Loan Forgiveness: What jobs qualify?

What jobs qualify for student loan forgiveness? These jobs are opportunities that have emerged as a way to invite new employees into less desirable/appealing employment sectors.

The following is a list of career opportunities that offers student loan forgiveness:

Federal Agency Employees
Federal agencies that are having a difficult time filling open employment slots are allowed to propose student loan repayment assistance. The new employee will be required to a sign a contract with the agency for at least three years. The agency may pay up to $10,000 every year for a federally insured loan. The total assistance amount cannot exceed $60,000.

Public Service Careers
Federal Perkins Loans are available to full time public service employees who have not consolidated their loans. Public service employees who qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness are child and family services employees, correctional officers, law enforcement and public defenders to name a few.

Student Loan Forgiveness for Doctors
There are several modes of assistance for doctors with regards to loan repayment assistance.

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has a list of federal student loan forgiveness program and scholarships for doctors according to state. In addition, medical professionals who provide military service may access loan forgiveness as well.

Student Loan Forgiveness for Lawyers
The Department of Justice runs an Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program to help recruit and retain lawyers. Employees in the Justice Department must have a federal student loan of at least $10,000 to qualify.

For students who want to work as Public Defenders, the John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program grants up to $10,000 each year with a maximum benefit of $60,000.

SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program for Automotive Workers
An automotive aftermarket industry manufacturer who is employed by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is eligible to apply for this program. Each year, the program awards winners up to $2,000 to apply towards their outstanding student loans. Top recipients receive up to $5,000. To be eligible, you must be a part of SEMA for a minimum of 1 year, have a certificate or degree from a technical college or school and have a GPA of 2.5. In addition, your outstanding debt must be at least $2,000.

Loan Forgiveness for Nurses
If you are a nurse practitioner, registered nurse, HPSA facility nurse or advanced practice registered nurse, you may apply for the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program. Nurses who are chosen will receive 60% forgiveness on their outstanding loan balance in exchange for at least two years of service. In addition, participants may also receive a further 25% off their original balance if they complete three years of service.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Teachers who teach in a teacher shortage or underemployed area, or in a low-income school may apply for this loan. Special education teachers are also eligible. Qualifying teachers may receive between $5,000 and $17,500 towards loan forgiveness. This depends on the subject matter and years of service.

Volunteer Organization Workers
Some volunteer organizations such as the Peace Corps, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) and AmeriCorps offer student loan forgiveness. You may apply upon completing a term of service with the volunteer organization.