Updated
Apr 06, 2023 Iowa is home to more than just great people and cornfields. It also offers several Iowa student loan forgiveness opportunities as well. The following outlines these state-sponsored loan forgiveness opportunities and, more importantly, explains where to go to apply.
Here at LendEDU we have put together a comprehensive guide to student loan forgiveness.
Iowa Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers
Teachers that are working in the state of Iowa can receive up to twenty-thousand dollars for their work within the state. The Teach Iowa Scholar Program offers first-year teachers the opportunity to earn monies if they work in a federally designated HPSA.
All other eligibility requirements include:
- Must have graduated in the top quarter of their teaching classes and provide proof from the program and accredited educational institution that they attended
- Must be working full-time at an HPSA school district or approved educational site
- Must apply and be approved here
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Iowa educators that are working in an approved HPSA or underserved Iowa Department of Education can receive up to 20% of their total loan balance back in the form of financial assistance. Teachers must have received their first hiring in the state no earlier than July 30, 2007 and be completely licensed to teach in the state, without any restrictions.
All applicants must also:
- Teach in HPSA area as deemed so by the state dept. of education
- Must have a student loan and be able to provide proof of such
- Must be current on all federal student loans
Nursing Loan Repayment
For those that are registered nurses and working in Iowa, there is help to pay back those costly nursing school loans. This program, known as the Iowa Registered Nurse and Nurse Educator Loan Forgiveness Program, offers individuals in Iowa who are teaching nursing and hold a master’s degree, are a specialist in nursing, or have a doctoral degree from an accredited Iowa higher educational institution the chance to earn over 10% of their total loan balance back. Those that may not have earned through an Iowa college but are working as a registered nurse in the state are also eligible.
Other eligibility requirements include:
- Must have a loan debt outstanding
- Must be able to provide proof of the loan
- Must be registered as a nurse, employed as a nurse, or be a nurse educator in the state after June 30th, 2007
- Must work at least five-hundred twenty hours a year
- Must meet all other application and eligibility requirements found here
Health Professionals Loan
Like so many states, Iowa has a shortage of health professionals, especially those working in underserved areas. The Health Professional Recruitment Program offers those in this area up to one-hundred thousand dollars in aid specifically for those that have graduated from a qualifying medical program at Des Moines University. Qualifying programs include PA, DPM, DO, and DPT. For more information on how to apply, click this link.
Rural Reward Loan Repayment Program
Primary care is an area where many Iowa communities see a shortage, specifically those in rural areas. To fill the gap is exactly why the Rural Iowa Primary Loan Repayment Program was established. This program provides up to two-hundred thousand dollars for those that work in a community that is designated as a shortage site for a minimum of five years, contractually obligating themselves to do so.
Other eligibility requirements include:
- Must be enrolled full-time in a qualifying doctoral program
- Must attend the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine OR the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Must have a recommendation from the college that they attend
- Must meet all other criteria found here
Medical Shortage Loan Repayment for PAs and NPs
The state of Iowa has another medically based loan repayment opportunity that can provide eligible and qualifying students over fifteen-thousand dollars in monies. This program is known as the Rural Iowa Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Loan Repayment Program which was developed to help fill the gaps in critical shortage areas.
All those who apply must make a commitment to serve in one of Iowa’s rural or underserved areas of medical care for up to five years, attend an accredited and qualifying Iowa University, and be enrolled full-time in said program for NP or PA degrees. They, too, must receive a recommendation from the college or university in order to be eligible.
>> Read More: Student loan forgiveness programs by state