On average, a borrower has $39,075 in federal student loan debt, and that doesn't even cover private student loan debt. It can take about 20 years to pay back the money, but you could qualify for student loan forgiveness programs and save thousands as a result. Below, we've provided some sources for your student loan forgiveness search plus highlighted several programs that you might qualify for.
How to find student loan forgiveness programs
When students think about student loan forgiveness programs, they often think of the US Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). While this plan can help you write off debt, it's not your only option. There are over 100 federal and state programs throughout the United States that help borrowers. You can learn more about them, their eligibility requirements and how much they forgive by visiting education department and agency websites.
Keep in mind: though there are exceptions, most forgiveness programs only cover federal student loans, not private loans.
Student loan forgiveness programs
Here are just a few examples of student loan forgiveness programs to help you get started on your search.
1. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
If you work for the government (federal, state, local or tribal) or certain nonprofits, you might qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. To be eligible, you need to:
- Have federal Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, PLUS, or Consolidation loans
- Work full-time for the qualifying nonprofit or government agency
- Make 120 monthly payments through an income-driven repayment plan or the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan
- Submit the PSLF form and certify employment annually
If approved, you could have the remaining federal student loan balance forgiven.
2. Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program (TLF)
The Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF) Program helps teachers reduce their debt. To be eligible, you need to:
- Teach full time for at least five years in a low-income elementary or secondary school or educational service agency
- Be a highly-qualified teacher with at least a bachelor's degree and full state certification with no certification or license waivers
How much you receive depends on your subject. Math, science and special education teachers can qualify for up to $17,500 in federal loan forgiveness. Other teachers can receive up to $5,000.
3. Income-driven repayment programs
Income-driven repayment programs can help reduce monthly federal higher education loan payments to a more manageable level (sometimes even to zero), based on family size and current income. At each program's completion, any remaining loan balance is forgiven.
Income-driven programs are getting a massive overhaul due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act over the next few years, but you might still qualify for the Income-Driven Repayment plan (IDR) or the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). One change to note – you may have to pay taxes on the money forgiven.
The Income-Driven Repayment Plan request can help you apply and determine the correct program for your situation.
4. Military student loan forgiveness
There are a few student loan forgiveness programs for military members, including:
- Navy Student Loan Repayment Program (LRP): Those in the Navy can receive up to $65,000 forgiven in Direct Loans if they commit to 3 years of service.
- Military College LRP Army: Some Army members with at least a 3-year commitment can receive up to $65,000 forgiven on Direct Loans, Parent PLUS loans, and others. The National Guard and Army Receive awards up to $20,000 for six-year commitments.
- Military Student LRP Air Force Reserve: Air Force Reserve members who work in areas with critical shortages for at least six years could have 15% of their federal student loans forgiven, up to $20,000.
- United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) Student Loan Repayment Program: Air Force officers who have a law degree and serve four years with JAG may qualify for federal and private student loan forgiveness, up to $65,000.
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): SCRA covers several financial and legal protections for active-duty military members, including interest rates capped at 6% on any debt you accrued before active duty.
- Army student loan forgiveness programs for medical professionals: The Army has student loan forgiveness programs for active and reserve duty dentists, doctors, physician assistants, veterinarians and other medical health professionals. Exact requirements and the amount forgiven depend on the position.
5. Forgiveness programs for medical professions
In addition to the programs through the Army for medical professionals, there are several for non-military members, such as:
- National Health Service Corps (HRSA) State Loan Forgiveness Program: For those working in a health profession deemed a shortage area, you may qualify for forgiveness (up to $50,000) on both federal and private loans. Eligibility requirements depend on the state.
- Indian Health Service (IHS) Loan Repayment Program: The IHS LRP awards up to $50,000 in loan forgiveness to eligible health profession employees that serve American Indian or Alaska native communities.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Loan Repayment Programs: NIH LRP's are available to select biomedical and biobehavioral researchers. Qualified professionals can receive up to $50,000 in student loan forgiveness a year.
Many states also have programs for nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals.
6. State student loan forgiveness
Over 30 states offer student loan forgiveness to its residents. Programs, eligibility requirements and availability vary. Here are just a few examples:
- Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP): Qualifying public teachers who graduated after 2017 could receive up to $9,000 in loan forgiveness a year.
- California Bachelor of Science in Nursing Loan Repayment Program (BSNLRP): Licensed and practicing registered nurses in California who work in underserved areas can have up to $15,000 in federal and student loans forgiven annually.
- Funding Florida Legal Aid (FFLA) Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP): FFLA's LRAP provides loan forgiveness to civil legal aid staff attorneys who work with organizations that receive FFLA grant funding, up to $10,000 a year.
Will forgiveness affect my credit score?
Student loan forgiveness may affect your credit score, but it depends on a number of factors including how the loans were forgiven, your other credit lines and debt and average credit history. You may initially see your credit score drop but eliminating debt will only help your credit score in the long run.
Ready to take control of your student debt?
Only a small percentage of borrowers meet the eligibility requirements for student loan forgiveness, and many programs don't cover private loans. Explore student loan refinancing options that could lower your payment and simplify your loans.†