Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Teacher Loan Forgiveness

Full-time teachers who serve five consecutive academic years in a low-income school or educational service agency may qualify for up to $17,500 in federal student loan forgiveness from the Department of Education.

Check Your Eligibility Free

What Is Teacher Loan Forgiveness?

The Teacher Loan Forgiveness program is a federal initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Education. It rewards teachers who commit to serving students in low-income communities by forgiving a portion of their federal student loans after five consecutive years of qualifying teaching service.

Up to $17,500 Forgiveness

Available for highly qualified full-time teachers who teach:

Secondary-level mathematics
Secondary-level science
Special education at elementary or secondary level

Up to $5,000 Forgiveness

Available for highly qualified full-time teachers who teach:

Any other subject area at elementary or secondary level

Who Qualifies

You teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years

At least one of those years is after the 1997-98 academic year

You teach at a school or educational service agency that serves low-income students

You are a highly qualified teacher as defined by federal standards

Your loans were made before the end of your five-year qualifying teaching service

You have Direct Loans or FFEL program loans (not in default)

Program Benefits

Up to $17,500 in federal student loan forgiveness for qualifying teachers

$5,000 for other qualifying full-time teachers in low-income schools

Your service years can count toward PSLF simultaneously

No federal income tax on the forgiven amount under current law

Both Direct Loans and FFEL program loans are eligible

You can combine with other forgiveness programs for maximum relief

Teacher Loan Forgiveness vs. PSLF — You May Qualify for Both

An important note for teachers: you may be able to double-dip by qualifying for both Teacher Loan Forgiveness AND Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). However, the same period of teaching service cannot count for both programs simultaneously. Strategic planning is essential.

Our team evaluates your specific situation to determine the optimal strategy — whether pursuing Teacher Loan Forgiveness first, PSLF first, or a strategy that maximizes both programs over your teaching career.

Teachers Deserve Loan Relief — Let Us Help

Your years of service in the classroom should be rewarded. Get your free assessment and discover how much Teacher Loan Forgiveness you qualify for — and whether PSLF could provide even greater relief.

Get Your Free Assessment