Guide to Illinois Student Loan Forgiveness
Share this article:
Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about our Editorial Guidelines and How We Make Money.
Does Illinois Have Student Loan Forgiveness Programs?
Federal vs State Loan Forgiveness
Student Loan Forgiveness Programs in Illinois
1. Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program
Be a resident of Illinois and a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen Have an outstanding balance due on eligible education loans Be a qualifying behavioral health professional who meets state licensing requirements Have worked at least 12 consecutive months at an underserved or rural Health Professional Shortage Area facility immediately before applying for this program Not be in default on any federal guaranteed educational loan
2. Illinois National Health Service Corps State Loan Repayment Program
Be licensed in Illinois as a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, nurse midwife, dentist, or psychiatrist Be willing to practice in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area, also known as an HPSA Be a U.S. citizen Have eligible federal or private student debt
3. Illinois Teachers Loan Repayment Program
Be a resident of Illinois and a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen Be a federal student loan borrower who has already had some student debt forgiven under the federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness program Have a balance remaining on your eligible student loans Have fulfilled your five-year teaching obligation in an Illinois elementary or secondary school designated as a low-income school
4. John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen Have an outstanding federal student loan balance Be licensed to practice law and work as a full-time prosecutor or public defender in Illinois Not be in default on any federal guaranteed educational loan
5. Nurse Educator Loan Repayment Program
Be a resident of Illinois and a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen Have an outstanding balance due on eligible education loans Be a licensed nurse educator in compliance with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Have taught for at least 12 consecutive months if applying as a first-time applicant or agree to teach at an approved nursing education program for 12 consecutive months to be eligible for a subsequent award Not be in default on any federal guaranteed educational loan
6. Veterans’ Home Medical Providers’ Loan Repayment Program
Be a resident of Illinois and a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen Have an outstanding balance due on eligible education loans Be a certified medical provider in compliance with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Be a medical provider who has completed the prescribed employment probationary period and who remains employed in good standing as determined by the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Agree to work for 12 months as a medical provider at an approved veterans’ home to be eligible for an annual award Not be in default on any federal guaranteed educational loan
Student Loan Forgiveness Exclusions
Applying for Student Loan Forgiveness in Illinois
Military Student Loan Forgiveness
Avoid Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
Federal Relief Programs
Income-Driven Repayment Plans
Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, which replaces the Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE) Plan Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
Illinois Student Loan Forgiveness Considerations
The Takeaway
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Share this article: