Determine whether your loans are federal or private
Review your loan type, repayment plan, and servicer account
Apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness if you work for a qualifying employer
Make 120 qualifying monthly payments under an eligible repayment plan for PSLF
Submit the PSLF form to certify employment and track qualifying payments
Apply for Teacher Loan Forgiveness if you teach at a qualifying school
Check eligibility for income-driven repayment forgiveness
Enroll in an income-driven repayment plan if eligible
Make required payments for the full forgiveness term under the plan
Apply for forgiveness when you complete the required payment period
Look into forgiveness programs for nurses, doctors, lawyers, and other professions
Check for state-specific loan forgiveness programs
Check for federal cancellation programs for closed schools, disability, or death
Submit a Total and Permanent Disability discharge application if applicable
Ask your servicer about borrower defense to repayment if your school misled you
Verify whether your employer or state offers student loan repayment assistance
Keep records of payments, employment, and all submitted forms
Contact your loan servicer to confirm the exact forgiveness steps for your loans
Be cautious of scams and never pay for forgiveness applications