Loan Forgiveness Programs
There are circumstances in which your Stafford or Perkins loan, or a portion of your loan, can be forgiven, or discharged. Below is a partial list of the most common forgiveness programs and discharge events. For a complete list, please contact Customer Service.
| Teacher | Stafford | Perkins | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Service | Stafford | Perkins | PLUS |
| Speech Language Pathologist | Perkins | ||
| VISTA/ AmeriCorps | Perkins | ||
| Peace Corps | Perkins | ||
| Military | Stafford | Perkins |
| Total Disability | Stafford | Perkins | PLUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Death | Stafford | Perkins | PLUS |
Federal Programs
Designed to support experienced teaching professionals, the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program provides forgiveness benefits up to $5,000 or $17,500 for Stafford and Consolidation borrowers who teach full-time for five consecutive, complete academic years in certain elementary and secondary schools that serve low-income families. Forgiveness amounts are determined based on eligible outstanding balance and the type of teaching service.
Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Employees
Programs available for public service employees, AmeriCorps participants and persons enlisted in the Armed Forces.
Loan Discharge
There are circumstances in which a student loan can be discharged, releasing the borrower of his or her obligation to repay a loan, such as total and permanent disability and death. Typically, student loans are not discharged in cases of bankruptcy. If you think you may qualify to have your loan discharged, please contact your loan servicer.