White: Nursing Loan Forgiveness Application Deadline August 31

Also, Upromise helps students pay off loans faster.

Harrisburg – State Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) today encouraged nursing students and others with student loans to look into two helpful initiatives.

The Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures program helps nursing students repay their student loans, and the Upromise program helps all holders of approved student loans reduce their debt by making everyday purchases of products and services.

"Paying for a college education has always been a challenge, and this year it’s even tougher," said White.  "But there are many resources available and I hope that students and parents take the time to check them out."

White said the nursing loan forgiveness program is taking applications from nursing students who graduate from nursing school during 2003. Under the program, up to 25 percent or $12,500 of a nurse's qualified student loan debt can be waived over three years.

White said the program is designed to increase the number of nurses practicing in Pennsylvania, which has a nursing shortage. The deadline to apply is August 31.

Applications, eligibility requirements and additional information can be found at www.futuresinnursing.org. Applications can also be ordered by calling 1-800-859-5442.

White also encouraged students to look into Upromise, a service that allows holders of approved student loans to purchase goods and services at thousands of participating retailers and restaurants at a discount, and apply the savings to their student loan, thereby reducing their loan balance.  Borrowers can visit www.upromise.com/aes to view the complete list of contributing companies and establish a free Upromise account, or call 1-800-475-7032.

The Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures program is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Upromise is offered by American Education Services, a not-for-profit agency affiliated with PHEAA.