Paying back student loans can be a long-term endeavor. However, certain career paths could cut your loan repayment period in half or even have the potential for full loan forgiveness. Often, these jobs aren’t the most lucrative. If you have chosen a career in one of the following fields, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness programs.
If you’re trying to determine the best way to repay your student loans, a student loan lawyer can be a great resource. The last thing you want is to leave your student loans unattended and end up in a scenario in which you are missing your monthly payments. Here are 6 careers that offer student loan forgiveness.
Government and Public Service Careers
Certain government and public service careers are eligible for loan forgiveness. If you work for a qualifying government or non-profit entity, you could receive varying levels of loan forgiveness depending on the kinds of loans you have.
Full-time public service workers who have Perkins loans can have all of their loans forgiven—as long as they are not consolidated. Public workers with Stafford loans can receive loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF is available to workers employed through any government organization, tax-exempt non-profit, or qualifying for-profit entities. One benefit of loan forgiveness through the PSLF is that it is not considered taxable income, meaning you won’t have to pay taxes on any loans that are forgiven. When considering student loan forgiveness programs, keep in mind that each program has specific requirements that you must meet to qualify.
Doctors
Doctors can rack up a lot of student loans. Luckily, there are specific loan forgiveness options available to doctors. Different programs vary by state, and you can find the loan assistance programs you are eligible for by searching through the AAMC’s comprehensive database. In addition to these programs, doctors who serve in the military are eligible for loan forgiveness on top of their residency income.
Nurses
Just like doctors are eligible for loan forgiveness programs, so are nurses. Nurse practitioners, registered nurses (RNs), and other nurses may be able to qualify for loan assistance programs through the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program. To qualify, you must be working for an eligible hospital or organization, which are usually located in high-need areas. Through this program, individuals can have up to 85% of their unpaid student loan debt forgiven in exchange for a fixed term of service—usually, two years. It is important to note that the loan awards provided through this program are taxable. However, you’ll likely save far more in loan payments than you’ll pay in taxes.
Teachers
Pursuing a career as a teacher is another way to qualify for loan forgiveness. Specifically, teachers in low-income school districts or high-need subject areas may be eligible for the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program. Under this program, individuals who are employed as full-time teachers for five consecutive academic years and who meet certain eligibility requirements can receive up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness. The amount of loan forgiveness you qualify for will depend on the subject you teach along with your service term. It’s important to note that you can only qualify for this program if you have federal direct or Stafford loans. If you have federal Perkins student loans, you may qualify for the Perkins Loan Teacher Cancellation program, which could cancel all of your Perkins loans.
Attorneys
There are a variety of loan forgiveness options available to attorneys. Loan repayment assistance programs (LRAPs) are available to law school graduates working in the public or government sectors. Individuals who qualify for this assistance are eligible to receive a forgivable loan. Once you have completed your service obligation, the LRAP will then forgive or cancel your loans. Most LRAP programs are only eligible to individuals making below a certain income. These programs are offered through various entities, including law schools, federal and state governments, and state law foundations.
Volunteers at Qualifying Organizations
Certain volunteer-based organizations—such as Peace Corps— provide student loan awards and repayment assistance to those that complete a term of service. The terms vary depending on the organization and program, so look around for the best volunteer opportunity for your loan situation.
Contact a Skilled Student Loan Lawyer for Help Managing Your Loans
Figuring out the best repayment options for your student loans can be overwhelming. However, choosing a strategic repayment option is essential for loan management. If you are struggling to figure out the best repayment plan for your situation, work with a skilled student loan debt lawyer.
At McCarthy Law, our attorneys are dedicated to helping students navigate the complexities of the student loan system. Under our student loan debt settlement program, our licensed attorneys negotiate with lenders to reduce the interest rate and principal balance of your student loans. At the end of a successful negotiation, our clients pay only a fraction of their original loan balance. To schedule a consultation with one of our skilled student loan settlement attorneys, call (855) 976-5777 or fill out our online contact form.