U.S. Department of Education: Nearly 1,200 North Dakotan student loan borrowers will have debts forgiven

Courtesy: U.S Department of Education
Courtesy: U.S Department of Education

(Washington, DC) -- Student loans for employees of public service jobs across the country are being forgiven by a federal agency.

The U.S Department of Education is announcing $42 billion in Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) to nearly 616,000 borrowers nationwide. In North Dakota, that amounts to just over $67 million dollars for nearly 1,200 borrowers. PSFL will cover public employees like teachers, firefighters, members of law enforcement, and non-profit workers who have been making payments for 120 months. A representative from the Department of Education says more borrowers are expected to benefit from the program as it continues. 

“Since Day One, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked relentlessly to fix a broken student loan system, including by making sure we fulfill the promise of Public Service Loan Forgiveness for those who have spent a decade or more serving our communities and our country,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “To date, the Biden-Harris team has kept that promise for more than 615,000 teachers, nurses, social workers, servicemembers, and other public servants by approving a combined $42 billion in student loan debt forgiveness."

The Department of Education says there are significant changes coming to the PSLF application process that will create a faster, more straightforward, and more transparent method for borrowers to sign and submit PSFL documents. This includes the ability to submit those documents digitally, and the ability to track the process. 

"The difference that Public Service Loan Forgiveness is making in the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans reminds us why we must continue doing everything we can to fight for borrowers and why families cannot afford to have progress derailed by partisan politicians, "said Cardona, "During Public Service Recognition Week—and every week—we thank all those who serve our communities.” 

You can find more information, including how to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, by clicking here.