Finder may earn compensation from partners, but editorial opinions are our own. Advertiser Disclosure
The Peace Corps may not offer student loan forgiveness on its own, but it can help you qualify for two federal forgiveness programs — and reduce the amount you have to pay while you’re volunteering abroad.
No, the Peace Corps doesn’t have a student loan forgiveness program. However, volunteering with the organization counts toward the service requirement for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Perkins Loan cancellation.
In addition, the low income that comes with being a Peace Corps volunteer means you could qualify for $0 monthly payments on your federal loans while on an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. And if you don’t want to have to worry about repayments at all, you also have the option to defer your federal loans until you’ve finished your Peace Corps service. However, interest might add up during this time depending on the type of loan you have.
You can also use your transition payment — which can be over $10,000 — to pay off your federal and private student loans. This is given to all volunteers after they’ve completed their volunteer commitment to help with the transition to life back home.
The US Department of Education has compiled a handy guide to federal loan repayments for Peace Corps volunteers — including two sample repayment scenarios.
In addition to potentially qualifying for income-driven repayments, volunteering with the Peace Corps also comes with:
Some private lenders may offer deferment or forbearance when you join the Peace Corps, but don’t assume it. Check with your lender before traveling abroad to make arrangements.
If you are able to postpone payments, keep in mind your loans will likely still accrue interest. And the interest that adds up will be added to your loan balance, making your loan more expensive in the short and long term.
While you don’t have to use your transition funds to pay off your student loans, you might want to consider it. Making a large payment toward your principal balance will reduce the amount of interest that accrues each month and make your loan cheaper in the long run. You can reach out to your servicer — the company you make repayments to — for instructions.
However, if you plan on pursuing PSLF, don’t make a large lump-sum payment. To make the most of this program and get the maximum amount of debt forgiven, continue to make just the minimum repayments required each month.
If you have federal Direct Loans, your service with the Peace Corps can contribute to the 10-year public service requirement needed to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Follow these steps to begin the process:
Federal Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Consolidation and PLUS Loans taken out by graduate or professional students are all eligible for forgiveness. If you have Parent PLUS Loans, you’ll need to consolidate them with a Direct Consolidation Loan first in order to qualify.
You must be on an income-driven repayment plan to qualify for PSLF:
For most volunteers, this will reduce your monthly payments to $0. In this case, you’ll need to pay the installment amount listed on your statement to have them count toward the PSLF requirement of making 120 repayments.
You’ll need to certify your employment each year you work in public service — not just while you volunteer with the Peace Corps. You can download a copy of the Employer Certification Form (ECF) on the Federal Student Aid (FSA) website. Once it’s complete, print it out and have your Peace Corps manager or employer sign it. Then send it to FedLoan Servicing — the federal servicer that handles all PSLF applications.
Serving the Peace Corps will only count as two or four years of your 10-year public service commitment needed to qualify for PSLF. Once you return to the US, continue to make on-time repayments on your Direct Loans and find a job with a nonprofit or in the public service sector.
Make sure you certify your employment each year and keep up to date on any changes to the PSLF Program to increase your chances of getting accepted.
While the process seems relatively straightforward, miscommunication in qualification requirements led to fewer than 1% of borrowers having their student loans forgiven last year. To ensure you don’t miss out, check out our comprehensive guide to how the PSLF Program works.
There are no steps you need to take with your Perkins Loans to qualify for cancellation other than submitting the cancellation form to your school or its servicer.
Depending on how long you serve in the Peace Corps, you may be eligible to have 15% to 70% of your loan principal and any accrued interest canceled. This means 30% of your Perkins Loans will be canceled if you complete the standard two-year service commitment. And 70% will be canceled if you complete four years of service.
| Length of service in the Peace Corps | % of Perkins Loans canceled |
|---|---|
| 12 months | 15% |
| 24 months | 15% |
| 36 months | 20% |
| 48 months | 20% |
Explore your options by APR, minimum credit score, loan amount and loan term. Select the Get started button to start an application with a specific lender.
The Peace Corps not only provides much-needed support to communities across the globe, but it can also get you closer to having your federal loans forgiven through PSLF. And for private student loans that don’t qualify for forgiveness, refinancing with a new lender could help you score a lower rate.
Should I refinance my student loans?
It depends on the type of loan you have:
And if you have Perkins Loans, don’t consolidate — it will make you ineligible for cancellation.
Should I give a family member or friend power of attorney while I’m away?
Setting up power of attorney (POA) with a trusted family member or friend is generally recommended while you’re serving in the Peace Corps. Because communicating with your lender may be difficult during your service, a POA can handle time-sensitive matters and make repayments on your behalf.
How can I request documentation certifying I’m a Peace Corps volunteer?
The Peace Corps allows you to download and print certification letters two months before your departure. You can also request certification while you’re on site by contacting Peace Corps staff in the country you’re serving in or by emailing certify@peacecorps.gov.
Do I have to pay taxes on my Peace Corps transition funds?
Yes, you’re responsible for paying taxes on the transitions funds you receive after completing your service in the Peace Corps.
Refinancing your mortgage while unemployed is challenging, but it may be possible if you have an alternative means to repay the loan.
It may be owned by a top lender, but that doesn’t mean it’s upfront.
Reduce your debt by around 30% after fees — but only if you can stick with the program. Here’s how.
President Biden said he supports offering $10,000 in forgiveness for federal loans, plus a few other options. Here’s what to expect.
Residents of 13 states can find a lender quickly — if you’re willing to work with a new service.
Most federal student loan borrowers now have eight more months of the interest-free payment freeze.
President-elect Joe Biden plans to extend the pause on federal student loan payments and interest past January 31st — and may cancel some debt.
While you can get started on your loan application today — you’ll still need to wait for funding.
Check out extra ways to keep costs down once relief ends.
Other lenders with higher approval rates can help — but only if you have the cashflow to support repayments.
