Illinois Student Loan Repayment for Doctors & Physician Assistants

Illinois State Loan Repayment Program

Illinois Department of Public Health

Health care Nurses Physicians & PAs Dental Pharmacists

Who it's for

Physicians, APRNs, PAs, dentists, pharmacists and psychiatrists at eligible sites.

Service required

Service in a Health Professional Shortage Area.

Check the official page: the program has paused new applications at times due to federal funding.

Last checked Oct 21, 2026 · Official source ↗

NHSC Loan Repayment Program

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

Health care Physicians & PAs Dental Mental & behavioral health

Award

Up to $75,000

Who it's for

Licensed primary care, dental and behavioral health clinicians.

Service required

Two years at an approved site in a Health Professional Shortage Area.

Last checked Oct 21, 2026 · Official source ↗

Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge

U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid

Any field Physicians & PAs

Award

Eligible federal loans discharged

Who it's for

Borrowers who are totally and permanently disabled.

Service required

Documentation from the VA, SSA, or a physician.

Last checked Oct 21, 2026 · Official source ↗

NIH Loan Repayment Programs

National Institutes of Health

Health care Researchers Nurses Physicians & PAs Dental Mental & behavioral health Pharmacists Veterinarians

Award

Up to $50,000 a year

Who it's for

Researchers with a doctoral-level degree doing qualifying biomedical or behavioral research, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists and veterinarians in research.

Service required

Two-year (or longer) contract to do qualifying research.

Last checked Oct 21, 2026 · Official source ↗

Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program

Indian Health Service (HHS)

Health care Rural service Nurses Physicians & PAs Dental Mental & behavioral health Pharmacists

Award

Up to $50,000

Who it's for

Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, behavioral health and other health clinicians serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Service required

Initial two-year service commitment at an eligible Indian health program site.

Last checked Oct 21, 2026 · Official source ↗

NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

Health care Rural service Nurses Physicians & PAs Mental & behavioral health Pharmacists

Award

Up to $100,000 for full-time service

Who it's for

Physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, social workers, counselors and other clinicians treating substance use disorders in rural communities.

Service required

Three years at a rural NHSC-approved substance use disorder treatment facility.

The 2026 cycle accepted applications Jan 30 to Mar 31, 2026; check the official page for the next cycle.

Last checked Oct 21, 2026 · Official source ↗

NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

Health care Nurses Physicians & PAs Mental & behavioral health Pharmacists

Who it's for

Licensed clinicians, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, counselors and other behavioral health professionals, providing substance use disorder treatment.

Service required

Service at an NHSC-approved substance use disorder treatment facility.

Last checked Oct 21, 2026 · Official source ↗

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid

Any field Public service

Award

Remaining Direct Loan balance forgiven

Who it's for

Borrowers working full time for a government or qualifying nonprofit employer.

Service required

120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan.

Last checked Oct 21, 2026 · Official source ↗