Financial Aid

Federal Loan Forgiveness and Repayment Resources

Federal student loan borrowers may have access to programs that can help manage repayment or, in limited cases, forgive a remaining loan balance. These options are generally based on your loan type, repayment plan, employment, and whether you meet specific federal program requirements.

Loan forgiveness is not automatic. Borrowers are responsible for reviewing eligibility requirements, submitting required forms, and staying in contact with their loan servicer.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program may forgive the remaining balance on eligible federal Direct Loans after a borrower makes 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying public service employer.

PSLF is designed for borrowers employed by qualifying:

  • U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government organizations
  • Not-for-profit organizations
  • U.S. military service

Borrowers should visit the Federal Student Aid PSLF resources to confirm whether their employment and loans may qualify. Federal Student Aid also provides a PSLF Employer Search and Help Tool to help borrowers verify employer eligibility and complete PSLF forms.

PSLF Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for PSLF, borrowers generally must:

  • Be employed full-time by a qualifying employer
  • Have Direct Loans or consolidate eligible federal loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan
  • Repay loans under a qualifying repayment plan, such as an income-driven repayment plan
  • Make 120 qualifying monthly payments
  • Be working for a qualifying employer when applying for forgiveness and when forgiveness is granted

Staying on Track for PSLF

Borrowers do not need to wait until they have made all 120 qualifying payments to take action.

If you are working toward PSLF, you should regularly submit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Certification and Application Form to confirm that your employment and payments are being counted correctly. This can help you identify issues early and stay on track toward forgiveness.

Recommended steps:

  1. Confirm your loan type at StudentAid.gov
  2. Verify that your employer qualifies
  3. Enroll in an eligible repayment plan
  4. Submit PSLF forms regularly
  5. Keep copies of employment and loan servicer records

Other Loan Forgiveness and Discharge Options

In addition to PSLF, Federal Student Aid identifies other forgiveness, cancellation, or discharge options that may apply in specific circumstances, including:

  • Income-driven repayment forgiveness
    • Students with loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026, should confirm which repayment plans qualify for PSLF under current federal rules. Consult studentaid.gov for current guidance.
  • Teacher Loan Forgiveness
  • School-related discharge options
  • Total and Permanent Disability discharge
  • Military service-related benefits
  • AmeriCorps-related benefits

Eligibility varies by program. Borrowers should review current requirements at StudentAid.gov and work directly with their loan servicer.

Important Considerations

  • Forgiveness programs apply only to eligible loans and qualifying circumstances
  • Private loans are not eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs
  • Program rules may change, so borrowers should rely on current Federal Student Aid guidance
  • Borrowers remain responsible for repayment unless forgiveness, cancellation, or discharge is approved