7 Ways to Get Student Loan Forgiveness in North Carolina Residents

If you’re a resident of North Carolina drowning in student loan debt, don’t worry! There are a number of student loan forgiveness programs and assistance options available to help you wave goodbye to those hefty monthly payments. In this article, we’ll explore some of the options specific to North Carolina residents and also touch on a few federal programs that can help you out no matter where you call home. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can make your student loan burden a thing of the past!

Student Loan Repayment Assistance for North Carolina Residents

As a student, finding options to repay your student loans may seem like a very complicated task. There are plenty of assistance programs out there that can help you reach your goals, depending on your possibilities and particular situation. Here are the most convenient ones:

1. North Carolina State Loan Repayment Program

The North Carolina State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) offers healthcare professionals up to $50,000 in loan repayment assistance for a two-year commitment in the state’s underserved areas. By joining, you can reduce student debt while profoundly impacting needy communities. This experience offers both financial benefits and a chance for significant personal and professional development.

2. North Carolina Legal Education Assistance Foundation (NC LEAF)

The North Carolina Legal Education Assistance Foundation (NC LEAF) provides loan assistance to law graduates working in legal aid or public defender roles statewide. With NC LEAF, you can champion justice without the stress of student loans. This program empowers you to offer essential legal services to those lacking representation, ensuring equitable justice access. By participating, you’ll not only receive financial support but also make a significant impact on individuals and the broader community.

3. Forgivable Education Loans for Service

The Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS) program offers North Carolina residents up to $20,000 in forgivable loans for careers in teaching, counseling, or rehabilitation. By working in North Carolina post-graduation, you can pursue your passion without student debt. This initiative allows you to benefit financially while impacting the state’s educational and social sectors, fostering community growth and personal fulfillment.

4. Look for National LRAPs

Beyond North Carolina-specific options, national loan repayment assistance programs (LRAPs) like the John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program for public defenders and the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program offer financial support to public service professionals. Exploring both state and national LRAPs can help mitigate student debt. These initiatives value those dedicated to service, enabling professionals to impact communities while managing their financial future.

Federal Loan Forgiveness and Discharge Programs

Depending on your field of work or specific professional situation, there are several loan forgiveness and discharge programs you may go for. These may include:

5. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

If you work full-time for a qualifying employer, such as a government organization or a nonprofit, and make 120 qualifying loan payments, you could be eligible for complete forgiveness of your remaining federal loans through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

6. National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Assistance

Healthcare professionals with a passion for working in underserved areas can turn to the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) for loan repayment assistance. By committing to serve at an NHSC-approved site for a certain period, you could receive up to $50,000 towards your student loan debt.

7. NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program

Nurses are the heart and soul of the healthcare system, and the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program recognizes their vital contributions. Through this program, registered nurses and nurse practitioners who work in Critical Shortage Facilities can receive up to 60% forgiveness on their unpaid nursing student loans.

Grants and Scholarships for North Carolina Students

Now, let’s shift gears a bit and talk about grant and scholarship opportunities for North Carolina students. These financial aid options don’t require repayment, so they’re an excellent way to reduce your overall student debt burden. The state of North Carolina offers various grants and scholarships, such as the North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship and the UNC Need-Based Grant Program, which can help you fund your education without breaking the bank.

Get Help Paying Off Your Student Debt

Finally, in addition to forgiveness programs and grants, there are various other resources you can tap into to get assistance in paying off your student debt. For example, consider refinancing your loans to secure a lower interest rate or exploring income-driven repayment plans that can make your monthly payments more manageable based on your income and family size. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your loan servicer or financial aid office for guidance and explore available options.

The Bottom Line

As a North Carolina resident, there are plenty of options for you to have your loans forgiven. Whether it’s through state-specific programs, federal initiatives, grants, or scholarships, there are numerous avenues to alleviate the weight of your student debt. Remember, financial freedom is within your reach – all you need is a little bit of knowledge, a dash of determination, and a sprinkle of creativity to explore all the options available to you.

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.

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