Embarking on your journey as an educator is incredibly rewarding, but we all know how those pesky student loans can cast a shadow over your educational journey and persist even later in your career. Whether you’re just starting your degree or you’re a retired teacher exploring income-based repayment options, there are plenty of ways to lighten your financial load. 

In this guide, we’ll dive into loan relief options crafted with teachers like you in mind. 

Navigating Student Loan Forgiveness for Educators 

Since assuming office, the Biden administration has forgiven around $56.7 billion in student loan debt for 793,400 borrowers under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, benefiting teachers and other public sector professionals. This ongoing effort reflects a commitment to easing the burden of student debt and ensuring that student loans don’t become obstacles for both students and families. 

The main student loan forgiveness programs available for teachers are: 

Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program (TLF) 

Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF) cancels up to $17,500 of Direct or Federal Stafford Loans after five full and consecutive years of teaching at a qualifying school. Eligibility requires full-time employment at an eligible school for five academic years, with at least one year post the 1997-98 academic period.  

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) 

If you have taken out a Direct Loan, you may be eligible to receive PSLF, provided you work in childcare, early childhood, or in a public or not-for-profit institution. PSLF forgives the remaining Direct Loan balance after 120 qualifying payments.  

Federal Perkins Loan Cancellation for Teachers 

If you are a Federal Perkins Loan borrower, you may be eligible to have part or even all of your Federal Perkins Loan canceled. If you teach full time in a public or nonprofit elementary school or work in early childhood education, this option may be a good fit for you. 

State-Sponsored Programs 

Individual states offer additional programs and requirements, so be sure to check in with your state agency for more information.  

This article contains a comprehensive list of state-sponsored student loan forgiveness programs for teachers. 

Educators in High-Need Areas 

If you teach in a high-need field such as mathematics, science, or special education, you could be eligible for up to $17,500 in student loan forgiveness: a significant increase over the $5,000 available to teachers in other fields. Teacher shortages in high-need areas will slightly vary by state, so make sure to check your specific location for more detailed information. 

If you live in Texas, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is a good resource to explore. According to the TEA, the U.S. Department of Education has identified critical shortage areas for teachers in the 2024-2025 academic year. These include: 

  • Bilingual/English as a Second Language 
  • Career and Technical Education (secondary level) 
  • Computer Science and Technology Applications 
  • Special Education 

If you specialize in any of these fields, you can apply for TEACH Grants and Public Service Loan Forgiveness to maximize benefits. Texas educators in high-need areas might also find the Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program worth exploring. 

If You Qualify for More Than One Program 

Uncertain about choosing between two or even three programs? Here are some key factors to consider: 

  • Opting for one forgiveness program may impact eligibility for another. 
  • PSLF qualification requires maintaining your Direct Loans. 
  • If you consolidate a Federal Perkins Loans program into the Direct Loan Program, your loan may become PSLF eligible, but you’d lose eligibility for Perkins Loan cancellation. 
  • TLF and PSLF can overlap with simultaneous benefits, but the same teaching service period is not allowed for both at once. 

Your loan balance, income, and employment play crucial roles in determining which program works best for your situation. Check out eligible schools using the TCLI (Teacher Cancellation Low Income) Directory. To estimate the total amount you might pay with each program, utilize this helpful loan simulator. 

Affordable Online Programs and Financial Support at UTPB 

The University of Texas Permian Basin is here to actively support educators as they navigate student loan forgiveness programs. As an online student at UTPB, you’ll have access to dedicated advisors and a wealth of resources, payment plans, and loan options to offer personalized guidance regardless of which part of the journey you’re on.  

Choose from a diverse selection of affordable, award-winning, and nationally accredited online education degree programs that are designed to fit your schedule and are accessible from anywhere in the world.  

TEACH Grant 

UTPB offers the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, providing up to $4,000 per year to students studying in a high-need teaching field. This grant covers programs like our online MA in Bilingual/ESL Education program and online MA in Special Education program (including its two specialty tracks: Educational Diagnostician and Autism Spectrum Disorders).  

Take the Initiative 

Don’t let student loans keep you from making an impact in education. Our online programs are affordable, convenient, and tailored to you. Whether it’s exploring loan forgiveness options or finding the perfect program to continue your studies, UTPB is there every step of the way. When you’re ready to begin, apply here. 

Sources: 
https://studentaid.gov
https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/educator-initiatives-and-performance/teacher-shortage-areas-2024-2025