10 Best Grants To Pay Off Student Loans In 2024

If you are an individual burdened with student loan debt, there are many available grants to pay off student loans. Check out these grants available to repay student loan debt, and secure your financial freedom by settling your student loans.

Approximately 45 million Americans are burdened with student debt. To help people, many organizations offer grants to pay off student loans, so that people’s financial situation is not affected due to student loans, and they can meet their financial goals. There are a wide variety of student loan grants you can qualify for.

By reading this article you will learn about 10 grants that can be a great resource for you to become free from your student loans. If you’re interested in earning your high school diploma online, you can check out our article on grants for high school diplomas online, which can help you earn your diploma degree free.

List of the Top 10 Grants To Pay Off Student Loans

1. Students to Service Loan Repayment Program 

This is one of the best grants to pay off student loans provided by the National Health Service Corps (NHSC). Deserving final-year medical, nursing, and dental students can receive up to $120,000. The objective of the program is to help provide medical facilities and services to communities with limited access. 

To be eligible, you must have three years of experience in providing medical services at an NHSC-approved site.

2. College Access Challenge Grant

A federal grant program called the College Access Challenge Grant distributes funds to states and other organizations with the goal of promoting college access, particularly among underrepresented populations. A wide group of students is eligible for these grants to pay off student loans. To qualify for this grant, students must demonstrate their academic excellence, financial need, and volunteerism.

3. National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program

Doctors, nurses, dentists, mental health therapists, and other health care professionals can apply for these grants from the National Health Service Corps to help pay off their entire student loan debt.  

If you serve two years of full-time service in an area with inadequate access to health care, you can get up to $50,000 applied toward your student loan debt under this grant to pay off student loans. There are also possibilities for part-time service with awards up to $25,000.

4. Forget Your Student Debt Grant

If you are burdened with student loan debt, you may qualify for this best grants to pay off student loans, Forget Your Student Debt Grant. Under the loan program, you will receive an award of $10,000, which will help reduce your student loan debt.

5. Federal Pell Grant

This is a financial support program for undergraduate students who show financial need and are enrolled in courses. This grant to pay off student loans may cover the entire cost of attendance and does not need to be repaid.  

Citizenship status/non-citizen status in the US that qualifies, participation in a qualifying program at an approved institution or university, and proof of financial need are all requirements for eligibility for this grant. Besides, there is a limit on the total amount a student can receive in his lifetime.

6. Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program

When it comes to finding the best grants to pay off student loans, the Indian Health Service (IHS) program stands out as a culturally immersive initiative. It offers substantial assistance, with the potential to provide up to $50,000 in loan repayment support. 

In exchange for this financial aid, participants commit to a two-year service period, during which they work to address the healthcare needs of underserved American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

One distinctive feature of the IHS program is the flexibility it offers. Extended participation is a viable option, allowing individuals to renew their service contract as needed until their student loans are entirely paid off. 

It’s no surprise that many students find this program both stimulating and rewarding, as it provides a meaningful way to manage and eventually eliminate student loan debt while making a positive impact on underserved communities

7. Nurse Corps Repayment Program

This best grant to pay off student loans is open to licensed registered nurses, nurse faculty members, and advanced practice registered nurses. To be eligible for 60% of their outstanding student loan total, applicants must agree to two years of service in a healthcare facility with a critical shortage or as faculty at a recognized nursing school. By completing a third year of service, the grant recipient can receive an extra 25%.

8. Military College Loan Repayment Program

Active service members of the military are eligible for this best grant to pay off student loans. For eligibility, a minimum of three years of enlistment is required, as well as an Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery score of 50 or higher. Under this grant, you can earn up to $65,000 that can be applied toward your federal student loans. However, this program doesn’t cover private loan repayments.

9. Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Students whose parents died while on duty in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001, are eligible for this grant. To be eligible, candidates must be under 24 years of age, must demonstrate their financial need as per FAFSA data, and whose parents served in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

This grant has no cumulative limit, is not subject to repayment, and is not dependent on other aid. However, to be eligible for this best grant to pay off student loans, an annual application must be made.

10. Oregon Opportunity Grant

This is a need-based grant program that provides aid to students attending a recognized college/university in the state of Oregon. The purpose of this program is to help students cover their tuition, fees, books, and other educational costs. 

To qualify for this best grant to pay off student loans, applicants must show their financial need and be accepted into an authorized institution or university. However, depending on their particular circumstances, additional inclusion restrictions may apply to applicants.

How Do Student Loan Repayment Grants Work?

Student loan repayment grants are financial aid programs designed to help individuals repay their student loans.

While borrowers often don’t have to pay the money back, it’s important to know that if they take a grant to pay off student loans, they may have to work for it. Grants often have service or work criteria that recipients must meet in order to receive the funds.

For example, some awards are only available to experts in specific fields, such as teaching, nursing, etc. They may also stipulate that you must hold a qualifying position for a specific period of time.

Different Types of Grants for Paying Off Student Loans

There are a wide variety of grants to pay off student loans. They include: 

• Federal Loan Forgiveness Programs: These government programs, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Teacher Loan Forgiveness, offer loan forgiveness for eligible individuals.
• State-based Loan Forgiveness Programs: Many states offer loan forgiveness initiatives, often targeting specific businesses or residents of underserved areas. These programs come with different requirements and benefits.
• Employer-based Assistance: Some employers include student loan repayment assistance as part of their benefits package, which can come in the form of a grant or outright payment of your loan.
• Nonprofits and Community Organizations: Some nonprofits, such as AmeriCorps or Peace Corps, offer loan forgiveness or repayment assistance in exchange for service.
• Military Service: Joining the military branches, such as the Army, Navy, or Air Force may trigger loan repayment programs as a recruitment incentive.
• Health Care and Medical Fields: Healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, may qualify for loan forgiveness or repayment assistance if they work in disadvantaged areas or participate in specific programs.
• Income-driven Repayment Plans: While not traditional grants, income-driven repayment plans adjust monthly loan payments based on income and family size. After a specified number of years of payments, any remaining balance can be forgiven.
• Community-Based and Nonprofit Organizations: Some local nonprofit organizations and community groups offer modest grants or assistance for student loan repayment, especially to individuals with specific qualifications, or who have contributed to community development.

How to Apply for Student Loan Grants? 

To apply for a student loan grant, follow these steps:

• Complete the FAFSA: Begin by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. This form helps determine if you qualify for federal grants and loans. It’s a good idea to submit it early since certain grants may have limited funds available.
• Explore State Aid: Research grants specific to your state. Different states may have their own application processes and deadlines, so consult your state’s department of education.
• Check Institutional Aid: Contact your college or university’s financial aid office. They can provide information about grants offered by the institute.
• Find Private Grants: Look for grants from private organizations, foundations, and businesses related to your field of study. Websites, like Bold.org, Fastweb, and Scholarships.com can help find these opportunities.
• Complete Grant Applications: Pay close attention to the application requirements for each grant you are interested in. This may include writing essays, obtaining letters of recommendation, or submitting transcripts.

• Submit Documents: Be sure to provide all the necessary documents and adhere to the application deadlines. It’s important to keep copies of your submission for your records.
• Stay informed: Regularly monitor your email for updates regarding your grant applications. Occasionally, you may need to provide extra information or participate in interviews.
• Accept and Manage Grants: If you receive a grant, review its terms and conditions carefully. Some grants may mandate a specific GPA or other criteria.
• Renew Annually: Keep in mind that many grants are not one-time awards. You may have to reapply each year to maintain funding.
• Financial Management: Use your grant money wisely for educational expenses, and seek financial guidance if needed.

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Conclusion 

The complex landscape of student loan debt often leaves individuals feeling overwhelmed, but it’s important to recognize that viable grants and programs exist to provide valuable relief. Throughout this article, we’ve delved into some of the best grants to pay off student loans.

Be it federal initiatives such as PSLF or specialized grants from various organizations, conducting thorough research and capitalizing on these grant opportunities is paramount. Getting rid of student debt is a journey that requires careful planning and persistence.