Student Loan Forgiveness in Arkansas: State and Federal Programs

• Doctors and teachers in Arkansas can get loan forgiveness through programs like the Rural Medical Practice Loan Forgiveness or STEP.

• Federal programs like PSLF and Teacher Loan Forgiveness help public servants and educators reduce debt.

• Healthcare workers can lower loans with programs like NHSC or Nurse Corps by serving in high-need areas.

If you’re searching for student loan forgiveness Arkansas programs, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed by debt and desperate for relief. You’re not alone—Arkansas residents collectively owe over $13 billion in student loan debt, with the average borrower carrying about $33,000 in loans. It’s no wonder so many are looking for answers.

Borrowers across the state are asking the same questions: What options do I have? How do I qualify? And where do I start?

The truth is, Arkansas doesn’t offer many state-specific forgiveness programs, but there are targeted opportunities for teachers, healthcare professionals, and public service workers. Plus, federal forgiveness programs like PSLF and Teacher Loan Forgiveness can help lighten your load.

This guide cuts through the confusion to show you exactly what’s available in Arkansas, who qualifies, and how to get started.

Let’s find a solution that works for you.

Related: State Programs for Student Loan Forgiveness

Arkansas offers a few targeted loan forgiveness programs designed to help specific groups, like doctors and teachers, manage their student debt. The options are limited, but they can provide significant relief if you qualify.

Here’s a breakdown of the programs available and how to get started:

Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Loan Forgiveness

If you’re a doctor willing to serve in Arkansas’ rural areas, the Rural Medical Practice Loan Forgiveness Program could significantly reduce your debt.

• Who It’s For: Medical students and doctors who commit to practicing in underserved rural communities in Arkansas.

• What You Get: Up to $15,000 per year forgiven, depending on your service and location.

• How to Qualify: You must sign a contract agreeing to practice in a designated rural area for a set number of years.

• Next Step: Visit the Arkansas Department of Higher Education’s website to check current eligibility criteria and start your application.

Related: Rural Health Care Loan Forgiveness

Arkansas State Teacher Education Program (STEP)

The state recognizes that teachers are the backbone of our communities. Through STEP, Arkansas rewards those who teach in high-need subjects or underserved schools:

• Who It’s For: Teachers working in critical shortage areas, including math, science, and special education.

• What You Get: Up to $3,000 annually for federal student loan repayment.

• How to Qualify: Commit to teaching in an Arkansas school district identified as having a shortage of teachers.

• Next Step: Check the Arkansas Department of Education’s list of eligible schools and apply directly through STEP.

Related: Does Arkansas Tax Student Loan Forgiveness?

Arkansas-specific forgiveness programs are limited, but federal programs offer broader opportunities for relief, no matter where you live. These programs are designed to help borrowers in public service, education, or facing financial hardship, and many Arkansas residents could qualify.

Here’s a quick overview of the most relevant federal forgiveness options:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): If you work full-time for a government or nonprofit organization and make 120 qualifying payments, you may have the remaining balance of your Direct Loans forgiven.

• Teacher Loan Forgiveness: Educators who teach full-time for five consecutive years in low-income schools may be eligible for forgiveness of up to $17,500 on Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.

• Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plan Forgiveness: After making payments based on your income for 20 or 25 years (depending on the plan), any remaining loan balance may be forgiven.

• Borrower Defense to Repayment: If your school misled you or engaged in misconduct, you might qualify for loan forgiveness.

It’s essential to stay informed about these programs, as eligibility requirements and benefits can change. For the most current information, visit the Federal Student Aid website.

Related: Student Loan Forgiveness Application

If state-specific programs don’t fit your situation, federal loan repayment programs can offer another path to relief, especially for healthcare professionals and educators. These programs reward service in high-need areas, providing significant loan repayment benefits.

Here’s a quick overview of the key options Arkansas residents can explore:

• National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program: Provides up to $75,000 in loan repayment for licensed primary care clinicians who commit to serving at least two years in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) in Arkansas.

• Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program: Offers up to 85% repayment of unpaid nursing education debt for registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and nurse faculty working in critical shortage facilities or eligible nursing schools.

• Faculty Loan Repayment Program (FLRP): Health professions faculty from disadvantaged backgrounds may receive up to $40,000 towards student loan repayment in exchange for a two-year service commitment at an accredited health professions college or university.

These programs aim to reduce financial barriers for healthcare professionals willing to serve in underserved areas, enhancing access to quality healthcare across Arizona.

Related: Student Loan Repayment Options

Student loan forgiveness in Arkansas doesn’t have to feel impossible. Whether you’re a teacher, a healthcare worker, or a public servant, there are real programs that can ease your debt—like the Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Loan Forgiveness Program or federal options like PSLF and the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program. The key is knowing where to start and how to qualify.

Still feeling overwhelmed? Let’s simplify this for you.

Book a call with our student loan experts. We’ll:

• Show you exactly which forgiveness programs you qualify for.

• Break down the steps to apply without making costly mistakes.

• Help you create a clear plan to tackle your loans confidently.

Your student loan stress stops here. Take the first step now and get the answers you need to move forward.

Related Readings:

• Who Can I Talk to About Student Loan Forgiveness?

• Do Student Loans Ever Go Away?