One of the most intimidating things about graduating college is the prospect of paying back the student loans used to finance your education. Many students are unaware of the large number of student loan forgiveness programs that can eliminate all or a portion of your college loans at no cost to you.
To qualify for one of these programs, there are certain criteria that you must meet, ranging from performing volunteer work to working in a particular profession or even agreeing to work for a certain period in a disadvantaged community.
The value of these programs ranges from a few thousand dollars to more than a hundred thousand, depending on the amount of student loans you have and which program you choose to apply for.
Because many students are unaware that these programs exist, many of these receive only a few applications each year, leaving tens of thousands of dollars untouched. If you want to get a head start in life by getting rid of your educational loans as soon as possible, the following information will help you get started.
Student loan forgiveness programs differ from student loan repayment programs. They are created by the Federal Government and are good for federally funded loan programs such as the Stafford and Perkins Loan programs. Participation in one of these programs means that all or a portion of your student loan debt is simply "erased" or taken off of the amount you owe.
On the other hand, repayment programs, which are more common than forgiveness programs, are used on any type of loan ranging from private loans to federal student loans. In most cases, these programs are offered by your employer who makes payments on your behalf to lenders.
To find a student loan forgiveness program, start by talking to your school's financial aid department. If you go into certain professions such as teaching, nursing, or law enforcement, you may be eligible for such a program as long as you agree to work under certain stipulations.
This can be a great opportunity because it allows you to begin working in the career of your choice right away, helping you gain experience, while paying off your college loans at the same time. For students who have recently graduated, many employers in these fields offer repayment programs as an incentive to hire talented graduates, so be sure to inquire with any potential employer as well.
For student loan forgiveness programs that are based around volunteer work, contact your local AmeriCorps or PeaceCorps program. Both of these agencies are willing to pay off all or a portion of your student loan in exchange for volunteer service. In some cases, you can complete your volunteer work while you are still in school, and many students find that the experience is deeply rewarding on a personal level. Volunteer work also looks great on employment and graduate school applications, so there are many reasons to consider these programs.
With some careful planning, you may never have to make a payment toward your loans at all. Talk to your financial aid office and look for online resources to get started today.
Steven C. Brown is helping nursing students prepare for exams and tests. Read more about nursing careers and the TEAS test when applying for a nursing school.
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