Kansas Student Loan Forgiveness: See If You’re Eligible Today

• Kansas student loan forgiveness programs can help you eliminate debt if you’re a healthcare worker, teacher, or willing to move to a rural area.

• You may also qualify for federal student loan forgiveness, including PSLF, Teacher Loan Forgiveness, or IDR forgiveness.

• If you’re struggling to figure out your best option, employer-based repayment programs and nonprofit assistance could offer extra relief.

Kansas offers multiple student loan forgiveness programs to help residents reduce or eliminate their debt. Healthcare professionals, teachers, and those willing to move to rural areas may qualify for state-sponsored programs that provide loan repayment assistance. In addition, Kansas residents can access federal student loan forgiveness, employer-based repayment programs, and nonprofit assistance.

This guide covers:

• State-sponsored loan forgiveness programs for healthcare workers, teachers, and rural residents

• Employer-based repayment assistance and nonprofit support in Kansas

• Federal student loan forgiveness programs available to Kansas borrowers

If you’re dealing with student loan debt, these programs can help you lower your payments or eliminate your balance.

Keep reading to see which options you qualify for and how to apply.

Kansas offers several state-specific student loan forgiveness programs designed to assist residents in managing and reducing their educational debt.

Here’s a breakdown of the primary programs available:

Kansas State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)

If you’re a healthcare professional in Kansas, the Kansas State Loan Repayment Program can help pay off your student loans. In exchange for working in an underserved area, you could get up to $25,000 per year in loan repayment assistance. Related: Rural Medicine Loan Forgiveness

• Who It’s For: Healthcare professionals willing to serve in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) in Kansas.

• Benefits: Eligible participants can receive assistance with repaying qualifying educational loans in exchange for a minimum two-year service commitment at an approved practice site. The program offers up to $25,000 per year for physicians and dentists, and up to $20,000 per year for other eligible healthcare professionals.

• Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals with a valid, unrestricted healthcare license in Kansas. They must not have any existing service obligations or federal debt judgments and must commit to a two-year service term at an eligible site in a HPSA.

• How to Apply: Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly. Interested individuals should review the program’s guidance documents and submit the required application forms.

Kansas Bridging Plan (KBP)

Kansas needs more primary care doctors, OB-GYNs, and psychiatrists. If you’re in a qualifying residency program and plan to practice in the state, you could qualify for loan forgiveness under the Kansas Bridging Plan.

• Who It’s For: Resident physicians specializing in primary care, OB-GYN, or psychiatry who intend to practice in Kansas after completing their residency.

• Benefits: The KBP offers loan forgiveness to encourage physicians to remain in Kansas post-residency. Each year, the state funds up to 14 slots for primary care, 3 for psychiatry, and 3 for OB-GYN residents.

• Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be enrolled in a qualifying residency program in Kansas and must commit to practicing in the state upon completion of their residency.

• How to Apply: Residents should contact the Kansas Bridging Plan administrators for application details and deadlines.

Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZ) Program

Thinking about moving to rural Kansas? Kansas offers student loan repayment assistance to encourage people to move to designated rural counties through the Rural Opportunity Zones Program. If you establish residency in an eligible county, you could receive up to $15,000 in student loan repayment assistance over five years.

• Who It’s For: Individuals with an associate’s, bachelor’s, or postgraduate degree who establish residency in designated rural counties in Kansas.

• Benefits: The ROZ program offers up to $15,000 in student loan repayment assistance over five years to new full-time residents in participating counties.

• Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must establish a permanent address in a participating ROZ county after the county’s participation start date. They must also have an active student loan balance and a qualifying degree obtained before moving to the ROZ county.

• How to Apply: Applications are open annually, typically closing on September 30th. Applicants need to provide proof of residency, previous permanent residency, academic transcripts, and student loan balance details.

Teacher Loan Deferment and Cancellation Programs

Kansas teachers working in low-income schools or high-need subject areas may be eligible for up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness. If you’re in education, this could be a major help in reducing your student loan debt. Related: Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers

• Who It’s For: Teachers serving full-time in low-income schools or teaching in subject-matter shortage areas in Kansas.

• Benefits: Depending on the specific program, teachers may be eligible for loan forgiveness or cancellation of up to $17,500 of their loan balance.

• Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be full-time teachers in a qualifying low-income school or designated subject-matter shortage area. They must also hold a loan from the Federal Perkins Loan Program or another qualifying federal loan.

• How to Apply: Teachers should consult the U.S. Department of Education’s guidelines and contact their loan servicer to determine eligibility and initiate the application process. You may check for additional loan cancellation options through the Kansas State Department of Education.

Related: What Happens to Student Loans if the Department of Education is Abolished?

In addition to Kansas-specific student loan forgiveness programs, residents can take advantage of student loan forgiveness options from the federal government.

These programs are available nationwide and can help public service workers, teachers, and borrowers on income-driven repayment plans reduce or eliminate their student debt.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): This program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan, while working full-time for a qualifying employer, such as government organizations or certain non-profit organizations.

• Teacher Loan Forgiveness: Educators who teach full-time for five consecutive years in low-income schools or educational service agencies may be eligible for forgiveness of up to $17,500 on certain federal student loans.

• Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plan Forgiveness: Borrowers enrolled in IDR plans may have their remaining loan balance forgiven after making payments for 20 or 25 years, depending on the specific plan.

• Perkins Loan Cancellation: Individuals employed in specific public service roles, such as teachers, nurses, or law enforcement officers, may qualify for cancellation of up to 100% of their Perkins Loans after a certain number of years of service.

• Total and Permanent Disability Discharge: Borrowers who are totally and permanently disabled may have their federal student loans discharged upon providing appropriate documentation.

These programs offer various paths to manage and potentially reduce federal student loan debt. Eligibility requirements and application processes vary, so it’s important to review each program’s specifics to determine the best fit for your situation.

Related: How to Apply for Student Loan Forgiveness?

Beyond state and federal forgiveness programs, you may qualify for employer-based repayment assistance, nonprofit support, or scholarships and grants to help reduce your student loan debt.

• Employer-Based Repayment Assistance: Some Kansas employers offer student loan repayment benefits, providing up to $5,250 per year tax-free. If your job offers this perk, it could help pay down your balance faster.

• Nonprofit Assistance Programs: Organizations like United Way of Greater Kansas City and Kansas Legal Services provide loan counseling and resources to help borrowers explore forgiveness and repayment options.

• Kansas Scholarships and Grants: Kansas offers several scholarships and grants that can help lower education costs, including the Kansas Promise Scholarship, State of Kansas Student Aid Programs, and military service benefits. These programs can provide tuition assistance or financial aid for qualifying students.

These options can provide extra relief if you don’t qualify for state or federal forgiveness. Check eligibility requirements and apply as soon as possible.

Kansas student loan forgiveness programs can help cut down or eliminate your debt, but figuring out which program fits your situation—and how to apply—can be overwhelming.

Whether you’re a healthcare worker, teacher, or willing to move to a rural area, Kansas offers state-based programs that provide loan repayment assistance. You may also qualify for federal student loan forgiveness or employer-based repayment benefits.

Choosing the right program is important. Small mistakes or missed deadlines could cost you thousands in loan relief. Instead of sorting through the details alone, get professional help.

Book a call with our student loan expert.

We’ll help you find the best forgiveness options, walk you through the application process, and make sure you don’t miss out on money you qualify for.

Related Readings:

• Is it Too Late to Apply for Student Loan Forgiveness

• Who to Contact if You Have Questions About Repayment Plans

• Are They Garnishing Taxes for Student Loans