If you’re one of the millions of Americans burdened by student debt, you may be sitting on a golden opportunity—student loan repayment assistance offered through federal employment. Through a little-known but incredibly powerful benefit, you can wipe out up to $60,000 of your federal student loans while earning a steady paycheck in government service.
Let’s explore how the program works, who qualifies, and which agencies participate.
What Is the Federal Student Loan Repayment Program?
Administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Federal Student Loan Repayment Program allows government agencies to contribute up to $10,000 annually, with a lifetime cap of $60,000, toward an employee’s federal student loans.
This program serves as a recruitment and retention incentive for skilled workers—and the best part is, you don’t need to be a recent graduate to qualify.
Is There a Catch?
Yes, but it’s straightforward: You must commit to at least three years of continuous service at the agency offering the benefit. If you leave voluntarily or are terminated for cause before fulfilling your agreement, you must repay the full amount of loan assistance received.
How Much Money Are We Talking About?
In a recent year, more than 7,300 employees across 31 federal agencies received a combined $52.9 million in student loan repayment benefits. That’s an average of $7,233 per employee—a life-changing benefit for anyone looking to eliminate debt faster.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility spans a wide range of federal roles:
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Accountants and auditors
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Engineers and scientists
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Legal professionals
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Healthcare workers
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IT specialists
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Administrative staff
If you’re a federal employee in good standing with qualifying student loans, you’re likely eligible for this program.
List of 85 Agencies That Offer Student Loan Repayment Assistance
Federal Departments
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Department of Agriculture
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Department of Commerce
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Department of Defense
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Department of Education
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Department of Energy
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Department of Health and Human Services
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Department of Homeland Security
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Department of Housing and Urban Development
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Department of the Interior
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Department of Justice
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Department of Labor
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Department of State
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Department of Transportation
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Department of the Treasury
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Department of Veterans Affairs
Independent Agencies
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Access Board
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Agency for International Development
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American Battle Monuments Commission
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Appraisal Subcommittee
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Arctic Research Commission
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Broadcasting Board of Governors
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Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
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Commission on Civil Rights
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Commission of Fine Arts
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Commodity Futures Trading Commission
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Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
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Consumer Product Safety Commission
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Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency
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Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
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Environmental Protection Agency
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Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
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Farm Credit Administration
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Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation
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Federal Communications Commission
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Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
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Federal Election Commission
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Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
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Federal Housing Finance Agency
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Federal Labor Relations Authority
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Federal Maritime Commission
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Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
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Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
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Federal Trade Commission
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General Services Administration
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Government Accountability Office
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Government Publishing Office
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Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation
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Holocaust Memorial Museum
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Institute of Museum and Library Services
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Inter-American Foundation
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International Trade Commission
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James Madison Fellowship Foundation
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John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
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Library of Congress
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Merit Systems Protection Board
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Millennium Challenge Corporation
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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National Archives and Records Administration
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National Capital Planning Commission
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National Endowment for the Arts
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National Endowment for the Humanities
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National Gallery of Art
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National Labor Relations Board
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National Science Foundation
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National Security Agency
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National Transportation Safety Board
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Nuclear Regulatory Commission
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Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission
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Office of Government Ethics
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Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation
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Office of Personnel Management
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Office of the Federal Coordinator, Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects
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Overseas Private Investment Corporation
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Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
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Postal Regulatory Commission
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Railroad Retirement Board
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Securities and Exchange Commission
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Selective Service System
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Small Business Administration
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Smithsonian Institution
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Social Security Administration
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Surface Transportation Board
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Tennessee Valley Authority
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Trade and Development Agency
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U.S. AbilityOne Commission
Top Agencies Leading the Charge
In 2013, four agencies made up over 73% of all student loan repayment benefits:
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Department of Defense
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Department of Justice
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Department of State
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Securities and Exchange Commission
These agencies also employed over 70% of all beneficiaries, making them standout options for job seekers prioritizing student loan relief.
Final Thoughts: Should You Apply?
Absolutely—if you’re already in the federal workforce or considering a transition, this is a no-brainer benefit. Here’s how to get started:
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Ask your HR department about student loan repayment assistance
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Review your loan eligibility (must be a federal loan, such as Direct, FFEL, or Perkins)
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Ensure you’re prepared to commit to at least three years of service
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Request everything in writing before you accept any assistance
It’s one of the smartest, most underutilized perks in public service—and it could save you tens of thousands of dollars.
FAQs: Student Loan Repayment Assistance
Can federal agencies really pay off $60,000 in student loans?
Yes. Eligible employees can receive up to $10,000 per year, capped at $60,000 over time, if they remain in service with the participating agency.
What types of loans qualify?
Only federal student loans are eligible, including Direct Loans, FFEL, and Perkins Loans. Private student loans are excluded.
What happens if I leave before the three-year mark?
You are required to repay the full amount of student loan assistance received if you leave early or are fired for cause.
How do I apply for loan repayment assistance?
Each agency manages its own application process. Contact your HR department or visit opm.gov for guidance.
Do I have to be a recent graduate?
No. The program is open to all qualifying federal employees, regardless of graduation date or current age.
