A Guide to Healthcare Student Loan Forgiveness and Repayment Options

Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program Eligibility and Requirements

Applicants must be licensed registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses such as nurse practitioners, or nurse faculty members with qualifying nursing education debt. Candidates must have received their education from an accredited school of nursing located within a United States state or territory.

To fulfill the service obligation, participants must work full-time in an eligible critical shortage facility located in a Health Professional Shortage Area, or serve as a full-time faculty member at an accredited school of nursing. Funding preference is given to applicants with the greatest financial need.

Service Obligations and Award Structure

Participants selected for the program receive 60% of their total outstanding, qualifying nursing education loans over the course of a two-year service contract. Upon completing the initial two-year service commitment, participants may become eligible for a third year of service, which provides an additional 25% loan repayment. These financial awards are subject to federal income and employment taxes.

Critical Shortage Facilities and Eligible Institutions

Critical shortage facilities are public or private health care organizations situated in, designated as, or serving Health Professional Shortage Areas—regions lacking sufficient primary care or mental health professionals. Eligible schools of nursing include those accredited by a national nursing accrediting agency or a state agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Application Process

Applicants must review the official Application and Program Guidance document and submit their materials through the My BHW portal when the application cycle is active. For questions regarding eligibility or application procedures, a contact center is available at 1-800-221-9393.