Nevada Student Loan Forgiveness

Quick Facts

• Nevada student loan forgiveness is limited to certain professions. Healthcare, law, and public service workers may qualify for repayment assistance.
• Federal programs like PSLFPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)A federal program that forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments made while working full-time for a government or qualifying nonprofit employer. can erase debt but have strict rules. The right job, repayment plan, and paperwork are required.
• Most forgiveness isn’t taxed, but IDR forgiveness could be after 2025. PSLF and Teacher Loan ForgivenessTeacher Loan ForgivenessA federal program that can forgive up to $17,500 of Direct or FFELP loans for teachers who complete five consecutive years of full-time teaching at a low-income school or educational service agency. remain tax-free.

Overview

Nevada student loan forgiveness exists, but it’s not automatic. The state offers repayment assistance programs for healthcare workers, attorneys, and other public service professionals willing to work in high-need areas.

If you qualify, you could get tens of thousands of dollars in loan relief in exchange for a service commitment.

Beyond state programs, federal forgiveness options can also help Nevada borrowers reduce or eliminate their student debt.

This guide breaks down who qualifies, how much you can get, and exactly how to apply, so you don’t waste time on programs that won’t help.

Related: State Programs for Student Loan Forgiveness

Nevada Student Loan Forgiveness & Repayment Programs

Nevada offers several student loan forgiveness and repayment programs for professionals in high-need fields. The state also provides scholarships to help students reduce borrowing before they graduate.

Here’s how Nevada can help you manage your student debt and which programs you may be eligible for.

Nevada Health Equity and Loan Assistance (HEAL) Program

The state has a shortage of healthcare providers in underserved areas, and the Nevada HEAL Program is designed to fix that. If you’re a licensed healthcare provider, this program can help pay off your student loans in exchange for a service commitment. Related: Student Loan Forgiveness for Healthcare Workers

• Who It’s For: Licensed healthcare providers in Nevada working in designated underserved areas.
• Forgiveness Amount: Up to $120,000, disbursed in equal installments over five years.
• Eligibility: Must be a Nevada resident, hold a valid license, and commit to working in an underserved community for at least five years.
• How to Apply: Applications are managed through the Nevada State Treasurer’s Office.

Nevada Health Service Corps (NHSC)

• Who It’s For: Physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, behavioral health professionals, and other healthcare workers.
• Forgiveness Amount: Varies based on specialty and funding availability.
• Eligibility: Must work in a designated shortage area and commit to at least two years of full-time service.
• How to Apply: Visit the NHSC federal website for application details.

Pennington Rural Health Services Loan Repayment Program

The Pennington Rural Health Services Loan Repayment Program encourages healthcare professionals to work in Nevada’s rural communities by offering financial support for student loan repayment. Related: Rural Medicine Loan Forgiveness

• Who It’s For: Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses working in rural Nevada.
• Forgiveness Amount: Varies by profession and funding availability.
• Eligibility: Must work in a designated rural health facility for at least two to three years.
• How to Apply: Applications are handled by the Nevada Office of Science, Innovation & Technology.

John R. Justice (JRJ) Student Loan Repayment Program

Nevada supports public defenders and prosecutors through the JRJ Student Loan Repayment Program, which helps them manage student loan debt while continuing their careers in public service. Related: Student Loan Forgiveness for Lawyers

• Who It’s For: Attorneys working as public defenders or prosecutors in Nevada.
• Forgiveness Amount: Varies based on federal funding availability.
• Eligibility: Must commit to at least three years of service in an eligible position.
• How to Apply: Details and applications are available through the Nevada Department of Indigent Defense Services.

Nevada Promise Scholarship

While not a forgiveness program, the Nevada Promise Scholarship helps community college students reduce the need for student loans by covering tuition and fees.

• Who It’s For: Nevada high school graduates enrolling in community college.
• Forgiveness Amount: Covers registration and mandatory fees at participating Nevada community colleges.
• Eligibility: Must be a Nevada resident, enroll full-time in an eligible program, and have not earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.
• How to Apply: Apply through your school’s financial aid office or visit the College of Southern Nevada for more details.

Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Programs for Nevada Borrowers

In addition to Nevada’s state-based loan forgiveness options, residents can also qualify for federal student loan forgiveness programs. These programs provide relief for borrowers working in public service, education, or income-based repaymentIncome-Based Repayment (IBR)A federal income-driven repayment plan that caps monthly payments at 10% or 15% of discretionary income, depending on when the loans were taken out. Remaining debt is forgiven after 20 or 25 years of qualifying payments. plans.

Here’s a quick overview:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Designed to encourage employment in public service sectors, PSLF forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan, while working full-time for a PSLF qualifying employer. Eligible employment includes government organizations, non-profit organizations, and other public service jobs.
• Teacher Loan Forgiveness: This program aims to attract teachers to low-income schools and subject areas experiencing shortages. Eligible teachers can receive up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness on Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. To qualify, teachers must work full-time for five consecutive years in a designated low-income school or educational service agency.
• Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plan Forgiveness: IDRIncome-Driven Repayment (IDR)A category of federal student loan repayment plans that calculate monthly payments based on income and family size rather than loan balance. Any remaining balance can be forgiven after 20–25 years of qualifying payments. plans adjust monthly payments based on income and family size, with any remaining loan balance forgiven after 20 or 25 years of qualifying payments, depending on the specific plan. It’s important to note that recent legal developments have affected some IDR plans, such as the SAVE plan being blocked by a federal appeals court. Borrowers should stay informed about the current status of these programs.
• Perkins LoanPerkins LoanA low-interest federal student loan for borrowers with exceptional financial need, issued by schools under a now-discontinued program. New Perkins Loans have not been made since 2017, but many existing balances are still in repayment. Cancellation: Borrowers with Federal Perkins Loans may be eligible for cancellation if they work in certain public service jobs. The amount canceled per year of service varies by profession, potentially leading to full cancellation after five years.

Related: How to Apply for Student Loan Forgiveness?

Are Student Loan Forgiveness Programs Taxable?

Most student loan forgiveness programs are not taxable, but some borrowers may face a tax bill under certain conditions.

No Federal Taxes on These Programs:

• PSLF, Teacher Loan Forgiveness, and Perkins Loan Cancellation are not considered taxable income.
• IDR forgivenessIDR ForgivenessThe forgiveness of any remaining federal student loan balance after a borrower has completed 20 or 25 years of qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan, depending on the specific plan. is tax-free until 2025 due to the American Rescue Plan.

Possible Taxes After 2025:

• If Congress does not extend the tax exemption, IDR forgiveness may be treated as taxable income, meaning you could owe taxes on the forgiven balance.

No State Taxes in Nevada:

• Nevada has no state income tax, so forgiven loans will not be taxed at the state level.

How to Prepare:

• If IDR forgiveness becomes taxable after 2025, you may need to set aside funds or explore options like an IRS insolvency plan to cover any tax liability.

Bottom Line

Nevada student loan forgiveness is real, but it’s limited to specific professions. If you work in healthcare, law, or public service, you may qualify for state repayment assistance programs that can cut down your student debt.

If you’re not sure which program is right for you—or how to apply without making costly mistakes—we can help.

Book a call with our student loan expert, and we’ll walk you through your best options, eligibility requirements, and next steps.

No guesswork, no wasted time. Just clear answers on how to lower your student loan balance.

Related Readings:

• Is it Too Late to Apply for Student Loan Forgiveness
• How to Stop Student Loan Garnishment
• How Long Do Student Loans Stay on Your Credit