Federal Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers

This program encourages individuals to enter and remain in the teaching profession.

Eligibility

You are eligible to receive loan forgiveness if you:

• Did not have an outstanding balance on a Direct Loan or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program student loan on Oct. 1, 1998, or on a date after Oct. 1, 1998, when you got a Direct Loan or FFEL Loan.
• Have an eligible Stafford Loan through either Direct Loan or FFEL, or you have an eligible Direct Loan or FFEL Consolidation Loan that you received to repay a Stafford Loan.
• Were a full-time teacher for five consecutive and complete years in a(n):
  • Low-income public or private elementary school.
  • Low-income public or private secondary school.
  • Educational service agency.
• Received the loan you want forgiven before the end of the fifth year of qualified teaching.
• Are not in default on the loan you want forgiven.
• Have not received a benefit for the same teaching experience through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program or the AmeriCorps program.

Amount

The amount you are eligible to have forgiven depends on:

• The date you begin your qualifying teaching service.
• Your qualifications.
• The subject area in which you teach.

Other Programs

You may also be eligible for the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Forbearance. This program will allow you to stop making payments until your loan forgiveness award takes effect.

Apply Now

To apply:

Note: The forms are provided in portable document format (PDF). If you do not have a PDF reader, download the most current version of Adobe Acrobat ReaderOpens a new window for best results.

Learn More

Learn more about the Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers at www.studentaid.ed.govOpens a new window.