Government Student Loan Repayment Assistance Programs

Student loans stack up fast—but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. If you're looking for ways to make repayment more manageable, several government programs are designed to help. Whether you're planning a career in public service, education, healthcare, or the military, you might qualify for forgiveness, reduced monthly payments, or other forms of assistance.

Let’s walk through some of the top programs that could lighten your loan load.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

If you work full-time for the government or a nonprofit, PSLF could be a game-changer. The program wipes out your remaining federal loan balance after 120 qualifying payments (that’s about 10 years) made under an income-driven repayment plan.

Example: Thinking about becoming a social worker, nurse, or public school counselor? PSLF might help you cut down your debt while making an impact.

Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plans

If your paycheck isn’t matching your loan balance yet, you’re definitely not alone. IDR plans cap your monthly payment based on what you earn and how big your family is. Depending on the plan, your loans could be forgiven after 20–25 years of consistent payments.

Just starting your career? These plans can help keep your payments low while you build your income and your future.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness

Teachers working in low-income schools may be eligible for forgiveness of up to $17,500 on Direct Loans. To qualify, you’ll need to teach full-time for five straight years.
Heads-up: If you teach math, science, or special education, you’re more likely to qualify for the higher forgiveness amount.

Military and Federal Employee Benefits

Serving in the military or working for the federal government? You might have access to special loan repayment programs as part of your service. Some military branches offer up to $65,000 in loan repayment help. Many federal agencies also offer student loan assistance as part of their hiring incentives.

State-Based Loan Repayment Programs

Many states offer their own repayment programs, especially for people working in hard-to-staff areas like healthcare, education, and public defense. These programs often ask for a two- or three-year service commitment in exchange for thousands of dollars toward your loans.

Example: Arizona provides repayment support for healthcare professionals working in rural or underserved areas. Other states offer similar options for teachers, lawyers, or mental health providers.

Stay Up to Date

Student loan programs and policies change often, so it’s smart to check in regularly with StudentAid.Gov and your state’s education or workforce development site. You might discover new opportunities you didn’t know existed.

Final Take

Student loan repayment isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right program can help you move forward in your career and get relief from debt. Whether you're serving your community, teaching the next generation, or providing care where it's needed most, these programs are here to support you, so don’t leave free money on the table.

But don’t stop at loan repayment. Start with free money. Scholarships can reduce how much you borrow in the first place, and thousands go unclaimed every year. Use Appily’s scholarship search to find awards that match your interests, background, and goals. It’s fast, free, and one of the smartest steps to graduate with little to no debt.