September 7, 2005

Troy University Ranks at the Top in U.S. News Survey

DOTHAN - Troy University ranks first in the south when it comes to graduate students and their money. According to this week’s edition of U.S. News & World Report, students earning master’s degrees at the Dothan Campus finish school with the least amount of debt in the region.

The publication notes half of all Dothan Campus students who earn a master’s degree graduate debt free. Those graduate students who do rely on loans to pay for college owe an average of $6,038.

Financial counseling is one of the main reasons Dothan Campus students finish with less debt, according to Jonua Byrd, Dothan Campus director of financial aid. “Any student who wants financial assistance must go through counseling,” Byrd said. “We make sure they understand the debt. They borrow only what is necessary.”

Dothan Campus Interim Vice Chancellor Bob Willis is pleased by the magazine’s findings. “We know that student loan debt can put a strain on graduates,” Willis said. “At the Dothan Campus, we offer flexible day, evening, weekend and on-line courses which make it possible for students to continue to work, and to graduate with less debt.”