Sensational journalism may attract attention, but let’s focus on the facts. Most people carry some form of debt whether large or small, good or bad. The same is true for students across the country. Nearly every institution of higher education has graduates who incur debt in pursuit of their degrees.
Student debt is a national issue, so why with all the varying student debt on college campus is Alabama State University being singled out? Maybe for social media clicks. What makes this story newsworthy? Let me use this as a teachable moment:
Alabama State University does not “leave” students with debt, nor does any other university; debt arises from federal or private loans that students take out to further their education due to lack of personal resources. Like many of us do when we need a car or a house, but I digressed. What is newsworthy is that our graduation rate has risen by 3%, our student loan default rate has declined because our students are repaying their loans. Our enrollment continues to grow, and our retention rate remains strong.
We find it difficult to understand why these positive developments are not the focus of the story. So, let’s look at the full picture.
According to the College of Distinction, Alabama State University remains one of the most affordable options in Alabama, with an annual tuition of $8,328 the second lowest among the state’s 14 four-year universities, based on data from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. In fact, ASU’s tuition, fees, and housing costs are below the national average for public colleges (College Board, Trends in College Pricing 2024).
The report misinterpreted by local media was not a measure of tuition rates or educational quality. Instead, it reflected the financial realities of the students we proudly serve. Many ASU students come from families with limited financial means: 72%have household incomes below $100,000, and 48% below $60,000. Each year, over 70% of ASU undergraduates are eligible for Pell Grants, which help offset tuition costs. However, students must still pay for housing, food, books, and other essentials, leading many to take out federal loans just as students do nationwide.
The real story is not about debt, it’s about opportunity. Research shows that adults with college degrees earn significantly more over their lifetimes than those without degrees (College Board, Education Pays 2023). ASU believes deeply in the promise of education to transform lives and uplift families. College should be available and attainable for all students not just those with the financial means to pay in full.
As an HBCU, Alabama State University has always taken great pride in serving students who are often overlooked or underrepresented elsewhere. Our mission is to open doors of opportunity, lift students out of low socioeconomic status, and change the trajectory of families for generations and we will never apologize for that commitment.
To strengthen that mission, ASU has increased its endowmentand continues to grow it to provide more institutional scholarships and reduce students’ need for loans. Nationally, colleges with larger endowments most of which are not HBCUs can offer more scholarships. Despite this disparity, ASU remains dedicated to expanding financial support for its students.
Our effectiveness in managing student debt is reflected in the U.S. Department of Education’s three-year federal student loan cohort default rates. ASU’s default rate has decreased, which is a testament to our financial literacy programs and loan counseling efforts.
It is our goal to assist students in persisting to complete their degrees at Alabama State University, with the prospect of securing meaningful careers with livable wages that allow them to successfully repay their debts and much more. Through ASU’s Career Services Office, students have access to career counseling, résumé and interview preparation, internship opportunities, employer partnerships, and career fairs all designed to support their transition from college to career success.
We invite those who believe in the power of education and the mission of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to partner with Alabama State University in growing our endowment and expanding scholarships so that we can continue to make college accessible, affordable, and life-changing for every student who dreams of a better future.
