Students Relying on More Financial Aid but Fewer Take Out Loans

Federal financial aid continues to be a key source of funding for students going to college, though a lower percentage of students are taking out loans to foot the bill, according to federal data released today as part of a comprehensive national study of student borrowing. The National Center for Education Statistics found in its National Postsecondary Student Aid Study that about 72 percent of undergraduates enrolled during the 2019–20 academic year received some type of financial aid, while 36 percent took student loans. The study is conducted every four years and includes undergraduate and graduate students.