Federal Options

Eligibility Criteria for Loan Forgiveness

Learn about the specific requirements to qualify for loan forgiveness assistance programs designed to support healthcare professionals.

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

    Only loan types that qualify for PSLF:


    - Direct Subsidized Loans

    - Direct Unsubsidized Loans

    - Direct PLUS Loans

    - Direct Consolidation Loans


    Qualifying Employment: you must work FULL-TIME for one of the following...


    - Government Organizations

    - Nonprofit Organizations


    Payment Requirements:


    - you must make 120 qualifying monthly payments while working for a qualifying employer

    - payments must be ON TIME & IN FULL


    Additional Considerations:


    - Documentation: submit the PSLF Certification form anually to ensure all payments and employment periods are tracked


    - Tax Benefits: forgiven loan amounts under PSLF are tax-free at the federal level


    - Loan Consolidation: in regards to non-direct loans, consolidating them into a Direct Consolidation Loan can make them eligible, but it may affect interest rates and reset payment counts. By meeting these criteria; eligible loans, qualifying employment, full-time work, 120 qualifying payments, and proper documentation, borrowers can have their remaining Direct Loan balance forgiven under the PSLF program.

  • Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plan Forgiveness

    Forgives the remaining balance after 20 or 25 years of full repayment, depending on what you took out your loans.


    You MUST be enrolled in and complete the full term of and IDR plan (Revised Pay As You Earn, Pay As You Earn, Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment)


    Repayment: Full participation in the plan; payments are based on income and family size.

  • Perkins Loan

    Perkins Loan Cancellation: for full-time service in public or nonprofit elementary schools, head start, or early childhood education.

Becoming an Approved NHSC Site

Discover the steps to become an approved National Health Service Corps (NHSC) site and provide essential services to underserved communities.

  • Eligible Site Types

    The following site types may qualify for NHSC approval:


    • Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and FQHC "look-alikes" receiving section 330 grant funds.
    • Community Health Center programs, including: Migrant Health, Homeless Program, Public Housing Program, School-Based Program, Mobile Clinic
    • Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities, tribally operated 638 health programs, and Urban Indian Health Programs (ITUs).
    • Correctional or detention facilities (federal and state prisons, ICE detention facilities) meeting specific physician-to-internee ratios (e.g., greater than or equal to 1000:1 for federal prisons, greater than or equal to 100:1 for state prisons).
    • Other eligible auto-approved types as defined in the NHSC Site Reference Guide

  • Ineligible Site Types

    Even if located in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), these sites are not eligible:

    • clinics limiting care to veterans or active-duty military personnel
    • Veterans Health Administration facilities
    • Home-based health care settings (except Medicare-approved CAHs and some AIHF hospitals).
    • Specialty clinics/service-specific sites limited by gender identity, organ system, illness, or categorical population.
    • Facilities providing 100% telehealth services
    • Facilities offering only general substance use disorder treatment without integrated primary care

  • Key Qualification Factors

    According to the NHSC Site Reference Guide:

    • Location in a HPSA: sites must serve a Health Professional Shortage Area.
    • Comprehensive Primary Care (CPC): Must offer full-spectrum primary care services
    • Comprehensive Behavioral Health Sciences: Must provide integrated mental health and behavioral health care.
    • Substance Use Disorder Services: Must meet NHSC's opt-in requirements for SUD services
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