A student loan forgiveness eligibility checker helps you determine which federal forgiveness programs you may qualify for based on your loan type, employer, repayment plan, and payment history. Programs include PSLF, IDR forgiveness, Teacher Loan Forgiveness, and more.
Your Situation
Forgiveness Programs
Results based on your answers
Fill in your details and click Check Eligibility.
How to Use the Student Loan Forgiveness Eligibility Checker
The student loan forgiveness eligibility checker screens your situation against the major federal forgiveness programs. It is not a substitute for official eligibility verification through studentaid.gov or your loan servicer.
Step 1: Enter your loan type
Only federal Direct Loans qualify for PSLF and most IDR forgiveness. FFELP loans (older loans from private lenders backed by the federal government) must first be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan. Private loans do not qualify for any federal programs.
Step 2: Select your employer type
Government and 501(c)(3) nonprofit employers qualify for PSLF. Public school teachers may also qualify for Teacher Loan Forgiveness (up to $17,500) after 5 consecutive years in a qualifying school. Submit an Employment Certification Form annually to track PSLF progress.
Step 3: Review program details and next steps
Each eligible program shows estimated timeline to forgiveness and required next steps. PSLF requires 120 qualifying payments; IDR forgiveness requires 20–25 years. Even if you qualify for multiple programs, you can only receive forgiveness from one — typically the fastest path is preferred.
FAQ
What is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?
PSLF forgives remaining federal student loan balances after 120 qualifying payments (10 years) while working full-time for a qualifying employer — government agencies or 501(c)(3) nonprofits. You must be on an income-driven repayment plan. Only Direct Loans qualify.
Is this forgiveness eligibility tool free?
Yes, completely free. No signup or account needed.
How long does IDR forgiveness take?
Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) forgiveness takes 20 years for undergraduate loans (25 years if any graduate loans) under IBR and SAVE. Any balance remaining after that period is forgiven, though it may be taxable income. PSLF is faster — 10 years — for qualifying public service workers.
Do private student loans qualify for forgiveness?
No. Private student loans do not qualify for any federal forgiveness programs. Only federal Direct Loans (and some older FFELP loans if consolidated) qualify. If you have private loans, options include refinancing, employer repayment assistance, or state-specific programs.
What jobs qualify for PSLF?
Any full-time employment at a U.S. government agency (federal, state, local, tribal) or 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit qualifies. This includes teachers, nurses, social workers, public defenders, firefighters, and military members. Private for-profit companies do not qualify even if they provide public services.