What Jobs Qualify for PSLF? A Guide to Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

• You need full-time qualifying employment (at least 30 hours per week or your employer’s definition of full-time).

• You must be employed by a government agency, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or a nonprofit providing specific public services recognized by the Department of Education.

• You should submit the Employer Certification Form regularly to confirm your eligibility and track qualifying payments.

Not sure what jobs qualify for PSLF? Stop looking for one. It’s not about your job title but your employer.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program wipes out your remaining federal student loan balance after 120 qualifying student loan payments, but only if you work full-time for a PSLF-qualifying employer. That means a government agency, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or a nonprofit that provides approved public services.

This guide breaks down exactly which jobs qualify for PSLF and how to confirm if your employer meets the criteria for public service loan forgiveness jobs.

For a full breakdown of PSLF rules, application steps, and tracking progress, visit our PSLF hub.

If you’ve heard or read stories of someone getting their loans forgiven with PSLF, it’s not because of their job titles. It’s about their employers.

PSLF is based on your employer’s status, not your specific role. If you work for a government agency, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or a qualifying public service nonprofit, you’re likely on track.

It doesn’t matter if you’re in administration, IT, finance, or operations—as long as your employer qualifies, your job counts.

PSLF eligibility is not about your job. It’s who you work for that matters. The Department of Education doesn’t go by job titles or company names. Instead, it looks at your employer’s tax status and public service function.

Here’s who typically qualifies:

• Federal agencies (e.g., Department of Defense, IRS, VA)

• State, local, or tribal government offices

• Public schools, public universities, and other state-funded institutions

501(c)(3) Nonprofits also qualify for PSLF:

• Charitable organizations focused on education, healthcare, or disaster relief

• Faith-based organizations that provide public services to the broader community

Some nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status may still qualify, but only if they provide specific public services recognized by the Department of Education. These can include:

• Public health clinics

• Legal aid organizations

• Community service groups

That means plenty of employers across industries (schools, public hospitals, government offices) can help you qualify for student loan forgiveness jobs. But rules can change. Always verify your employer’s PSLF status using the official Federal Student Aid guidance and the PSLF Employer Search Tool.

Related: PSLF Qualifying Employers List

PSLF eligibility isn’t always straightforward, but here’s how to verify whether your employer counts:

1. Use the PSLF Employer Search Tool: Head to the Student Aid official website and enter your employer’s name or EIN (Employer Identification Number). The tool will show if your employer is eligible, ineligible, or requires further review. This is your quickest way to get an initial answer.

2. Submit an Employer Certification Form (ECF): The best way to confirm eligibility is to complete and submit an Employer Certification Form (ECF). This form requires your employer’s signature and serves as official proof that your job qualifies. Submit a new ECF every year and whenever you switch jobs to avoid surprises down the line.

3. Verify Your Employer’s Tax Status or Government Affiliation: If your employer isn’t in the PSLF database, check their status directly:

• • 501(c)(3) nonprofits: Ask for documentation confirming tax-exempt status.

  • Government agencies: Any federal, state, local, or tribal government employer qualifies.

  • Other nonprofits: Some non-501(c)(3) nonprofits still qualify if they provide recognized public services (e.g., public health clinics, legal aid organizations, or emergency response groups).

Following these steps will give you a clear answer on whether your employer qualifies for this loan forgiveness program.

While PSLF eligibility depends on your employer, some careers are more commonly tied to particular student loan forgiveness programs. Here are some common professions that qualify for PSLF:

• Teachers in Public Schools: Public K–12 schools and state universities usually qualify if they’re government-funded. If you’re a public school educator, this blog post is made specifically to help you: Teacher Loan Forgiveness.

• Government Employees: Includes federal, state, local, or tribal roles in administration, engineering, public safety, and social services. Read this blog post for a comprehensive application guide: Student Loan Forgiveness for Government Employees.

• Nonprofit Staff (501(c)(3)): Covers positions at charitable organizations, healthcare nonprofits, research institutions, and other tax-exempt groups. Go to this blog post to learn more: Nonprofit Employee Student Loan Forgiveness.

• Public Defenders and Legal Aid Workers: Attorneys at legal aid societies or public defender offices often work for PSLF-eligible employers. Read this article to learn more: Student Loan Forgiveness for Lawyers.

• Public Health Professionals: Clinics, community health centers, and certain hospitals may qualify if they’re nonprofit or government-owned. This article will help you get started: Student Loan Forgiveness for Healthcare Workers.

Regardless of your role, your employer’s tax-exempt or government status is what counts. If you’re unsure, submit an Employer Certification Form or use the PSLF Employer Search Tool to confirm.

Even if your job qualifies today, changes in your employer’s status can put PSLF at risk. Here’s what to watch for:

• Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Conversions: If your 501(c)(3) nonprofit merges with a private company or switches to a for-profit model, it loses PSLF eligibility. You’ll still get credit for past qualifying payments, but future payments won’t count.

• Government Restructures & Outsourcing: If a government agency outsources your position to a private contractor, you may no longer qualify. Know how your role is funded.

• Annual Employer Certification is Essential: HR can make mistakes. If they fail to submit the necessary PSLF paperwork, you could lose years of progress. Submit an ECF every year to protect your PSLF status.

Some errors are reparable if you act fast. This blog post will help you understand common PSLF mistakes and how to fix them: Why Your PSLF Qualifying Payments Aren’t Counting.

If your employer’s status changes, start moving. Reconfirm eligibility, submit a new ECF, and explore the next steps to stay on track.

PSLF isn’t about job titles—it’s about your employer’s status, working full-time, and keeping your paperwork in check. If your employer qualifies and you submit Employer Certification Forms (ECF) regularly, you’re on track.

Still weighing your options? Check out our public service jobs guide to explore career paths that qualify for PSLF.

For a full breakdown of PSLF rules, application steps, and requirements, visit our PSLF hub article.

Need help confirming your eligibility?

Book a call with one of our PSLF experts. We’ll verify your employer, walk you through the next steps, and help you maximize your loan forgiveness.

Related reading:

• PSLF Employer Won’t Sign Your Form?

• What is a Public Service Job?

• Does PSLF Have to be Consecutive?

• PSLF Full-Time vs. Part-Time

• Student Loan Forgiveness Lawsuit Updates