Student Loan Forgiveness Mississippi: Find the Best Program

• Mississippi offers loan forgiveness for teachers, nurses, and healthcare workers in high-need areas. You could get thousands in loan repayment if you qualify.

• If you don’t qualify for state programs, federal options like PSLF and IDR forgiveness can still help reduce or eliminate your debt.

• Approval takes time—PSLF can take months, Teacher Loan Forgiveness takes 60-90 days, and IDR forgiveness happens after 20-25 years. Track your status and follow up to avoid delays.

Mississippi has several student loan forgiveness programs to help teachers, healthcare workers, and other professionals reduce or eliminate their student debt. These state-run programs offer financial relief in exchange for service in high-need areas.

If you don’t qualify for a Mississippi-specific program, you may still be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness through PSLF, Teacher Loan Forgiveness, or IDR forgiveness.

This guide lays out the state and federal programs available, who qualifies, and how much relief you can get. If you’re dealing with student loan debt, here’s what you need to know.

Mississippi offers several state student loan forgiveness and repayment programs for teachers, healthcare workers, and other professionals in high-need areas.

Here’s what you need to know about each program:

Winter-Reed Teacher Loan Repayment Program (WRTR)

Teachers in Mississippi public schools can get loan repayment assistance through the Winter-Reed Teacher Loan Repayment Program. This program helps recruit and retain educators, especially in critical shortage areas.

• Who qualifies? Mississippi teachers with a valid five-year educator’s license working full-time in a public school district.

• What you get? Teachers in Critical Shortage Areas receive $4,000 in Year 1, $5,000 in Year 2, and $6,000 in Year 3, while teachers in Non-Critical Shortage Areas receive $1,500 in Year 1, $2,500 in Year 2, and $3,500 in Year 3.

• Commitment: Must teach full-time in an eligible Mississippi school district.

• Apply through: The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid.

Critical Needs Dyslexia Therapy Teacher Forgivable Loan (CNDT)

The Critical Needs Dyslexia Therapy Teacher Forgivable Loan helps Mississippi residents pursue a master’s degree in Dyslexia Therapy, covering tuition costs in exchange for service in Mississippi public schools.

• Who qualifies? Students enrolled in an approved Dyslexia Therapy master’s program leading to a Class AA educator license (203 designation).

• What you get: Covers the full cost of tuition, materials, and fees.

• Commitment: One year of service as a dyslexia therapist in a Mississippi public school for each year of funding received.

• Apply through: The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid.

Nursing Teacher Stipend Forgivable Loan

To address the shortage of nurse educators, the NTSPM and NTSPP offer financial aid to Mississippi students pursuing advanced nursing degrees.

• Who qualifies? Mississippi residents pursuing an MSN, Ph.D., or DNP degree at an approved Mississippi institution. Must hold a valid Mississippi nursing license.

• What you get: Up to $12,000 for those who have MSN degree and up to $24,000 for Ph.D. or DNP degree holders.

• Commitment: Must teach at an accredited nursing school in Mississippi.

• Apply through: The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid.

Mississippi State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP)

Healthcare professionals working in underserved areas of Mississippi can receive student loan repayment assistance through the Mississippi State Loan Repayment Program. Related: Rural Medicine Loan Forgiveness

• Who qualifies? Physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, mental health professionals, and other healthcare workers practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).

• What you get: Up to $40,000 per year in loan repayment assistance.

• Commitment: Minimum two-year service contract, with possible renewal.

• Apply through: The Mississippi State Department of Health.

Mississippi offers several state-run student loan forgiveness programs for teachers, healthcare workers, and other professionals in high-need areas. But if you don’t qualify for those, you still have options.

Federal student loan forgiveness programs can provide relief based on your job, income, or school history. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): If you work full-time for the government or a non-profit, PSLF forgives your remaining student loan balance after 120 qualifying payments. This is a top option for teachers, government employees, and non-profit workers.

• Teacher Loan Forgiveness: If you teach full-time for five consecutive years in a low-income school, you could qualify for up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness. This applies to certain subject areas, like math, science, and special education.

• Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Forgiveness: If your loan payments are too high based on your income, you can enroll in an IDR plan. After 20 or 25 years of payments, any remaining balance is forgiven. This is ideal for borrowers with high debt and low income.

• Borrower Defense to Repayment: If your school misled you or broke the law, you might be eligible to have your loans forgiven under this program. This applies to fraudulent or deceptive schools, including some for-profit colleges.

Related: How to Apply for Student Loan Forgiveness?

If you’re applying for student loan forgiveness, expect some wait time. Processing times depend on which program you’re applying for and whether your paperwork is complete. Here’s what you need to know:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): The MOHELA loan servicer handles PSLF applications, and it can take several months to get approved. You can track your progress using the PSLF Help Tool.

• Teacher Loan Forgiveness: The process usually takes 60 to 90 days after you submit your completed application. If your loan servicer needs more information, expect delays.

• Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Forgiveness: If you’re reaching the 20- or 25-year forgiveness mark, the process could take several months as the Department of Education reviews payment records.

• State Loan Forgiveness Programs: Each program has its own timeline. Some approve funding once per year, while others review applications on a rolling basis. Check with the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid for updates.

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

Finding the right student loan forgiveness Mississippi program can feel overwhelming, but relief is available. State programs help teachers, nurses, and healthcare workers cut down their debt, while federal options like PSLF and IDR forgiveness provide broader access to loan cancellation.

The key is knowing which program fits your situation—and making sure you don’t miss any critical steps.

If you’re unsure where to start or worried about making the wrong move, we can help.

Book a call with our student loan expert to get a clear, personalized plan.

We’ll walk you through your options, help you avoid costly mistakes, and make sure you’re on the fastest path to debt relief.

Related Readings:

• Best Repayment Plan for Student Loans

• Who to Contact if You Have Questions About Repayment Plans

• How Long Does Student Loans Stay on Credit?