smaller loans.
- Start at a community college and transfer.
- Look at schools on the lowest student debt list.
Sources
- College Scorecard data, U.S. Department of Education, release of October 15, 2026
- College Scorecard data dictionary
