Loan Forgiveness

[rosesw]

Does anyone know much about this? I know much more about this in the context of law school b/c I work at a law firm right now, but I'm wondering what our options will be as social workers. I know there's the PSLF program and the NHSC program, but can we bank on those? My top choice is going to be $30k+ more than another option I have and I'm trying to decide if it's worth it. Any insight would be much appreciated!

[pippapants]

You know, I honestly don't know anyone who is doing one in the field of social work. I know two people who either have tried to or are doing them in other fields, with mixed results. I don't think it's as easy as anyone thinks it is.

 

One guy had to work in a "high-need, underserved area" so he moved to an area that qualified and got started (six figure debt). A couple years into his program, another professional from his field moved nearby, and his area no longer qualified, so his program got canceled. However, he'd already established himself there, settled his family, etc., so he didn't want to move and try again.

 

Another friend is working in non-profit for 10 years to get hers paid off (also six figure debt). She is making next to nothing and hates her job. In order to keep up with her program, she has to find another non-profit job hiring someone from her field, so she's really limited and may have to move across the state or to another state. Again.

[alex bo balex]

I've heard/seen similar things--it's not easy to do, and often involves a lot of unpleasant sacrifice.

[pippapants]

I think it's really hard to justify a huge financial investment in a social work education, because you won't see the pay-off on the other end. In some fields, the reputation of your institution will bump your salary, but social work is not one of those fields. Unless you're absolutely okay with student loan debt impacting your financial future (and your family's, if you're planning on having one) in terms of home buying, car buying, monthly loan payments forever and ever, etc., you really have to consider what you are getting yourself into. So many professors at different institutions have told me that MSW programs are really quite equal across the board, in part due to CSWE curriculum requirements. I'm not sure why we all go so nuts over name recognition and ranking.

 

All-in-all, though, I think banking on a loan forgiveness program is not a wise decision. Too many If's.

[citychild]

I am doing this. I graduated with my MSW in May 2014 and started working before graduation. I utilize both IBR & PSLF. Honestly, it was a breeze to apply for. Submitted one document if I recall correctly and done.

[Drdoom]

From what i'm told the PSFL is doable and isn't as restrictive as NHSC. A lot of the agencies where I live operate as nonprofits so a lot of the MSW's I encountered were enrolled in it.   I've heard the opposite about NHSC though.