Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a federal program. It may forgive the remaining balance on eligible federal Direct Loans after a borrower makes the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for an eligible public-service employer and meets the program’s other requirements.
Get Current PSLF Information from Federal Student Aid
PSLF requirements are determined by Congress and the U.S. Department of Education and may change over time. Use StudentAid.gov for current PSLF requirements rather than relying on outdated or third-party information.
If You Are Interested in PSLF
If you are considering PSLF, review the program requirements and begin tracking your progress early.
1. Review your federal loans.
Log in to StudentAid.gov and confirm which loans you have. PSLF applies to eligible Direct Loans. Some older federal loans may become eligible if they are consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan. Consolidation can affect qualifying payment counts, interest rates, repayment options, and more, so review the federal guidance and consult with the Office of Federal Student Aid before consolidating.
2. Check your employer.
PSLF is based largely on who employs you, not your job title. Use the PSLF Help Tool to check whether your employer is eligible.
3. Use an accepted repayment plan.
The qualifying repayment plans for PSLF changed in 2026. Use the federal Repayment Calculator and the PSLF page to identify the repayment plans currently available for your loans and whether they qualify for PSLF.
4. Submit the PSLF form and keep records.
Use the PSLF Help Tool to prepare and submit the digital PSLF form. You may also print the PSLF form and submit via mail, fax, or your StudentAid.gov account. Federal Student Aid recommends submitting the form annually, and when you change employers, to help confirm your progress and identify problems early. Annual submission is recommended but is not required.
5. Track your qualifying payment count.
Review your PSLF information in your StudentAid.gov account. Keep copies of employment records, submitted forms, and federal responses.
How Southwestern Can Help
Southwestern’s Financial Aid Office can help you understand your federal loan records and repayment options and direct you to appropriate federal resources. Southwestern does not determine PSLF eligibility, certify that future employment will qualify, or guarantee that any loan balance will be forgiven.
Last reviewed: October 2026.