10 Jobs That Qualify For Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The dream of a fulfilling career often clashes with the reality of student loan debt. Earning a college degree can come with a hefty price tag, leaving many graduates grappling with loans for years.

One effective way to alleviate this burden is through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), which offers forgiveness for those who dedicate their careers to public service.

Key Takeaways:

• Eligible jobs for public service loan forgiveness include nursing, firefighting, and teaching in public schools.

• Between 2020 and 2030, the elementary school teacher profession is projected to grow by 4%, with 60,200 new job opportunities available across the U.S.

• To qualify for PSLF, borrowers typically need to make 120 qualifying monthly payments on a Federal Direct Loan.

10 Jobs That Qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The public service sector offers numerous career opportunities that may qualify for loan forgiveness, and you might already be in a position that meets these criteria. Explore the following ten public service careers that can help you achieve financial relief through loan forgiveness.

1. Translator
   Average Annual Salary: $42,000

   Fluency in multiple languages is a valuable asset, leading to a rewarding career as a translator. Responsibilities include translating spoken or written materials while preserving the original meaning.

   Translators in public service may be eligible for student loan forgiveness. Common workplaces include:

   • Public courts

   • Hospitals and public health organizations

   • Government agencies

   Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a language-related field

   Job Outlook: The translator profession is expected to grow by 20%, creating 14,000 new jobs across the U.S.

   Find Translator jobs near me

2. Animal Shelter Worker
   Average Annual Salary: $32,421

   If you have a passion for animal welfare, a career as an animal shelter worker may be ideal. These professionals ensure the wellbeing of animals, maintaining facilities and providing essential care.

   Those in paid shelter roles may qualify for loan forgiveness due to the low salaries relative to their responsibilities.

   Education requirements: Varies, typically an associate degree or equivalent experience

   Job Outlook: The career for animal caretakers is expected to grow by 30%, adding 86,900 job opportunities across the U.S.

   Find Animal Shelter Worker jobs near me

3. Elementary School Teacher
   Average Annual Salary: $49,000

   Teaching at the elementary level offers many benefits, including summers off and the opportunity to shape young minds. Importantly, this profession qualifies for loan forgiveness under PSLF.

   Despite the critical nature of this role, teacher salaries often do not reflect the level of education required. PSLF aims to alleviate this burden for dedicated educators.

   Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education

   Job Outlook: The elementary school teaching field is projected to grow by 4%, resulting in 60,200 new jobs across the U.S.

   Find Elementary School Teacher jobs near me

4. Registered Nurse
   Average Annual Salary: $63,000

   Registered nurses provide essential care to patients, especially during health crises. Their role encompasses both medical and emotional support, requiring extensive training and education.

   This demanding profession often leads to significant student debt, making registered nurses eligible for loan forgiveness in recognition of their public service.

   Education requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

   Job Outlook: The registered nursing field is projected to grow by 4%, creating 195,400 new job opportunities across the U.S.

   Find Registered Nurse jobs near me

5. School Librarian
   Average Annual Salary: $49,000

   School librarians play a crucial role in educating students and staff about information management and resources. This often-overlooked position requires a significant educational background and is eligible for loan forgiveness.

   Education requirements: Master’s degree in library sciences

   Job Outlook: The school librarian profession is expected to grow by 6%, adding 8,000 new jobs across the U.S.

   Find School Librarian jobs near me

6. Paramedic
   Average Annual Salary: $41,000

   Paramedics are vital in emergency medical services, providing care to patients en route to hospitals. This high-stress role requires quick decision-making and specialized training.

   Paramedics working in public hospitals may qualify for loan forgiveness, acknowledging their essential service.

   Education requirements: At least a high school diploma and EMT certification

   Job Outlook: The paramedic profession is projected to grow by 7%, creating 6,400 new job opportunities across the U.S.

   Find Paramedic jobs near me

7. Attorney
   Average Annual Salary: $108,000

   Public interest attorneys serve marginalized communities and work in non-profit organizations or government positions. While their loans may be substantial, they can qualify for PSLF due to their dedication to public service.

   Education requirements: Juris Doctorate (J.D.) and a Master’s in Law

   Job Outlook: The attorney profession is projected to grow by 10%, resulting in 80,200 new job opportunities across the U.S.

   Find Attorney jobs near me

8. Police Officer
   Average Annual Salary: $47,000

   Police officers are essential for community safety and law enforcement. This public service role qualifies for loan forgiveness, recognizing the importance of their contributions.

   Education requirements: Training and typically an associate’s degree

   Job Outlook: The police officer profession is projected to grow by 3%, adding 21,500 new job opportunities across the U.S.

   Find Police Officer jobs near me

9. AmeriCorps or Peace Corps Volunteer
   Average Annual Salary: $19,811

   Volunteering with AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps offers a unique opportunity to serve communities domestically and globally. These roles often qualify for loan forgiveness due to their commitment to public service.

   Education requirements: Varies; many positions require at least a bachelor’s degree

   Job Outlook: The AmeriCorps sector is projected to grow by 13%, resulting in 52,200 new job opportunities across the U.S.

   Find AmeriCorps jobs near me

10. Firefighter
    Average Annual Salary: $39,000

    Firefighters are heroic figures, risking their lives to protect communities. Their role in public service makes them eligible for loan forgiveness, recognizing the importance of their work.

    Education requirements: High school diploma and EMT certification

    Job Outlook: The firefighting profession is projected to grow by 4%, resulting in 13,900 new job opportunities across the U.S.

    Find Firefighter jobs near me

What Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness?

Many professions significantly contribute to society but often offer lower salaries. As a result, individuals in these fields may struggle with student debt despite their commitment to public service. Public Service Loan Forgiveness acknowledges this challenge by allowing eligible borrowers to have their student loans forgiven after ten years of qualifying service.

Requirements for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Not all public service jobs guarantee loan forgiveness; specific criteria must be met. Key requirements include:

• 120 qualifying monthly loan payments made

• Employment with a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government, or a non-profit organization

• Full-time employment status

• Possession of a Federal Direct Loan

For personalized eligibility assessments and assistance, borrowers should contact a federal loan servicing agent or visit studentaid.gov.

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” Accessed on September 7, 2022.

Author

Sky Ariella

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.