Higher education must be affordable and accessible to all. Yet, for too many, pursuing our college and career dreams means years, even decades of paying off student debt. This is especially true for educators. This system is working for the student loan providers and banks, but not for us.
If you’re struggling under the weight of student loans, know you aren’t alone. In fact, you are one of 40 million Americans navigating through student debt.
Student Loan Relief Resources
Learn more about your options for reducing your student loan payments. Taken together, these can go a long way toward providing relief for yourself and your students.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program was created in recognition of the many ways public service workers make our communities, and our nation, better.
However, for too long the system was broken, meaning educators who earned cancellation were being rejected from forgiveness.
Thanks to the advocacy of educators and due to efforts by the Biden Administration, many of these issues have been fixed. While the Limited Waiver expired on October 31, 2022, PSLF is still here for educators and other public service workers. NEA’s student debt experts have created tools designed to help educators through the PSLF application process. Check them out below!
Apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
For OEA Members: Get Help Through NEA's Student Debt Navigator
Find Additional Resources from NEA
Income-Driven Repayment Options
There are at least five different plans that may help to lower monthly student loan payments. They fit under the larger umbrella of “Income Driven Repayment.” Learn more about these options.
