We’re committed to advocating for policy changes that address the critical issue of student loan debt. Learn more about the student loan forgiveness programs currently available to current and soon-to-be social workers.

About Loan Forgiveness and NASW

NASW promotes student loan forgiveness as part of its ongoing effort to improve working conditions, salaries, and other benefits for social workers and to ensure that consumers have access to qualified professionals.

As many as 37% of public four-year school graduates have too much debt to manage on a social work salary. According to a Council on Social Work Education’s report, 2013 Statistics on Social Work Education in the United States, 81% of baccalaureate graduates, 80.5% of master’s graduates, and 65.5% of doctoral graduates have loan debt. The mean amount of loan debt ranged from $31,880 to $42,149.

While there are at least three federally authorized loan forgiveness programs available to social workers, additional resources are required.

Student Loan Forgiveness Resources

Statewide Resources

• MDHHS: Michigan State Loan Repayment Program
• What student loan repayment, forgiveness options are available for me? (published by EMU School of Social Work)

Nationwide Resources

• NASW National: Student Loan Debt Relief for Social Workers
• NASW National: Submit your loan forgiveness story
• Federal Student Aid Contact Center