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. 

Understanding Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers 

Student loan forgiveness remains a vital resource for educators. Under the Biden administration, more than $136 billion in student debt was forgiven for over 3.7 million borrowers, including teachers. This included a major update in early 2024, when $4.9 billion in additional relief was granted to public service workers through improvements to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) tracking. 

These federal programs are still in place, offering significant support for educators—whether you’re just starting your career or looking to reduce long-term debt. 

Top Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Programs for Teachers 

Several federal programs are designed specifically to ease the student loan burden for educators. Whether you’re teaching in a low-income school, working in public service, or pursuing early childhood education, these options can significantly reduce your remaining loan balance. 

Here’s a breakdown of the most widely used forgiveness programs for teachers. 

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. 

Texas Loan Forgiveness and Repayment Programs for Teachers 

In addition to federal programs, Texas educators may qualify for state-based loan repayment assistance. If you’re teaching in Texas (or planning to), these programs can help reduce or forgive your student debt. 

  • Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program (TFTLRAP)
    Texas offers up to $2,500 per year for five years to qualified teachers who work full-time in shortage subject areas at Texas public schools.

  • Texas Public Service Loan Forgiveness Resources
    While PSLF is a federal program, Texas offers dedicated guidance and tools to help public school employees navigate PSLF eligibility and application. The Texas Education Agency also publishes an annual list of teacher shortage areas that may qualify for added federal benefits.

  • Educational Aide Exemption (EAE) Program (for Future Teachers)
    If you’re working as an educational aide and planning to earn your teaching certification, this tuition exemption program helps cover the cost of coursework at participating Texas colleges and universities.

Loan Forgiveness for Teachers in High-Need Subjects 

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. 

How to Choose the Best Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program 

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

  • Choosing one program may affect your eligibility for another. 
  • Qualifying for PSLF requires you to maintain Direct Loans. 
  • Consolidating Perkins Loans into the Direct Loan Program may make them PSLF-eligible, but you’ll lose Perkins cancellation benefits. 
  • Using the same teaching service period for both TLF and PSLF is not allowed, even if benefits overlap. 

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, try this helpful loan simulator. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Teacher Loan Forgiveness 

Navigating student loan forgiveness as a teacher can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. These common questions can help you better understand your options and make informed decisions about which programs may be right for you. 

  • Can I qualify for more than one loan forgiveness program at the same time? 
    Yes, but you typically cannot use the same teaching service period to qualify for multiple programs. For example, you can’t apply the same five years of teaching to both TLF and PSLF. 
  • Are private student loans eligible for forgiveness? 
    No, federal forgiveness programs like TLF, PSLF, and Perkins Loan Cancellation only apply to federal student loans—not private loans. 
  • Does loan forgiveness count as taxable income? 
    Most federal forgiveness programs, including PSLF and TLF, are not considered taxable income under current IRS guidelines. 
  • Do I have to reapply each year for loan forgiveness? 
    No, but you must certify employment and meet specific requirements. For PSLF, for example, you should submit an Employment Certification Form annually or whenever you change jobs. 

Online Teaching Degrees with 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.  

In addition, 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: 

Take the First Step Toward Student Loan Relief 

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

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