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You are here: Home / US Student Loan Center / Student Loan Forgiveness / Student Loan Forgiveness for Military

Student Loan Forgiveness for Military

July 14, 2017 by Emma Woods 3 Comments

Student Loan Forgiveness for Military personnel is praised by many.

Because it is only right that those who risk their lives to serve the country have this kind of benefit.

There are many ways to obtain student loan forgiveness upon joining the military.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is Student Loan Forgiveness for Military?

Student Loan Forgiveness for Military

Joining the Military

If you are enlisting for service for the first time, then you may qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness for Military.

You must join branches of the military such as the Air Force, Army, Navy, National Defense, or the Coast Guard.

Also, student Loan Forgiveness for Military is open to those planning on joining the Military Reserves after being active in duty.

Requirements for Eligibility

Although programs under the Student Loan Forgiveness for Military have different requirements for eligibility, there are two general requirements.

First, you must get a minimum score of 50 on the Armed Forces Qualification Test.

Second, only Federal Loans may be forgiven under the program

Student Loan Forgiveness for Military Programs

There are several military student loan forgiveness programs.

So you should carefully consider the factors, and choose what is best for you.

Assess your financial need and capacity to serve accordingly.

Not all programs are for everybody, but each program is definitely worth a shot.

1. Army Student Loan Repayment Program

A post shared by EST. FEB 2, 2017 (@the_badasses_of_ussocom) on Jul 5, 2017 at 10:31pm PDT


This program repays 33.33% of your principal loan amount.

Also, it forgives up to $65,000.

Although you must be active on duty because it kicks in only after one year of service.

Student Loans Qualified for this Program:

  • Supplemental loans for students
  • Parent PLUS loans
  • Consolidation loans
  • Perkins loans
  • Grad PLUS loans
  • Stafford loans

Special Requirements:

  • Must enlist oneself in one of the military’s critical occupational specialties
  • Not affiliated with the GI Bill

2. Army Reserve Student Loan Repayment Program

A post shared by Sfc Castrellon Javier (@uplandrecruiter) on Jun 29, 2017 at 3:50pm PDT


This Student Loan Forgiveness for Military program is similar to the first one, but with less benefits.

Since you are entering the Army Reserve, only 15% of your principal loan amount may be forgiven after a year of service.

Student Loans Qualified for this Program:

  • Supplemental loans for students
  • Parent PLUS loans
  • Consolidation loans
  • Perkins loans
  • Grad PLUS loans
  • Stafford loans

Special Requirements:

  • Must enlist oneself in one of the military’s critical occupational specialties
  • Not affiliated with the GI Bill

3. National Guard Student Loan Repayment Program


If you qualify under this type of Student Loan Forgiveness for Military, then up to $50,000 of your student loan debt may be forgiven.

You must render six years of service first before being able to receive the repayment.

Student Loans Qualified for this Program:

  • Consolidation loans
  • Perkins loans
  • Grad PLUS loans
  • Stafford loans

Special Requirements:

  • The National Guard Student Loan Repayment Program has more specific and demanding requirements. For more information on eligibility, visit their website.

4. Air Force Student Loan Repayment Program

First Female US Air Force Thunderbird Aerobatic Pilot https://t.co/YIYqM3Gzfr #usairforce

— Military Stuff (@milstuf) July 6, 2017


The Air Force Loan Repayment program is not as generous as the other programs under the Student Loan Forgiveness for Military.

That’s because it only forgives up to $10,000 of your student loans.

Student Loans Qualified for this Program:

  • Supplemental loans for students
  • Parent PLUS loans
  • Consolidation loans
  • Perkins loans
  • Grad PLUS loans
  • Stafford loans
  • Auxiliary Loan Assistance for Students (ALAS loans)

Special Requirements:

  • Not affiliated with the GI Bill

Learn about options for Military Student Loan Forgiveness: https://t.co/ALBkbcUgPb … #PSLF

— John @MilitaryFIRE (@MilitaryFIRE) April 12, 2017

5. Navy Student Loan Repayment Program

Wednesday Wisdom: In a complex & quickly changing world, the #USNavy will always fight to maintain prosperity & security on the open oceans. pic.twitter.com/ub6Iypoo0H

— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) July 5, 2017


Up to $65,000 of your student loans (doled out yearly) may be forgiven with the Navy Loan Repayment Program given that you have been in service for at least a year.

It also requires you to serve in the Navy for at least four years.

Student Loans Qualified for this Program:

  • Consolidation loans
  • Perkins loans
  • Grad PLUS loans
  • Stafford loans

Special Requirements:

  • Loan must be under the Higher Education Act of 1965
  • Must have a passing Navy Nuclear Field critical rating

6. Navy Reserve Student Loan Repayment Program

Happy 102nd anniversary to the men & women of the @navy_reserve. Check out our USNR facts & figures –https://t.co/COBwq8LE5K #NavyReserve pic.twitter.com/N0gJKD8iNi

— USAA (@USAA) March 3, 2017


Understandably, this program receives a smaller amount compared to being active in the Navy.

After at least at least six years of service, you may qualify for forgiveness of up to $10,000.

Student Loans Qualified for this Program:

  • Consolidation loans
  • Perkins loans
  • Grad PLUS loans
  • Stafford loans

Special Requirements:

  • Loan must be under the Higher Education Act of 1965
  • Must have a passing Navy Nuclear Field critical rating

7 . Coast Guard Student Loan Repayment Program

A post shared by Post millitary pictures (@mili_picts) on Jul 2, 2017 at 12:08pm PDT


If you have been in service for at least a year, you may receive up to $10,000 each year to repay your student loans.

The maximum amount of loan that may be forgiven is $30,000.

Student Loans Qualified for this Program:

  • Consolidation loans
  • Perkins loans
  • Grad PLUS loans
  • Stafford loans

Special Requirements:

  • This program has additional critical requirements available on their website.

8. National Defense Student Loan Discharge

A post shared by U.S. Dept. of Defense (DOD) (@deptofdefense) on Jun 14, 2017 at 9:54am PDT


If you obtained your student loan through the National Defense Student Loan, then you may qualify for this loan forgiveness program.

Direct Loans or Perkins Loans may also receive partial forgiveness.

But an important stipulation is that your one year service must be in an area of imminent danger or in dangerous fire.

Special Requirements:

  • DD214 Discharge Form
  • A letter explaining why you qualify for the program

9. Disabled Veteran Student Loan Forgiveness


If you are a veteran who has acquired a disability while in service, you may qualify for the Disabled Veteran Student Loan Forgiveness.

Student Loans Qualified for this Program:

  • Direct Loans
  • FFEL Loans
  • Perkins Loans

Special Requirements:

  • Proof from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that your disability was acquired during service

Watch this video from Fox Business for more information on student loan forgiveness:

Student Loan Forgiveness for Military personnel is certainly one way to encourage more individuals full of potential to serve the country.

Rather than a recruitment strategy, the program is actually a testament to the nobility and honor of this profession.

So consider a life devoted to defending the nation and reap your well-deserved rewards.

What do you think about the Student Loan Forgiveness for Military? Let us know in the comments below.

Up Next: Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Filed Under: Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, Student Loan Forgiveness

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Comments

  1. Debbie Green says

    February 7, 2018 at 12:40 pm

    As a military reservist for 19 years, getting my education should not be the largest debt I have. I have exhausted all of my GI bill and I wish there was an option for reservists just for serving.

    Reply
  2. Michael Cullen says

    January 26, 2018 at 10:41 am

    I am a disabled veteran with a 100% service connect rating. I heard about the loan forgiveness and would like to find out if i qualify

    Reply
    • Amy Blatterfein says

      January 30, 2018 at 4:35 pm

      Hey Michael,

      It sounds like this could be a great program for your student loans! Here’s a link to a guide we created about student loan forgiveness. It’ll go through the eligibility requirements so you can figure out whether it’s a good fit, and how to apply if so. http://bit.ly/2zy35yi

      Reply

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