NewsEducation

Actions

A university in Ohio cancels student debt for its 2020 and 2021 graduates

Diploma in hands at graduation ceremony
Posted
and last updated

One university in Ohio made an unforgettable graduation speech by announcing that it was erasing the debt for its graduating students.

On Saturday, Wilberforce University President Elfred Anthony Pinkard announced at the end of the commencement ceremony that the school is forgiving student loans for its 2020 and 2021 students.

USA Today reported that the university would use funds from the United Negro College Fund, the Jack and Jill Foundation, and other sources to wipe out more than $375,000 in debt.

“We wish to give you a fresh start,” Pinkard told the graduating students. “And you don’t owe Wilberforce anything. Congratulations.”

According to CNN, the school said that students' federal loans, bank loans, or other personal loans were not part of the gift.

However, the funds would cover fines, fees, and tuition balances paid directly to the school by students or their parents.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Saturday

08/23/2025

Rain

104° / 80°

100%

Sunday

08/24/2025

Mostly Sunny

104° / 78°

1%

Monday

08/25/2025

Sunny

103° / 77°

1%

Tuesday

08/26/2025

Sunny

102° / 74°

4%

Wednesday

08/27/2025

Sunny

99° / 71°

0%

Thursday

08/28/2025

Sunny

98° / 70°

0%

Friday

08/29/2025

Sunny

96° / 68°

0%

Saturday

08/30/2025

Sunny

94° / 70°

0%