Yes, teachers can get student loan forgiveness through federal programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Teacher Loan Forgiveness. These programs can cancel a portion or all of your federal student loans if you meet specific requirements. This guide explains how each program works, who qualifies, and how to apply.
What Is Teacher Loan Forgiveness?
Teacher Loan Forgiveness is a federal program that cancels up to $17,500 of your Direct or Stafford loans. To qualify, you must teach full-time for five consecutive years in a low-income school or educational service agency.
You must be a highly qualified teacher in math, science, or special education to get the full $17,500. Teachers in other subjects may qualify for up to $5,000.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must have Direct Loans or Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) that are not in default.
- You must have been employed as a full-time teacher for five complete and consecutive academic years.
- At least one of those years must have been after the 1997–98 school year.
- Your school must be listed in the Teacher Cancellation Low-Income Directory.
What Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?
PSLF forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you make 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. Public schools and educational service agencies count as qualifying employers.
Unlike Teacher Loan Forgiveness, PSLF does not have a subject requirement. Any teacher can qualify if they work full-time and make payments under an income-driven repayment plan.
How PSLF Works
- Consolidate any non-Direct loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan.
- Enroll in an income-driven repayment plan.
- Work full-time at a qualifying public school.
- Submit the PSLF Employment Certification Form annually or when you change employers.
- Apply for forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness vs. PSLF: Which Is Better?
Both programs can help, but they have different rules and limits. You can use both, but not for the same period of service. For example, the five years you use for Teacher Loan Forgiveness cannot also count toward PSLF’s 120 payments.
If you have a large loan balance, PSLF may be more valuable because it forgives the entire remaining balance, not just a fixed amount. If you have a smaller balance, Teacher Loan Forgiveness might be quicker.
| Program | Maximum Forgiveness | Service Requirement | Subject Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Loan Forgiveness | $17,500 | 5 consecutive years | Math, science, or special education for full amount |
| Public Service Loan Forgiveness | Remaining balance (tax-free) | 10 years (120 payments) | None |
How to Apply for Teacher Loan Forgiveness
To apply for Teacher Loan Forgiveness, complete the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Application and Certification form. Your school’s chief administrative officer must certify your employment.
Submit the form to your loan servicer. You can apply after you complete your fifth consecutive year of teaching.
How to Apply for PSLF
To apply for PSLF, you must submit the PSLF Employment Certification Form to the U.S. Department of Education. Do this annually or whenever you change employers.
Once you have made 120 qualifying payments, submit the PSLF Application for Forgiveness. You can track your progress using the PSLF Help Tool online.
Important Deadlines and Changes
As of August 12, 2026, the PSLF program remains active. The U.S. Department of Education continues to process applications and has made improvements to help borrowers get credit for past payments.
There is no application deadline for Teacher Loan Forgiveness or PSLF. You can apply at any time after meeting the service and payment requirements.
Actionable Tips for Teachers
- Consolidate any FFEL or Perkins loans into a Direct Loan to qualify for PSLF.
- Always use income-driven repayment plans to ensure payments count toward PSLF.
- Submit the PSLF Employment Certification Form every year to avoid surprises.
- Check the Teacher Cancellation Low-Income Directory to see if your school qualifies.
- Keep copies of all employment certifications and payment records.
State-Level Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Many states offer their own loan repayment assistance programs for teachers. These programs vary by state and often target teachers in high-need subjects or rural areas.
Check your state’s department of education website for details. Some programs require a teaching commitment in exchange for loan repayment assistance.
What If You Have Private Loans?
Federal forgiveness programs do not cover private student loans. However, some states have programs that help with private loans, but they are rare.
If you have private loans, contact your lender to ask about refinancing or income-based repayment options. Private lenders are not required to offer forgiveness programs.
Final Summary
Teachers can get student loan forgiveness through federal programs like Teacher Loan Forgiveness and PSLF. Teacher Loan Forgiveness offers up to $17,500 after five years, while PSLF forgives the entire remaining balance after 120 qualifying payments. To maximize your benefits, understand the requirements, keep careful records, and apply at the right time. If you are eligible, take action now to reduce your student debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years do I need to teach to get student loan forgiveness?
For Teacher Loan Forgiveness, you need five consecutive years of full-time teaching. For PSLF, you need 120 qualifying payments, which typically takes 10 years.
Can teachers get student loan forgiveness if they teach at a private school?
It depends. Teacher Loan Forgiveness requires teaching at a low-income school listed in the federal directory, which includes some private schools. PSLF requires working for a qualifying public or nonprofit employer, which can include private nonprofit schools.
Do I have to be a math or science teacher to get teacher loan forgiveness?
No. Math, science, and special education teachers can get up to $17,500, but other teachers can get up to $5,000 if they meet the service requirement.
Is student loan forgiveness for teachers taxable?
Teacher Loan Forgiveness is not taxable at the federal level. PSLF is also tax-free. However, state tax rules may vary, so check with your state tax agency.
Can I get both Teacher Loan Forgiveness and PSLF?
Yes, but you cannot use the same years of service for both programs. You can use Teacher Loan Forgiveness for five years, then start counting payments toward PSLF.
