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A career as a social worker requires a bachelor’s degree, and many individuals go on to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW). Student loan forgiveness programs for social workers can be a valuable repayment strategy for those with student loan debt.
There are a number of federal and state programs that offer student loan forgiveness for social workers, as well as resources dedicated to helping social workers manage their loans. Read on to learn what you may be eligible for.
Key Points
• Social workers may qualify for federal and state student loan forgiveness programs.
• Average student loan debt for social workers ranges from $32,804 for a bachelor’s degree to $49,293 for a doctoral degree.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness for social workers requires 120 qualifying payments and full-time employment at an eligible government or nonprofit organization.
• Income-driven repayment plans typically offer lower monthly payments than other plans and may also provide forgiveness after 20-25 years.
• Many states have state loan repayment assistance programs (LRAPs) for those who qualify. These programs generally require a specific service commitment.
Overview of Student Loan Debt in Social Work
The student loan debt among social work graduates today has increased compared to a decade ago, according to the latest survey by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Average Debt Levels Among Social Workers
Nearly one-third (30%) of Bachelor of Social Work graduates had an average of $32,804 in student loan debt at graduation, according to the CSWE report. About 44% of MSW graduates had an average student loan debt of $40,070, while the average student loan debt for social workers who earned a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) was $49,293.
Impact on Career Choices and Financial Stability
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% increase in social work employment between 2024 and 2034. This is higher than the projected average growth for all professions during the same period. However, the median annual wage among social workers is only $61,780, with the lowest 10% of earners making just $42,790 or less, according to the BLS.
Shouldering student debt that’s almost as much as their annual salary in some cases can be financially challenging and stressful for social workers. Student loan forgiveness for social workers can help manage the cost.
Federal Loan Forgiveness Programs
There are federal student loan forgiveness programs that social workers may be able to enroll in. To be eligible, they must have qualifying student loans and be enrolled in a qualifying repayment plan. Borrowers who aren’t on an eligible forgiveness repayment plan have the option of changing student loan repayment plans.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Social workers who are employed by a government agency — whether federal, state, local, or tribal — or a qualifying nonprofit organization may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Participants must be employed full-time and have qualifying federal Direct Loans.
While serving under an eligible employer, borrowers must enroll in an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan or the Standard Repayment Plan. After completing 120 qualifying payments, any remaining Direct Loan balance is forgiven, tax free.
In March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to limit eligibility for PSLF and requested an update to the program’s regulations. Since then, a court order has prevented the U.S. Department of Education from enforcing certain changes to the PSLF Program that were previously scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026, according to the Federal Student Aid website.
Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plan Forgiveness
If you don’t qualify for PSLF because you don’t work for a qualifying employer, forgiveness through an IDR plan might be an option. Monthly payments on these plans are determined by borrowers’ discretionary income and family size. At the end of the repayment term, any remaining balance is typically forgiven.
However, while borrowers can still fill out and submit the online application for these plans, forgiveness is paused as of March 2025 on all but one of the IDR plans, and two others have been affected by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which was signed into law on July 4, 2025:
• Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Repayment: Payments are set at 10% of discretionary income over 20 years. Only loans disbursed before July 1, 2026, are eligible, and the OBBBA is ending this program by July 1, 2028.
• Income-Based Repayment (IBR): Payments for loans borrowed after July 1, 2014, are 10% of discretionary income over 20 years. On the IBR plan, forgiveness after the repayment term has been met is still proceeding at this time, since IBR was separately enacted by Congress.
• Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) Plan: ICR payments are 20% of a borrower’s discretionary income or the amount they would pay on a repayment plan with a fixed payment over 12 years, whichever is less. The repayment term is 25 years. Note that the OBBBA is also eliminating the ICR Plan no later than July 1, 2028, and that only loans disbursed before July 1, 2026, are eligible.
• Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE): As of March 2025, the SAVE plan is no longer available after being blocked by a federal court. On March 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education began directing borrowers to exit SAVE and move to a legal repayment plan.
National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program (NHSC LRP)
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) with federal or private student loans may be eligible for loan repayment assistance through the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. Participants must agree to serve in a preapproved health professional shortage area for a two-year half- or full-time service contract.
In exchange for their service commitment, LCSWs can receive up to $30,000 in forgiveness for half-time service or up to $55,000 in loan forgiveness for a full-time contract.
State-Specific Loan Forgiveness Programs
Some states that are experiencing a shortage of certain skilled professionals, such as health care providers and social workers, sponsor their own loan repayment assistance programs (LRAPs). These programs may offer forgiveness for federal and private student loans. Program requirements vary, but typically, you must meet citizenship and state licensing requirements and agree to a service commitment, among other criteria.
For example, Tennessee offers an LRAP for social workers that provides up to $50,000 in loan repayment assistance for a two-year service obligation with a service extension option.
Check your state’s government or state health department website to see whether it offers a loan repayment program for social workers.
Eligibility Criteria for Loan Forgiveness
All student loan forgiveness programs for social workers set specific requirements that participants must adhere to. The criteria for loan forgiveness vary between programs, but generally, you’ll find the following common features.
Employment Requirements
Many programs establish guidelines regarding qualifying employment. For example, under PSLF, loan forgiveness is only available to social workers who work for a government agency or nonprofit. You might need to maintain this employment type for the whole time you’re pursuing loan forgiveness.
Loan Types and Repayment Plans
Certain student loan forgiveness programs restrict the types of student loans that are eligible for forgiveness. For example, PSLF and forgiveness through an IDR plan only permit qualifying federal Direct Loans. Private student loans and other federal student loan types are ineligible.
However, if you have a noneligible federal student loan, consolidating student loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan could help you gain access to these forgiveness plans.
Additionally, check whether the program requires you to be enrolled in a particular repayment plan to qualify, such as an income-driven repayment plan.
Another option some borrowers might consider is student loan refinancing. With refinancing, you trade your current student loans for a new loan from a private lender. If you qualify, the new loan might have a lower interest rate or more favorable loan terms, which could make loans easier to manage.
But there are some drawbacks. For example, if you refinance your federal student loans, you lose access to federal benefits, such as IDR plans. Be sure to consider this option carefully to make sure it’s right for you.
Recommended: Student Loan Refinancing Calculator
Service Commitments and Obligations
Loan repayment assistance programs can be a valuable forgiveness option for social workers, especially if they have private loans. However, a key criterion for these opportunities is typically a service obligation.
To qualify, you might be required to work in an approved shortage area for at least 40 hours per week over a predetermined number of years.
Application Processes
The steps you need to take to apply for loan forgiveness vary by program. With federal loan forgiveness for social workers, such as PSLF, you submit the formal application after successfully making 120 qualifying payments, in addition to meeting all other eligibility criteria. By contrast, the NHSC loan repayment program requires an application upfront.
Additional Resources and Support
If navigating your student loan debt feels overwhelming, there are other resources available to social workers.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Initiatives
The NASW supports the well-being of the social worker community at the national level through advocacy, events, initiatives, and its podcast, NASW Social Work Talks. You’ll find discussions on a range of important topics, such as mental health and student loan forgiveness.
Financial Counseling Services
If you’re struggling to pay your loans, financial counseling support may be helpful. Through organizations such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), you can connect with a certified credit counselor. Services include a complete financial review, a customized repayment strategy, and additional resources to help you feel confident about tackling your student debt.
Educational Workshops and Webinars
You can look for student loan workshops in your community and webinars to familiarize yourself with your student loan repayment options. You can also check to see whether your employer offers access to financial education workshops that cover student loan resources as an employee benefit.
The Takeaway
Although the cost of earning a degree in social work is significant, a number of student loan forgiveness programs for social workers offer some relief. Many have specific requirements to qualify, such as employment or service criteria or the stipulation that you have a specific type of student loan.
Successfully achieving student loan forgiveness for social workers often takes years, but getting a portion of your student loans forgiven can be worthwhile.
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.
FAQ
What types of loans are eligible for forgiveness under federal programs?
Social workers must have eligible federal Direct Loans to qualify for most student loan forgiveness programs. Borrowers with Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) and Perkins Loans can undergo a Direct Consolidation Loan to qualify. Private student loans are ineligible for federal loan forgiveness.
How do I apply for state-specific loan forgiveness programs?
See whether your state offers a loan repayment assistance program (LRAP). State-sponsored programs might be featured on your state’s government website, higher education site, or Department of Health website.
Where can I find support and resources for managing student loan debt as a social worker?
Social workers can access additional resources and support for managing their student debt through StudentAid.gov. Additionally, the National Association of Social Workers advocates for social workers in several areas, including student loan debt.
What documentation is required when applying for loan forgiveness?
Documentation needed to apply for student loan forgiveness for social workers varies by program. Examples of documentation you might need include proof of qualifying employer and employment status, evidence of your income, student loan statements, and payment history.
How can social workers qualify for income-driven repayment (IDR) plan forgiveness?
Social workers must have qualifying federal Direct Loans to be eligible for income-driven repayment (IDR) plan forgiveness. Additionally, borrowers must recertify their income and family size annually. Once you complete the terms of the IDR plan, any remaining loan balance is forgiven.
photo credit: iStock/Ginnet Delgado
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