First of all, I have to give out a Woo Hoo! I'm finally graduating with my Master's Degree in Instructional Design and Technology this weekend! It's been a very long time coming. Like my readers, my degree was done mostly online, with a few weekend classes.
There are a number of detailed circumstances where you may qualify for a cancellation or partial reduction of your student loan balance, which is called Loan Forgiveness. I am providing a general overview of the loan forgiveness programs through the federal government. If you feel you qualify for one of these programs, please check with your financial aid office for additional information. Some programs require you to contact your employer, lender, or Department of Education, but your financial aid personnel can point you in the right direction.
AmeriCorps: If you volunteer in the AmeriCorps program and serve for at least 12 months, you may receive up to $7,400 in stipends plus $4,725 to be used to pay on your loan balance.
Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA): You could earn $4,725 toward your loan by completing 1700 hours of volunteer service with private and non-profit groups that help eliminate hunger, homelessness, poverty, and illiteracy.
Army National Guard: Students in this program may qualify for up to $10,000 through the Student Loan Repayment Program. This is different from veteran’s benefits students may receive while attending college.
Teachers: There are a number of loan forgiveness programs for teachers who commit to teach in a low-income or high-need area. Programs vary by state, so check with the American Federation of Teachers to see what your state offers. This website includes both scholarships and loan forgiveness programs, so keep in mind your state may not offer both.
Legal field: Many law schools offer loan forgiveness to students in the field who serve in public interest of non-profit positions. Check out Equal Justice Works for a little more information.
Medical field:
Occupational and physical therapists: Quite often hospitals and health care facilities will use loan forgiveness as a recruiting tool for occupational and physical therapists. Quite honestly, I was not able to find much information on these websites, but each would be a starting point.
My next post will go over the federal government’s loan forgiveness programs: Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program and Cancellation for Child Care Providers, as well as some other general information.