Iowa Student Loan Forgiveness: Your Options & How to Apply

• Iowa offers student loan forgiveness for teachers, healthcare workers, and public service employees. State programs erase thousands for those in high-need fields.

• Federal programs like PSLF and IDR Forgiveness can help Iowa borrowers erase their remaining balance.

• Forgiveness isn’t automatic. You must apply on time, meet deadlines, certify employment yearly, and avoid mistakes or disqualification.

Iowa student loan forgiveness programs provide debt relief for professionals in high-need fields, including teachers, healthcare workers, and public service employees. Whether through state-funded initiatives or federal programs like PSLF and IDR Forgiveness, borrowers in Iowa have multiple paths to reduce or eliminate their student loan debt.

This guide breaks down:

• State-specific loan forgiveness programs—who qualifies and how much they forgive

• Federal loan forgiveness options available to Iowa residents

• How to apply and avoid common mistakes that could delay or disqualify you

If you’re carrying student debt, the right program could erase thousands—or even all—of what you owe.

Here’s how to find out what you qualify for.

Iowa offers several student loan forgiveness programs to attract and retain professionals in high-need fields like healthcare, education, and veterinary services. These programs provide financial relief in exchange for service in underserved areas across the state.

For a full overview of eligibility and funding details, visit the Iowa Department of Education’s Loan Repayment & Income Bonus Programs page.

Below are the state programs available, how much they forgive, and how to apply if you qualify.

Related: State Programs for Student Loan Forgiveness

Rural Iowa Primary Care Loan Repayment Program

Iowa needs more doctors in rural areas, and this program helps by offering massive loan forgiveness. If you’re an MD or DO willing to work in an underserved area, you could receive up to $200,000 in student loan relief. Related: Student Loan Forgiveness Rural Health

• Who It’s For: Medical doctors (MD) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO) working in rural Iowa.

• Forgiveness Amount: The program offers up to $200,000 over five years, with payments of $40,000 per year.

• Eligibility: You must be enrolled in an MD or DO program at an Iowa medical school, complete residency, obtain licensure, and commit to working in a designated rural area for five years.

• How to Apply: Contact your medical school representative for application details.

Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program

Iowa is facing a shortage of mental health professionals, especially in rural communities. This program helps licensed counselors, social workers, and psychologists pay off their student debt while serving high-need areas. Related: Student Loan Forgiveness for Mental Health Professionals

• Who It’s For: Licensed mental health counselors, social workers, therapists, and psychologists working in designated shortage areas.

• Forgiveness Amount: Eligible professionals can receive up to $40,000 over five years, with annual payments of $8,000.

• Eligibility: Applicants must have a master’s or doctoral degree in a qualifying mental health field, complete two years of clinical practice, and work in an approved Iowa location.

• How to Apply: Applications open in spring via Iowa College Aid.

Teach Iowa Scholar Program

If you’re a top-performing teacher working in a high-demand subject or underserved school, Iowa wants to reward you. This program provides up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness to teachers in shortage areas.

• Who It’s For: Teachers working in designated shortage areas in Iowa.

• Forgiveness Amount: The program offers up to $20,000 over five years, with annual payments of $4,000.

• Eligibility: Applicants must graduate in the top 25% of their teacher prep program, secure a full-time teaching position in a high-need subject or region, and hold a valid Iowa teaching license.

• How to Apply: Applications open September 1 via Iowa College Aid.

Health Professional Recruitment Program (HPRP)

Iowa has critical shortages in nursing, physical therapy, and other healthcare fields. This program offers loan repayment assistance to healthcare workers who commit to serving in high-need communities.

• Who It’s For: Nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals working in underserved Iowa communities.

• Forgiveness Amount: Participants can receive up to $50,000 over four years, with $12,500 awarded annually.

• Eligibility: Applicants must graduate from an eligible Iowa school, work in an approved high-need area, and complete a four-year service commitment.

• How to Apply: Applications are due March 31 via Iowa College Aid.

Rural Iowa Veterinarian Loan Repayment Program

Veterinarians are essential in rural Iowa, and this program helps cover their student debt. If you’re willing to work in a designated rural area, you could receive up to $60,000 in loan repayment assistance. Related: Veterinary Student Loan Forgiveness

• Who It’s For: Veterinarians working in rural communities in Iowa.

• Forgiveness Amount: The program offers up to $60,000 over four years, with $15,000 disbursed annually.

• Eligibility: Applicants must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, work in a designated rural area, and commit to four years of service.

• How to Apply: Applications open in February via Iowa College Aid.

Health Care Award Program

Iowa needs more nurse educators, and this program helps make that career path more affordable. If you’re a licensed nurse practitioner or physician assistant willing to teach, you could get up to $30,000 in student loan forgiveness.

• Who It’s For: Nurse educators working at approved Iowa institutions.

• Forgiveness Amount: Eligible participants can receive up to $30,000 over five years, with $6,000 awarded annually.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be a licensed nurse practitioner, advanced registered nurse, or physician assistant and commit to teaching for five years.

• How to Apply: Applications are due March 31 via Iowa College Aid.

Clinton County Community Student Loan Assistance Program

Moving to Clinton County? You could get help paying your student loans just for living there. This program provides up to $30 per month in student loan repayment for eligible new residents, with some cities offering matching contributions.

• Who It’s For: New residents of Clinton County, Iowa.

• Forgiveness Amount: Participants receive $30 per month for up to five years.

• Eligibility: Applicants must have moved to Clinton County on or after August 1, 2019, and provide proof of current and prior residency.

• How to Apply: Download the application from the Clinton County website and submit it via email (auditor@clintoncounty-ia.gov) or in person at the Clinton County Auditor’s Office.

• Bonus: Some Clinton County cities, including Clinton, IA, offer an additional $30 per month in matching assistance.

In addition to state-specific programs, Iowa borrowers can take advantage of several federal student loan forgiveness options based on their profession, income, or school history.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): PSLF forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under an income-driven repayment plan while working full-time for a government or non-profit employer. This program is ideal for teachers, healthcare workers, government employees, and other public service professionals. To stay on track, borrowers must submit an Employment Certification Form regularly.

• Teacher Loan Forgiveness: Teachers who work full-time for five consecutive years in low-income schools may qualify for up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness. Math, science, and special education teachers receive the highest benefit, while other eligible teachers can get up to $5,000. This program cannot be combined with PSLF for the same period of service, so teachers should compare both options before applying.

• Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Forgiveness: Borrowers enrolled in an IDR plan can have their remaining loan balance forgiven after 20 or 25 years of qualifying payments, depending on the plan. Monthly payments are based on income and family size, making them more manageable. However, forgiven amounts may be taxable, so borrowers should factor that into their long-term financial planning.

• Borrower Defense to Repayment: If a borrower was misled by their college or the school engaged in fraudulent practices, they may qualify for full or partial loan discharge through Borrower Defense. This applies mainly to for-profit schools and institutions with misleading recruitment tactics. Borrowers must submit an application explaining how their school misrepresented job placement rates, accreditation, or costs.

Related: Is it Too Late to Apply for Student Loan Forgiveness?

Applying for loan forgiveness in Iowa isn’t automatic—you need to follow specific steps for both state and federal programs. Here’s how to do it right.

Determine Which Program You Qualify For

Not all forgiveness programs are the same. Start by figuring out which one applies to you based on your job, loan type, and repayment history. If you’re unsure which program fits your situation, our guide on how to apply for student loan forgiveness walks you through the process step by step.

• Public Service Employees? Apply for PSLF.

• Teachers in Iowa? Choose between Teach Iowa Scholar and Teacher Loan Forgiveness.

• Doctors, nurses, or mental health professionals? Check Iowa’s state-specific programs.

• High debt but low income? Look at IDR forgiveness.

Gather Your Documents

Most applications require proof of employment, income, and loan status. Prepare these before applying:

• Employment Certification Form (PSLF applicants)

• Pay stubs and tax returns (for income-based programs)

• Loan statements showing balances and servicer info

Submit Your Application on Time

Each program has different deadlines, so apply as early as possible—some funds are first come, first served.

• Federal Programs: Apply directly through StudentAid.gov

• Iowa State Programs: Applications are submitted through Iowa College Aid or specific program websites.

Track Your Application and Payments

Forgiveness isn’t instant—some programs take years to complete. While waiting:

• For PSLF: Keep submitting your Employment Certification Form (ECF) every year.

• For State Programs: Follow up with Iowa College Aid if you don’t hear back.

• For IDR Forgiveness: Keep making qualifying payments until your term ends.

Iowa student loan forgiveness can erase thousands of dollars in debt, but you have to apply the right way—and too many borrowers miss out because of small mistakes or missed deadlines. Whether you’re a teacher, healthcare worker, or public service employee, state and federal programs could reduce or eliminate what you owe.

But let’s be real: these programs are confusing, and servicers don’t always give you the right answers. That’s where we come in.

Book a call with our student loan expert, and we’ll break down your options, confirm what you qualify for, and walk you through the next steps—so you don’t leave money on the table.

Get clear answers now and take control of your student debt.

Related Readings:

• Are Federal Student Loans Forgiven After 25 Years

• How Long Do Student Loans Stay on Your Credit

• Who to Contact if You Have Questions About Repayment Plan