Student Loans Archives

Jan

2025

How Long Is Nursing School? Breakdown by Degree and Type of Nurse

By Melissa Brock | Going to College, Life & Career, Student Loans | Comments Off

If you’re planning to become a nurse, you may be wondering how long it takes to go to nursing school. The answer to that question depends on the degree you’d like to earn and what type of nurse you want to be. For instance, becoming a registered nurse (RN) with a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN) takes longer than becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

If you’re wondering, how long is nursing school?, read on to learn how the type of degree you pursue and the kind of nurse you’d like to become affect how many years of school it takes to become a nurse.

Key Points

• The length of time it takes to complete nursing school depends on the type of nurse a student wants to be and the type of degree earned.

• Licensed practical nurse (LPN) programs are typically one year, preparing students for basic practical nursing roles.

• Associate nursing (ADN) programs require two years of study, qualifying graduates for RN positions but potentially fewer opportunities for career advancement.

• Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs span four years, offering broader career and leadership opportunities post-RN licensure.

• Master of science in nursing (MSN) programs take 2-3 years post-BSN, enhancing specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills.

Length of Nursing School by Degree and Program

Nursing school program length varies by the type of degree you’re working toward and the program you choose. Here are some common programs and degrees for students and the nursing school timeline for each.

LPN/LVN Program

An LPN, a licensed practical nurse — referred to as an LVN, licensed vocational nurse in California and Texas — is a nurse that performs basic tasks such as checking patients’ vital signs, administering basic comfort care, keeping records, and maintaining communication with patients and their families. LPNs and LVNs work in nursing homes, extended care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and in home health care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors.

To become an LPN or LVN, you must have a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and enroll in an accredited practical nursing program at a community college or vocational school.

• Number of credit hours required: Between 36 and 40

• Program length: Typically one year if you attend school full-time, and up to two years for part-time students

Once a nurse completes an LPN/LVN program, they must apply for testing authorization through their local board of nursing and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. After receiving authorization, they can take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). A nurse must pass the exam to receive their license to work.

Nursing Diploma

Diplomas or certificate programs were the standard for nursing training until the 1950s. Students can still become RNs by attending a hospital nursing school instead of a college or university, but there are no longer many accredited programs available in the U.S.

These programs typically focus on clinical training rather than general education. You won’t earn a degree with this program, and your academic credits generally won’t transfer to a degree program. Instead, you’ll qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam. If you pass, you’ll become a licensed RN, which qualifies you for entry-level jobs. However, job opportunities for those with a nursing diploma may be limited. This is something to keep in mind when you think about life after school and living on a budget as a nurse.

To get a nursing diploma, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED certificate and be enrolled in an accredited hospital nursing school.

• Number of credit hours required: 50

• Program length: One year

Associate Degree in Nursing

You might consider an associate degree in nursing (ADN) to become an RN if you want to finish nursing school quickly or you’re concerned about paying for the cost of nursing school. Plus, you could always go back to school later — an ADN allows you to apply credits toward a future bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or master of science in nursing (MSN).

However, ADN students may find that their advancement and salary opportunities as a nurse are limited. So think carefully about whether an ADN makes sense for your goals.

To gain admittance to an ADN program, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, take math and science courses in high school, and meet GPA requirements to enter a nursing program.

• Number of credit hours required: 60 to 75

• Program length: Two years

ADN students must also complete a certain number of clinical hours at a health-care site. Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to start working as a nurse.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program allows students to become an RN and offers them more career opportunities, including leadership positions. While BSN programs take longer and are more costly to complete than ADN programs, students can earn a combination of credits through online, hybrid, and in-person classes.

To qualify for a BSN program, you need to have taken high school math and science courses and earned a high school diploma or GED certificate. You also must meet a school’s GPA requirements, which is typically at least a 3.0.

• Number of credit hours required: 120

• Program length: Four years

BSN students must fulfill clinical hour requirements based on their program and state to graduate. They will then need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to begin working as a nurse. If they choose to, they can apply their BSN credits toward a master of science in nursing (MSN).

Master of Science in Nursing

Earning an MSN allows you to work as an advanced practice nurse, such as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, nurse educator, or nurse administrator.

If you’re wondering, how long is nursing school after undergraduate school?, it typically depends on the type of degree you already have, which dictates the type of MSN program you can take.

• BSN to MSN: These programs are for those who already have a BSN and at least one year of RN experience. To earn an MSN you must meet clinical and practice requirements at a health-care facility.

Program length: Two to three years

• MSN bridge program: This option is for RNs with associate degrees. It combines the last two years of a BSN program with an MSN program.

Program length: Three years

• Direct-entry master’s degree: Qualified applicants with a non-nursing bachelor’s or graduate degree may pursue a direct-entry graduate nursing program. It counts existing college credits, especially those earned in STEM courses, toward the MSN. Students must take a condensed BSN curriculum for a year, pass the NCLEX-RN, and earn an RN license before advancing to the MSN part of the program.

Program length: 18 to 36 months

• Dual master’s degree: RNs pursuing advanced leadership roles such as nursing administrator or clinical informatics manager, can pursue a dual master’s degree program, such as an MSN/MBA. The degree combines business, nursing practice, and administration.

Program length: Three to four years

Doctor of Nursing Practice

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is for nurses who seek the highest level of expertise and leadership in the field. These nurses work to influence health-care outcomes through leadership, health policy implementation, and direct patient care. They often work in nurse management, organizational leadership, and health policy, or in health informatics systems functioning as nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and nurse practitioners.

To earn a DNP, a nurse must have a license as an RN and an MSN or more advanced degree, or they must hold a BSN and master’s degree in another discipline.

Number of credit hours required: 33 to 43 and at least 500 clinical practice hours

Program length: One to two years of full-time coursework or two to three years of part-time coursework

Recommended: Ways to Pay for Nursing School

How Long to Become a Registered Nurse?

There are multiple pathways to becoming an RN, and depending on the program you opt for, you can become an RN in one year, two years, or four years.

In one year: you can become an RN by earning a nursing diploma from an accredited school

In two years: you can become an RN by earning an ADN

In four-years: you can become an RN by earning a BSN degree

In each case, after earning your degree, you will need to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam and then obtain a nursing license in your state before you can start working as an RN.

How Long to Become a Nurse Practitioner?

If you’re thinking about a more specialized or advanced degree, you might be interested in becoming a nurse practitioner (NP). NPs have many professional responsibilities, including assessing and diagnosing patients, creating treatment plans, and prescribing medication.

NPs must have either a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. That means it takes between six to eight years of schooling to become a licensed nurse practitioner.

The Cost of Nursing School

As you’re thinking about a nursing school timeline, you’ll also want to consider the cost of earning your degree. The average cost of nursing school is approximately $30,884 annually for a four-year BSN degree.

Fortunately, there are options to help nursing students afford their schooling, including federal student loans, scholarships and grants, and private student loans. Be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what you qualify for.

Also, keep in mind that there are ways to make paying your student loans more manageable, including income-driven repayment plans for federal student loans, loan repayment assistance programs offered by various states and organizations, and student loan refinancing.

When you refinance student loans, you replace your current loans with a new loan from a private lender such as a bank, credit union, or online lender. Ideally, the new loan will have a lower interest rate and more favorable loan terms.

If you can secure a lower interest rate, refinancing student loans to save money may make sense for you to help pay for nursing school. Be sure to explore all your options.

Using a student loan refinancing calculator can help you see what your monthly payment might be if you choose to refinance.

Recommended: Student Loan Refinancing Guide

The Takeaway

How long nursing school takes to complete depends on your career goals. It generally takes just one year for a nursing diploma, but it can take as long as eight years for a doctoral degree. Think carefully about the program and career path that makes the most sense for you.

Nursing school can be expensive, and many students use federal student loans to help pay for it. They might also fill any funding gaps with private student loans.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQs

How many years is nursing school?

The nursing school timeline depends on the type of degree you pursue. If you’d like to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), which is called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in some states, it can take just one year to meet all the requirements. However, if you want to earn a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN), it typically takes four years, while a doctoral degree (DNP) can take up to eight years.

What is the shortest schooling for nursing?

The quickest way to become a nurse is to earn a licensed practical nurse (LPN)/licensed vocational nurse (LVN) degree, which generally takes one year to complete. However, the degree doesn’t necessarily offer as many opportunities for career advancement. Typically, the more education you have, and the more advanced the degree, the better your chances to move up in your career and earn a higher salary. Explore the different degrees, types of nurses, and schooling options to determine what is the best fit for you.

Is nursing school hard?

Nursing school is rigorous and demanding. It requires you to take challenging classes like physiology, pharmacology, and ethics. In addition, clinical rotations require working with patients in health-care scenarios, where you’ll juggle multiple responsibilities. You’ll also have to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to get your license to practice.

About the author

Melissa Brock

Melissa Brock is a higher education and personal finance expert with more than a decade of experience writing online content. She spent 12 years in college admission prior to switching to full-time freelance writing and editing. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/FatCamera

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOSLR-Q424-012

Jan

2025

DeVry University Student Loan Forgiveness

By Marcy Lovitch | Debt Payoff, Fresh Out of School, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off

Students who attended DeVry University between 2008 and 2015 may be entitled to federal and private student loan forgiveness. During that time period, the school made deceptive claims, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which brought a lawsuit against the school.

Read on to learn about the options regarding DeVry University student loan forgiveness, including who’s eligible and how to apply for loan cancellation.

Key Points

• Students who enrolled in DeVry University between January 1, 2008, and October 1, 2015, may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness because of misleading claims the university was found to have made.

• Those eligible must have paid at least $5,000 via cash, loans, or military benefits and completed at least one class credit, among other requirements.

• To apply, complete a Borrower Defense Loan Discharge application at StudentAid.gov.

• Decisions are currently not being made on applications due to a court injunction on borrower defense regulations.

• Filing the application is still recommended despite the delay.

Background on DeVry University Settlement

DeVry University, a for-profit college with locations in 11 states, offers online and in-person courses in various areas of business, health care and technology, with undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificate programs for students.

Between 2008 and 2015, DeVry advertised a 90% employment success rate and 15% higher income levels for students after graduation. The FTC alleged that those claims were deceptive, and in January 2016, the agency brought a lawsuit against DeVry for $100 million dollars.

In December of that year, DeVry settled with the FTC, agreeing to a $100 million settlement. Under the settlement terms, DeVry was ordered to pay qualifying students who attended their schools between September 2008 and September 2015 and were harmed by the deceptive ads.

As part of the DeVry University student loan forgiveness, DeVry agreed to pay $49.4 million to the FTC to be distributed to students for partial refunds, and provide $50.6 million in debt relief for those who took out private student loans and any other outstanding debts related to attending DeVry.

Types of Loan Forgiveness Available

As part of the FTC settlement terms, DeVry agreed to forgive student loan debt that included the full balance owed on all private student loans ($30.35 million) and any other student debts such as tuition, books, and lab fees ($20.25 million).

In June 2017, The FTC began mailing refund checks to the eligible DeVry students. However, in May 2024, the FTC reported there were 5,942 checks that had not been cashed. As a result, the FTC announced it was resending those payments, and instructed students to cash their check within 90 days.

Students who took out federal student loans to attend DeVry were not part of the FTC settlement. In February 2022, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) announced it would forgive $71.7 million in federal student loan debt through borrower defense to repayment regulation, holding DeVry liable for $24 million.

That means if you took out federal loans to attend DeVry, you could apply for federal loan forgiveness.

However, DeVry challenged the DOE’s decision. In 2023, a court issued an injunction delaying the effective date of the DOE’s borrower defense regulation until there is a final judgment on it. As of mid-January 2025, the injunction is still in place. On January 10, the Supreme Court agreed to review the case, though no date for the review has been announced. In the meantime, borrowers may still apply online for borrower defense relief.

On January 16, 2025, the DOE announced they had approved forgiveness through borrower repayment to defense for 4,100 DeVry borrowers as part of the Biden administration’s final student loan debt relief approvals, though nothing can move forward while the injunction is in place.

Recommended: Who Pays for Student Loan Forgiveness?

Eligibility Criteria for Loan Forgiveness

Students who are eligible to receive private or federal student loan forgiveness related to attending DeVry need to fulfill all of the following criteria:

• Enrollment in a bachelor’s or associate degree program at DeVry University between January 1, 2008 and October 1, 2015

• Paid at least $5,000 in cash, loans, or military benefits

• Did not get debt or loan forgiveness as part of this settlement

• Completed at least one class credit

How to Apply for DeVry Loan Forgiveness

If you meet the criteria above, you’ll need to complete a Borrower Defense Loan Discharge application to start the process of having your DeVry federal student loans forgiven. As noted, while the injunction is in place, individuals can continue to file applications.

Under the law, to be eligible for borrower defense, your school must have engaged in misleading activities or other misconduct directly related to the loan or to the educational services for which the loan was given. If you attended DeVry during the specified time period and took out a federal student loan, you may qualify for a student loan discharge.

When applying for borrower defense repayment, be sure to have the following information:

• Verified account username and password (FSA ID)

• School name(s) and program of study

• Your enrollment dates

• Documentation to support why you believe you qualify for borrower defense and to demonstrate the harm you suffered

Alternative Debt Relief Options

Besides DeVry student loan forgiveness, there are some other options for getting out of student loan debt and managing student loan payments that you can explore.

Income-Driven Repayment Plans

If you have federal student loans, you may want to consider income-driven repayment (IDR). These plans base your federal student loan payments on your discretionary income and family size. This typically results in a lower monthly loan payment. There are several different IDR plans to choose from.

Under an IDR plan, you could qualify for forgiveness of your remaining debt after 20 or 25 years.

Public Student Loan Forgiveness

If you work full-time in public service for a qualifying employer like the government or a nonprofit organization, you may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). This program forgives the remaining balance on most Federal Direct loans.

Qualifying borrowers can get PSLF after making the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an IDR plan or the Standard Repayment Plan.

State Loan Repayment Programs

Some states help pay off student loans through state loan repayment assistance programs (LRAPs). These programs can assist borrowers with both private and federal student loans, depending on the program. Check with your state’s department of education to see what opportunities are available.

Student Loan Refinancing

When you refinance student loans, you replace your old loans with a new private loan, ideally one that has a lower interest rate and more favorable terms, which could lower your monthly payments.

Borrowers interested in refinancing student loans to save money should compare lenders and offers to choose the best one. But be aware that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal benefits like income-driven repayment.

A student loan refinancing calculator can help you decide whether refinancing makes sense for your situation.

Impact of Forgiveness on Credit and Taxes

Student loan forgiveness may affect your credit in surprising ways. For instance, having DeVry student loan debt forgiven could cause your credit score to dip temporarily.

One reason for this is that if you wipe out student loan debt, you’re no longer building a payment history for it. And a history of repayment makes up 35% of your credit score, according to FICO, the credit scoring company.

In addition, eliminating student loan debt can impact the mix of credit you have. Lenders like to see a diverse mix of credit because it shows you can responsibly manage different types of credit accounts.

On the other hand, not having a monthly student loan payment improves your debt-to-income ratio, which creditors view as a positive. Plus, you can use the extra money for other expenses or to build up your savings.

Forgiveness may also have some tax implications. The IRS generally requires that you report forgiven or canceled debt as income. However, thanks to a provision in the American Rescue Plan, if your federal or private student loans are dismissed between December 31, 2020 and January 1, 2026, those forgiven student loans won’t be taxed by the federal government.

You may need to pay state taxes on forgiven student loans, however, so it’s a good idea to consult a tax professional or contact your state’s tax department to find out.

The Takeaway

If you attended DeVry University between September 2008 and September 2015, you may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness through “borrower defense to repayment.” You can start the process of getting your DeVry student loan forgiven by applying for a borrower defense loan discharge at StudentAid.gov.

Borrowers who are not eligible for DeVry forgiveness can explore alternative debt relief options such as income-driven repayment, state loan repayment assistance programs, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and student loan refinancing.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQ

Who is eligible for DeVry University loan forgiveness?

DeVry University students who were enrolled in an undergraduate (bachelor’s or associate degree) program between January 1, 2008 and October 1, 2015, paid at least $5,000 with cash, loans or military benefits to attend the school, completed at least one class credit, and didn’t receive debt or loan forgiveness as part of DeVry’s settlement with the FTC.

What types of loans qualify for forgiveness?

Through the federal government, borrower defense discharges apply to the following federal student loans: Direct Loans or those that can be consolidated into a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan. These discharges don’t apply to private student loans or loans that can’t be consolidated into a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan.

How long does the forgiveness process take?

Unfortunately, it might take a while. Because of a 2023 federal court injunction, no decisions may be made on applications until there is a final judgment on borrower defense regulations. The Supreme Court has agreed to review the case, though no date for the review has been given.

Will I owe taxes on forgiven DeVry loans?

Under the American Rescue Plan, federal or private student loans dismissed between December 31, 2020 and January 1, 2026, are not subject to federal taxes. However, you may have to pay state taxes on the forgiven loans, depending on the rules in your state. Consult a qualified tax professional for more information.

What if I’ve already paid off my DeVry loans?

If you have already paid off your DeVry loans, forgiveness through borrower defense is not an option. According to the Office of Federal Student Aid, in order to be eligible to apply for borrower defense, you must have at least one outstanding federal student loan associated with the school.

Photo credit: iStock/South_agency

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SOSLR-Q424-021

Jan

2025

Student Loan Forgiveness for Nurses

By Melissa Brock | Fresh Out of School, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off

Almost 70% of nurses graduate with student loan debt, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and many of them owe a substantial amount. Nurses have a median student loan debt of more than $40,000, reports the Education Data Initiative.

Fortunately, there are a number of programs that offer student loan forgiveness for nurses, typically in return for a specific service commitment. Depending on the program, a nurse might have their student loan debt partially or fully forgiven.

Read on to learn more about loan forgiveness for nurses and the programs that may help you get relief from nursing student loan debt.

Key Points

• About 70% of nurses have student loans to repay, and the median student loan debt for nurses is more than $40,000.

• Nurses may qualify for student loan forgiveness in exchange for working in high-need or shortage areas for a specific number of years.

• Eligibility for the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program includes RNs, APRNs, and nurse faculty members with a two-year service commitment. The program pays up to 85% of a nurse’s student loan debt.

• The Faculty Loan Repayment Program provides up to $40,000 for nurses from disadvantaged backgrounds who teach at an eligible school for two years.

• The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program offers nurses up to $75,000 for two years of full-time service in designated shortage areas.

What Is Loan Forgiveness and How Does It Work?

If you borrowed student loans to pay for nursing school, student loan forgiveness can eliminate some or all of your debt, relieving you of the responsibility of repaying it.

It’s possible to receive nursing loan forgiveness for both federal and private student loans.

You must apply for forgiveness through one of several programs, and agree to the program’s terms, which may include working in a high-need area and committing to a certain number of years of service.

In the meantime, you will typically continue to make your student loan payments until you achieve forgiveness. You can factor those monthly loan payments into your financial plans as you’re creating a budget as a nurse.

Student Loan Forgiveness Programs for Nurses

Many of the forgiveness programs for nurses are available at the federal level. These are some of the top programs and their eligibility requirements.

Nurse Corps Loan Repayment

Offered through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment program pays up to 85% of eligible federal and private student loan debt for qualifying nurses.

To be eligible, you must be a registered nurse (RN), an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), or a nurse faculty member who attended an accredited nursing school. In addition, you must agree to a full-time two-year service commitment at an eligible critical shortage facility or nursing school.

During the two years that you work, you’ll receive 60% toward your qualifying student loan debt. After you complete your service, you will have the opportunity to serve for an additional year and receive another 25% of your student loan balance.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program forgives the remaining balance on federal Direct loans, which include Direct Subsidized loans, Direct Unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and Direct Consolidation loans.

To be eligible, borrowers must work full-time in public service for an eligible employer such as a federal, state, local, tribal, or military government organization or qualifying nonprofit, and make the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan.

If you are a nurse working for a qualifying employer, you may be eligible for PSLF. To apply, log onto StudentAid.gov and sign up for an IDR plan if you are not currently on one. Then you can submit an application. The PSLF Help Tool can walk you through the process.

Perkins Loan Cancellation

Nurses with federal Perkins loans may be eligible for up to 100% cancellation of their loans after five years in a public service job through Perkins Loan cancellation.

Perkins loans are subsidized low-interest federal student loans for students with exceptional financial need. Although the Perkins loan program ended in 2017, the loans are still eligible for forgiveness.

To qualify for Perkins Loan cancellation, you must work full-time as a nurse and provide direct care to patients.

Perkins Loan cancellation takes place in increasing percentages for each year worked:

• Years 1 and 2: 15% of the loan amount

• Years 3 and 4: 20% of the loan amount

• Year 5: 30% of the loan amount

To apply for Perkins student loan forgiveness for nurses, contact the school that issued your Perkins loans or reach out to your loan servicer to get the application forms.

Active Duty Army Nurse Loan Repayment Program/Health Professions Loan Repayment Program

The Army offers student loan forgiveness for nurses, including the following programs:

• Active Duty Health Professions Loan Repayment program (ADHPLRP): Nurses on active duty for a minimum of two years can get up to $40,000 of their qualified loans repaid annually for a maximum of three years through the ADHPLRP program.

• Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP): Nurses in the Army Reserves Troop Program Unit (TPU), Army Medical Department Professional Management Command (APMC), or Individual Mobilization Augmentation (IMA) program may be eligible for loan repayment if they are a psychiatric nurse practitioner; family nurse practitioner; operating room nurse; or a nurse anesthetist, critical care and public health. Those who qualify can receive a maximum of $20,000 annually applied to their education loans for a total of $60,000.

Find out more about these Army loan repayment programs for nurses, including how to apply.

Faculty Loan Repayment Program

Nurses (RNs and APRNs) from disadvantaged backgrounds who are faculty members may be eligible for the Faculty Loan Repayment Program from the HRSA.

Those who qualify can get up to $40,000 of forgiveness for their federal and private student loan debt. In return, they must serve for at least two years as faculty at an eligible health professions school in a U.S. state or territory.

National Health Service Corps — Indian Health Service

Nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives who work at Indian health service facilities, tribally operated 638 health programs, and urban Indian health programs may be eligible for student loan repayment through this program.

Because of the critical shortage of nursing professionals who provide primary care services in high-need areas, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has increased the award amount. Qualifying nurses can now receive up to $75,000 for a full-time, two-year service commitment, or up to $37,500 for a half-time, two-year service commitment.

You can get additional information and application instructions from the NHSC.

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program

The NHSC Loan Repayment Program offers loan repayment assistance to qualifying nurses who serve at least two years at an NHSC-approved site in a health professional shortage area or designated maternity care target area.

Nurses can choose a full-time or half-time clinical practice at an NHSC-approved site for their two years. Those who provide full-time primary care can receive up to $75,000 for their federal or private student loans, while those in other nursing roles can receive up to $50,000 for a two-year term. Nurses who work half-time providing primary care can receive up to $37,500, and those in other qualifying roles can receive up to $25,000.

If you have Spanish-language proficiency, you may also be eligible for a one-time enhancement award of $5,000, in addition to your loan repayment award.

NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program

To help fight the opioid crisis by recruiting and retaining health professionals to work in underserved areas and expand substance use disorder treatment and prevent overdose deaths, the NHSC launched this program.

To be eligible, nurses must work in primary care or behavioral health. Those who provide full-time direct clinical care can receive up to $75,000 toward their federal and private loans for a three-year service commitment, while those who work half-time providing direct clinical care can receive up to $37,500.

Any nurse interested in applying to the NHSC Substance Use Disorder Loan Repayment Program must also meet the following requirements:

• U.S. citizenship (U.S.-born or naturalized) or a U.S. national

• In an eligible discipline with qualified student loan debt for your nursing education

• A provider in the Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program

• Fully trained and licensed to practice in the NHSC-eligible discipline and state you’re applying to serve

• Work at an approved treatment facility

Nurses with Spanish-language proficiency may qualify for a $5,000 one-time award enhancement for a total loan repayment award up to $80,000 for full-time participants and up to $42,500 for half-time participants.

NHSC Rural Community LRP

This loan repayment program from the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Rural Community Loan Repayment program in conjunction with the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) is for nurses who work to combat the opioid epidemic in rural communities.

Eligible nurses may receive up to $100,000 for full-time service and up to $50,000 for half-time service to repay qualifying federal and private student loans. In exchange for loan repayment, nurses must serve three years at an NHSC-approved substance abuse disorder treatment facility in a shortage area.

If you have Spanish-language proficiency, you may receive a one-time enhancement award of up to $5,000 for a total loan repayment of up to $105,000 for full-time service, and up to $55,000 for half-time service.

Alternatives to Student Loan Forgiveness for Nurses

If you don’t qualify for nursing loan forgiveness, there are other ways to make repaying your student loans more manageable. Options to explore include:

Income-Driven Repayment

Income-driven repayment (IDR) plans base your federal loan payments on your discretionary income and family size. This often results in a lower monthly loan payment. Under an IDR plan, you could qualify for forgiveness of your remaining student debt after 20 or 25 years.

You can apply for one of the income-driven repayment plans online through your loan servicer. You can select the IDR plan you’d like or ask your servicer to choose a plan for you based on the lowest monthly payment possible.

Student Loan Refinancing

With student loan refinancing, you replace your current loan with a new loan from a private lender. Ideally, the new loan will have a lower interest rate and more favorable terms that could reduce your monthly loan payments.

You can refinance federal student loans, private student loans, or both. However, be aware that when you refinance federal loans, they become ineligible for federal benefits like income-based repayment plans and forgiveness.

Using a student loan refinancing calculator can help you determine whether refinancing makes sense for your situation.

Borrowers interested in refinancing student loans to save money should compare lenders and offers to see what they can qualify for, and then choose the best option.

Recommended: Student Loan Refinancing Guide

The Takeaway

Nurses with student loan debt may be able to have some or all of their debt canceled through one of the many available programs that offer student loan forgiveness for nurses. To qualify, nurses generally must be employed in an eligible job in a designated location and make a commitment to work for a certain number of years.

Borrowers who don’t qualify for forgiveness programs still have options to help manage their nursing student loan debt. Methods to explore include income driven repayment plans and student loan refinancing to potentially help lower monthly loan payments.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQ

Will student loans be forgiven for nurses?

There are a variety of student loan forgiveness programs for nurses. For instance, the Health Resources and Services Administration offers the Nurse Corps Loan Forgiveness Program for qualifying nurses who commit to working two years in a critical shortage area. The National Health Service Corps has several different loan repayment programs that nurses may apply for. And nurses who work in public service may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Do some research to see what forgiveness programs you may be eligible for.

Do nurses qualify for student loan forgiveness?

Nurses may qualify for student loan forgiveness as long as they meet the eligibility requirements for one of the nursing student loan forgiveness programs. Many of these programs require you to work in certain types of jobs for a specific period of time in return for partial or full cancellation of your student loans. You can explore some of the popular loan forgiveness programs for nurses, such as the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program and the nursing forgiveness options offered by the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.

Can my student loan be forgiven due to COVID?

While your student loan cannot be forgiven due to COVID, your student loan payments that were paused from March 13, 2020 until September 1, 2023 because of the COVID-19 pandemic do count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness as well as forgiveness under income-driven repayment plans.

Photo credit: iStock/Delmaine Donson

SOSLR-Q424-009

Jan

2025

“Married Filing Separately”: Student Loan Payment Impacts

By Kim Franke-Folstad | Family Finances, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off

Each tax season, married couples have a choice to make: Should they choose to file a joint return or file their taxes separately?

The overwhelming majority end up opting for “married filing jointly” status, and often that makes sense. But if you or your spouse are repaying federal student loans on an income-driven repayment plan, you may want to run the numbers to see if filing separately could potentially lower your monthly loan payments.

Read on for a look at the pros and cons of married filing separately with student loan payments and to find out if it could work for you.

Key Points

• Filing taxes separately as a married couple can result in lower student loan payments under income-driven repayment (IDR) plans.

• By filing separately, a borrower’s monthly payment under an IDR plan is based on their own discretionary income. When filing jointly, payments are based on both spouses’ income.

• However, filing separately as a couple may lead to loss of tax benefits such as certain credits and deductions, including the student loan interest deduction.

• Doing the math, using the Federal Student Aid’s Loan Simulator, or consulting with a tax professional could help you determine what tax filing status is best.

• Other options for lowering student loan payments include Graduated or Extended Repayment Plans and student loan refinancing.

Married Filing Taxes Jointly vs. Separately

When you’re married, choosing to file your taxes jointly vs. separately can make a significant difference in the size of your refund or what you owe. Most married couples decide to file a joint return for the tax advantages the IRS offers to those who select this status. But there are times when filing separately may be the better choice for your family’s financial needs.

If you took out federal student loans for help with paying for college tuition, and your student loan repayment plan is determined by the income you report on your tax return each year, for example, you might be able to lower your monthly loan payments by filing separately.

That’s because with an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan like Income-Based Repayment (IBR), Pay As You Earn Repayment (PAYE), or Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE), your discretionary income is used to calculate your monthly payment amount.

If you file a joint return with your spouse, your payments are based on your joint discretionary income. But if you file separately, your payments will be based only on your individual discretionary income — which could mean a lower student loan payment.

You might have heard recently about the SAVE plan and married filing separately. However, the SAVE plan has been blocked by court actions and is on hold. Borrowers can still apply for the plan if they choose; those who are already on the plan have been placed in forbearance until further notice, with no monthly payments due and no interest accruing.

If you have private student loans, these loans don’t have the same repayment options that federal student loans do. That means your tax filing status won’t impact your monthly private student loan payments.

Recommended: Tax Benefits of Marriage

Spouses No Longer Need to Cosign IDR Applications

One change that will affect married borrowers is that spousal signatures are no longer required for most IDR applications, whether the couple files their taxes jointly or separately. This includes the SAVE plan for married filing jointly couples. (The only exception is when a couple is paying their student loans together using an Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plan.)

In the past, a spouse had to sign to verify that all information on the form, including family size and income, was accurate. Removing the requirement should make it simpler for a married borrower to file his or her application.

Tax Differences Between Filing Separately vs. Jointly

If you and your spouse are thinking about filing your taxes separately in an effort to lower student loan payments on an IDR plan, it’s important to calculate what you could save on your monthly loan bill and then compare that amount to what you might lose in tax benefits for the year.

The tax consequences of filing separately vs. jointly can vary significantly depending on each couple’s unique circumstances, and they can change from year to year. But you could lose quite a few tax advantages by choosing the “married filing separately” designation.

Filing separately can limit the availability of certain tax credits and deductions, such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit (for educational expenses), the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Nor will you be able to claim the student loan interest deduction, which allows you to deduct up to $2,500 in interest paid on your federal and private student loans.

Filing separately may also affect your tax rates and the amount of your standard deduction. And it can restrict a married couple’s ability to offset capital gains with capital losses (a process known as tax-loss harvesting).

Another important factor to consider is that if you choose to file separately, you and your spouse must agree on whether you’ll claim the standard deduction or itemize your deductions. Both spouses must use the same method on their separate returns.

IDR Plans: Low Payments When Filing Separately

Good communication can be key for couples making decisions about how to file, how they will split their finances and manage their deductions if they file separately and other tax questions.

You may want to sit down with a tax professional who can help you run the numbers and assess how all your filing choices could impact your current and future tax bills. And you can use the Loan Simulator on the Federal Student Aid website to get help estimating loan payments based on various IDR plans as well as factors like income, family size, and tax filing status.

When might it make sense to file separately? Let’s say one spouse earns $200,000 a year and has no student loan debt, and the other spouse earns $50,000 a year and has $150,000 in student debt. Instead of using their joint discretionary income when applying for PAYE — which is open only to those on the blocked SAVE plan who want to switch over, as well as new borrowers as of October 1, 2007 who received at least one Direct loan after October 1, 2011 — the couple could file their taxes separately so that the spouse with the lower income and student loan debt could qualify for a lower monthly payment.

As mentioned above, PAYE isn’t the only IDR plan that allows couples to potentially lower their student loan payments by filing their taxes separately. The IBR and SAVE options also allow couples to separate their finances in an effort to minimize their monthly payments and/or reach forgiveness sooner. But each program has different rules regarding monthly payment caps, how long it can take to get student loan forgiveness, and more. So it makes sense to check out the pros and cons of each to find the plan that’s the best fit for your family’s needs.

Other Repayment Options

As you’re doing your research, you may also want to look into other strategies that could help reduce your payments.

One option is a Graduated Repayment Plan, which can keep your payment timeline to 10 years (or up to 30 years if you’ve consolidated your loans). Under this plan, you start out with lower payments and then the payment amount slowly increases over time based on your expected income.

If you owe more than $30,000 in federal student loans, you may be eligible for the Extended Repayment Plan, which extends your loan repayment timeline to 25 years. If you extend your loan term, you’ll end up paying more interest, but your monthly payments will be reduced.

Refinancing your student loans could be another way to get a lower interest rate or longer loan term, or both, which could help lower your monthly payments. When you refinance, you replace your current loans with a new loan from a private lender like a bank, credit union, or online lender. However, if you refinance federal student loans, you’ll lose access to important benefits, like IDR plans, so make sure you won’t need these programs before moving ahead.

Recommended: Refinancing as an International Student

The Takeaway

If you and your spouse are struggling to repay your federal student loans — or if you want to lower your payments to make room for other goals — you may want to look into switching to an income-driven repayment plan. With these plans, couples have the option of choosing the “married filing separately” designation when filing their taxes, which means their student loan payment amount can be based on just the borrowing spouse’s discretionary income instead of the couple’s combined discretionary income.

Couples who file separately may lose several tax breaks, however, which could mean a higher tax bill. So it’s important to calculate what you could save on your monthly student loan bill and then compare that amount to what you might lose in tax benefits for the year.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

Photo credit: iStock/Delmaine Donson

SOSLR-Q424-031

Jan

2025

A woman sits at a desk in front of a computer, writing down information

Student Loans Denied: Now What?

By Kim Franke-Folstad | Going to College, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off

Most students are eligible to receive some type of financial assistance to help pay for college or a trade or vocational school. But the criteria for student loan borrowers varies, depending on the type of financing they apply for, and a borrower can be denied student loans if they don’t meet certain requirements.

Read on to find out why a student loan application might be turned down and what you can do if a student loan is denied.

Key Points

• Borrowers can be denied student loans if they don’t meet certain eligibility criteria.

• Standard qualifications for federal student loans include citizenship requirements, having a valid Social Security number, and enrollment in an eligible school program.

• Eligibility requirements for private student loans include creditworthiness and having a stable income.

• When a student loan is denied, find out the reason, correct the problem, add a cosigner if necessary, and reapply; or appeal the decision.

• Alternative funding options to student loans include scholarships and grants.

Student Loans Explained

As the cost of college continues to rise, many students need to take out student loans to pay for college tuition, room and board, and other education expenses.

There are two main categories of student loans borrowers can choose from to help cover their costs:

• Federal loans offered by the U.S. federal government

• Private loans provided by banks, credit unions, and online lenders.

Federal Student Loans

Most borrowers (about 92%) take out federal loans. Federal student loans are generally easier to qualify for, and they come with more benefits and protections than private loans do. The interest on federal loans is fixed and generally lower than that of private loans. And if you demonstrate financial need, the government will pay the interest on some federal loans while you’re in school.

The types of federal student loans include Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS loans for parents taking out money for a child’s education (known as Parent PLUS loans) and graduate or professional students (referred to Grad PLUS loans).

Private Student Loans

There are limits on how much students can borrow each year using federal loans, which is why they may turn to private student loans to fill the gap in their college funding. Students can use private loans to pay for tuition, fees, housing, books, and education-related supplies.

The interest rate on private student loans may be fixed or variable, and unlike federal loans, a credit check is required for a borrower to qualify. If a college student doesn’t have a strong enough credit history, they may need a cosigner on the loan for approval and to get a competitive interest rate. Keep in mind, though, if the rate you get is high, you can consider student loan refinancing in the future when you may be able to qualify for a lower rate and more favorable terms.

There are even opportunities for refinancing for international students.

Can You Get Denied for Student Loans?

If you’re wondering, why can’t I get a student loan?, the answer is that you can be denied student loans if you don’t meet certain eligibility criteria.

With federal student loans, there are some standard qualifications that all applicants must satisfy, including being accepted or enrolled in an eligible degree program and maintaining your grades.

The requirements for private student loans are determined by each lender. Private lenders tend to focus on an applicant’s creditworthiness and ability to repay the loan. If your credit history is not strong enough, you could be denied a student loan.

Do I Qualify for Student Loans?

Eligibility for getting a student loan depends on whether you’re applying for a federal or private loan. Here are some of the basic qualifications that need to be met.

Standard Federal Loan Qualifications

In order to be considered for a federal student loan, you must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal student loan applicants need to meet a number of basic eligibility requirements, including:

• Having a high school diploma or equivalent certificate to show you’re qualified to obtain a college or career school education

• Being a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or an eligible noncitizen with a green card

• Arrival-Departure Record (I-94), battered immigrant status, or T-visa

• Having a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau)

• Being accepted for enrollment or enrolled as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program

• Maintaining satisfactory academic progress based on the standards of your school

• Providing consent and approval to have your federal tax information transferred directly into your FAFSA form.

• Signing the certification statement on the FAFSA form stating that you are not in default on a federal student loan, don’t owe money on a federal student grant, and will only use federal student aid for educational costs

• Demonstrating financial need to get some types of federal loans such as Direct Subsidized Loans.

Private Student Loan Qualifications

Private lenders typically require borrowers to have a strong credit history or a qualifying cosigner, and they may ask for proof of income. Here are some of the requirements you can expect when you apply for a private student loan:

• Applicants must typically be at least 18 and U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Some lenders may consider international students if they have a willing cosigner who is a U.S. citizen.

• A specific minimum credit score. While each lender has different requirements for a borrower’s or cosigner’s minimum credit score, an acceptable score is typically around 650. The higher the score, the more likely it is that you’ll be offered a lower interest rate and better loan terms.

• Students must generally be enrolled full- or half-time at an accredited institution.

What to Do After Being Denied Student Loans

If your application for a federal or private student loan is denied, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to help get the necessary funds for your education.

1. Understand Why You Were Denied

If you were denied a federal student loan, reviewing your FAFSA Submission Summary, formerly known as the Student Aid Report (SAR), can help you determine the reason. Use it to check your application for errors and then make any necessary corrections. You can find your Submission Summary on the dashboard of your StudentAid.gov account after your FAFSA has been processed.

If a private lender denied your student loan application, you should receive a notice explaining why you were not approved. The Equal Opportunity Credit Act (ECOA) requires that when a creditor takes “adverse action” against an applicant, it must provide a notice with specific and accurate reasons why.

For both federal and private loans, if the denial was based on incorrect or missing information, you may be able to file an appeal. Consult the financial aid office at your college for information about the appeals process for federal student loans, and talk to your lender about how to appeal a private loan denial.

2. Wait and Apply Again

If you were denied a private student loan based on your credit history, you may want to add a cosigner and reapply. Or you could apply again after you’ve had a chance to build your credit.

If you applied for a federal loan and were denied, identify the reason for the denial and try to fix it. For example, if your GPA is low, work on improving it.

In the meantime, you can seek out other forms of financial aid, such as scholarships and grants.

Apply to Multiple Lenders

Private lenders often have different criteria for student loans, so shop around for the best terms. You can check the loan requirements, interest rates, and other loan terms and conditions from various lenders.

You can also prequalify online with multiple lenders to see what rates and terms you can get. Then you can pick the lender that offers the terms most suitable to your situation.

Private Student Loans with SoFi

If you’ve received federal financial aid and still have a funding gap for college, or if you were denied a federal loan, you might decide that a private student loan is right for you. SoFi offers private student loans you can quickly and easily apply for online. You can add a cosigner (or not) and choose a fixed or variable interest rate. Loan repayment plans are flexible, so you can select the option that works best.

SoFi also can help if you’re looking to refinance your student loans, ideally for a lower interest rate and better terms, if you qualify, which may help you manage your monthly loan payments. Just be aware that if you refinance federal loans, you’ll no longer have access to federal benefits and protections.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQ

What can I do if my student loan is denied?

If your student loan is denied, find out the reason you weren’t approved. If the denial was due to incorrect information, you may be able to appeal the decision to your college’s financial aid office for a federal loan or to the lender for a private loan. If the denial was issued because you didn‘t meet specific lending requirements, fix the problem then reapply. And if the loan was denied because of your credit, you could add a cosigner with strong credit and then apply again.

Can a refinance be denied?

Yes, a student loan refinance can be denied if you don’t meet a private lender’s specific refinancing eligibility criteria for your credit score, income, or debt-to-income ratio, among other factors.

Can you be denied student loan consolidation?

If you’re in the process of repaying your loans or in the grace period after graduation, most federal student loans are eligible for Federal Direct Consolidation. If you want to consolidate a defaulted loan, however, you must make satisfactory repayment arrangements, which means three consecutive monthly payments, or agree to repay your new Direct Consolidation Loan under an income-driven repayment plan.

Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SOSLR-Q424-029

How Long Is Nursing School? Breakdown by Degree and Type of Nurse

Length of Nursing School by Degree and Program

LPN/LVN Program

Nursing Diploma

Associate Degree in Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing

Doctor of Nursing Practice

How Long to Become a Registered Nurse?

How Long to Become a Nurse Practitioner?

The Cost of Nursing School

The Takeaway

FAQs

How many years is nursing school?

What is the shortest schooling for nursing?

Is nursing school hard?

DeVry University Student Loan Forgiveness

Background on DeVry University Settlement

Types of Loan Forgiveness Available

Eligibility Criteria for Loan Forgiveness

How to Apply for DeVry Loan Forgiveness

Alternative Debt Relief Options

Income-Driven Repayment Plans

Public Student Loan Forgiveness

State Loan Repayment Programs

Student Loan Refinancing

Impact of Forgiveness on Credit and Taxes

The Takeaway

FAQ

Who is eligible for DeVry University loan forgiveness?

What types of loans qualify for forgiveness?

How long does the forgiveness process take?

Will I owe taxes on forgiven DeVry loans?

What if I’ve already paid off my DeVry loans?

Student Loan Forgiveness for Nurses

What Is Loan Forgiveness and How Does It Work?

Student Loan Forgiveness Programs for Nurses

Nurse Corps Loan Repayment

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Perkins Loan Cancellation

Active Duty Army Nurse Loan Repayment Program/Health Professions Loan Repayment Program

Faculty Loan Repayment Program

National Health Service Corps — Indian Health Service

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program

NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program

NHSC Rural Community LRP

Alternatives to Student Loan Forgiveness for Nurses

Income-Driven Repayment

Student Loan Refinancing

The Takeaway

FAQ

Will student loans be forgiven for nurses?

Do nurses qualify for student loan forgiveness?

Can my student loan be forgiven due to COVID?

“Married Filing Separately”: Student Loan Payment Impacts

Married Filing Taxes Jointly vs. Separately

Spouses No Longer Need to Cosign IDR Applications

Tax Differences Between Filing Separately vs. Jointly

IDR Plans: Low Payments When Filing Separately

Other Repayment Options

The Takeaway

Student Loans Denied: Now What?

Student Loans Explained

Federal Student Loans

Private Student Loans

Can You Get Denied for Student Loans?

Do I Qualify for Student Loans?

Standard Federal Loan Qualifications

Private Student Loan Qualifications

What to Do After Being Denied Student Loans

1. Understand Why You Were Denied

2. Wait and Apply Again

Apply to Multiple Lenders

Private Student Loans with SoFi

FAQ

What can I do if my student loan is denied?

Can a refinance be denied?

Can you be denied student loan consolidation?

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Student Loan Refinancing

Student Loan
Refinancing

Personal
Loans

Online
Investments