State of New Mexico Loans-for-Service

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Loans-for-Service

The state of New Mexico has identified several professions in high demand, especially in our rural communities. In an attempt to attract teachers, doctors, allied health professionals, nurses, and pharmacists to provide service in our neediest areas, we provide loans to help pay for educational costs.

The financial aid division administers the following loan-for-service programs:


Teacher Loan-for-Service

Nursing Loan-for-Service

Medical Loan-for-Service

Allied Health Loan-for Service

Minority Doctoral Loan-for-Service

Nurse Educator Loan-for-Service

WICHE Loan-for-Service



For Current Loan-for-Service Participants:

Steps for Getting Your Loans Forgiven

Step 1 Upon graduation you will have 6 months to secure employment in a designated shortage area. Check the appropriate Loan-for-Service site to review the definition of a designated shortage area. We also recommend that students graduating from the health fields contact the New Mexico Health Resources for assistance with job placement.

Step 2 When you receive a job offer, complete the Request for Approval of Service Form and mail it to our office.

Step 3 If the request is approved, submit an Employment Verification Formby mail after each complete year of service.

Step 4 If you cannot provide service after the 6 month grace period, you may qualify for a deferment. Please fill out the Deferment Form and mail it to our office.

*For those loan-for-service participants who do not provide service or who do not qualify for a deferment, the loan will become due according to the terms of your contract.

Shortage Areas for the Allied, Medical and Nursing LFS programs:

¨ Community Health Centers
¨ Federally Qualified Health Center
¨ Homeless Healthcare Centers
¨ Indian Health Service
¨ Migrant Health Centers
¨ Non-profit Centers/Clinics - 501 (c) 3 IRS verification must be provided
¨ Non-profit Hospital - 501 (c) 3 IRS verification must be provided
¨ Rural Health Clinics
¨ School Health Programs

* The Health Advisory Committee reserves the right to make exceptions on a case by case basis.

Shortage Areas for Teacher LFS program:
¨ ALL New Mexico Public Schools