Student Loan Forgiveness 2026: The Ultimate Guide (All Programs)

Navigating the world of student loans is difficult. However, you do not have to pay back every cent if you qualify for relief. This guide breaks down the major federal forgiveness programs available in 2026. Specifically, we cover options for teachers, nurses, public servants, and military veterans. If you meet the criteria, the government could wipe out your debt entirely.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

This is the most popular program for government and non-profit workers.

• Who Qualifies: You must work full-time for a federal, state, local, or tribal government. Additionally, employees of non-profit organizations often qualify.
• The Benefit: The government forgives your remaining balance after you make 120 qualifying monthly payments.

🏛️ Read the full guide: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) 2026: Requirements & Help Tool

Teacher Loan Forgiveness

The Department of Education designed this program specifically for educators who serve in low-income communities.

• Target Audience: You must be a highly qualified teacher in a designated low-income school.
• Forgiveness Amount: You can receive up to $17,500 in forgiveness on Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.

👩‍🏫 Read the full guide: Teacher Loan Forgiveness 2026: TLF vs. PSLF Requirements

Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Forgiveness

Even if you do not work in public service, you can still achieve forgiveness. You simply need to pay based on your income for a set period.

• Available Plans: These include the SAVE Plan, Income-Based Repayment (IBR), and Pay As You Earn (PAYE).
• How it Works: The plan caps your monthly payment at a small percentage of your discretionary income. Consequently, the government forgives any remaining balance after 20 to 25 years.

📉 Read the full guide: Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plans 2026: SAVE & IBR Rules

Closed School Discharge

Did your college close down while you were enrolled? You should not have to pay for a degree you could not finish.

• Eligibility: This applies to borrowers whose schools closed while they were enrolled or shortly after they withdrew.
• The Benefit: You receive a 100% discharge of the federal student loans you used for that specific school.

🚫 Read the full guide: Closed School Discharge 2026: Get a 100% Refund

Perkins Loan Cancellation

This is a specialized program for borrowers with older federal loans.

• Target Professions: It targets teachers, nurses, firefighters, and law enforcement officers.
• How it Works: The program cancels a percentage of the loan for each year of service. For example, you can reach 100% cancellation over five years.

🚒 Read the full guide: Perkins Loan Cancellation 2026: Police, Firefighters & Teachers

Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge

If a medical condition prevents you from working, you are not required to repay your loans.

• Requirement: You must submit documentation from a physician, the SSA, or the VA that proves total and permanent disability.
• The Benefit: The Department of Education grants a complete discharge of all your federal student loans.

🏥 Read the full guide: Total & Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge 2026: Tax Warning

Death Discharge

In the tragic event of the borrower’s or student’s death, the debt does not pass to the family.

• How it Works: The lender discharges the federal student loans once they receive a certified copy of the death certificate.

🕊️ Read the full guide: Student Loan Death Discharge 2026: Rules for Parents

Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program

This program supports registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners who work in critical areas.

• Requirement: You must serve in a Critical Shortage Facility.
• The Benefit: In exchange for your service, the program pays up to 85% of your unpaid nursing education debt.

🏥 Read the full guide: Nurse Corps Loan Repayment 2026: Requirements & Application

Military & Veterans Discharge

Finally, veterans with a service-connected disability often qualify for automatic discharge.

• Eligibility: You typically need a 100% disability rating from the VA to qualify immediately.

🪖 Read the full guide: Military Student Loan Forgiveness 2026: CLRP & 0% Interest