Nevada Student Loan Forgiveness: Don’t Miss These Programs

Updated on March 5, 2025

Quick Facts

Nevada student loan forgiveness is limited to certain professions. Healthcare, law, and public service workers may qualify for repayment assistance.
Federal programs like PSLF can erase debt but have strict rules. The right job, repayment plan, and paperwork are required.
Most forgiveness isn’t taxed, but IDR forgiveness could be after 2025. PSLF and Teacher Loan Forgiveness remain tax-free.

Overview

Nevada student loan forgiveness exists, but it’s not automatic. The state offers repayment assistance programs for healthcare workers, attorneys, and other public service professionals willing to work in high-need areas.

If you qualify, you could get tens of thousands of dollars in loan relief in exchange for a service commitment.

Beyond state programs, federal forgiveness options can also help Nevada borrowers reduce or eliminate their student debt.

This guide breaks down who qualifies, how much you can get, and exactly how to apply, so you don’t waste time on programs that won’t help.

Nevada Student Loan Forgiveness & Repayment Programs

Nevada offers several student loan forgiveness and repayment programs for professionals in high-need fields. The state also provides scholarships to help students reduce borrowing before they graduate.

Here’s how Nevada can help you manage your student debt and which programs you may be eligible for.

Nevada Health Equity and Loan Assistance (HEAL) Program

The state has a shortage of healthcare providers in underserved areas, and the Nevada HEAL Program is designed to fix that. If you’re a licensed healthcare provider, this program can help pay off your student loans in exchange for a service commitment. Related: Student Loan Forgiveness for Healthcare Workers

Who It’s For: Licensed healthcare providers in Nevada working in designated underserved areas.
Forgiveness Amount: Up to $120,000, disbursed in equal installments over five years.
Eligibility: Must be a Nevada resident, hold a valid license, and commit to working in an underserved community for at least five years.
How to Apply: Applications are managed through the Nevada State Treasurer’s Office.

Nevada Health Service Corps (NHSC)

If you work in primary care, dental, or mental health, the Nevada Health Service Corps offers loan repayment assistance in exchange for serving in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).

Who It’s For: Physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, behavioral health professionals, and other healthcare workers.
Forgiveness Amount: Varies based on specialty and funding availability.
Eligibility: Must work in a designated shortage area and commit to at least two years of full-time service.
How to Apply: Visit the NHSC federal website for application details.

Pennington Rural Health Services Loan Repayment Program

The Pennington Rural Health Services Loan Repayment Program encourages healthcare professionals to work in Nevada’s rural communities by offering financial support for student loan repayment. Related: Rural Medicine Loan Forgiveness

Who It’s For: Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses working in rural Nevada.
Forgiveness Amount: Varies by profession and funding availability.
Eligibility: Must work in a designated rural health facility for at least two to three years.
How to Apply: Applications are handled by the Nevada Office of Science, Innovation & Technology.

John R. Justice (JRJ) Student Loan Repayment Program

Nevada supports public defenders and prosecutors through the JRJ Student Loan Repayment Program, which helps them manage student loan debt while continuing their careers in public service. Related: Student Loan Forgiveness for Lawyers

Who It’s For: Attorneys working as public defenders or prosecutors in Nevada.
Forgiveness Amount: Varies based on federal funding availability.
Eligibility: Must commit to at least three years of service in an eligible position.
How to Apply: Details and applications are available through the Nevada Department of Indigent Defense Services.

Nevada Promise Scholarship

While not a forgiveness program, the Nevada Promise Scholarship helps community college students reduce the need for student loans by covering tuition and fees.

Who It’s For: Nevada high school graduates enrolling in community college.
Forgiveness Amount: Covers registration and mandatory fees at participating Nevada community colleges.
Eligibility: Must be a Nevada resident, enroll full-time in an eligible program, and have not earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.
How to Apply: Apply through your school’s financial aid office or visit the College of Southern Nevada for more details.

Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Programs for Nevada Borrowers

In addition to Nevada’s state-based loan forgiveness options, residents can also qualify for federal student loan forgiveness programs. These programs provide relief for borrowers working in public service, education, or income-based repayment plans.

Here’s a quick overview:

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Designed to encourage employment in public service sectors, PSLF forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan, while working full-time for a PSLF qualifying employer. Eligible employment includes government organizations, non-profit organizations, and other public service jobs.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness: This program aims to attract teachers to low-income schools and subject areas experiencing shortages. Eligible teachers can receive up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness on Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. To qualify, teachers must work full-time for five consecutive years in a designated low-income school or educational service agency.
Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plan Forgiveness: IDR plans adjust monthly payments based on income and family size, with any remaining loan balance forgiven after 20 or 25 years of qualifying payments, depending on the specific plan. It’s important to note that recent legal developments have affected some IDR plans, such as the SAVE plan being blocked by a federal appeals court. Borrowers should stay informed about the current status of these programs.
Perkins Loan Cancellation: Borrowers with Federal Perkins Loans may be eligible for cancellation if they work in certain public service jobs. The amount canceled per year of service varies by profession, potentially leading to full cancellation after five years.

Are Student Loan Forgiveness Programs Taxable?

Most student loan forgiveness programs are not taxable, but some borrowers may face a tax bill under certain conditions.

No Federal Taxes on These Programs:

PSLF, Teacher Loan Forgiveness, and Perkins Loan Cancellation are not considered taxable income.
IDR forgiveness is tax-free until 2025 due to the American Rescue Plan.

Possible Taxes After 2025:

If Congress does not extend the tax exemption, IDR forgiveness may be treated as taxable income, meaning you could owe taxes on the forgiven balance.

No State Taxes in Nevada:

Nevada has no state income tax, so forgiven loans will not be taxed at the state level.

How to Prepare:

If IDR forgiveness becomes taxable after 2025, you may need to set aside funds or explore options like an IRS insolvency plan to cover any tax liability.

FAQs

Can I apply for multiple forgiveness programs?

Yes, but you can’t count the same service period for more than one program. If you receive Teacher Loan Forgiveness, those years won’t count toward PSLF.

Do private student loans qualify for forgiveness?

No, only federal loans are eligible. If you have private loans, consider refinancing for a lower rate or checking if your employer offers student loan repayment assistance.

How long does it take to get loan forgiveness approved?

- PSLF: About six months after submitting the application. - Teacher Loan Forgiveness: Two to six months after completing five years of service. - State Programs: Processing times vary but usually take a few months.

What happens if I leave my job before my service commitment ends?

You may have to repay any loan assistance you’ve received. Each program has its own rules, so check the terms before leaving a qualifying position.

Can self-employed borrowers qualify for forgiveness?

Only if they run a 501(c)(3) non-profit or work for an eligible employer under PSLF. Regular self-employment does not qualify.

What if my loan forgiveness application is denied?

- Check the reason. Most denials are due to paperwork mistakes or ineligible payments. - Fix any errors and reapply if possible. - If PSLF is denied, IDR forgiveness may still be an option.

Bottom Line

Nevada student loan forgiveness is real, but it’s limited to specific professions. If you work in healthcare, law, or public service, you may qualify for state repayment assistance programs that can cut down your student debt.

Federal programs like PSLF and Teacher Loan Forgiveness offer even more options for Nevada borrowers, but navigating the rules can be overwhelming.

If you’re not sure which program is right for you—or how to apply without making costly mistakes—we can help.

Book a call with our student loan expert, and we’ll walk you through your best options, eligibility requirements, and next steps.

No guesswork, no wasted time. Just clear answers on how to lower your student loan balance.

Related Readings: