Loan Forgiveness Programs for Medical Students

What Genuine Loan Forgiveness Programs for Medical Students are available in the USA?

Loan forgiveness programs for medical students can significantly lessen the financial strain of those who are overwhelmed by student loan debt.

Medical school can prepare you to serve others; however, it is expensive. Student loans may allow you to cover the cost of your medical education, though that’s just the beginning.

When entering a medical career or after graduating from a degree program, you may wonder how to pay back student loan debt.

In such cases, while you’re struggling with your debt, medical school loan forgiveness programs might make repayment a bit more manageable.

Loan Forgiveness Programs for Medical Students – How to Qualify?

Loan forgiveness programs for medical students help erase some or all medical school debt after meeting certain criteria. Here are some points to consider to get qualified for loan forgiveness.

1. Make sure you take a federal loan for medical school that qualifies for forgiveness. And choose a payment plan that qualifies for forgiveness after 120 payments.

2. Make on-time payments as outlined in the qualifying repayment plan and follow other rules the loan forgiveness program sets.

3. To be eligible for federal loan forgiveness, you must have taken a qualifying federal loan and a qualifying repayment plan.

Loan Forgiveness Programs for Medical Students – Steps to Consider

Every loan forgiveness program for medical students is different, so research all options based on your locality and talk to your school’s financial aid office for loan details.

Follow these steps from the start and make loan forgiveness part of your plan to repay your student debt.

Select the allied medical field in which you want to study.
Apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Take an approved Federal Student Loan and choose a Loan Repayment Plan qualified for loan forgiveness.
Work for an organization that is on the approved list.
You must make 120 qualifying monthly payments over approximately ten years to qualify for forgiveness.
Follow the payback plan to the letter!
After making 120 payments, apply for loan forgiveness.

Loan Forgiveness Programs for Medical Students – Where to Apply?

There are several types of loan forgiveness programs available through the federal government or other organizations. After choosing a federal loan and a repayment plan that qualifies for forgiveness, take a look at these options.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a tax-free loan forgiveness program for medical students that might be a wise way to save money.

It is available to medical school graduates and professionals who work for qualifying nonprofit organizations or government agencies.

Private student loans are not eligible. Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) and Federal Perkins Loans are not eligible unless they are consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan.

Only Direct Loans are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), though FFEL and Perkins Loans may become eligible through consolidation into a Direct Consolidation Loan. From there, you’ll need to make ten years of payments toward your student debt.

To apply, visit https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/

National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) offers a student loan repayment program. NHSC loan repayment program is a tax-free forgiveness program for eligible full-time and part-time medical professionals.

To qualify for the NHSC Loan Repayment Program, you must be a licensed health professional working in eligible disciplines such as Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse-Midwives, Physician Assistants, Dental Health professionals, or Mental and Behavioral Health professionals.

A service commitment to work, even if only part-time in a critical-need medical facility (as approved by the NHSC), for at least two years could erase as much as $50,000 of eligible student debt. If you work in underserved communities, you may qualify for more student loan repayment support.

For more information, visit https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment

Armed Forces Loan Repayment Programs

Medical school students or doctors who serve in the U.S. military may receive student loan aid in exchange for their service. Numerous repayment programs are offered in the different branches of the armed forces; however, benefits may vary slightly.

State Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

Numerous states offer student loan aid to medical professionals. Requirements for state-specific loan forgiveness programs for medical students can differ. You can consult AAMC’s database for student loan forgiveness programs that might benefit you.

A commitment to serve a community with a healthcare professional shortage for two- to four-year might help you reduce a portion of your student debt.

Conclusion

Finding the right loan forgiveness programs for medical students can greatly reduce your medical school debt.

However, this approach isn’t the right fit for everyone. So, choose your loans for medical school wisely!

Grants for Medical