Exclusive Grants to Pay Off Student Loans in 2024

Are you burdened by the weight of student loan debt? You're not alone. With the soaring cost of education, more and more students are finding themselves in need of financial assistance to pay off their loans. Fortunately, there is hope in the form of grants.

Understanding the severity of the situation is paramount. The student loan debt crisis has reached staggering proportions, affecting millions of individuals and families nationwide. As of the 2020-2021 school year, the total student loan debt in the United States soared past an alarming $1.7 trillion. This figure underscores the pressing need to urgently address this financial burden.

With the student loan debt crisis intensifying, it's imperative to find ways to pay off student loan debt. Let's explore how grants specifically for student loans can help you alleviate the burden of student loan debt and provide you with some much-needed relief you deserve.

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What Are Student Loan Grants?

Grants to pay off student loans are a unique and specific form of financial aid. Unlike most scholarships, which often can only be used for tuition, grant programs for student loans can help current students or graduates pay down loans taken out for college expenses.

The Student Loan Crisis

One of the main factors contributing to the student loan crisis is the astronomical cost of education. Over the past few decades, the cost of obtaining a college degree has skyrocketed, far outpacing the rate of inflation. This trend has put a significant strain on students and their families, forcing many to rely on loans to finance their education.

There are currently 45 million student loan borrowers in the U.S. alone, owing a record $1.7 trillion, now close to $1.8 trillion. The average borrower owes more than $37,000, and the crisis continues to grow. Student debt in the U.S. is growing at a rate six times faster than the economy, leaving many students wary of taking out loans and pursuing higher education.

In addition to borrowing for undergraduate degrees, many students also take out loans for graduate programs. Colleges often offer less need-based financial aid to graduate students, leading many to take out law school loans, veterinarian school debt, or loans for medical or dental school.

Furthermore, the rising cost of education is not solely attributed to tuition fees. Additional expenses such as textbooks, housing, and other educational materials contribute significantly to the financial burden faced by students. These hidden costs further exacerbate the challenges of pursuing higher education and add to the overall student loan debt burden.

Keeping Up With Payments

Whether one takes out federal student loan debt or private loans, student loan repayment can be very difficult. About one in six federal student loan borrowers, approximately 7 million people, are in default on their loans. This data highlights a significant number of Americans who are experiencing long-term default, with millions stuck in this situation for years and, in some cases, decades.

Regarding the repayment period, it may vary based on the type of loan repayment program you're on, often ranging between 10-30 years. The average borrower takes 18.5 years to pay off debt, allowing many people to be debt-free by their 40s.

Paying Off Debt

Many people struggle to pay off their loans within the average range, resulting in 14.2 million borrowers in the 35- to 49-age range and 2.3 million borrowers who are 62 or older. This distribution suggests that a substantial number of borrowers, including those in older demographics, are carrying significant student loan debt.

The reasons for older borrowers having student debt vary, including taking out loans for their children's education or returning to school later in life to improve their job prospects,​ or simply the fact that their student loan debt is so overwhelming that they can only pay the minimum amount or not repay at all.

And, high interest rates on private loans can quickly make student debt overwhelming and impossible to pay off, especially if you struggle to find a good job immediately after graduating.

Luckily, repayment grants can be found through the federal government or through organizations such as Bold.org.

Exclusive Grants to Help Pay Off Student Loans

Many scholarships and grants are created to help current students pay tuition. As a result, you may feel as though there are fewer opportunities for students and graduates with student loan debt. Luckily, there are many grants to pay off student loans. You can get started with the opportunities below!

Bold.org Student Loan Forgiveness Grants

Bold.org offers a unique opportunity for individuals burdened with student loan debt. This initiative is designed to help provide financial relief to students and graduates who are struggling to repay their student loans. These grants or scholarships are part of Bold.org's commitment to reducing financial barriers to education and empowering individuals to pursue their academic and professional aspirations without the looming worry of overwhelming debt.

Apply today to get started reducing your student loan debt!

NIH Loan Repayment Programs for Researchers

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) that provide up to $50,000 per year to doctoral-level researchers in various fields. Eligible research areas include clinical, pediatric, health disparities, contraception and infertility, and research for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. These grants aim to attract health professionals to careers in research critical to the NIH's mission.

Military Grants and Scholarships

Various branches of the military offer loan repayment programs for those who have served. For instance, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Guard offer up to $65,000 towards federal student loans for eligible active-duty members. There's also the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant, providing up to the maximum Pell Grant amount for students whose military parent died as a result of service after Sept. 11, 2001.

Health Professions Loan Repayment Program

The Health Professions Loan Repayment Program supports medical professionals in the military with up to $40,000 per year towards student loan debt. This program is available for active duty or Army Reserve health professionals and requires a service commitment.

Pennsylvania Primary Care Loan Repayment Program

This program is for healthcare professionals willing to work in underserved areas in Pennsylvania, offering between $24,000 and $80,000 towards eligible student loans. A two-year service commitment is required.

New York State Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program

Aiming to encourage careers in farming, this program offers up to $10,000 per year for five years for graduates who operate a farm in New York State. Eligibility requires a degree from a New York college or university and a commitment to farming in the state for five years.

ND Career Builders Loan Repayment Program

North Dakota's program targets those working in high-need occupations within the state, offering up to $5,667 per year for three years, with a lifetime limit of $17,000. A private-sector donor must match state dollars​​.

California Loan Repayment Programs for Health Care Workers

California offers several loan repayment programs for healthcare professionals working in underserved areas. The Allied Healthcare Loan Repayment program, for example, offers up to $16,000 for a one-year service commitment.

Maine Alfond Leaders Student Debt Reduction Program

This program supports individuals employed by a STEM-based company in Maine, offering up to $60,000 in student loan relief. Eligibility includes working in a STEM field within the state.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for Nonprofit and Public Sector Workers

PSLF is a program that provides student loan forgiveness on the remaining balance on qualifying student loans, such as Direct Loans, after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer, typically in the public sector or a nonprofit organization. The forgiven balance under PSLF is not considered taxable income.

Employer-Sponsored Student Loan Repayment Programs

Some companies, such as Aetna, Google, SoFi, and PwC, offer student loan repayment programs as part of their employee benefits. These programs match employee payments up to a certain amount annually, helping to reduce student loan debt.

For detailed information and application procedures for these opportunities, it's best to directly contact the offering institutions or visit their official websites.

How Do I Use a Grant to Pay off My Student Loan Debt?

Guidelines for using grants to pay off student loan debt vary depending on the source of your grant. In most situations, the grant money will be provided directly to you, making it your responsibility to get the money to your lenders. Federal grants will be sent to your school and then applied by your school, paid to you, or used in both ways.

On Bold.org, for example, grant money will be sent by check after you sign an agreement to use the money for approved purposes. Once you use the award money, you'll send a grant reporting form showing that you used the money for your loans or other preapproved costs.

Can Grants Be Used toward Federal Student Loans?

Yes, there are many different grants available to pay off student loans, and most grants can be used for both private student loans and federal loans. While some scholarships and grants are only available to current students with tuition bills, there is plenty of grant money set aside for students and graduates with loan debt.

Should I Look into Loan Repayment Programs?

Using grants to pay off student loans is a great strategy, but you may still have leftover student debt. Depending on your financial situation, a loan repayment program may make your debt more manageable.

There are many different types of student loan repayment assistance available, including income-driven repayment plans, which alter your monthly payments based on your income.

Depending on your area of work, loan forgiveness options may be available. Teachers, medical workers, and public defenders are just some examples of who can take advantage of public service loan forgiveness, but loan repayment programs and grant forgiveness opportunities are also available in other fields.

Avoiding Scams While Searching for Grants

As with any financial endeavor, it's important to be cautious of potential scams while searching for grants. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous individuals and organizations that prey on vulnerable borrowers. Always research and verify the legitimacy of any grant program or organization before providing personal information or paying any fees.

Furthermore, reputable online resources and databases should be considered to identify legitimate grant opportunities. Websites such as the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid portal or scholarship search engines like Bold.org can help you navigate the grant landscape safely.

Be wary of unsolicited offers or requests for payment in exchange for grant information, as these are common red flags for potential scams. Remember, thorough research and due diligence are essential when pursuing grant opportunities for student loan repayment.

How to Apply for Student Loan Grants

For federal aid, you can begin the application process by filling out the FAFSA each year.

You can also look for private scholarships and grants on Bold.org. You can start applying by clicking on any of the scholarships or grants listed above and creating your free account. To apply, just click "Apply now." Some scholarships or grants will require essays but many student loan grants are easy, no-essay scholarships, requiring just a few clicks to apply.

Before applying, make sure your profile displays your up-to-date information, including the remaining balance for each loan servicer you've borrowed from and any other financial criteria, such as low-income status, that you'd like to report.

Tips for Applying for Grants to Pay Off Student Loans

Applying for grants to pay off student loan debt can be a strategic way to alleviate financial burdens. Here are some tips and strategies for finding and applying for such grants:

1. Research and Identify Grants

• Start with Your Alma Mater: Some colleges and universities offer grants or forgiveness programs for their alumni. Check your school's financial aid office website or contact them directly.
• Explore Profession-Specific Grants: Certain professions, like teaching, nursing, or public service, may have specific grants designed to help professionals in those fields pay off their student loans.
• Government Programs: Look into government-funded programs such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which offers forgiveness after ten years of qualifying payments if you work in public service.

2. Understand Eligibility Requirements

• Read Carefully: Each grant has its own set of eligibility requirements. Make sure you fully understand these before applying to ensure you're a good fit.
• Documentation: Be prepared to provide documentation that proves your eligibility, such as employment records, income statements, and details about your student loans.

3. Prepare Your Application

• Personal Statement: Many grants require a personal statement or essay. Use this opportunity to tell your story, explain how the debt affects you, and why you deserve the grant.
• Recommendations: Some applications may require letters of recommendation. Choose your recommenders wisely and make sure they understand the grant's criteria.

4. Adhere to Deadlines

• Track Deadlines: Missed deadlines are one of the main reasons applications are not considered. Keep a detailed calendar of application deadlines and plan to submit early when possible.
• Follow-Up: If possible, follow up on your application to ensure it was received and to express your continued interest in the grant.

5. Seek Professional Help

• Financial Aid Advisors: Consider consulting with a financial aid advisor or a debt counselor who can provide personalized advice and help you navigate the application process.
• Free Resources: Utilize free resources online that guide you through grant applications and offer tips for success.

6. Stay Persistent and Diversify Your Efforts

• Apply Widely: Don't put all your hopes into one grant; apply for as many as you are eligible for to increase your chances of receiving aid.
• Consider Small Grants: Don't overlook smaller grants. While they may not cover all your debt, every little bit helps and can reduce your overall loan balance.

7. Be Cautious of Scams

• Beware of Scams: Unfortunately, there are many scams that target individuals trying to pay off student loans. Never pay for grant information, and ensure you're applying through reputable sources.

8. Keep Good Records

• Document Everything: Keep copies of all applications, correspondence, and documents you submit. This will be invaluable if you need to refer back to them or if there are any questions about your application.

Applying for grants to pay off student loan debt requires diligence, patience, and thoroughness. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding and securing grants that will help alleviate your student loan burden. Remember, every bit of grant money you receive is one less dollar you have to pay back with interest.

Additional Resources for Students with Student Loan Debt

National Foundation for Credit Counseling

NFCC offers student loan counseling to help borrowers explore repayment options, including consolidation, and work on a plan to manage their student loan debt effectively.

The Institute of Student Loan Advisors

TISLA provides free, unbiased advice and dispute resolution to individuals dealing with student loans, helping them understand their rights and options without pushing any specific agenda or products.

Loan Simulator on Federal Student Aid

This tool helps you explore repayment options based on your specific loan details, income, and financial goals, helping you find the most suitable repayment plan.

For more financial information, browse our Scholarship Blog now or read how to save money in college!