Top 10 U.S. Universities Where Students Graduate With Little or No Debt

Student debt has become one of the most pressing issues in American higher education. With total U.S. student loan debt exceeding $1.7 trillion, families are no longer asking only “Which school is best?” but “Which school is worth it?” As tuition rises faster than inflation, debt-free or low-debt graduation has become a powerful signal of institutional responsibility and long-term student success.

This ranking highlights U.S. universities where students consistently graduate with little or no debt, based on average federal loan debt at graduation, financial aid structure, tuition policies, and post-graduation outcomes. These schools are not always the cheapest, but they are among the most financially effective.

Read more:

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Department of Computer Science at Princeton University. Princeton

1) Princeton University

• Average debt: $0

• Aid model: No-loan financial aid

• Tuition: ~$62,000

Why it ranks here:
Princeton pioneered the no-loan policy among elite universities. Students receive grants, not loans, based on need.

ROI & outcomes:
Exceptionally strong outcomes in graduate school placement, finance, tech, and public service.

2) Harvard University

Harvard University New Building

• Average debt: ~$2,000

• Aid model: Need-based grants, loans replaced for most families

• Tuition: ~$61,000

Why it ranks here:
Over half of Harvard undergraduates receive aid, and many graduate debt-free.

ROI & outcomes:
Elite earnings potential and global career mobility.

3) Yale University

Yale University – School of Art

• Average debt: ~$3,000

• Aid model: No-loan for low- and middle-income families

• Tuition: ~$62,000

Why it ranks here:
Yale’s aggressive aid policies sharply reduce borrowing.

ROI & outcomes:
Strong placement in law, academia, public policy, and consulting.

4) Pomona College

• Average debt: ~$1,000

• Aid model: Grant-heavy, need-based aid

• Tuition: ~$60,000

Why it ranks here:
Pomona combines small-college intimacy with exceptional financial support.

ROI & outcomes:
High graduate school acceptance and strong alumni networks.

5) Williams College

• Average debt: ~$2,500

• Aid model: Full-need met with minimal loans

• Tuition: ~$61,000

Why it ranks here:
Williams prioritizes affordability despite its elite status.

ROI & outcomes:
Outstanding outcomes in academia, finance, and nonprofit leadership.

6) University of California Los Angeles

• Average debt: ~$15,000

• Aid model: Strong state aid + grants

• Tuition (in-state): ~$14,000

Why it ranks here:
For in-state students, UCLA offers one of the best value propositions in U.S. higher education.

ROI & outcomes:
Strong employer demand and alumni presence across industries.

7) University of Florida

University of Florida

• Average debt: ~$13,000

• Aid model: State scholarships + institutional grants

• Tuition (in-state): ~$6,400

Why it ranks here:
Low tuition combined with academic strength keeps borrowing low.

ROI & outcomes:
Solid outcomes in engineering, business, and health sciences.

8) Brigham Young University

• Average debt: ~$7,000

• Aid model: Subsidized tuition model

• Tuition: ~$6,500

Why it ranks here:
BYU’s unique funding structure allows extremely low tuition.

ROI & outcomes:
Strong outcomes in accounting, engineering, and entrepreneurship.

9) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Average debt: ~$14,000

• Aid model: Carolina Covenant (debt-free for low-income students)

• Tuition (in-state): ~$9,000

Why it ranks here:
UNC combines flagship academics with progressive aid policies.

ROI & outcomes:
Excellent placement in law, medicine, and public service.

10) CUNY Baruch College

• Average debt: ~$11,000

• Aid model: Low tuition + Pell Grant coverage

• Tuition (in-state): ~$7,500

Why it ranks here:
One of the most affordable paths to high-paying business careers.

ROI & outcomes:
Strong placement in finance, accounting, and analytics.

Bottom Line

The universities above demonstrate that affordability and excellence are not mutually exclusive. Whether through no-loan aid, public funding, or innovative tuition models, they prove that graduating with little or no debt is possible—and often leads to stronger long-term outcomes.