How Student Loan Repayment Programs Work

A loan repayment program (LRP) pays part of your student loans in exchange for working somewhere that needs you, often a shortage area. Here is how applications usually work.

1. Get the job first. Most programs require that you already work, or have an offer, at an approved site. Federal NHSC sites are in Health Professional Shortage Areas.
2. Check the application window. Many programs open once a year and close within weeks. See known deadlines.
3. Gather loan documents. Expect to provide recent account statements and disbursement reports for each loan.
4. Read the contract. Leaving early usually means repaying the award, sometimes with penalties.
5. Stack carefully. Some programs don't allow the same service to count twice, for example Teacher Loan Forgiveness and PSLF.

Where to start

Programs by profession · Programs by state · Eligibility quiz