A U.S. Department of Education rule change effective 2026-07-01 permits the department to deny PSLF loan forgiveness to borrowers whose government or nonprofit employers engage in activities with a 'substantial illegal purpose' and vests authority to define 'substantial illegal purpose' in the secretary of education.
July 01, 2026
high
temporal
The rule links program eligibility to the legality of employer activities and assigns interpretive authority to the executive branch via the education secretary.
In 2023, an option was created allowing borrowers to 'buy back' months of missed loan payments that occurred during forbearance or deferment so that more borrowers can qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
January 01, 2023
high
policy
Describes a policy mechanism added to expand eligibility for PSLF by counting previously missed payment months.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a federal program established in 2007 that forgives federal student loan balances for borrowers who work for qualifying nonprofit organizations or in public service after making 120 qualifying payments (generally 10 years).
January 01, 2007
high
definition
Describes the baseline eligibility and structure of the PSLF program.
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program was created by the U.S. Congress in 2007 to encourage college graduates to work in lower-paying public sector jobs.
January 01, 2007
high
temporal
Origin and purpose of the PSLF program.
PSLF eligibility is tied to roughly ten years of qualifying public-service employment and can include occupations such as teaching, nursing, and policing.
January 01, 2007
high
temporal
Examples of qualifying public-service jobs commonly cited for PSLF include roles in education, healthcare, and public safety.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) forgives the remaining balance on federal student loans for eligible public service workers after ten years of qualifying employment and payments.
January 01, 2007
high
temporal
Description of the federal PSLF program's core benefit and eligibility timeframe.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) was signed into law in 2007 by President George W. Bush.
January 01, 2007
high
temporal
Legislative origin of the PSLF program.