The cost of attending college in the U.S. has been an issue for many students, parents, and their financial advisors, and a new ranking shows that students in other nations have it a lot easier in terms of costs and student loans.

In the U.S., the average cost of college varies depending on school choice, in-state or out-of-state tuition, plus additional fees and supplies for the school year. Despite scholarships and grants, student loans are leaving graduates with substantial debt.

According to the Wall Street Journal, about 5 million Americans are in default with their student loans.

The website Student Loan Hero compiled a list of education costs in major nations throughout the world, and found a wide diversity in cost structure, ranging from no costs at all, to annual costs in the five digits. There was also a wide variance in student loan repayment policies. One nation in particular has a higher average tuition than the U.S., but a far more lenient loan repayment program for students.

The Student Loan Hero study found that these countries, in ascending order, rank from lowest to highest for tuition costs:

11. Germany

Annual tuition: $0

Student population: 2.98 million

Germany offers free higher education for both German and international students. The average annual tuition at a public college in Germany is $0, however, some colleges charge a semester fee of $300 or less. The Institute of International Education estimates the number of foreign students studying in Germany for the 2017 school year was 251,542.