2311 lines
106 KiB
Markdown
2311 lines
106 KiB
Markdown
# 100-ways-to-get-rid-of-your-loan-2015
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100+ Ways To Get Rid Of Your Student Loans
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(Without Paying Them)
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An (Almost) Comprehensive Guide To
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Student Loan Forgiveness And Discharge
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Last updated: June 4, 2015
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American Student Assistance, SALT, SALT logo, and Money knowledge for college—and beyond are trademarks of American
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Student Assistance.
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© 2014-2015 American Student Assistance. All rights reserved.
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Contents
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Part One: Introduction ................................................................................................................ 5
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Part Two: Loan Forgiveness Options ......................................................................................... 9
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Community Service ...............................................................................................................10
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Military ...................................................................................................................................11
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Profession .............................................................................................................................14
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State Specific ........................................................................................................................23
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Part Three: Loan Discharge Options .........................................................................................69
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Closed Schools/School Error .................................................................................................70
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Disaster .................................................................................................................................71
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Financial Hardship .................................................................................................................71
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Fraud .....................................................................................................................................74
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Medical ..................................................................................................................................75
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Part Four: Other Useful Stuff .....................................................................................................78
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Glossary ................................................................................................................................79
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Links And References ...........................................................................................................80
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About SALT ..............................................................................................................................81
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Part One: Introduction
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So, What Is This Thing?
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In short, this eBook is our latest collection of the different options that may forgive, discharge, or
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pay for all or a portion of your federal student loans. For this 2015 edition, we’ve rounded up
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more than 100 programs that fall into these categories!
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Why We Created This
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Quite frankly, because we’re awesome. But really, because we care about your success
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managing your student loans.
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The amount of options out there is dizzying and confusing, and we think it’s cruel to make you
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figure it out all on your own. Also, we haven’t found another resource out there that covers all
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the options like this does (and we’d know—we work in student loans).
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We figured you might want some help, and you might not like that help to come in the form of a
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big, intimidating table or webpage. So we wrote this easy-to-navigate book and did our best to
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collect everything in one place. There may be more options out there, and some of the ones
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here may change, so it’s always good to do your own research too. Still, we hope you think this
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resource is a helpful jumping-off point.
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Ground Rules: What Are Forgiveness And Discharge?
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Student loan forgiveness and discharge are programs instituted by the federal government (as
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well as some state governments, organizations, and businesses) that eliminate all or part of a
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student’s loans if he or she qualifies. These options exist to help borrowers shoulder the burden
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of student debt if they give back to their community, work in fields or areas of need, or face
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unpredicted, extenuating circumstances.
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The difference between loan forgiveness and discharge is the circumstances that can cancel
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the debt. Loan discharges usually occur if there is no way the borrower can pay a loan (e.g., a
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total and permanent disability or death) or if a borrower can no longer apply the education for
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which the loan was granted (e.g., the school the borrower was attending closed before they
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could finish their program).
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Loan forgiveness happens when the forgiving party (e.g., the government) determines that the
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borrower has given back to the community in a way they’ve specified, like through teaching or
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public service. Special repayment programs can act as a form of forgiveness as well. Federal
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and state governments, as well as organizations, offer these programs to promote service in
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needed fields or high-need areas.
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Covering Your Bases
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Though forgiveness is a huge opportunity for any do-gooders out there, planning a career and
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loan payments around it may not be the best idea. Regulations change, you may not meet all
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the requirements, or forgiveness could take longer than you think. Make sure to prepare for
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these possibilities—and have a backup plan.
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You should never take on student loan debt assuming that you will be able to forgive all or part
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of it down the road. Always borrow the bare minimum you need, and think of any potential
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forgiveness benefits as a (very) happy bonus.
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Also, know that the IRS considers many student loan forgiveness options to be taxable—so if
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you do have some or all of your loans forgiven, the forgiven amount may end up affecting your
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tax bill at the end of the year. To determine if forgiveness is taxable, the IRS will generally look
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at whether the forgiveness occurred due to the borrower fulfilling a service requirement. If you
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are fulfilling a service requirement to receive forgiveness, then the IRS will generally not tax the
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amount. However, you should consult a tax professional to determine whether the forgiveness
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you receive is taxable.
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You can read more about this at www.irs.gov.
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Applying For Forgiveness
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To apply for forgiveness, you may need proof that you worked for the required number of years
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at the location or in the profession that makes you eligible for forgiveness.
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We linked all of the forms for the listed forgiveness options, but a simple Google search may
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allow you to find other possibilities as well. Be wary of scams and the fine print before filing for
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anything. You shouldn’t have to pay to apply for forgiveness or discharge.
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Using This Book
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We designed this eBook to help you discover, access, and learn more about what options for
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forgiveness are available to you. We highlighted eligibility criteria, qualifying loans, and the
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steps for pursuing an option—including links to the forms you need to apply. There’s also a
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glossary at the end of the book if you need to know the difference between loan types or
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repayment options.
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A few quick notes:
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This book is not all-inclusive by any means. Many employers offer student loan
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repayment benefits, and there may be other forgiveness programs that we haven’t
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found. It’s also not a magic wand—you can’t wave it in front of your loans to make them
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disappear (sorry). The programs we highlight are real, but they’re not immediate.
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You may not find a program you’re eligible for in here. If that’s the case, it never hurts to
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ask around at your place of employment, city, state, or even any social clubs or sports
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teams you may participate in to see if they offer some kind of loan repayment benefit—
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you never know!
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We’ve updated this book as of the date on the cover, but unfortunately, sometimes
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programs like these can change or get phased out. Be sure to check the sites we’ve
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linked to for up-to-date information.
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Also, be sure to visit the sites we’ve linked to for complete eligibility requirements. These
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programs have lots of ins and outs (you didn’t think getting rid of your loans would be
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easy, right?), so we only included the highlights.
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OK, that’s it: Now, it’s time to dig in and see how you might be able to get rid of your loans
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without paying them!
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If you like this book and want to learn more about managing your student loans, check us out at
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saltmoney.org.
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Part Two: Loan Forgiveness Options
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Community Service
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The community service forgiveness plan listed here is for AmeriCorps members only. There are,
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however, other forgiveness plans available if you are active in community service. As always,
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funding and requirements are subject to change.
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Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
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To Be Eligible …
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This award is for borrowers who have successfully completed a term of national service in an
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approved AmeriCorps program (AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps NCCC, or AmeriCorps State
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and National). You must sign up to receive this award prior to serving with AmeriCorps, and it is
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awarded upon successful completion of service. You can use this award up to 7 years after
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completing your term of service.
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If you meet the requirements for this award, you may receive up to the maximum Pell grant
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allotment for the current year for up to 2 to 5 years, depending on which AmeriCorps program
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you serve in. For fiscal year 2015, this amount is $5,730.
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Please note: Unlike many other community service forgiveness awards, funds from the Segal
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AmeriCorps Education Award are taxable.
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Loans That Qualify
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Stafford loans
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Consolidation loans
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Parent loans
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Grad PLUS loans
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Perkins loans
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State-funded loans
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Health Education Assistance Loans (HEAL)
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Nursing Student Loans (NSL)
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Primary Care Loans (PCL)
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Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS)
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These loans may be eligible even if they are in default.
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Next Steps
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If you have questions regarding this scholarship, check out the AmeriCorps website.
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SponsorChange.org
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To Be Eligible …
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You must have graduated from college with student loan debt. This program allows borrowers to
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volunteer at participating nonprofits in need of manpower and, in return, have their student loan
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debt paid down by sponsors who have also signed up with SponsorChange.org.
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Loans That Qualify
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Stafford loans
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Grad PLUS loans
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Perkins loans
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Consolidation loans
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State loans
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Institutional loans
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Private student loans
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Next Steps
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Visit SponsorChange.org for more information.
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Military
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All of the following forgiveness plans require you to be a member of the U.S. military. This is not
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an exhaustive list. The funding and requirements for each program are subject to change.
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Additional qualifications are presented throughout.
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Active Duty Health Professions Loan Repayment Program
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To Be Eligible …
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You must be a fully qualified health professional as determined by a U.S. military branch in an
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identified skill shortage area. You must also be serving as a commissioned officer who is
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serving on active duty.
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Those who qualify for this program are eligible to have up to:
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$40,000 per year for up to 3 years forgiven if you are in the dental, medical, allied health,
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nurse, or veterinary corps serving active duty.
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$50,000 over 3 years forgiven if you are in the dental, medical, allied health, nurse, or
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veterinary corps serving in the reserves.
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Loans That Qualify
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Stafford loans
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Grad PLUS loans
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Consolidation loans
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Perkins loans
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Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL)
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Private student loans
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Next Steps
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Click the name of this benefit in the title above to access the program’s webpage, and select
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“locate a recruiter” or “request more info” to learn how to apply.
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Air Force College Loan Repayment Program
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To Be Eligible…
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This program is for all newly enlisted servicemembers. You must sign up for the program when
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enlisting to receive up to 33 1/3% of your student loan balance each year for a total of 3 years
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($10,000 maximum).
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Loans That Qualify
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Stafford loans
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Consolidation loans
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Parent PLUS loans
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Grad PLUS loans
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Perkins loans
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Auxiliary Loan Assistance for Students (ALAS)
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Federally Insured Student Loans (FISL)
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Next Steps
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Contact an Air Force adviser or recruiter to learn more.
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Army College Loan Repayment Program
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To Be Eligible …
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You must have been in active duty from December 1, 1980, through September 30, 1981, or
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after September 30, 1982. You must be a non-prior service accession and enlist with a high
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school diploma. And you must have an Armed Forces Qualification Test score of 50 or higher
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and enlist in a critical military occupational specialty (MOS); these specialties change quarterly.
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A local recruiter will have the current list.
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If you meet the requirements, you can receive 33 1/3% or $1,500 (whichever is greater) toward
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the remaining original unpaid principal on all qualifying loans for each successfully completed
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year of enlisted active duty, up to a total of $65,000. Accrued interest is not eligible for
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repayment.
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Loans That Qualify
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Stafford loans
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Grad PLUS loans
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Parent PLUS loans
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Consolidation loans
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Perkins loans
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Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS)
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Next Steps
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To apply for this forgiveness plan, contact an army recruiter.
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National Guard Student Loan Repayment
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To Be Eligible …
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You must enlist for a minimum of 6 years for a critical skills vacancy in the grade of E-4 or below
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into a qualifying position in a Modified Table of Organization and Equity (MTOE) or Medical
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Table of Distribution Allowances (TDA) unit only. You must score a minimum of 50 on the
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Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT).
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Those eligible for this forgiveness can receive up to $7,500 annually, with a maximum of
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$50,000.
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Loans That Qualify
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Stafford loans
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Grad PLUS loans
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Consolidation loans
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Perkins loans
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Next Steps
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You must speak to a recruiter to apply for this forgiveness plan.
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Navy Loan Repayment Program
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To Be Eligible …
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This plan is for active-duty borrowers. You must have no prior military experience and enlist for
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a minimum of 3 years. If you meet requirements, you are eligible to receive 33 1/3% of the
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remaining principal balance or $1,500 (whichever is greater) per year, with a maximum of
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$65,000.
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Loans That Qualify
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Stafford loans
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Grad PLUS loans
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Consolidation loans
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Perkins loans
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Next Steps
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More information on this and other Navy college and tuition programs is available here.
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Profession
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Qualifications for the following forgiveness programs are based on your career. Not all careers
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are eligible for forgiveness programs, and this list is not all-inclusive. The funding and
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requirements for each program are subject to change. You may find more career-based
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forgiveness programs with an online search or by talking to your employer.
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Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program
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To Be Eligible …
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Any U.S. Department of Justice employee serving in or hired to serve in an attorney position
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may be considered for this repayment program. If selected, the individual must complete a 3-
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year service obligation.
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Loans That Qualify
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Stafford loans
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Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS)
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Grad PLUS loans
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Federal Consolidation loans
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Defense loans made before July 1, 1972
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National Direct Student loans made between July 1, 1972 and July 1, 1987
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Perkins loans
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Nursing Student Loans (NSL)
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Health Profession Student Loan (HPSL)
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Health Education Assistance Loans (HEAL)
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Next Steps
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The application is available at the link above.
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Faculty Loan Repayment Program (FLRP)
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To Be Eligible …
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You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. This repayment program is available
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to degree-trained health professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds serving on the faculty
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at accredited health profession colleges and universities.
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This form of forgiveness will forgive up to $40,000 for 2 years of service. The program also
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provides funds to offset the tax burden associated with the forgiveness. Applicants will be
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funded first if they obtain a written agreement from the eligible health profession school stating
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that the school will match equal FLRP loan repayments.
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Loans That Qualify
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Stafford loans
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Grad PLUS loans
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Consolidation loans
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Perkins loans
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Private student loans
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State or local government education loans
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Next Steps
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The 2015-2016 application will be available in May 2015. You can sign up to be notified of this
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by email.
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Indian Health Services Loan Repayment Program
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To Be Eligible …
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You must commit to a 2-year service obligation to practice in certain health professions full time
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at an Indian health program site. The site must provide quality health care services to American
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Indian and Alaska Native communities.
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Eligible applicants to this forgiveness plan can receive up to $20,000 per year for an initial 2
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years, and additional years may be added for continued service.
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Loans That Qualify
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Stafford loans
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Grad PLUS loans
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Consolidation loans (only loans included that were borrowed for your health professions
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degree are eligible)
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Private student loans
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Institutional loans
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Perkins loans
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You must have borrowed the loans to pay for health profession schools and related expenses,
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as well as undergraduate prerequisites that were required for the graduate degree.
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Next Steps
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Find more information on how to apply for this repayment program here.
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John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program
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To Be Eligible …
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You must be an attorney continually licensed to practice law and be at least one of the following:
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A prosecutor employed full time by a state or unit of local government (including tribal
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government) who prosecutes criminal or juvenile delinquency cases at the state or unit
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of local government level. (Prosecutors who are employees of the federal government
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are not eligible.)
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A public defender who is either a full-time employee of a state or unit of local
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government (including tribal government) or a full-time employee of a nonprofit
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organization operating under a contract with a state or unit of local government who
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provides legal representation to indigent persons in criminal or juvenile delinquency
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cases.
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A full-time federal defender attorney in a defender organization providing legal
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representation to indigent persons in criminal or juvenile delinquency cases pursuant to
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Subsection (g) of section 3006A of Title 18, United States Code.
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An attorney providing supervision, education, or training of other persons providing
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prosecutor or public defender representation.
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Awards are dependent upon which state you reside and practice in, as well as the state’s
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funding allocation each year.
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Loans That Qualify
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Stafford loans
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Grad PLUS loans
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Federal consolidation loans
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Next Steps
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Contact your state’s designated agency to apply.
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National Health Service Corps
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To Be Eligible …
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This forgiveness plan is available to licensed primary care medical, dental, and mental and
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behavioral health providers who are working at high-need sites.
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If you qualify, you could receive up to $50,000 for an initial 2-year commitment. Eligibility for
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additional repayment is given by applying for additional years.
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Loans That Qualify
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Stafford loans
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Grad PLUS loans
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Consolidation loans
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Perkins loans
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Private student loans
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State loans
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Next Steps
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Learn more about the application process for this forgiveness program here.
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National Institutes Of Health (NIH) Loan Forgiveness
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To Be Eligible …
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You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident. You must also have a
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health professional doctoral degree, have qualified educational debt in excess of 20% of
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institutional base salary at the time of the award, and perform research that is supported by a
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domestic nonprofit foundation, university, professional association, U.S. government agency, or
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other nonprofit.
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You must engage in qualified research that represents 50% of your level of effort and consumes
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an average of at least 20 hours per week during each quarterly service period during the
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contract. You must also conduct research that is not prohibited by federal law, regulations, or
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policies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Sciences or NIH. Part-time federal
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employees working fewer than 20 hours per week who meet other criteria may apply.
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Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 per year
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Loans That Qualify
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Stafford loans
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Grad PLUS loans
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Consolidation loans
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Perkins loans
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State-issued loans (includes Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and any U.S. held territory)
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Academic institution loans
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MEDLOANS
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Private student loans
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Spousal consolidation loans cannot be included
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Next Steps
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If you think you’re eligible, you can apply to this program here.
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NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program
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To Be Eligible …
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This program is for registered nurses and advanced-practice registered nurses working in a
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critical shortage facility or nurse faculty in return for working full time at an accredited school of
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nursing.
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Eligible applicants can receive up to 60% of their loans paid for them for a 2-year service
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agreement and up to 85% for service of 3 years.
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Loans That Qualify
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Stafford loans
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Grad PLUS loans
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Consolidation loans
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Perkins loans
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Private student loans
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Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS)
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Nursing Student Loans (NSL)
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You must have obtained your loans to cover nursing educational expenses or living expenses
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while studying nursing. Non-nursing education expenses are ineligible.
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Next Steps
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Borrowers can apply for this program here.
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Perkins Loan Cancellation And Discharge
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To Be Eligible …
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Perkins loans have unique requirements for loan cancellation based on the field you work in.
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Schools award these federal, low-interest loans to high-need students attending or planning to
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attend college. Approximately 1,700 participating schools offer Perkins loans.
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Depending on their profession (see list below), Perkins loan borrowers can have up to 100% of
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their loan cancelled over the course of 5 years (except when indicated). Here’s how it works:
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15% of their principal balance and accrued interest can be cancelled after their first and
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second year of qualifying service.
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20% of their principal balance and accrued interest can be cancelled after their third and
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fourth year.
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30% of their principal balance and accrued interest can be cancelled after their
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fifth year.
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Perkins loans also offer concurrent deferment if you are performing qualifying service.
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Combining that postponement with these cancellation options means you could potentially
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never have to make payments on these loans.
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The professions eligible for cancellation and the requirements are listed below.
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Attorney: You must be a full-time attorney employed in a federal public or community
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defender organization. You must perform qualified service that includes August 14,
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2008, or began on or after that date. You may receive up to 100% forgiveness of your
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loans.
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Child or family services agency: You must be a full-time employee of a public or
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nonprofit child or family services agency providing services to high-risk children and their
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families from low-income communities. You may receive up to 100% forgiveness of your
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loans.
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Firefighter: You must be a full-time firefighter whose service included August 14, 2008,
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or began on or after that date. Firefighters may receive up to 100% forgiveness of their
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loans.
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Head Start: You must be a full-time staff member in the education component of a Head
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Start program. You may receive up to 100% forgiveness of your loans—15% of the
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principal balance and accrued interest for each year of service.
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Imminent danger area: You must serve in the U.S. Armed Forces in a hostile fire or
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imminent danger area. You may receive forgiveness for up to 50% of your outstanding
|
||
loans if your active duty ended before August 14, 2008. You may receive up to 100%
|
||
forgiveness of your outstanding loans if your active duty includes or began after August
|
||
14, 2008.
|
||
Intervention services provider: You must be a full-time qualified professional provider
|
||
of early intervention services for the disabled. Service must include August 14, 2008, or
|
||
have begun on or after that date. You may receive up to 100% forgiveness of your loans.
|
||
Law enforcement: You must be a full-time law enforcement or corrections officer. You
|
||
may receive up to 100% forgiveness for your loans.
|
||
Librarian: You must be a librarian with a master’s degree working in a Title I-eligible
|
||
elementary or secondary school or in a public library serving Title I-eligible schools.
|
||
Work must include August 14, 2008, or have begun on or after that date. You may
|
||
receive up to 100% forgiveness of your loans.
|
||
Nurse or medical technician: You must be a full-time nurse or medical technician. You
|
||
may receive up to 100% forgiveness of your outstanding loans.
|
||
Prekindergarten or child care: You must be a full-time staff member in a
|
||
prekindergarten or child care program that is licensed or regulated by a state. Work must
|
||
include August 14, 2008, or have begun on or after that date. You may receive up to
|
||
100% forgiveness of your loans.
|
||
|
||
Special education teacher: You must be a full-time special education teacher of
|
||
children with disabilities in a public school, nonprofit elementary or secondary school, or
|
||
educational service agency. If the service is at an educational service agency, it must
|
||
include August 14, 2008, or have begun on or after that date. You may receive up to
|
||
100% forgiveness of your loans.
|
||
Speech pathologist: You must be a full-time speech pathologist with a master’s degree
|
||
working in a Title I-eligible elementary or secondary school. Your service must include
|
||
August 14, 2008, or have begun on or after that date. You may receive up to 100%
|
||
forgiveness of your loans.
|
||
Teacher at an educational service agency: You must be a full-time teacher in a
|
||
designated educational service agency that serves students from low-income families.
|
||
Your service must include August 14, 2008, or have begun on or after that date. You
|
||
may receive up to 100% forgiveness of your loans.
|
||
Teacher in shortage area field: You must be a full-time teacher of math, science,
|
||
foreign languages, bilingual education, or other fields designated as teacher shortage
|
||
areas. You may receive up to 100% forgiveness of your loans.
|
||
Tribal college faculty member: You must be a full-time faculty member at a tribal
|
||
college or university. Your service must include August 14, 2008, or have begun on or
|
||
after that date. You may receive up to 100% forgiveness.
|
||
VISTA or Peace Corps volunteer: You must serve for a period of time in the
|
||
AmeriCorps VISTA program or the Peace Corps. You may receive forgiveness for up to
|
||
70% of your loans over the course of 4 years—15% of the principal balance and accrued
|
||
interest for the first and second years and 20% of the principal balance and accrued
|
||
interest for the third and fourth years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
To apply, contact your loan holder—which may be the school that you attended.
|
||
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must make 120 qualifying payments under the standard, income-based, income-contingent,
|
||
or Pay As You Earn repayment plan. (Payments made before October 1, 2007, and payments
|
||
made while in default do not count.) You must have been working full time at a public service or
|
||
nonprofit organization when you made these payments.
|
||
Eligible borrowers may receive up to 100% of the remaining outstanding balance after 10 years
|
||
and 120 eligible payments.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Direct Stafford loans
|
||
|
||
Direct Parent and Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Direct Consolidation loans
|
||
Parent PLUS loans are only eligible if you consolidate them into a Direct Consolidation loan and
|
||
repay them under the standard or income-contingent repayment plan.
|
||
You can consolidate any non-Direct loans into Direct loans; however, the payments you made
|
||
on the underlying loans do not qualify.
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
The form to apply for this forgiveness plan is available here.
|
||
SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program
|
||
To Be Eligible…
|
||
This program helps recent graduates in the automotive aftermarket industry get off to a
|
||
successful start. You must work for an employer that is part of the Specialty Equipment Market
|
||
Association (SEMA) and:
|
||
Be a U.S. citizen.
|
||
Have completed a graduate, bachelor’s, associate’s, or certificate program.
|
||
Achieved at least a 2.5 GPA.
|
||
Have at least $2,000 in outstanding student loan debt.
|
||
Be employed for at least 1 full year prior to applying.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Parent loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
If selected for the award, you will receive $2,000 toward outstanding student loans mailed
|
||
directly to your lender. Previous recipients of SEMA Loan Forgiveness are not eligible to
|
||
reapply.
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can apply online here.
|
||
Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
|
||
You must teach full time for 5 consecutive years in a designated elementary or secondary
|
||
school or educational service agency serving low-income families. Other requirements are listed
|
||
in the link above.
|
||
Borrowers are eligible to receive up to $5,000 a year or up to $17,500, depending on when the
|
||
service began and what subject they teach.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
For Consolidation loans, only the portion consolidated you used to repay eligible loans qualifies.
|
||
Loans made before October 1, 1998, do not qualify.
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find the application for this forgiveness program here.
|
||
USDA Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP)
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a qualified veterinarian serving in certain high-priority veterinary shortage
|
||
situations for an agreed amount of time.
|
||
Those who are eligible may receive up to $25,000 per year for at least a 3-year commitment.
|
||
You may be eligible for additional years of repayment with longer commitments.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Parent PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Consolidation loans that include loans in another person’s name (such as spousal consolidation
|
||
loans) are not eligible.
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can learn more about applying by emailing mvmlrp@nifa.usda.gov.
|
||
|
||
State Specific
|
||
These forgiveness plans are state specific. You may be eligible in a particular state if you are a
|
||
legal resident in that state, work in that state in one of the selected jobs, have a license for one
|
||
of the jobs in that state, or went to school in that state.
|
||
This list is not all-inclusive. Funding and regulations are subject to change. You may find more
|
||
career-based forgiveness programs with an online search.
|
||
Alaska Supporting Health Care Access Through Loan Repayment
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a licensed health care professional practicing in a federally designated health
|
||
professional shortage area in Alaska. You must also sign a 2-year commitment to practice in
|
||
that area.
|
||
Eligible applicants may receive up to $35,000 per year for 2 years; this amount depends on your
|
||
field.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find application information here.
|
||
Arizona Early Childhood Therapist Incentives Program (AzEIP)
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a speech/language pathologist, occupational and physical therapist, child
|
||
psychologist, or a mental health specialist who provides early childhood development services
|
||
to children from birth through age 5 in specified areas of Arizona.
|
||
Loan repayment amounts range from $15,000 to $25,000 depending upon the type of therapy
|
||
discipline you work in. In addition, stipend amounts up to $19,000 are available.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
Contact AzEIP directly for specific details and information about applying.
|
||
Arizona Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be an allopathic (MD) or osteopathic (DO) physician in the field of family practice,
|
||
pediatrics, obstetrics, or internal medicine, or a dentist, nurse practitioner, certified nurse
|
||
midwife, or physician assistant who provides primary care services in Arizona at an eligible
|
||
facility. There are three priority levels for this award, which are based on the ranking of the site
|
||
where you work (rural, non-rural, degree of shortage, population-to-primary-care-provider ratio,
|
||
percentage of minority population, and distance from the nearest provider).
|
||
Physicians and dentists may receive loan forgiveness of up to:
|
||
Contract Year First Priority Second Priority Third Priority
|
||
Initial 2 years $40,000 $36,000 $32,000
|
||
Year 3 $22,000 $20,000 $18,000
|
||
Year 4 $25,000 $22,000 $20,000
|
||
Physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives may receive loan
|
||
forgiveness of up to:
|
||
Contract Year First Priority Second Priority Third Priority
|
||
Initial 2 years $15,000 $12,000 $10,000
|
||
Year 3 $9,000 $7,500 $6,500
|
||
Year 4 $10,500 $9,000 $8,000
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Consolidation loans that include only qualifying loans (Consolidation loans that include
|
||
non-qualifying loans are not eligible)
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
|
||
Note that service under the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program, Armed Forces
|
||
Health Profession Program, Indian Health Services Scholarship Program, and the Arizona
|
||
Medical Student Loan Program do not qualify.
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
Check here to learn how to apply.
|
||
Joyce Holsey’s Arizona’s Legal Legacy (ALL) Loan Repayment Assistance Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a law school graduate in Arizona employed as a legal aid attorney in one of the
|
||
Foundation’s approved nonprofit organizations. You do not need to be a graduate of an Arizona
|
||
law school, but you must have an annual income of $65,000 or less, which includes spousal
|
||
support.
|
||
Attorneys from government agencies are not eligible.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find application information at the site listed above.
|
||
Arkansas Community Match Rural Physician Recruitment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a physician who is either in a residency or no more than 2 years out of residency
|
||
serving in a rural community in Arkansas. You must agree to practice primary care in the
|
||
community for 4 years.
|
||
The community would pay the physician $10,000 per year and the state would pay $10,000 per
|
||
year for a total of $80,000 over the course of the 4-year commitment.
|
||
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can access the application at the link above during the application period each year—which
|
||
ends in February. Both the community and the physician need to apply.
|
||
Arkansas State Teacher Education Program (STEP)
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be an Arkansas resident for at least 12 months prior to application and:
|
||
Have graduated from a teacher education program after April 2004.
|
||
Have a valid Arkansas teacher’s license.
|
||
Teach full time at a public school in Arkansas.
|
||
Teach in a subject area with a teacher shortage, or teach in a geographic area with a
|
||
teacher shortage.
|
||
You may receive up to $4,000 per year toward your federal student loans for no more than 3
|
||
years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Federal Consolidation loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
Contact the Arkansas Department of Higher Education for further application information.
|
||
Bachelor Of Science Nursing Loan Repayment Program (California)
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
|
||
You must be a licensed registered nurse in California with a BSN degree who is providing direct
|
||
patient care in a medically underserved area, Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA), or a
|
||
county, state, prison, or veterans’ facility. You will need to commit to providing this service for 2
|
||
years to receive up to $8,000 in loan repayment. You may receive this award more than once
|
||
and may receive up to $11,000 for the second award.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You will need to submit an application to CalREACH.
|
||
California Army/Air National Guard Student Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a prior or non-prior service soldier in the California Army/Air National Guard or
|
||
soldiers reenlisting or extending their service. You will need to sign up for a minimum 6-year
|
||
service agreement.
|
||
Those who are eligible may receive $7,500 per year with a lifetime maximum of $50,000 to
|
||
repay your federal student loans.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Parent PLUS loans
|
||
Federal Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
To qualify, your loans must have been disbursed prior to your enlistment or reenlistment date.
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You may apply here.
|
||
California State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
|
||
You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, a California resident, and a licensed primary
|
||
health care professional who provides health care services in federally designated professional
|
||
shortage areas to improve access to health care in underserved areas in California. You must
|
||
provide full-time (40 hours per week) primary care in California for a minimum of 2 years.
|
||
Private practices do not qualify. Interest that has accrued on your eligible loans is not eligible for
|
||
forgiveness.
|
||
Eligible borrowers can receive up to $150,000. They may receive $50,000 a year for a 2-year
|
||
commitment, $30,000 a year for a 3- or 4-year commitment, and $20,000 a year for a 5- or 6-
|
||
year commitment.
|
||
Interest that has accrued on your eligible loans is not eligible for forgiveness.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find more details on eligibility and the application form here.
|
||
CDA Foundation Student Loan Repayment Grant
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must graduate from an American Dental Association-accredited dental school within 3
|
||
years of your application or intend to graduate within 3 months of application. You must also:
|
||
Be eligible to practice dentistry in California.
|
||
Be a legal citizen of the United States.
|
||
Agree to serve a minimum of 36 months.
|
||
Work full time for an eligible work site.
|
||
If eligible, you may receive up to $35,000 per year for up to 3 years of $105,000 total.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
Contact the CDA Foundation for more information.
|
||
Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (California)
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must provide full-time, direct patient care for 2 years in a California medically underserved
|
||
area, Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA), or a county, state, prison, or veterans’
|
||
facility. You must be licensed and practicing as a:
|
||
Dentist
|
||
Dental hygienist
|
||
Nurse practitioner
|
||
Certified nurse midwife
|
||
Physician assistant
|
||
Clinical nurse specialist
|
||
You may receive up to $50,000 in loan repayment for a 2-year service obligation.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You will need to submit an application to CalREACH.
|
||
Mental Health Loan Assumption Program (California)
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You may receive up to $10,000 toward repaying educational loans in exchange for a 12-month
|
||
service obligation in a hard-to-fill or retain position within the County Public Mental Health
|
||
|
||
System. Eligible professions in California are determined by county and may include the
|
||
following:
|
||
Registered or licensed psychologists
|
||
Registered or licensed psychiatrists
|
||
Postdoctoral psychological assistants
|
||
Postdoctoral psychological trainees
|
||
Registered or licensed marriage and family therapists
|
||
Registered or licensed clinical social workers
|
||
Licensed professional clinical counselors
|
||
Licensed professional clinical counselor interns
|
||
Registered or licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners.
|
||
Support, managerial, and/or fiscal staff may be eligible.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
Submit an application to CalREACH.
|
||
Steven M. Thompson Physician Corps Loan Repayment (California)
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a licensed allopathic or osteopathic physician in California who commits to
|
||
providing full-time, direct patient care in a health profession shortage area in California for 3
|
||
years.
|
||
You may receive up to $105,000 for your 3 years of service to repay your eligible student loans.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL)
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
Submit an application to CalREACH.
|
||
Colorado Health Service Corps
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, a Colorado resident, and a licensed health
|
||
care professional who provides health care services for those in need as determined by this
|
||
criteria.
|
||
Eligible borrowers can receive up to $90,000 per year for up to 3 years, depending on their field
|
||
of practice.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find the application form for this repayment program here.
|
||
DC Health Professional Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must commit to a 2- to 4-year service obligation at an eligible site in Washington, D.C. as a
|
||
licensed and certified:
|
||
Physician
|
||
Dentist
|
||
|
||
Dental hygienist
|
||
Registered nurse
|
||
Advanced practice nurse
|
||
Physician assistant
|
||
Clinical social worker
|
||
Clinical psychologist
|
||
Professional counselor
|
||
Physicians and dentists may receive up to $143,137 over 4 years, and other eligible providers
|
||
may receive up to $78,724. The repayment covers 18% of the debt in year 1, 26% in year 2,
|
||
and 28% in years 3 and 4.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
Use the link above to find more information about the application process.
|
||
Delaware State Loan Repayment Program (DSLRP)
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must work as a designated health care professional in an area of Delaware that the
|
||
Delaware Health Commission designates as underserved. DSLRP requires you to sign a
|
||
contract for a term of 2 to 3 years of service.
|
||
Advanced degree practitioners may receive up to $105,000 for a 3-year commitment. Mid-level
|
||
degree practitioners may receive up to $52,500 for a 3-year commitment.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation Loans
|
||
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find the application for this program here.
|
||
Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program (Florida)
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
This forgiveness plan is for licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and advanced
|
||
registered nurse practitioners in the state of Florida. You must work at state-of-Florida-operated
|
||
medical and health care facilities, public schools, Department of Health, county health
|
||
departments, federally sponsored community health centers, teaching hospitals, family practice
|
||
teaching hospitals, or specialty hospitals for children. Other Florida-licensed hospitals, birth
|
||
centers, and nursing homes must be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis by contributions from
|
||
the employing institutions.
|
||
Eligible borrowers can receive up to $4,000/year for a maximum of 4 years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Only loans obtained to cover nursing educational expenses or living expenses while studying
|
||
nursing are eligible.
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find the application for this program here.
|
||
Georgia Physicians For Rural Areas Assistance Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must commit to practice medicine for a minimum of 40 clinical hours per week in a rural
|
||
county in Georgia. You must participate in the Medicaid program and actively treat Medicaid
|
||
recipients.
|
||
If you’re eligible, you can receive up to $25,000 per year for up to 4 years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can apply for this forgiveness program here.
|
||
Hawai’i State Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a healthcare professional (physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner,
|
||
certified nurse midwife, health service psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed
|
||
professional counselor, or marriage and family therapist) who commits to serving for at least 2
|
||
years in areas where healthcare worker shortages are the most acute in Hawai’i. If eligible, you
|
||
can receive up to $30,000 per year to pay for your educational expenses.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
Complete and submit the Hawai’i State Loan Repayment Program application.
|
||
Idaho State Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a health practitioner in Idaho working for a nonprofit or public facility located in a
|
||
federally designated health profession shortage area. You must also:
|
||
Provide patients at or below 200% of the poverty guidelines with a schedule of discounts
|
||
and patients at or below 100% of the poverty guidelines with care for a nominal fee or
|
||
free of charge.
|
||
Accept Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
|
||
|
||
Commit to working for 2 years at the practice in exchange for loan repayment, and agree
|
||
to significant repayment penalties if you don’t meet your service requirements.
|
||
Not be serving under another forgiveness or repayment program.
|
||
Agree to participate in a site visit with staff from the Bureau of Rural Health and Primary
|
||
Care during the service period.
|
||
You may receive from $5,000 to $25,000 per year for 2 years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You must complete a practitioner application and have your employer complete an application
|
||
as well. Both are located here.
|
||
Illinois Nurse Educator Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, an Illinois resident, and a nurse educator who
|
||
meets licensing requirements of Illinois. You must have worked as a nurse educator instructing
|
||
practical or professional nurses in an approved Illinois institution for at least the past 12
|
||
consecutive months prior to applying.
|
||
If you’re eligible, you can receive up to $5,000 per year for 4 years.
|
||
This program is accepting applications, but as of this writing, it has not yet been funded for the
|
||
2015 fiscal year.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
|
||
Nursing Student Loans (NSL)
|
||
Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS)
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Institutional student loans
|
||
All loans must be for nursing education expenses.
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find various applications on the website linked in the title of this section.
|
||
Illinois Teachers Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must have received loan forgiveness through the federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness
|
||
Program and be a U.S. citizen and resident of Illinois. You must work for 5 years teaching in an
|
||
elementary or secondary school designated as a low-income school, or you must work full time
|
||
for 2 years in a child care facility that serves a low-income area in Illinois.
|
||
Eligible borrowers may receive up to $5,000.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find directions on how to apply to this forgiveness plan here.
|
||
Illinois Veterans’ Home Nurse Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a licensed nurse practicing and residing in Illinois at an Illinois veterans’ home.
|
||
If you’re eligible, you can receive up to $5,000 for up to 4 years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Nursing Student Loans (NSL)
|
||
Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS)
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
You must have borrowed loans for nursing education expenses.
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find applications for this forgiveness plan here.
|
||
Justice Richard M. Givan Loan Repayment Assistance Program (Indiana)
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a law graduate employed with a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the
|
||
civil legal needs of low-income individuals and families in Indiana. Your annual income cannot
|
||
exceed $50,000.
|
||
You may receive a loan of up to $5,000 per year for your service, which is forgiven at the end of
|
||
a full year of service.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
Complete the application at the site linked above.
|
||
Iowa Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be an osteopathic doctor, physician assistant, podiatrist, or physical therapist
|
||
practicing in high-need communities in Iowa for up to 4 years. You must have graduated from
|
||
Des Moines University.
|
||
You may receive up to $50,000, which is paid annually at the end of each year of service.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You must complete an application from Des Moines University’s website.
|
||
Iowa Registered Nurse And Nurse Education Loan Forgiveness Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a registered nurse or nurse educator employed in Iowa or teaching in an eligible
|
||
Iowa school. You must be a “new” nurse who was not employed as a nurse educator or
|
||
registered nurse prior to July 1, 2007.
|
||
You may receive up to 20% of your total eligible federal student loan balance, but you cannot
|
||
exceed the average resident tuition rate for students attending Iowa’s Regent Universities for
|
||
the first year following graduation. For 2014, the maximum award was $6,658. You may not
|
||
receive this award for more than 5 consecutive years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You must reapply annually by completing the loan forgiveness portion of the Iowa Financial Aid
|
||
application.
|
||
Iowa Teacher Loan Forgiveness
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a fully licensed instructional teacher whose first teaching position in Iowa began no
|
||
earlier than July 1, 2007. You must teach in a shortage subject area designated by the Iowa
|
||
Department of Education.
|
||
If you’re eligible, you can receive up to 20% of your total eligible student loan balance (including
|
||
principal and interest) per year. The maximum you can apply for is determined annually, but it
|
||
cannot exceed the average resident tuition rate established for students attending Iowa’s
|
||
Regent Universities for the first year following graduation. The maximum for 2014 graduates is
|
||
$6,658.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
|
||
Eligible borrowers can apply to this forgiveness program here.
|
||
Rural Iowa RN and PA Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must complete a service agreement to receive up to $4.000 per year toward your federal
|
||
student loans for up to 5 years. You must also:
|
||
Attend an eligible Iowa college or university.
|
||
Be enrolled full time in a graduate-level program that will qualify you for licensure to
|
||
practice as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
|
||
Receive a recommendation from your institution.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Federal Consolidation loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You will need to apply annually with the Iowa College Student Aid Commission.
|
||
Teach Iowa Scholars Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must graduate in the top 25% of all teacher preparation program graduates during an
|
||
academic year at a postsecondary institution and become a full-time teacher in an eligible
|
||
teaching field at a school or education agency.
|
||
You may receive up to $4,000 toward your student loan repayment for up to 5 consecutive
|
||
years of full-time employment.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find the application online.
|
||
Kansas Bridging Plan
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a physician in a Kansas residency program in family practice, internal medicine,
|
||
pediatrics, or medicine/pediatrics. You must commit to practicing medicine after your residency
|
||
for 36 continuous months in a rural community in Kansas.
|
||
If you’re eligible, you can receive up to $26,000.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can apply to this forgiveness plan here.
|
||
Kansas Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must have become a resident of a Kansas rural opportunity zone after July 1, 2011, and
|
||
have an associate’s, bachelor’s, or post-graduate degree.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can complete an application here.
|
||
Kansas State Loan Repayment Program
|
||
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be an eligible health professional working in Kansas who commits to provide health
|
||
care services at an eligible site located in a federally designated health professional service
|
||
area for at least 2 years. Your employment must be at a public or nonprofit private agency of
|
||
facility. The practice site must maintain an open door to all residents regardless of their ability to
|
||
pay.
|
||
Eligible physicians and general or pediatric dentists may receive up to $25,000 annually for up
|
||
to 2 years. All other health professionals may receive up to $20,000 annually for up to 2 years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find details for applying to this forgiveness program in the link within the section title.
|
||
Kentucky State Loan Repayment Program
|
||
You must commit to 2 years of practicing at an eligible site that provides primary care services
|
||
to a health professions shortage area in Kentucky, accepts all forms of public assistance, offers
|
||
a sliding fee scale, and sees all patients regardless of ability to pay.
|
||
Physicians, dentists, and pharmacists may receive up to $80,000. Physician assistants, nurse
|
||
practitioners, and behavioral health practitioners may receive up to $40,000. Registered nurses
|
||
and registered dental hygienists may receive up to $20,000.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
|
||
You may apply starting September 1 of each year.
|
||
Maine Dental Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a dentist practicing in eligible dental care facilities in underserved areas of Maine.
|
||
You must not be in a service agreement for loan repayment under the National Health Service
|
||
Corps.
|
||
You may receive up to $20,000 per year with a total award maximum of $80,000.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You may apply online.
|
||
Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Program (Maryland)
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a Maryland resident who graduated from a Maryland institution. You must also
|
||
work full time in public service in Maryland state or local government or nonprofit agencies in
|
||
Maryland.
|
||
You must work to serve low-income or underserved residents and must gross less than $60,000
|
||
per year (if married, your combined gross cannot be more than $130,000). Nurse faculty must
|
||
gross less than $75,000 annually (if married, your combined gross cannot be more than
|
||
$160,000). Lawyers, nurses, nurse faculty members, licensed clinical counselors, physical and
|
||
occupational therapists, social workers, speech pathologists, and certain teachers are eligible.
|
||
If your total debt is $15,000 or less, you may receive up to $1,500 per year. If your total debt is
|
||
$15,001 to $40,000, you may receive up to $3,000 per year. If your total debt is $40,001 to
|
||
$75,000, you may receive up to $6,000 per year. And if your total debt is over $75,000, you may
|
||
receive up to $10,000 per year. Regardless of your total debt, you can receive the indicated
|
||
amount for up to 3 years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find application forms on the website linked in the title of this section. You can also
|
||
contact their office for paper applications.
|
||
Maryland Dent-Care Loan Assistance Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a dentist in Maryland treating the most vulnerable populations. You must serve for
|
||
3 years full time at an eligible site and agree to treat a minimum of 30% MMAP recipients as a
|
||
portion of your total patient population.
|
||
You will receive $23,740 per year toward student loan repayment.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Private loans
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find the application and support materials here.
|
||
Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a primary care physician (including medical residents completing residency) in one
|
||
of the below specialties. You must also commit to practice for a period of 2 to 4 years at an
|
||
eligible practice site operated as a public clinic by any federal, state, local government, or
|
||
nonprofit that treats all patients regardless of ability to pay and is located in a Health
|
||
Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) in Maryland.
|
||
General internal medicine
|
||
Family medicine
|
||
General pediatrics
|
||
Obstetrics and gynecology
|
||
|
||
General psychiatry
|
||
Your award may not exceed $100,000 for your total service.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You must complete an application with Maryland’s Department Of Health And Mental Hygiene.
|
||
Nancy Grasmick Teacher Award (Maryland)
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be an eligible teacher who has taught in Maryland for the past 2 years. You will need
|
||
to meet the general requirements of the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Program (also listed
|
||
in this guide) and teach in science, engineering, or math OR teach in a school in which at least
|
||
75% of students are in the free meal program for 2 years AND have received the highest
|
||
performance evaluation rating for the most recent year.
|
||
You must gross less than $60,000 per year (if married, your combined gross cannot be more
|
||
than $130,000).
|
||
If your total debt is $15,000 or less, you may receive up to $1,500 per year. If your total debt is
|
||
$15,001 to $40,000, you may receive up to $3,000 per year. If your total debt is $40,001 to
|
||
$75,000, you may receive up to $6,000 per year. And if your total debt is over $75,000, you may
|
||
receive up to $10,000 per year. Regardless of your total debt, you can receive the indicated
|
||
amount for up to 3 years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find application forms on the website linked in the title of this section. You can also
|
||
contact their office for a paper application.
|
||
Massachusetts Loan Repayment Program
|
||
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a qualified health professional as determined by Massachusetts and employed at a
|
||
public or nonprofit health care organization located in a federally designated health professional
|
||
shortage area.
|
||
You may receive up to $25,000 per year and up to $50,000 total for 2 years if you’re eligible.
|
||
Your profession will determine your award amount.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
The application for this repayment program is here.
|
||
Michigan State Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a Michigan health professional working at an eligible site in a health professional
|
||
shortage area full time. You will need to commit to serving for 2 consecutive years at a time to
|
||
receive up to $200,000 to repay your student loans over the course of 8 years.
|
||
Eligible health professionals are:
|
||
Dentists: DDS or DMD
|
||
Physicians: MD or DO (Family Practice, Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Pediatrics,
|
||
Geriatrics)
|
||
Physician Assistants (Primary Care, including the same specialties as MDs and DOs)
|
||
Nurse Practitioners (Primary Care, including the same specialties as MDs and DOs)
|
||
Certified Nurse Midwives
|
||
Psychiatrists
|
||
Clinical or Counseling Psychologists (Ph.D.)
|
||
Licensed Professional Counselors (Ph.D./Masters)
|
||
Marriage and Family Therapists (Ph.D./Masters)
|
||
Psychiatric Nurse Specialists (Masters)
|
||
Clinical Social Workers (Masters)
|
||
|
||
Mental Health Counselors (Masters)
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
Private loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You will find application information here.
|
||
Allied Health Care Faculty Minnesota Loan Forgiveness Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be completing your final year of a master’s or doctoral program that prepares you to
|
||
become an allied health care educator in Minnesota. You must plan to teach at least 12 credit hours
|
||
or 720 hours per year for a minimum of 3 years in a postsecondary allied health care program.
|
||
You may receive up to $6,750, not to exceed $27,000, total for the maximum 4-year period.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL)
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
The application process is handled by WebGrants at the Minnesota Department of
|
||
Health.Dedicated Minnesota Dentists Dental Education Loan Repayment for Service
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
|
||
You must be a Minnesota dentist practicing in a health profession shortage area for 5 years to
|
||
be eligible for up to $200,000 in loan repayment.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can begin the application process here.
|
||
Minnesota Loan Forgiveness Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be an eligible health professional (see site linked in the title of this section for more
|
||
details) committed to a minimum of 3 years of service.
|
||
You may receive up to $25,000 per year for a minimum 3-year commitment and a maximum of
|
||
4 years. The amount you receive depends on your field and where you practice.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
Applications are accepted only during certain times. If they are currently being accepted, you
|
||
can find them within the career-specific pages on the webpage linked in the title of this section.
|
||
Minnesota Loan Repayment Assistance Program for Law
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must have graduated from a Minnesota law school or from any ABA-accredited law school
|
||
if employed at a qualified Minnesota agency full time. You may receive between 80% and 95%
|
||
of your student loan payments.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You will find application materials here.
|
||
Minnesota Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be in your final year of a qualified nursing program and commit to working full time for
|
||
at least 3 years in a licensed nursing home or intermediate care facility for persons with
|
||
development disabilities in Minnesota.
|
||
You may receive up to $3,750 per year for no more than 4 years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL)
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
The application process is handled by WebGrants at the Minnesota Department of Health.
|
||
Minnesota Rural Midlevel Practitioner Loan Forgiveness Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a midlevel practitioner student, which includes Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse
|
||
Midwives, Nurse Anesthetists, Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Physician Assistants.
|
||
You must submit your application while completing your final year of an initial licensure
|
||
preparing midlevel practitioner program.
|
||
|
||
You must commit to practicing full time for at least 3 years in a designated rural area but no
|
||
more than 4 years. You may receive up to $6,750 per year for up to 4 years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL)
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
The application process is handled by WebGrants at the Minnesota Department of Health.
|
||
Minnesota Rural Pharmacist Loan Forgiveness Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be in your final year of pharmacy school or residency training when you apply. You
|
||
must plan to practice full time for a minimum of 3 years in a designated rural area.
|
||
You may receive up to $16,000, not to exceed $64,000 total, for the maximum 4-year period.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL)
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
The application process is handled by WebGrants at the Minnesota Department of Health.
|
||
Minnesota Rural Physician Loan Forgiveness Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be an eligible primary care medical resident (family practice, obstetrics and
|
||
gynecology, pediatrics, internal medicine, and psychiatry) who commits to serving for at least 3
|
||
years in an underserved rural community in Minnesota.
|
||
|
||
You may receive up to $25,000 per year for a maximum of $100,000 over 4 years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL)
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
The application process is handled by WebGrants at the Minnesota Department of Health.
|
||
Minnesota Urban Physician Loan Forgiveness Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be an eligible primary care medical resident (family practice, obstetrics and
|
||
gynecology, pediatrics, internal medicine, and psychiatry) who commits to serving for at least 3
|
||
years in an underserved urban community in Minnesota.
|
||
You may receive up to $25,000 per year for a maximum of $100,000 over 4 years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL)
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
The application process is handled by WebGrants at the Minnesota Department of Health.
|
||
Mississippi Teacher Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be currently holding a Mississippi Alternate Route Teaching License and a teaching
|
||
position in a Mississippi public school district located in a critical teacher or subject shortage
|
||
area. You must not currently be in default or delinquent on any federal, state, or local
|
||
|
||
educational loan and not have received funds from the Critical Needs Teacher Loan Scholarship
|
||
Program or the William Winter Teacher Scholar Loan Program.
|
||
If you’re eligible, you can receive up to $3,000 annually for up to 4 years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Your loans must be for your undergraduate education.
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find the application for this repayment program here.
|
||
Missouri Health Professional State Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a licensed health professional in Missouri who agrees to work for 2 years in a
|
||
federally designated health professional shortage area.
|
||
You may receive up to $50,000 for your 2-year commitment.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL)
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You will need to apply with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
|
||
Montana NHSC Student Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be an eligible health care professional who is unable to receive NHSC funding.
|
||
Eligible health care professionals are:
|
||
|
||
Physicians—internal medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics/gynecology,
|
||
or family medicine (osteopathic general practice)
|
||
Physician assistant or nurse practitioner—adult, psychiatry/mental health, family,
|
||
geriatrics, pediatrics, women’s health
|
||
Primary care registered nurse
|
||
Certified nurse midwife
|
||
Psychiatrist (MD/DO)
|
||
Psychiatric nurse specialist
|
||
Clinical or counseling psychologist
|
||
Licensed professional counselor
|
||
Licensed clinical social worker
|
||
Marriage and family therapist
|
||
Dentist (DDS/DMD)
|
||
Registered dental hygienist
|
||
Pharmacist
|
||
You may receive up to $15,000 per year for 2 years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Health Professions Student Loans (HPSLs)
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can download the application form here.
|
||
|
||
Montana Quality Educator Loan Assistance Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a full-time educator with a valid license or a licensed professional providing
|
||
services to students in a school district, education cooperative, the Montana School for the Deaf
|
||
and Blind, the Montana Youth Challenge Program, or a state youth correctional facility. You
|
||
must be teaching at an “impacted” school (view the link in this section’s headline for the
|
||
definition of “impacted”) and in an academic area impacted by critical educator shortages.
|
||
If you’re eligible, you can receive up to $3,000 per year for up to 4 years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find the application to this assistance program here. (An account is required to access
|
||
the site.)
|
||
Nebraska Student Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a qualified health professional who commits to practicing for 3 years in a state-
|
||
designated shortage area.
|
||
You may receive up to $40,000 per year toward student loan repayment.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
|
||
You will need to apply with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
|
||
Nevada Health Service Corps
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a health professional who meets licensure standards in Nevada with no restrictions
|
||
upon your DEA certificate. You will need to serve in an assigned community for a contractually
|
||
specified period of time, usually 2 years of full-time service.
|
||
Eligible professionals are:
|
||
MD Doctors of Allopathic Medicine
|
||
DO Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine
|
||
DD General Practice Dentists
|
||
NP Primary Care Certified Nurse Practitioners
|
||
NM Certified Nurse-Midwives
|
||
PA Primary Care Physician Assistants
|
||
DH Registered Clinical Dental Hygienists
|
||
CP Clinical or Counseling Psychologists
|
||
CSW Clinical Social Workers
|
||
PNS Psychiatric Nurse Specialists
|
||
MHC Mental Health Counselors
|
||
LPC Licensed Professional Counselors
|
||
MFT Marriage and Family Therapists
|
||
Award amounts are based on each individual’s application.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
|
||
State loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You must apply with the Nevada State Office of Rural Health.
|
||
New Jersey Primary Care Physician And Dentist Loan Redemption Program
|
||
To Be Eligible
|
||
You must be a New Jersey resident who is licensed to practice primary care medicine, dentistry,
|
||
or another primary care profession in a state designated underserved area.
|
||
You may receive up to:
|
||
18% of your total balance (up to $21,600) for your first full year of service.
|
||
26% of your total balance (up to $31,200) for your second full year of service.
|
||
28% of your total balance (up to $33,600) for your third full year of service.
|
||
28% of your total balance (up to $33,600) for your fourth full year of service.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Graduate PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Federally Insured Student Loans (FISL)
|
||
Health Education Assistance Loans (HEAL)
|
||
Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL)
|
||
New Jersey College Loan to Assist State Students (NJCLASS)
|
||
Other New Jersey state loans
|
||
Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS)
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
Learn more about the application process here.
|
||
New Mexico Health Professional Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a New Mexico health professional and make a 2-year service commitment to
|
||
practice full time in a designated medical shortage area in New Mexico in return for funds to
|
||
repay your student loans.
|
||
|
||
Eligible health occupations:
|
||
Advance practice nurse
|
||
Allied health care provider
|
||
Allopathic physician
|
||
Dentist
|
||
Optometrist
|
||
Osteopathic physician
|
||
Physician assistant
|
||
Pediatrician
|
||
If eligible, you may receive up to $35,000 per year.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Federal consolidation loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
The application is available via the link in this section’s headline between March 15 and May 1
|
||
every year.
|
||
New Mexico Teacher Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a U.S. citizen and New Mexico resident for at least 12 consecutive months, be a
|
||
licensed New Mexico teacher, and be employed at a public school not meeting acceptable
|
||
academic proficiency levels.
|
||
This program provides funds to repay your student loan principal and reasonable interest
|
||
accrued on loans obtained from the federal government for teacher education purposes. If you
|
||
are eligible, you will be required to sign a contract to commit to serve at eligible employment
|
||
sites for 2 school years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
The application is available via the link in this section’s headline between March 15 and May 1
|
||
every year.
|
||
Public Service Law Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be licensed to practice law in New Mexico as an attorney and shall declare intent to
|
||
practice as an attorney in public service employment at an eligible site for at least 3 years and
|
||
make less than $55,000.
|
||
You may receive up to $7,200 per year.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
Private loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You must complete an application and submit it to the New Mexico Higher Education
|
||
Department.
|
||
District Attorney And Indigent Legal Services Attorney Loan Forgiveness Program (New
|
||
York)
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a legal resident of New York for 1 year, a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, an
|
||
eligible attorney, and not be serving for the John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program.
|
||
New York funding determines the annual amount each year, but you can receive no more than
|
||
$20,400.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
|
||
NY student loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find the application for this program here.
|
||
New York Regents Physician Loan Forgiveness Award Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a primary care physician licensed to practice medicine in New York and have
|
||
completed your professional residency within 5 years of initially applying for the award. You
|
||
must be a New York resident and not be a recipient of the Federal Loan Physician Repayment
|
||
Program. You must commit to serve in a specific underserved area of New York state for at
|
||
least 24 months.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You will need to complete the application found on this this website.
|
||
New York State Licensed Social Worker Loan Forgiveness Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a legal resident of New York for 1 year, a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, a
|
||
social worker professionally licensed in New York, and have at least 1 year of full-time qualified
|
||
service in a critical service area.
|
||
Eligible borrowers can receive up to $6,500 per year, with a maximum of their total qualified
|
||
loan debt or $26,000—whichever is less.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
NY student loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find the application for this program on this website.
|
||
New York State Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must have received your undergraduate degree from an approved New York state college
|
||
or university and agree to operate a farm in New York state full time for 5 years. You must apply
|
||
for this program within 2 years of your graduation.
|
||
You may receive up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of $50,000 over the 5-year
|
||
commitment.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Graduate PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
New York state loans
|
||
Private loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
When it is available each year, you can find the application for this program at the link above.
|
||
Nursing Faculty Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program (New York)
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a legal resident of New York for 1 year, a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and a
|
||
registered nurse professionally licensed in New York. You must also have a master’s degree in
|
||
nursing or a doctoral degree that qualifies you as nurse faculty, prior experience as a registered
|
||
nurse, and qualified service (see site for more details).
|
||
Eligible borrowers can receive up to $8,000 per year, with a maximum total of $40,000.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
NY student loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
|
||
You can find applications on the website linked in the title of this section; however, applications
|
||
are only available in August.
|
||
North Dakota Loan Repayment—State Program Dentists
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a North Dakota dentist practicing in an area with a defined need and be willing to
|
||
enter into a 4-year, non-renewable contract with the North Dakota Department of Health in
|
||
exchange for up to $80,000 of student loan repayment.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You must complete an application.
|
||
North Dakota Loan Repayment—State Program Physicians
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a North Dakota physician and be willing to enter into a 2-year, non-renewable
|
||
contract with the North Dakota Department Of Health in a selected community to provide
|
||
service in exchange for up to $90,000 of student loan repayment.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You must complete an application and a community participant form.
|
||
North Dakota Loan Repayment—State Program Nurse Practitioners, Physician
|
||
Assistants, and Certified Nurse Midwives
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a North Dakota nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or a certified nurse midwife
|
||
in an area with a defined health professional need and be willing to enter into a 2-year, non-
|
||
|
||
renewable contract with the North Dakota Department of Health in a selected community to
|
||
provide service in exchange for up to $30,000 of student loan repayment.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You must complete an application and a community participant form.
|
||
North Dakota Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (STEM) Occupations
|
||
Student Loan Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a North Dakota college graduate with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and
|
||
employed in a board-approved STEM occupation for 12 months.
|
||
If you are eligible, you can receive up to $1,500 per year, with a maximum total of $6,000.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Loans from the Bank of North Dakota
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find details to apply here.
|
||
North Dakota Teacher Shortage Loan Forgiveness Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must teach in North Dakota at a grade level and/or in a content area identified as having
|
||
teacher shortages. Eligible borrowers can receive up to $1,000 per year, with a maximum total
|
||
of $3,000.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Loans from the Bank of North Dakota
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find the application for this program here.
|
||
North Dakota’s Veterinarian Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a veterinarian who provides food animal veterinary medicine services to defined
|
||
needs areas in North Dakota. You must also complete a contract to provide the veterinary
|
||
services for 2, 3, or 4 years.
|
||
Eligible borrowers can receive up to $15,000 per year for the first 2 years of service and then up
|
||
to $25,000 per year for their third and fourth years of service.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Student PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Institutional loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
You must have borrowed these loans for veterinary education.
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can apply for this program here.
|
||
Oklahoma Dental Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a dentist in Oklahoma practicing in an underserved metro area or rural area. In
|
||
addition, at least 30% of your patients must be Medicare recipients.
|
||
Eligible borrowers may receive up to $25,000 per year for 2 to 5 years. However, the availability
|
||
of this program is very limited. Only five dentists receive this award per year.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find the application for this program here.
|
||
Oregon Partnership State Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a primary care provider working in an HPSA-designated service site that is willing
|
||
to provide 50% of the total loan repayment award plus a 10% administrative fee. You will need
|
||
to sign a minimum 2-year service obligation with the option of 1 to 2 years beyond the initial
|
||
obligation.
|
||
Eligible borrowers can receive up to $35,000 or 25% of their qualifying debt (whichever is
|
||
smaller) disbursed every 6 months for their 2 years of service. If you opt to extend your service
|
||
obligation, you may be able to receive additional student loan repayment.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Parent PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
State loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find the two applications for this program here.
|
||
Pennsylvania Primary Care Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible…
|
||
You must be an eligible primary care provider serving medically underserved populations in
|
||
Pennsylvania. Eligible professions include:
|
||
Physicians—family medicine, general internal medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics,
|
||
obstetrics/gynecology, and psychiatry
|
||
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners—adult, family medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics,
|
||
women’s health, and mental health/psychiatry
|
||
General dentists
|
||
|
||
Registered dental hygienists
|
||
Certified nurse midwives
|
||
Physician assistants—adult, family medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, women’s health, and
|
||
mental health/psychiatry
|
||
Licensed clinical social worker (employed at a primary care clinic only)
|
||
Licensed professional counselors (employed at a primary care clinic only)
|
||
Marriage and family therapists (employed at a primary care clinic only)
|
||
Psychologists (employed at a primary care clinic only)
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can access the application here.
|
||
Rhode Island Educational Loan Repayment Program For Primary Care Providers
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant newly recruited to
|
||
practice in Rhode Island and work in family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatrics.
|
||
Physicians may receive up to $20,000 per year for 4 years, for a maximum of $80,000. Nurse
|
||
practitioners and physicians assistants can receive up to $10,000 per year for 4 years, for a
|
||
maximum of $40,000. The amount you receive cannot exceed 50% of your educational debt.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL)
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
There are separate forms for each vocation. You can download the appropriate one for you from
|
||
the link within the title of this section.
|
||
RISLA Loan Forgiveness For Internships
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must have non-federal student loans held by the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority
|
||
(RISLA). You must complete an eligible academic internship worth at least three credit hours
|
||
through an accredited higher education institution and must graduate.
|
||
Only students at Rhode Island schools or residents of Rhode Island attending out-of-state
|
||
schools qualify. Independent studies and practicums that are required for a particular major do
|
||
not qualify.
|
||
The internship must be after May 1, 2013, may be paid or unpaid, and can be done in any state.
|
||
You may receive $2,000 for one three-credit internship after graduation. You can only apply
|
||
once.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Non-federal loans (state loans, private loans, etc.)
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can download your application here.
|
||
RISLA Nurse Educators Loan Forgiveness Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a nurse educator hired on or after April 1, 2012, teaching full or part time at a
|
||
degree-granting accredited institution in Rhode Island licensed by the Rhode Island Board of
|
||
Nursing Registration.
|
||
You may receive up to $5,000 annually for up to 4 years. Part-time teachers would have awards
|
||
prorated.
|
||
RISLA is awarding up to $240,000 on a first-come, first-served basis.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad or Parent PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Nursing loans
|
||
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can find the application here.
|
||
South Dakota Recruitment Assistance Program
|
||
To Be Eligible…
|
||
You must be a qualifying physician, dentist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or nurse
|
||
midwife practicing in an eligible rural community in South Dakota, and be willing to enter into a
|
||
service contract for 3 years.
|
||
The payment incentive for qualifying physicians and dentists is equal to twice the University of
|
||
South Dakota School of Medicine resident tuition for the 4 most recently completed academic
|
||
years—which is currently $172,172.
|
||
The payment incentive for a qualifying physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or nurse midwife
|
||
is equal to twice the University of South Dakota resident tuition for physician assistant studies
|
||
for the 3 most recently completed academic years—which is currently $40,149.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL)
|
||
Private student loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
For more information, contact Jacob Parsons at the Department of Health, Office of Rural
|
||
Health, 600 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501; phone 800.738.2301 or 605.773.2679;
|
||
email jacob.parsons@state.sd.us.
|
||
Teach For Texas Loan Forgiveness
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must teach in Texas at a designated subject shortage area, which are determined annually,
|
||
and in a designated low-income area school.
|
||
If you’re eligible, you can receive up to $2,500 for teaching service provided during the 2013-
|
||
2014 academic year. Funding for future academic periods has not yet been announced.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
Applications are emailed to eligible teachers.
|
||
Texas Physician Education Loan Repayment Program
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
Eligible physicians in Texas who commit to serve for at least 4 years in a health professional
|
||
shortage area may receive up to $160,000 for their 4-year commitment.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Loans that are subject to repayment through another student loan repayment or forgiveness
|
||
program do not qualify.
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You can download an application here.
|
||
Nurses For Wisconsin Initiative
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
This initiative awards pre- and post-doctoral fellowships to qualified nurses who enroll in a Ph.D.
|
||
program at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee or Madison or DNP program at the University
|
||
of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Eau-Claire, Madison, or Milwaukee. Those who are awarded the
|
||
fellowship and make a 3-year commitment to a faculty position may receive up to $50,000
|
||
toward repaying their student loans.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Federal consolidation loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
Contact one of the participating schools to learn more and to apply.
|
||
Wyoming Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment Program
|
||
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a physician, health care professional, or dentist who works full time in Wyoming
|
||
and treats Medicare, Medicaid, and Kid Care eligible patients.
|
||
Physicians and dentists may receive up to $30,000 per year for 3 years. All other health care
|
||
professionals may receive up to $10,000 each year for 3 years.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
Applications are only accepted during certain times of the year. If they are currently available,
|
||
you can find them here.
|
||
|
||
Part Three: Loan Discharge Options
|
||
|
||
Closed Schools/School Error
|
||
Borrowers may be eligible to have their loans discharged if their school closed while they were
|
||
attending it or within 120 days of leaving it. They may also be eligible if they withdrew from
|
||
school and were not refunded the correct amount. Borrowers are only eligible if they received
|
||
their loans on or after January 1, 1986.
|
||
Closed School Discharge
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
This program is for borrowers who could not complete their program of study because the
|
||
school closed while they were enrolled or within 120 days of their attendance. If you were
|
||
offered a Teach-Out Program and did not accept or completed your program of studies at
|
||
another institution, you are not eligible.
|
||
If you meet the requirements, you are eligible to have 100% of the loans you took out for that
|
||
program forgiven—including any amounts you’ve already paid.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Parent PLUS loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
To receive an application for a closed school discharge, you must contact your loan servicer. If
|
||
you have questions regarding your closed school, contact the appropriate person here.
|
||
Unpaid Refund Discharge
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
This is for borrowers who withdrew from school and the school should have returned all or a
|
||
portion of their loans to the federal government and did not. You may be eligible for this whether
|
||
your school is open or closed.
|
||
If you meet the requirements, you are eligible to receive up to the amount that was originally
|
||
supposed to be refunded and was not discharged.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
|
||
Parent PLUS loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
To see if you are eligible, contact the school you withdrew from and request their federal aid
|
||
refund policy. If you did not follow the school’s posted withdrawal procedures, you may not be
|
||
eligible for a refund. You should also contact your loan servicer for more information.
|
||
Disaster
|
||
This section features a discharge option for victims of September 11, 2001.
|
||
Spouses And Parents Of Victims Of September 11, 2001, Discharge
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
This discharge is available to the spouses of eligible public servants (police officers, firefighters,
|
||
Armed Forces, or other safety and rescue personnel) or other eligible victims who died or
|
||
became permanently and totally disabled due to physical injuries suffered in the September 11
|
||
attacks.
|
||
If you meet these requirements, you are eligible to earn back 100% of the loan amount you
|
||
owed on September 11, 2001.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Parent PLUS loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Consolidation loans made to pay off loan amounts that were owed on September 11,
|
||
2001
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
If you are eligible for this form of forgiveness, access the application here.
|
||
Financial Hardship
|
||
The following options are for borrowers who face financial hardship based on income or debt.
|
||
Bankruptcy
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
In rare cases, borrowers may be eligible to have their student loans discharged due to
|
||
bankruptcy. You will likely need to prove to a bankruptcy judge that repaying your loans would
|
||
be an undue hardship. This standard generally requires you to show that there is no likelihood
|
||
|
||
of any future ability to repay. As a result, it can be difficult to discharge federal student loans
|
||
through bankruptcy—but not impossible.
|
||
If you are eligible for this type of discharge, you can have up to 100% of your loan’s amount
|
||
forgiven. You may also regain eligibility for federal student aid if you previously lost it.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Parent PLUS loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You must apply for this type of discharge in an adversary proceeding in bankruptcy court, so
|
||
consult a qualified bankruptcy attorney first. To learn how to go about doing this, look here.
|
||
Income-Based Repayment
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must make 25 years of eligible payments or 300 payments under the income-based
|
||
repayment (IBR) program. Only payments made on or after July 1, 2009, count.
|
||
Not all borrowers qualify for IBR. To qualify, you must have a partial financial hardship—
|
||
meaning that payments to your eligible loans exceed 15% of your discretionary income. IBR
|
||
caps the maximum monthly payment at 15% of your discretionary income. This is the difference
|
||
between your AGI and 150% of the annual poverty guideline for your family size and state.
|
||
If you are eligible, you can have up to 100% of your outstanding balance forgiven after 25 years
|
||
(10 if you work for a public service or nonprofit employer).
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans, except loans that include Parent PLUS loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
To apply for IBR, you need to submit two forms to your servicer: an application and an IRS Tax
|
||
Form 4506-T.
|
||
Income-Contingent Repayment
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
|
||
You must make 25 years of eligible payments or 300 payments under the income-contingent
|
||
repayment (ICR) program.
|
||
Payments are calculated each year and are based on your annual income (this includes your
|
||
spouse’s income if you file jointly), family size, and the total amount of your federal student
|
||
loans. Payments are capped at 20% of your discretionary income.
|
||
If you are eligible, you can have up to 100% of your outstanding balance forgiven after 25 years
|
||
(10 if you work for a public service or nonprofit employer).
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Direct Stafford loans
|
||
Direct Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Direct Consolidation loans (including those with Parent PLUS loans)
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
To apply for ICR, sign in to studentloans.gov and complete a request form.
|
||
Pay As You Earn
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
You must be a new Direct Loan borrower as of October 1, 2007, with a disbursement made
|
||
after October 1, 2011. Any Direct Consolidation loan made on or after October 1, 2011, that
|
||
does not include a Parent PLUS loan or a loan made prior to October 1, 2007 is eligible.
|
||
You must make 20 years of payments under the Pay As You Earn repayment plan (or 10 years
|
||
of payments if you work for a public service or nonprofit employer). Not all borrowers qualify for
|
||
Pay As You Earn. To qualify, you must have a partial financial hardship—meaning payments to
|
||
your eligible loans exceed 10% of your discretionary income. Pay As You Earn caps your
|
||
maximum monthly payment at 10% of your discretionary income (the difference between your
|
||
AGI and 150% of the annual poverty guideline for your family size and state).
|
||
If you are eligible, you can have up to 100% of your outstanding balance (after 240 eligible
|
||
payments) forgiven.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Direct Stafford loans
|
||
Direct Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Direct Consolidation loans, except those that include a Parent PLUS loan or a loan
|
||
made prior to October 1, 2007
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
To apply for Pay As You Earn forgiveness, sign in to studentloans.gov and complete a request
|
||
form.
|
||
|
||
Fraud
|
||
You may be eligible to have 100% of your loan discharged if someone fraudulently obtained the
|
||
loan in your name. This includes identity theft and false certification. Forgery is another kind of
|
||
fraud addressed in our links and references section.
|
||
False Certification Due To Identity Theft
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
A person must have been convicted of borrowing the student loans in your name, and you must
|
||
not have received any benefit from the loans. Generally, you must also file and submit a police
|
||
report and various other evidence of identity theft as requested by the loan holder and/or the
|
||
U.S. Department of Education. In addition, you must be willing to assist in any proceedings
|
||
related to the investigation and/or prosecution of the identity theft. This type of discharge is only
|
||
for loans received after July 1, 2006.
|
||
If you meet the requirements, you are eligible to have up to 100% of your student loan
|
||
discharged.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Parent PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
To discharge your loans due to identity theft, you will need to certify that you did not authorize or
|
||
receive benefit from the loans in any way. You will also need to provide six signature samples
|
||
(at least three from around the time that the promissory note for the loan was signed) and a
|
||
copy of the judgment stating that you were a victim of identity theft and that the person
|
||
borrowed the student loan in your name.
|
||
False Loan Certification
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
This discharge is for borrowers whose schools falsely certified their eligibility for a loan. This can
|
||
be caused by a school official falsely signing the borrower’s name on a loan application or
|
||
master promissory note, which resulted in the borrower not benefitting from the funds. This is
|
||
called a false certification due to unauthorized signature.
|
||
False certification also occurs when a school admits a student even though the student did not
|
||
meet the requirements of admission. In this instance, the borrower did not have the ability to
|
||
benefit from the education received. This is called a false certification due to ability to benefit.
|
||
|
||
The final cause of false loan certification is disqualifying status, meaning the student is unable to
|
||
meet the legal requirements for employment in the student’s state of residence in the
|
||
occupation for which the program of study was intended due to age (upon completion of
|
||
training), physical or mental condition, criminal record, or other reason. At the time the loan was
|
||
issued, this disqualifying status must have existed and the school must have been aware of it.
|
||
This discharge option is only for loans received on or after January 1, 1986.
|
||
If you meet these requirements, you are eligible to receive up to 100% of your federal student
|
||
loan discharged.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Parent PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
To apply for this type of discharge:
|
||
Fill out this form for the false certification due to unauthorized signature and submit to
|
||
your loan holder.
|
||
Fill out this form for the false certification due to ability to benefit and submit to your loan
|
||
holder.
|
||
Fill out this form for the disqualifying status and submit it to your loan holder.
|
||
Medical
|
||
The following options are for borrowers who suffer from physical or mental impairments or have
|
||
died.
|
||
Death
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
In the unfortunate case of the passing of the borrower, the borrower’s family can have the
|
||
borrower’s loans discharged.
|
||
Parent PLUS loans can be discharged if the borrower (the parent) dies or if the student on
|
||
whose behalf the loan was borrowed dies.
|
||
In the case of spousal Consolidation loans, only the portion of the loan attributed to the
|
||
deceased borrower can be discharged.
|
||
If you meet these requirements, you are eligible to receive up to 100% of your remaining
|
||
balance discharged. In addition, payments made on behalf of the borrower after the borrower’s
|
||
death will be refunded.
|
||
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Parent PLUS loans
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
You must send an original or certified copy of the death certificate (or a photocopy of either) to
|
||
all of the borrower’s loan holders to discharge the loans.
|
||
Total And Permanent Disability
|
||
To Be Eligible …
|
||
A physician must certify that the borrower is unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due
|
||
to a physical or mental impairment. This impairment must be expected to result in death or last
|
||
for a continuous period of at least 60 months, or it must have already lasted for a continuous
|
||
period of at least 60 months.
|
||
Any remaining balance on your federal student loans will be discharged from the date that your
|
||
physician certifies your application.
|
||
The Secretary of Veteran Affairs (VA) can also certify the borrower to be unemployable due to a
|
||
service-connected disability.
|
||
If the VA certified your application, any federal student loan amounts owed after the date of the
|
||
service-related injury will be discharged, and any payments you made after your injury would be
|
||
refunded to you.
|
||
Borrowers may also be eligible for discharge if they have been certified as disabled by the
|
||
Social Security Administration (SSA) where the notice of award for Social Security Disability
|
||
Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits indicates that the borrower’s
|
||
next scheduled disability review will be within 5 to 7 years.
|
||
If you were approved due to the SSA determination, any remaining balance on your federal
|
||
student loans would be discharged as of the date the SSA determination is received by the
|
||
Department of Education.
|
||
You must return any loan or TEACH Grant disbursements made after the TPD disability
|
||
approval within 120 days.
|
||
Loans That Qualify
|
||
Stafford loans
|
||
Grad PLUS loans
|
||
Parent PLUS loans
|
||
|
||
Consolidation loans
|
||
Perkins loans
|
||
Next Steps
|
||
To apply for this discharge, complete this form and contact your loan holder.
|
||
|
||
Part Four: Other Useful Stuff
|
||
|
||
Glossary
|
||
Trying to figure out what some of this student loan lingo actually means? You came to the right
|
||
place.
|
||
Bankruptcy: A process by which some or many of your debts can be discharged—meaning
|
||
you won’t have to pay them. However, it can come with some major costs, like giving up some
|
||
of your assets (such as your home, car, etc.) Most importantly, student loans can be difficult to
|
||
discharge through bankruptcy.
|
||
Discharge: The cancellation of a student loan debt due to certain rare circumstances, such as a
|
||
school closure, the death of the borrower, or total and permanent disability.
|
||
Direct Loan Program (DL): The most common federal loan program. With Direct loans, the
|
||
federal government lends money directly to students, instead of going through a private bank
|
||
(see FFELP). DL offers subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Stafford loans, federal Direct
|
||
Consolidation loans, and Direct PLUS loans. As of June 30, 2010, all new federal student loans
|
||
are Direct loans.
|
||
Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP): Prior to July 1, 2010, the Federal Family
|
||
Education Loan Program (FFELP) was an alternative way to get Stafford, PLUS, SLS, and
|
||
Consolidation loans. Private lenders originated FFELP loans with government backing. As of
|
||
June 30, 2010, new FFELP loans are no longer issued.
|
||
Forgiveness: The cancellation of a loan’s remaining balance—or a portion of the balance—by
|
||
the federal government.
|
||
Loan Repayment Plans
|
||
Income-Based Repayment (IBR): Plan that sets your payment amounts based on your
|
||
income and family size and caps your payments at 15% of your discretionary income if
|
||
you are eligible. After 25 years (10 if you work for a public service or nonprofit employer)
|
||
and 300 eligible payments, any remaining balance may be forgiven but would be
|
||
taxable.
|
||
Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR): Similar to IBR, but caps your payments at 20%
|
||
of your discretionary income and is available for Direct loan borrowers only. After 25
|
||
years (10 if you work for a public service or nonprofit employer) and 300 eligible
|
||
payments, any remaining balance may be forgiven but would be taxable.
|
||
Pay As You Earn Repayment: Another plan similar to IBR that allows you to make
|
||
payments of no more than 10% of your discretionary income if you qualify. After 25
|
||
years (10 if you work for a public service or nonprofit employer) and 240 eligible
|
||
payments, any remaining balance may be forgiven but would be taxable.
|
||
Types Of Loans
|
||
Consolidation loans: Loans that combine one or more pre-existing loans into one new
|
||
loan and (generally) a longer repayment term.
|
||
Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL): Loans for health care professionals
|
||
specializing in many areas other than primary care or nursing. HPSL are part of Title VII
|
||
of the Public Health Service Act.
|
||
|
||
Institutional loans: Non-federal loans provided directly by your school.
|
||
Nursing Student Loans (NSL): Loans for nursing professionals looking to supplement
|
||
their financial aid. NSL are part of Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act.
|
||
Stafford loans: The most common federal student loans. Stafford loans can be either
|
||
subsidized or unsubsidized.
|
||
Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS): Federal loans for financially independent
|
||
students. This program was eliminated in 1994 with the creation of unsubsidized Stafford
|
||
loans.
|
||
Perkins loans: Federal loans that schools award to their students who have exceptional
|
||
financial need.
|
||
PLUS loans: Loans borrowed by parents of eligible dependent students (Parent PLUS
|
||
loans) or by graduate students themselves (Grad PLUS loans) typically after exhausting
|
||
their Stafford loan awards.
|
||
Private student loans: Non-federal loans provided by private lenders that can help you
|
||
pay for school, if you don’t have enough other financial aid.
|
||
Links And References
|
||
Further Information On Federal Loan Discharge Programs
|
||
Further Information On Federal Loan Forgiveness Programs
|
||
Loan Cancellation And Discharge Forms
|
||
Further Information On Forgery (Contact your local police department and refer to you
|
||
state’s laws.)
|
||
|
||
About SALT
|
||
SALT is a free, nonprofit-backed, educational resource that provides simple, smart,
|
||
personalized ways to take control of your student debt and manage your finances. SALT was
|
||
created by American Student Assistance® (ASA), a nonprofit organization with 50+ years of
|
||
experience helping people make better decisions about financing their education and repaying
|
||
student loans. Learn more at saltmoney.org.
|