The average graduating senior in the Class of 2010 owed some $25,250, according to a recent report [PDF] by the Project on Student Debt, representing a five percent increase in average student debt over the previous years class.

Many factors influence student debt levels for each graduating class and the rate of increase over time, such as change in college costs, family resources, and need-based grant aid, reads the report. Most students in the Class of 2010 started college before the recent economic downturn, but the economy soured while they were still in school, widening the gap between rising college costs and what students and their parents could afford.

Researchers analyzed data collected by U.S. News & World Report, Petersons and the College Board.

Regionally, states in the Northeast and Midwest tended to have the highest levels of student debt, according to the report, while Western states had the lowest levels of debt. There was even greater variation in average debt between campuses, ranging from $950 to $55,250. The reports authors also released an interactive map, which shows debt information at the state and campus levels.

Citing the small number of for-profit colleges that report student debt data, researchers analyzed only public and private four-year colleges. However, they did note national surveys demonstrating that graduates of for-profit colleges tend to borrow significantly more than other students.

The reports authors emphasize the need for students and potential students to become informed about tuition costs and loan information, rather than relying on ticket price.

How you borrow, not just how much you borrow, really matters. If you have federal student loans, Income-Based Repayment, unemployment deferment, and other options can help you manage your debt even in these tough times, said Project on Student Debt president Lauren Asher in a press release. If youre just starting the college process, its important to know that sticker prices dont say much about what college will really cost you, and there are new tools to help you shop around.

Starting last week, colleges are required to post net price calculators, which display the total cost of college minus grants and scholarships. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Department of Education are collaborating on a financial aid shopping sheet to be sent out to all admitted students, recently releasing a mockup version for public feedback.

The Project on Student Debt is an initiative of the nonprofit research and policy organization Institute for College Access & Success. This years report was the organizations sixth annual assessment of student debt.

Jon Christian is a staff writer with Campus Progress. Follow him on Twitter @Jon_Christian.