• You can still get federal loan forgiveness through PSLF, IDR, or Nurse Corps based on your job, income, or where you work.

• Alabama offers repayment help for advanced practice nurses, nurse educators, and rural NPs.

• State agencies, federal programs, and some universities offer support to help you figure out what applies to you.

Nurses in Alabama can qualify for loan forgiveness through federal programs and a few state-backed options tied to your role or where you work.

Whether you’re in public service, advanced practice, education, or rural care, there are programs that can reduce your balance or cancel it over time.

This guide breaks it down step by step:

• What federal programs are still available to Alabama nurses

• Which state programs offer loan repayment help

• Who qualifies, what to expect, and where to get support

If you’re trying to figure out what applies to you, start here.

Related: Student Loan Forgiveness for Nurses

Nurses in Alabama can still use federal programs to lower their monthly payments or qualify for full loan forgiveness over time. These options aren’t tied to your state. They’re based on your job, income, and loan type.

If you work in public service, serve in a shortage area, or are carrying debt on a nurse’s salary, these programs may offer a clear path to long-term relief.

Here’s what to look into first.

Related: Are Nurses Considered Public Service Workers?

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

If you work full-time for a nonprofit hospital, government health agency, public school, or eligible community clinic, you could have your remaining balance forgiven after 120 PSLF qualifying payments

To qualify:

• Your employer must be a qualifying nonprofit or public organization

• You must be enrolled in an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan

• You need to make 120 qualifying monthly payments (about 10 years)

Many Alabama nurses working at public hospitals, VA clinics, or school districts already meet the employer requirement. Use this guide to find out if your hospital qualifies for PSLF

If you’ve been working in one of these settings, you may be closer than you think. Learn more about PSLF here.

Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Forgiveness

Even if you don’t work in public service, you can still qualify for forgiveness through an IDR plan.

These plans cap your monthly payment based on your income and family size, cancelling any remaining debt after 20 or 25 years.

Why it matters for Alabama nurses:

• If you’re early in your career or working part-time, your income might qualify you for a $0 payment

• Any forgiven amount is tax-free through 2025, and Alabama doesn’t tax student loan forgiveness at the state level

Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program (NCLRP)

This federal program offers to pay off up to 85% of your student debt if you work full-time in a critical shortage facility in a high-need area.

You must:

• Be a licensed RN, APRN, or nurse faculty member

• Work in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA)

• Commit to at least 2 years of full-time service

Applying for Nurse Corps is competitive, but Alabama has dozens of HPSAs so your chances of qualifying may be higher than you think.

In addition to federal options, Alabama also offers a few state programs that can help nurses pay down student debt.

This is more beneficial if you work in advanced practice, education, or rural healthcare.

• The Advanced Practice Nursing Loan Repayment Program provides forgivable loans to CRNPs, CNMs, and CRNAs who work in high-need areas across the state.

• The Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program supports graduate nursing students and early-career nurse educators who commit to teaching in Alabama nursing programs.

• The Alabama Rural Medical Service Awards (ARMSA) offers substantial loan repayment to experienced nurse practitioners who serve in designated rural areas.

For full eligibility details and how to apply, see our complete guide to Alabama student loan forgiveness programs.

After reviewing federal and state forgiveness programs, you might still have questions, especially about eligibility, deadlines, or how to actually apply.

The resources below can help you take the next step, whether you’re looking for one-on-one guidance or additional repayment support tied to your job or school.

State-Level Contacts and Programs

Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN)

The ABN runs the state’s two main repayment programs for nurses: one program for advanced practice roles and another program for nurse educators. If you’re applying for either program, this is your first stop.

Visit: abn.alabama.gov

Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH)

ADPH oversees the Alabama Rural Medical Service Awards and helps connect nurses to federal repayment options like NHSC.

Visit: alabamapublichealth.gov

University-Supported Forgiveness Options

University of North Alabama (UNA)

UNA participates in the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, which cancels up to 85% of debt for nurses who teach in approved faculty positions.

Visit: una.edu

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

UAB offers support to employees pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness. If you work for UAB or another qualifying employer, you may already be on track.

Explore: uab.edu/humanresources

Student loan forgiveness for Alabama nurses is available through both federal and state programs.

Public service roles, advanced practice positions, teaching jobs, and rural healthcare work all open the door to potential relief.

Not sure whether your job qualifies or what program fits your situation?

Book a call with our student loan expert.

We’ll go over your loans, where you work, and what paperwork actually matters. You’ll leave the call with a clear plan and next steps that make sense for you.

Related Readings:

• Are Nurses Eligible for PSLF

• How to Get Student Loan Forgiveness as a Travel Nurse

• Student Loan Forgiveness for Healthcare Workers