Find Your Forgiveness Path
Student loan forgiveness isn't one-size-fits-all. Different programs are designed for people in different careers and situations. Answer the questions below to see which programs might be a good fit for you. This tool is a starting point to help you explore the detailed information in the other sections.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. This is a powerful option for those dedicated to public service careers.
Qualifying Employer
Government organizations at any level (federal, state, local, or tribal) and not-for-profit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Eligible Loans
Only Federal Direct Loans are eligible. If you have other federal loans like FFEL or Perkins, you may need to consolidate them into a Direct Consolidation Loan.
Full-Time Work
You must meet your employer's definition of full-time or work at least 30 hours per week, whichever is greater.
The Path to 120 Payments
Reaching forgiveness requires 10 years of qualifying payments. These payments do not need to be consecutive.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
This program is designed to encourage individuals to enter and continue in the teaching profession. If you teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in a low-income school or educational service agency, you may be eligible for forgiveness.
Eligibility Basics
- Work as a highly qualified teacher for 5 full, consecutive years.
- Your school must be a designated low-income elementary or secondary school.
- Loans must have been made before the end of your 5 years of teaching service.
- Both Direct Loans and FFEL program loans qualify.
Calculate Your Potential Forgiveness
The amount of forgiveness depends on the subject you teach. Select your primary teaching area to see what you might qualify for.
Potential Forgiveness Amount:
$5,000
Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Forgiveness
IDR plans calculate your monthly payment based on your income and family size. While not an immediate forgiveness program, any remaining loan balance is forgiven after you make payments for a set number of years (typically 20 or 25). This is a critical path for borrowers who do not qualify for other programs.