Change in Average Aid per Full-Time-Equivalent Student, 1997-98 to 2017-18

Average grant aid per full-time-equivalent undergraduate student has more than doubled from 1997-98 to 2017-18. The average amount of federal loans has grown much more slowly, and by 2017-18 was down by more than $1,300 from a peak of $5,830 in 2010-11. For graduate students, the average amount of federal loans has grown more rapidly than the average amount of grant aid. All figures in the chart, which shows average aid at five-year intervals, were adjusted to 2017 dollars.

Undergraduate students

Graduate students

Note: Only federal loans to students and parents are included in loan amounts. Grants are from all sources. “Other aid” includes federal education tax credits and deductions and Federal Work-Study. Undergraduate and graduate shares of some forms of aid were estimated using data from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study. Dollar amounts are rounded to the nearest $10. Figures were adjusted for inflation and are represented in 2017 dollars. Questions or comments on the Almanac should be sent to Ruth Hammond.

Source: “Trends in Student Aid 2018,” © 2018, College Board. This material may not be copied, published, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

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