Student Loan Debt Relief for Social Workers

NASW is committed to advocating for policy changes that address the critical issue of student loan debt. NASW is disappointed that on June 30 the Supreme Court struck down a plan for student loan cancellation by the President through Executive Action. Recognizing the profound impact of student loans on social workers and the broader public service workforce, NASW consistently monitors the political landscape for opportunities to make progress and create meaningful impact.

In recent years, NASW achieved a substantial victory by helping to secure a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) waiver, which offers crucial relief for social workers pursuing careers in public service. This accomplishment underscores NASW's dedication to supporting its members and ensuring their financial well-being.

As part of its ongoing efforts, NASW actively participates in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness coalition and maintains a close partnership with the Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC). Through these collaborations, NASW works towards expanding student loan debt relief options, strengthening the PSLF program, cancellation measures, employer-sponsored relief, and other means, including scholarships.

One of NASW's key objectives is to broaden PSLF eligibility to encompass social workers employed by nonprofits and for-profit organizations that currently do not qualify. This pursuit is not without its challenges, but NASW remains resolute in its commitment to advancing the interests of social workers and expanding their access to critical student loan benefits.

NASW responds to Department of Education (ED) requests for comments, and also actively engages with external organizations to provide support on this issue. As an example, NASW was one of 261 organizations calling on members of Congress to reject Republican efforts to use the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to retroactively reverse the federal student loan payment pause and block President Biden’s debt relief plan. NASW's proactive involvement in these collaborations help ensure we are shaping the dialogue surrounding student loan debt relief and ensuring the interests of social workers are represented in advocacy on student loan debt relief measures.

Through its continuous monitoring, strategic partnerships, and active engagement in policy discussions, NASW demonstrates its unwavering commitment to addressing the challenges posed by student debt and championing the needs of social workers nationwide.

Read "Student Loan Payments to Resume: What You Need to Know" to learn more.

NASW Policy Efforts on Student Loan Debt Relief

Background

According to the Council on Social Work Education’s report, 2019 Statistics on Social Work Education in the United States, "Educational debt for baccalaureate and master’s social work graduates is higher today than it was 10 years ago. Master’s graduates have, on average, more than 50% more debt today; in 2019, the average loan debt amount was $46,591, compared to $30,789 in 2009. On average, baccalaureate graduates had $29,323 in loan debt in 2019, compared to $24,683 in 2009."

The report finds that 73.3% of baccalaureate graduates and 76.1% of master’s graduates have loan debt. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a social worker’s median salary is only $51,760.

While there are federally authorized loan forgiveness programs available to social workers, additional resources are required.

References

• 2019 statistics on social work education in the United States - Council on Social Work Education
• U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social Workers - Bureau of Labor Statistics

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program 

Public service professionals, including social workers, may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. If you’re employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the PSLF Program. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans.

Learn about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

National Health Service Corps

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) allows licensed clinical social workers up to an initial $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for two years of serving in a community-based site in a high-need designated Health Professional Shortage Area. Social workers may be eligible for additional loan repayment funds through one-year continuation service contracts.

Learn about the National Health Service Corps