Main Points to Remember
- Georgia has several state loan forgiveness programs beyond federal options.
- Healthcare workers, teachers, engineers and military members have specific programs.
- Most programs require working in high need fields or underserved areas.
- The Georgia Student Finance Commission and Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce run most state forgiveness programs.
- Using both state and federal programs may give you more benefits.
- Always check program details with official state agencies.
What is Student Loan Forgiveness in Georgia?
Student loan forgiveness in Georgia means you don’t have to pay back some or all of your loans. The state offers several programs that can help reduce your student loan debt. These programs are different from federal options and often require you to work in certain jobs or areas.
Georgia has its own loan forgiveness programs run by state groups. These include the Georgia Student Finance Commission and the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce. These programs help people in fields like healthcare, teaching and engineering.
State-Level Student Loan Forgiveness & Repayment Programs
Why Georgia’s Programs Matter
Many people know about federal student loan help like Public Service Loan Forgiveness. But Georgia’s state programs can offer extra help for people who live and work in Georgia. These programs often have different rules than federal ones.
Student loan debt is a big problem in Georgia. Many people have trouble paying back their loans. State programs can help ease this burden, especially for those working in jobs that don’t pay as much as others.
Healthcare Worker Programs in Georgia
Nurses in Rural Areas
The Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce offers loan repayment for nurses who work full-time in rural or underserved areas. Nurses can get up to $10,000 per year to help pay off their student loans. This helps bring more nurses to areas that need them.
Dentist Program
Dentists who work full-time in rural counties in Georgia can get help with their loans too. The program gives up to $25,000 per year to dentists who serve in areas with few dental care options. This helps more people get the dental care they need.
Doctor Programs
Georgia has programs for doctors who work in rural areas. The Georgia Physician Loan Repayment Program gives doctors up to $25,000 per year for four years. This money helps pay off their student loans while they serve in places that need more doctors.
Help for Physician Assistants
Physician assistants can get up to $10,000 per year to pay off loans when they work in rural or underserved areas. This program helps bring more healthcare workers to parts of Georgia that need them most.
Teacher and Education Programs
Teachers in Georgia can get help with their loans too. The HOPE Teacher Scholarship gives money to teachers who are getting advanced degrees in subjects that need more teachers. For each year they teach in a Georgia public school after finishing their degree, part of their loan is forgiven.
Engineering and Other Field Programs
The Scholarship for Engineering Education helps students studying engineering in Georgia. After they graduate, if they work in engineering jobs in Georgia, their loans can be forgiven. For each year they got help, they need to work one year in Georgia.
Georgia also has a program for students studying mental health fields. The Behavioral Health Professions Service Cancelable Loan Program helps address the need for more mental health workers across the state.
How to Apply for the State of Georgia Student Loan Forgiveness?
Finding the Right Program
To find the right program, check these resources:
- Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce website
- Georgia Student Finance Commission website
- GAfutures.org
- Your college’s financial aid office
Who Can Get Help?
Most programs require:
- Living in Georgia
- Graduating from an approved school program
- Working full-time in a job that qualifies
- Being current on your loan payments
- Working in rural or low-income areas for many programs
Application Steps
- Research programs on state websites
- Check if you meet all requirements
- Gather your loan statements and work proof
- Apply during open periods (often in fall)
- Keep working in your qualifying job
- Send in yearly proof of employment and loan payments
Getting the Most from Loan Forgiveness
Using Both State and Federal Programs
You might be able to use both Georgia and federal programs at the same time. For example, if you work in a public service job for a Georgia program, that time might also count toward federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Check with your loan servicer to make sure.
Tax Effects of Loan Forgiveness
Most loan forgiveness from service programs is not taxed by the federal government. But some types of forgiveness might count as income for taxes. Talk to a tax expert to understand how your specific program might affect your taxes.
Avoiding Fake Programs
Be careful of companies that charge fees to apply for forgiveness programs. Real state programs never ask for fees up front. Always check program details on official state websites like gafutures.org or healthcareworkforce.georgia.gov.
Common Problems for Borrowers
- Limited money for many state programs
- Strict rules about who can apply
- Having to work in hard-to-fill jobs or locations
- Needing to apply every year
- Programs are changing based on state budgets
Common Questions
What is Georgia’s student loan forgiveness program?
Georgia doesn’t have just one forgiveness program but offers several options for different jobs. These include healthcare programs through the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce and other loans through the Georgia Student Finance Commission. Each program has its own rules and benefits. ,
Who can get student loan forgiveness in Georgia?
It depends on the program. Most require you to live in Georgia, graduate from an approved program and work full-time in a qualifying job. Healthcare workers usually must work in rural or underserved areas, while teachers must work in subjects or schools that need more teachers. ,
How do I apply for Georgia student loan forgiveness?
For healthcare programs, apply through the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce website. For education and other programs, apply through the Georgia Student Finance Commission and GAfutures.org. Most programs open for applications once a year, usually in fall for the next year. ,
Can I use both Georgia and federal loan forgiveness?
In many cases, yes. For example, time working in public service for a state program might also count toward federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Check with your loan servicer to make sure, as rules vary by program. ,
Are there special loan forgiveness programs for teachers in Georgia?
Yes, the HOPE Teacher Scholarship gives forgivable loans to teachers getting advanced degrees in subjects that need more teachers. Teachers may also qualify for federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness and Public Service Loan Forgiveness while working in Georgia public schools.