Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Up to $5,000 or $17,500 after five consecutive years, depending on qualification and subject; applies only to eligible loans.
About Teacher Loan Forgiveness
This is a debt-forgiveness benefit for eligible full-time teachers serving low-income schools.
The general rule requires five complete, consecutive academic years of full-time teaching at an elementary or secondary school or educational service agency listed in the federal low-income directory. A bachelor’s degree, certification, and good standing are required; subject area and teaching responsibility affect the $17,500 tier. Verify the school, dates, and loans before counting service.
Confirm that the school appears in the TCLI directory for each service year, complete the federal TLF application, and ask the school chief administrative officer to certify the five years. Submit it to the servicer for the eligible loans. Keep contracts, licenses, and employment records; the servicer—not the principal—makes the final determination.
Who it serves and what it can cover: Up to $5,000 or $17,500 after five consecutive years, depending on qualification and subject; applies only to eligible loans.
How to apply or get help: Confirm that the school appears in the TCLI directory for each service year, complete the federal TLF application, and ask the school chief administrative officer to certify the five years. Submit it to the servicer for the eligible loans. Keep contracts, licenses, and employment records; the servicer—not the principal—makes the final determination. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
Public student financial-aid program