9 Ways to Get Student Loan Forgiveness in Ohio (and Other Repayment Options)

Are you drowning in student loan debt? Feeling like you’ll be paying off those loans until the end of time? Well, fear not because in the state of Ohio, there are student loan forgiveness and repayment options available to help ease your financial burden. So, let’s dive into the sea of possibilities and explore how you can make those loans become a little less daunting.

Ohio Student Loan Forgiveness Options

Ohio has numerous programs designed to assist borrowers in repaying their student loans. Whether you’re a nurse, a dentist, a future nurse instructor, or even a veterinarian, there’s a program tailored just for you. Let’s take a closer look at some of these incredible opportunities that can help lift the weight of student loan debt off your shoulders.

1. The John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program

Ohio understands the importance of supporting those who have dedicated their careers to public service. That’s why the state offers the John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program. This program is primarily aimed at public defenders and prosecutors who have outstanding student loan debt. By meeting certain requirements, eligible individuals can receive up to $10,000 in loan forgiveness annually.

2. The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Loan Repayment Assistance Program

The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Loan Repayment Assistance Program is open to legal professionals working in public interest or legal aid organizations. If you qualify, you could receive up to $5,000 per year to put towards your student loan debt.

3. The Ohio Dentist and Dental Hygienist Loan Repayment Program

Do you have a dazzling smile and a passion for dental care? Then the Ohio Dentist and Dental Hygienist Loan Repayment Program may be right up your alley. In exchange for providing dental services to underserved communities in Ohio, eligible dentists and dental hygienists can receive up to $25,000 per year to help repay their student loans. It’s all smiles with this forgiveness option!

4. The Ohio Free Clinic Dentist Loan Repayment Program

Similar to the previous program, the Ohio Free Clinic Dentist Loan Repayment Program also focuses on dental professionals. However, instead of going to underserved communities, participants work in free clinics across Ohio. In return, they can receive up to $35,000 per year towards their student loan debt. It’s a win-win situation for the dental community and those in need of affordable dental care!

5. The Ohio Nurse Education Loan Assistance Program

The Ohio Nurse Education Loan Assistance Program aims to promote and increase the number of registered nurses in Ohio. Eligible participants who work in qualifying healthcare facilities can receive up to 100% loan forgiveness over five years.

6. The Ohio Nurse Education Loan Assistance Program for Future Nurse Instructors

The Ohio Nurse Education Loan Assistance Program for Future Nurse Instructors offers loan repayment assistance for those who wish to teach future generations of nurses. Participants will receive up to 50% loan forgiveness for each year of service in an approved nurse instructor position. It’s a chance to leave a lasting impact on the nursing profession!

7. The Ohio Physician Loan Repayment Program

We can’t forget about our incredible doctors! The Ohio Physician Loan Repayment Program aims to recruit and retain physicians in underserved areas of Ohio. By committing to a certain number of years in a qualifying practice, physicians can receive up to $25,000 per year to help pay off their student loans.

8. The Ohio Substance Abuse Disorder Professional Loan Repayment Program

Here’s a program that’s making a real difference in the fight against substance abuse. The Ohio Substance Abuse Disorder Professional Loan Repayment Program provides eligible professionals who work in addiction treatment facilities with up to $20,000 per year in loan forgiveness. It’s like giving a helping hand to those who need it most!

9. The Ohio Veterinary Student Loan Repayment Program

Last, but not least, the Ohio Veterinary Student Loan Repayment Program offers loan repayment assistance to veterinarians who work in designated shortage areas in Ohio. Depending on the length of service, eligible participants can receive up to $40,000 to help tame their student loan debt. It’s a great opportunity for those with a passion for paws!

So, if you’re currently enrolled in school, then it’s worth checking with your institution if they offer any loan repayment assistance programs. Some schools may provide their own scholarships, grants, or loan forgiveness options to help ease the financial burden for their students.

Other Options to Manage Your Student Loans

While the Ohio student loan forgiveness programs are extremely useful, they may not be suitable for everyone. But fear not because there are still other ways to manage and conquer your student loan debt.

Federal Programs

The federal government offers various loan forgiveness and repayment programs that you may be eligible for. These programs include income-driven repayment plans, public service loan forgiveness, and teacher loan forgiveness, among others.

Let’s dive deeper into these federal programs. 

Income-Driven Repayment Plans

Income-driven repayment plans are designed to make your monthly payments more affordable based on your income and family size. These plans include options such as:

• Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
• Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
• Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE)

They ensure that your monthly payments are manageable, taking into account your financial situation.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Now, let’s talk about public service loan forgiveness. This program is a dream come true for those who work in the public sector or for qualifying non-profit organizations. If you make 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer, the remaining balance on your federal Direct Loans may be forgiven. It motivates you to serve your community while managing your student loan debt.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness

Teacher loan forgiveness is another federal program that aims to reward those who dedicate their careers to education. If you teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in a low-income school or educational service agency, you may be eligible for up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness.

Employer Assistance Programs

Some employers include student loan assistance in their benefits. These can range from direct loan payments, matching contributions, to signing bonuses for loan repayment. Such perks can fast-track your path to debt-free living, acting as a potent ally against student debt.

Student Loan Refinancing

Refinancing student loans can provide a lower interest rate and reduce monthly payments. This entails replacing your current loans with a new one, often at a more favorable rate, and adjusting repayment terms. Be cautious of potential federal benefit losses. When done right, refinancing can be pivotal in managing student debt.

Read More

• Student Loan Forgiveness for Professors
• Student Loan Forgiveness for Disability: How to Discharge Debt
• 19 Grants To Pay Off Student Loans and End Your Debt
• How to Use Perkins Loan Forgiveness to Wipe Away of Your Debt
• How to Fill Out a Teacher Loan Forgiveness Application

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Ohio offers a wide array of student loan forgiveness and repayment options to help you navigate the world of student loan debt. Whether you qualify for one of the Ohio programs or explore other avenues, remember that there is always hope. Take advantage of these opportunities, be proactive in managing your student loans, and soon enough, that mountain of debt will become a distant memory.

If you need more ideas, check out our guide to grants that can be used for paying off student debt! And if you’d like to learn more about the the tax implications of student loan forgiveness, check out our guide.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

See author's posts