Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Lori Pace
Single Mothers in college should be familiarized with loan forgiveness and other repayment options. You also have the option to apply for grants to help pay off or repay part of your student loans. These student loans and grants can be found through both federal and state-funded programs, as well as non-profit organizations. While many grants are simple to obtain, most of these opportunities require service or employment.
Grants For Repaying Student Loans For Healthcare Professionals
National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program
A grant that helps doctors, nurses, dentists, mental healthcare providers, and other healthcare professionals reduce student loan debt. Two years of full-time service are required in an area that has limited access to health care. You will receive $50,000 towards your student loan debt in exchange. You may also be eligible for part-time service with grants of up to $25,000.
Nurse Corps Repayment Program
The Health Resources and Services Administration provides student loans for the following nurses:
- Registered nurses (RNs) who are licensed
- Registered nurses with advanced practice (APRNs)
- Faculty members of the Nurses’ Association (NF)
60% of outstanding student loans will be paid to applicants who serve two years in a hospital with a critical shortage, or an accredited school for nursing. A third year of service can help you earn 25% more.
Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program
In exchange for two years of service, the Indian Health Service (IHS) is a culturally enriching program. It contributes up to $40,000 toward your student loans. Opportunities are created to meet the needs of Alaska Native and American Indian communities that are underserved.
You have the option to extend your stay, thereby renewing your contract until you pay your student loan in full. This program is a popular choice for students because it offers a rewarding and stimulating experience.
Grants For Veterinarians Repaying Student Loans
The Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP)
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture is the best place to look if you are a veterinarian searching for grants to help pay student loans. In exchange for three years’ paid work in underserved areas, it offers loan repayment assistance programs up to $25,000 annually — $75,000 total. You must hold a degree in veterinary medicine to be eligible.
Grants For Teachers Repaying Their Student Loans
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
- Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF – Devote five years of teaching in a low-income area and you could potentially earn up to $17,500 to be applied toward your direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – isn’t designed exclusively for teachers, you may be eligible if all requirements are met.
- Teacher Cancellation of Perkins Loans – The Perkins loan program ended in 2017, but the forgiveness program still exists. You can apply to have a percentage of your Perkins loan forgiven after every year of teaching in a low-income community, with the possibility of wiping out 100% of this loan.
- State-Sponsored Student Loan Forgiveness Programs – Many states have teacher loan forgiveness programs, especially for high-need areas. In fact, the American Federation of Teachers created a loan forgiveness and funding opportunities database to help you find programs in your area.
Grants For Repaying Student Loans For Lawyer Careers
John R. Justice Student (JRJ) Loan Repayment Program
You may be eligible for the John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program if you are a prosecutor or state public defender. This program allows you to receive up to $10,000 per year, with a maximum benefit exceeding $60,000. You can use the funds to pay off most federal student loans. You must be willing to serve at least three years as a state prosecutor or public defender in order to apply for the grant.
Department Of Justice Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program
You can apply for student loan assistance up to $60,000 annually if you are an attorney working for the Department of Justice. You must have at least $10,000 of federal student loan debt to be eligible. This grant is extremely competitive. So, you might consider applying for other grants if you can’t get this grant.
Herbert S. Garten Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP)
The Legal Services Corporation uses the lottery system to award students up to $5,600 in loan assistance to attorneys. To be eligible, you must have a student debt of at least $75,000 and a net annual income under $62,500 (higher limits in Alaska and Hawaii). You also need to work for one of the approved grantees.
Research Grants For Repaying Student Loans
National Institutes Of Health Loan Repayment Programs
You may be eligible for grants from the National Institutes of Health to help you pay student loans. You can use the award to pay for doctoral-level degrees up to $50,000 per annum (up to a maximum of two years). To apply, you don’t need to be employed by the NIH. These are some of the key areas for research:
- Clinical
- Pediatric
- Minorities have higher health disparities
- Contraception and infertility
- Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds should be included in the research
The National Institute of Mental Health provides additional research grants in the area of mental health.
Military Grants
Military student loan relief may be available to those who have served in the Army and Navy. There are many scholarships for those who have served in the military and want to continue their education.
Military College Loan Repayment Program
Vocational Aptitude Battery. Your federal student loan repayments could be funded by as much as $65,000. Private loans are not eligible.
Here’s what you might get if you are enlisted in a different branch.
- Navy: Navy up to $65,000
- Air Force: up to $65,000
- National Guard: Maximum $50,000
- Coast Guard: Maximum $30,000
- Army Reserve: up to $50,000
- Navy Reserve: Up To $10,000
Repayment grants for military college loans are often tied to service requirements. To find out if you are eligible for these programs, contact your recruiter or chain commander.
Iraq And Afghanistan Service Grant
This grant is available to anyone who had a parent who died in service after Sept. 11, 2001. This amount is equal to the maximum Pell Grant award, which is $6895 for the 2022-2023 school years.
You must be under 24 years old or have been enrolled in college for at least half the time at the time your parents died to apply through the Federal Student Aid website.
Health Professionals In The Military
The Health Professions Loan Repayment Program is designed to help military personnel pay off student loans while they are on active duty and in the Army Reserve. You may be eligible to receive up to $40,000 per annum for a specific term which is usually three years. This could amount to $120,000 in student loan forgiveness.
State Grants For Repaying Student Loans
Pennsylvania Primary Care Loan Repayment Program
For eligible student loans, doctors, dentists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals who are willing to work in underserved Pennsylvania areas can be awarded between $24,000 to $80,000. You must commit to two years of service in order to be eligible for the Pennsylvania health care grant. There are both full-time and part-time opinions.
New York State Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program
Graduates who are interested in a career as a farmer can get up to $10,000 per year and up to five years of student loan debt forgiveness. You must have received your degree from New York’s college or university and be a resident of the state for at least 12 months before applying. Submit your application within 2 years of graduating from school. You can apply for federal or private student loans.
The ND Career Builders Loan Repayment Program
You can apply for the North Dakota Career Builders loan repayment program if you live in North Dakota and work in a high-need profession. A private sector donor will need to commit and will match state funds. Grants up to $5667 per annum can be awarded for a maximum period of three years. You can use the award to pay for federal or private student loans.
California Loan Repayment For Health Care Workers
California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information offers loan repayment programs to those who work in the field of health care, such as therapists and dentists. If you are a direct patient care provider in an HCAI-underserved area, the Allied Healthcare Loan Repayment Program can provide up to $16,000 per annum. This award can be used to pay for federal student loans and private student loans up to three times.
Maine Alfond Leaders Student Debt Reduction Program
The Alfond Leaderships Student Debt Reduction program provides up to $60,000 in student loan relief for qualified candidates who work at a STEM-based business within Maine. You can use these funds to pay off outstanding federal or private student loan debts.
Volunteer And Nonprofit Grants For Repaying Student Loans
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Working for a non-profit organization is one of the many benefits. You may be eligible for PSLF. PSLF can help you get 100% of your direct loans forgiven after 10 years of working in the public sector. You must also make 120 monthly qualifying payments. However, the limited waiver may allow you to get credit for missed payments if your application is made before October 31, 2022.
The discharged balance, unlike other forgiveness options, is not taxable income. This can help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. There are disadvantages to PSLF that you need to consider before you embark on this journey. To get an idea of the potential amount you might receive, use our PSLF Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grants For Repaying Student Loans
Do You Have To Pay Back Grants?
Grants are not the same as student loans and they don’t usually have to be repaid. Some grant programs may have conditions that you must meet in order to keep the award, such as a commitment to working for a certain amount of time. You could lose your grant amount or have to repay some of the grant money you already received if you do not meet the requirements.
What If You Can’t Get Grants For Paying Student Loans?
Grants are not the same as student loans and they don’t usually need repayment. Some grant programs may have conditions that you must meet in order to keep the award, such as a commitment to working for a certain amount of time. You could lose your grant amount or have to repay some of the grant money you already received if you do not meet the requirements.
Income-Driven Repayment Plans
If you have federal loans and are having trouble paying your bills, Income-Driven Repayment plans may be for you. There are four plans available:
- Repayments based on income
- Income-Contingent Repayment
- Pay as you Earn
- Revised Pay as You Earn
Although each plan is different, the basic principles are the same. The government extends the repayment term and caps the monthly payment at a certain percentage of your discretionary income. An IDR plan will reduce your monthly payments and make managing your loans easier. It’ll also allow interest to accrue over time, increasing your loan cost.
Refinancing
If IDR plans and PSLF are not possible, you might consider refinancing debt. Refinancing allows you to take out a new loan with new terms for student debt. You can secure a different repayment term, with a lower interest rate and a lower monthly payment.
Be aware of potential drawbacks when refinancing. Refinance will entitle you to certain benefits, especially if you have federal student loans. Refinancing can help you save money on your monthly repayments and make more space in your budget.
