If you are in a public service career and carrying—or considering—student debt, your life just got a little easier.
You'll make it through these piles! (Photo from troismarteaux on Flickr/Creative Commons
Here are three resources to help you navigate your repayment options:
Heather Jarvis is a national expert on public service loan forgiveness who contributed to student debt relief policy for the House Education Committee and others in Congress. Her new site is a clearinghouse of information about managing your debt while working in a mission-based career.
Features:
- Free, interactive webinars
- Clear (clear, clear) FAQs and steps for accessing public service loan forgiveness
- A blog with topical news and timely advice
- A forum for you to connect with Heather and others who are paying attention
2. IBRinfo.org
IBRinfo is an independent information hub about income-based student loan repayment and public service loan forgiveness – two relatively new federal programs that help student borrowers afford an education.
Features:
- Explanations of both programs passed as part of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007
- Snapshot of who is eligible to participate in the programs
- Tips for accessing loan relef through the programs
- As-needed email alerts with news that counts. When an email appears in my inbox, less than monthly, I read it. It’s always valuable information. If you don’t believe me, you can also just read the email alerts on their site.
3. EdAward.org
For former AmeriCorps, VISTA, and NCCC members out there, check out the official CNCS website on the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. The Education Award—around $5,000—can be used to pay back student loans and/or to pay tuition at qualifying schools.
Features:
- Multimedia stories explaining how different AmeriCorps members and alumni used their Ed Awards
- How to make the most of your Ed Award when you go to school and to pay back loans
- Strategies for dealing with the extra taxable income (the Ed Award is fully taxable)
- Insights into income-based repayment and public service loan forgiveness for AmeriCorps folks
—
If you’re thinking ahead about financial aid for grad school, consider these additional resources from Idealist:
- Idealist Grad Fairs: Meet grad school representatives in cities across the United States and listen to panel discussion on admissions and financial aid
- Grad School Resource Center: Advice about ways to pay for school
- Graduate Education: Financial Aid Myths, Ins and Outs
