CEDARVILLE — Cedarville University has the eighth lowest student default rate in Ohio and lowest in southwest Ohio, according to a recent survey.

Conducted by LendEDU, the study shows Cedarville’s current default rate is 2 percent for 2016, while the national average is 11.3 percent. Among all universities in Ohio, the average is 13.6 percent.

“We prepare students so they are positioned well when they graduate and are able to find jobs in their fields,” said Kim Jenerette, executive director of financial aid. “The quality of Cedarville University, the quality of the students, and the working relationship between our students and loan servicers all contribute to our low default rate. We have a low default rate because our students have integrity.”

Last year, students at Cedarville University graduated with an average of $11,000 less in student debt than other college graduates in the United States. School officials think that’s one thing that makes Cedarville unique and a good college choice.

“I do believe that Cedarville is a good risk-reward balance,” Jenerette said. “We have a high retention rate, a high graduation rate and a high placement rate. That speaks to the quality of a degree from Cedarville.”