Get started repaying your federal student loan

Make a plan and begin repaying your loan

Visit Student Loan Repayment for the information you will need to make your repayment plan. The page covers:

• The different types of repayment plans
• When you must start repaying your loan
• How to make your payments
• What to do if you are struggling to make your payments
• How to contact your loan servicer

Learn about student loan forgiveness programs

You may be eligible for forgiveness if you work in a specific field or are experiencing a financial or health-related issue. Some or all of your student loan debt may be forgiven if you qualify.

Public service loan forgiveness

You may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program if you have made payments on a Direct Loan and work for: 

• A U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government agency
• The U.S. military
• A not-for-profit organization

Teacher loan forgiveness

You may qualify for the Teacher Loan Forgiveness program if you teach:

• Full-time
• Five consecutive years
• In a low-income school or educational service agency

Health care provider loan forgiveness

Three federal health care agencies sponsor loan forgiveness programs.

• National Health Service Corps - For health care professionals who work in a variety of fields, including primary care, dentistry, mental health, and more
• National Institutes of Health - For current and potential medical researchers
• Indian Health Service - For clinicians working at Indian Health Service facilities

Other situations for loan forgiveness

Other circumstances in which student loans are potentially eligible for forgiveness, discharge, or cancellation include bankruptcy, disability, and your school closing while you are enrolled. 

Learn more about these specific situations and the qualifications for eligibility.

Consolidating student loans

If you are having trouble keeping track of and paying multiple federal student loans, you may be able to combine them into one loan at a lower interest rate. Learn about Direct Consolidation Loans, including:

• The benefits and drawbacks of loan consolidation
• The types of federal education loans you can consolidate
• Eligibility rules
• The application process