California Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
California has several student loan forgiveness programs that are specific to just the State of California.
However, residents of the State of California can also potentially qualify for various Federal student loan forgiveness programs.
You can find a great list of Federal student loan forgiveness programs here: Top Student Loan Forgiveness Programs.
If you have private student loans, it might make more sense to refinance your loans and see if you can get a lower interest rate and payment. We recommend Credible for student loan refinancing because you can find out in 2 minutes or less if it's worth it. Try out Credible here. If you refinance through Credible, you can get up to a $1,000 gift card bonus! Check out this full list of student loan bonus offers as well.
If you're not quite sure where to start or what to do, consider using a tool like Chipper to help you navigate your student loans. Chipper will show you the lowest repayment plan option, as well as any loan forgiveness programs you may qualify for. Plus, it helps you track your eligibility, helps with your paperwork, and more! Check out Chipper here >>
California Loan Forgiveness Programs
Program: Steven M. Thompson Physician Corps Loan Repayment
§ Be an allopathic or osteopathic physician
§ Be free of any contractual service obligations (i.e the National Health Service Corps Federal Loan Repayment Program or other financial incentive programs)
§ Have outstanding educational debt from a government or commercial lending institution
§ Have a valid, unrestricted license to practice medicine in California
§ Be currently employed or have accepted employment in a Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) in California
§ Commit to providing full-time direct patient care in a HPSA for a minimum of three (3) years
Program: California State Loan Repayment Program
- Amount: Up to $50,000
- Description: SLRP authorizes repayment of educational loans to health professionals, who in turn must commit to practice in medically underserved areas in public or non-profit entities for a minimum of two years and maximum of four years.
- Requirements:
§ Possess a current unrestricted CA license to practice
§ Be a US citizen
§ Be free from judgments arising from federal debt
§ Not have any existing service obligations for other programs
§ Not be in breach of any health service obligation
§ Be current on any child support payments
§ Be employed at a SLRP eligible site
§ Commit to full-time or half-time two-year service obligation - Program Information: California State Loan Repayment Program
Program: CDA Foundation Student Loan Repayment Grant
§ Graduate from an American Dental Association accredited dental school within 3 years of application or be poised to graduate within 3 months of application
§ Be eligible to practice dentistry in California
§ Be a legal citizen or resident of the US
§ Submit an application packet
§ Have outstanding student loans
§ Sign a binding contract to serve a minimum of 36 months
§ Secure employment with an eligible work site
§ Provide at least 30 hours of hands-on dental work per week
§ Not be in default or have judgment on student loans
Program Information: CDA Foundation Student Loan Repayment
Other California Programs
If you're still looking for ways to pay for college, California has one of the most robust financial aid programs available to students.
California has a combination of scholarships and grants that are top notch and can pay for a large portion of your college costs (if you attend a UC or Cal State school).
Check out our full list of California Student Loan And Financial Aid Programs here.
Return to Student Loan Forgiveness Programs by State.
Editor: Clint Proctor Reviewed by: Claire Tak