Key Points
- Full-time employees at 501(c)(3) organizations and certain other nonprofits may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) after 120 payments (10 years).
- Only Direct Loans qualify. Older FFEL or Perkins Loans must be consolidated into the Direct Loan program.
- Borrowers must be on an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan such as IBR or ICR for payments to count.
There are a variety of programs that can provide non-profit student loan forgiveness for individuals working for a 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organization.
By participating in these programs, eligible borrowers can have their student loans forgiven or significantly reduced after meeting specific requirements. However, the onus is always on the borrower to make sure they find, apply, and maintain eligibility for these programs.
Here’s what you need to know about the different ways to get nonprofit student loan forgiveness.
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Who Qualifies For Nonprofit Student Loan Forgiveness
The main pathway for nonprofit workers is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). To qualify:
|
Requirement |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Employer Type |
Must work for a 501(c)(3) organization or another nonprofit providing qualifying public services (education, health, social work, legal aid, etc.) |
|
Employment Status |
Must work full-time (30+ hours per week) or be full time through a combination of qualifying jobs |
|
Loan Type |
Must have Direct Loans; FFEL and Perkins Loans do not count unless consolidated into a Direct Loan |
|
Repayment Plan |
Must be enrolled in a qualifying IDR plan (IBR, PAYE, ICR, RAP) or the Standard 10-year Plan |
|
Repayment Count |
Must make 120 on-time qualifying monthly payments. Time in forbearance doesn’t directly count. |
|
Certification Requirement |
Submit Employment Certification Form (ECF) at leastannually or when you change jobs |
How To Apply For PSLF
Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you’re correctly working towards PSLF.
1. Check Your Employer Eligibility
Use the Federal Student Aid PSLF Help Tool to confirm your employer’s eligibility. The database now includes most registered nonprofits.
2. Verify Your Loan Type
Log into your StudentAid.gov account and confirm your loans are Direct Loans. If not, apply for a Direct Consolidation Loan before making further PSLF payments.
3. Switch to an IDR Plan
Only payments made under IBR, PAYE, SAVE, or ICR count toward PSLF. Standard 10-year plan payments also qualify, but those loans would be paid off before forgiveness.
Note: SAVE is no longer open to enrollment, and time spent in the SAVE forbearance does not directly count for PSLF. Starting in 2026, the new RAP plan will be PSLF eligible.
4. Certify Employment Every Year
Submit your PSLF Employment Certification Form (ECF) annually or when you change jobs. The online tool automatically updates your count after your form is processed.
5. Track Your Payment Progress
Once approved, your servicer will show the official count of qualifying payments toward the 120 required. Watch your green banners.
Additional Nonprofit Loan Forgiveness Options
Aside from PSLF, there are other nonprofit loan forgiveness options to consider:
Teacher Loan Forgiveness: Teachers working in low-income schools or educational service agencies may qualify for up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness. Find out more loan forgiveness programs for teachers here.
Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program: Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse faculty members may receive loan repayment assistance in exchange for working in underserved communities. See more about student loan forgiveness for nurses.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program: Health professionals in eligible disciplines may receive loan repayment assistance in exchange for providing services in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).
See our full guide to student loans by state to see what options may be available in your area.
Common Mistakes Nonprofit Workers Make
- Working for a contractor instead of a qualifying nonprofit (only direct employees qualify).
- Failing to consolidate FFEL or Perkins Loans before applying.
- Enrolling in the wrong repayment plan (like Extended or Graduated).
- Forgetting to submit annual employment certification.
- Leaving before 120 payments without transferring to another qualifying nonprofit.
FAQ: Nonprofit Student Loan Forgiveness
Do I have to stay with one nonprofit for 10 years?
No. You can switch nonprofits (or between nonprofits and government) as long as each employer qualifies.
Do part-time nonprofit workers qualify?
Only if you work at least 30 hours per week or have multiple qualifying part-time jobs that total 30+ hours.
Can I qualify if my nonprofit is religious?
Yes, but only if your role and employer meet the IRS definition of a 501(c)(3) and your work primarily serves the public.
Do private student loans qualify?
No. PSLF and other federal forgiveness programs only apply to federal Direct Loans.
What if my nonprofit isn’t listed in the PSLF database?
You can still apply and submit documentation proving your employer meets qualifying criteria under 34 CFR §685.219.
What’s Next For Nonprofit Student Loan Forgiveness
Non-profit workers have some of the most robust pathways towards student loan forgiveness, thanks to the PSLF program.
By confirming your employer’s eligibility, switching to a qualifying repayment plan, and certifying your employment annually, you can turn a decade of service into complete federal student loan forgiveness, without paying taxes on the forgiven balance.
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Editor: Claire Tak
Reviewed by: Chris Muller
The post What To Know About Nonprofit Student Loan Forgiveness appeared first on The College Investor.
