Student Loan Forgiveness for Public Service & Nonprofit Workers

Federal and state student loan repayment and forgiveness programs open to public service & nonprofit workers, summarized from official sources with the date we last checked each one.

Check which programs fit you

Federal programs for public service & nonprofit workers

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 ↗

John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program

U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance

Lawyers Public service Dental

Who it's for: Full-time state and local prosecutors and state, local and federal public defenders.
Service required: At least three years of continued service; administered by a governor-designated agency in each state.

Up to $10,000 a year and $60,000 lifetime per the FY 2026 federal funding notice. Apply through your state's designated agency.

Last checked Oct 21, 2026 · Official source ↗

Perkins Loan Cancellation

U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid

Teachers Public service Any field Nurses

Award: Up to 100% of a Perkins Loan
Who it's for: Perkins borrowers in qualifying jobs such as teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters and others.
Service required: Qualifying full-time service; cancellation builds year by year.

Last checked Oct 21, 2026 · Official source ↗

Is there student loan forgiveness for public service & nonprofit workers?

Yes. We found 3 federal and 0 state programs that can help public service & nonprofit workers, each linked to its official source. Most loan repayment programs require a service commitment, often in a shortage area.

Do public service & nonprofit workers qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness?

If you work full time for a government agency or a qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit and have Direct Loans on a qualifying repayment plan, you can qualify for PSLF after 120 qualifying payments, whatever your job title.

Do I have to pay to apply?

No. Official loan repayment and forgiveness programs are free to apply for.