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What is public service loan forgiveness?

If you enter public service, you may qualify to have part of your school loan waived.

Paying for college and university education can be stressful and expensive. To encourage individuals to work in a qualifying public sector organizations and positions, the United States government created the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program as part of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007. The program forgives the remaining balance of certain college loans after a period of time.

Qualifying for PSLF

Studentaid.gov has a PSLF tool that can help you determine if you qualify. To receive public service loan forgiveness an individual must:

Eligible employers and jobs

To be eligible for PSLF you need to work full time for an eligible not-for-profit or government organization. Generally, federal, state, local or tribal government agencies are considered. This also includes exempt and some non-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations and employers such as:

  • Early childhood education
  • Emergency management
  • Law enforcement
  • Public education
  • Public health such as nurses and other health care practitioners
  • Public interest law services such as those funded in whole or part by U.S. federal, state, local or tribal governments
  • Public safety
  • Public service for individuals with disabilities and the elderly
  • School libraries and school-based services
  • U.S. military

Eligible loans

The loans must be Federal Direct Loans, specifically: 

  • Federal Direct Stafford or Ford Loans (Direct Subsidized Loans)
  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford or Ford Loans (Direct Unsubsidized Loans)
  • Federal Direct PLUS Loans
  • Federal Direct Consolidation Loans

Other loans, such as Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans, Federal Perkins Loans, and certain health professions or nursing loans can qualify if you consolidate them into a Direct Consolidation Loan.

How to apply for PSLF

Once you qualify, an Employment Certification for Public Service Loan Forgiveness form can be submitted and the U.S. Department of Education will let you know what else is needed

Early research and planning is valuable in evaluating and finding ways to save and pay for college tuition and other expenses

 
 

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.

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