Some colleges are “no loan” schools, meaning they provide a grant instead of a loan for that part of the aid package.
My son’s school does that. However, my son’s school will also provide the federal student loan in addition to the grant if the student requests that. And they will also provide a loan for travel expenses, upon request. And they will provide a grant for mandatory health insurance if the student’s family health insurance doesn’t cover them in the college location. These policies may make a school affordable that otherwise would not be, although of course the loans will need to be paid back.