Student loan forgiveness is a political football that changes constantly. One administration expands it, the next tries to kill it. If you're confused, you're not alone. Here's where things actually stand in 2026.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Still Active

Work for government or a non-profit? Make 120 monthly payments (10 years) while on an income-driven repayment plan, and your remaining balance is forgiven.

  • ✅ Tax-free forgiveness
  • ✅ Any federal loan qualifies (if consolidated)
  • ✅ Limited PSLF Waiver made it easier to qualify (deadlines apply)
  • 📍 Apply at: StudentAid.gov/PSLF

Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Forgiveness — Active

On an IDR plan (SAVE, PAYE, IBR, ICR)? Make payments for 20-25 years depending on your plan, and the remaining balance is forgiven.

  • ✅ Available to everyone with federal loans
  • ✅ Payments based on income (could be $0 if unemployed)
  • ⚠️ Forgiven amount IS taxed (plan for a big tax bill)
  • 📍 Apply at: StudentAid.gov/IDR

SAVE Plan — The Newest Option (Replaced REPAYE)

The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan launched recently. Key features:

  • 💰 Payments capped at 5% of discretionary income (down from 10%)
  • 💵 $0 payments if you earn less than ~$33k individually
  • 📉 Interest doesn't accrue if your payment doesn't cover it
  • ⏰ Forgiveness in as little as 10 years for original balances under $12k

What About Broad Forgiveness?

The $10k-$20k forgiveness announced earlier hit legal roadblocks and was struck down by the Supreme Court. The Biden administration is pursuing new legal pathways, but no broad forgiveness is currently available.

Other Forgiveness Programs:

  • Nurse Corps Loan Repayment — Up to 85% of nursing loans forgiven
  • Teacher Loan Forgiveness — $5k-$17.5k after 5 years teaching
  • Military Service — Various programs for service members
  • Closed School Discharge — If your school closed while enrolled
  • Borrower Defense — If your school lied/defrauded you
  • Total and Permanent Disability Discharge — For disabled borrowers

What You Should Do Right Now:

  1. Log into StudentAid.gov and confirm your loan types
  2. Check if you're on an IDR plan (if not, apply)
  3. Certify your employment annually if pursuing PSLF
  4. Sign up for Department of Ed emails for updates
  5. Don't pay for 'forgiveness services' — they're scams

The Reality: Most borrowers won't get automatic forgiveness. But IDR plans offer a guaranteed path — just a long one (20-25 years). Combine that with PSLF if you work in public service, and you have real options.