What happens to your student loans if you join the military?
I've got about $35k in federal student debt and I'm considering enlisting. Does the military have any programs that help pay these off, or do I still owe everything while I'm serving?
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The military doesn't automatically pay off your loans, but you can qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) after 10 years of qualifying payments while serving, plus some branches offer specific repayment assistance programs like the Army's College Loan Repayment Program that can cover a chunk of your debt upfront. You'd want to talk to a recruiter about what's available for your branch and situation, since the details vary and your $35k could potentially be handled through a combination of these programs.
If you enlist, your loans don't disappear - you're still responsible for them unless you actively pursue forgiveness programs. The big one is Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which wipes remaining balance after 10 years of qualifying payments while you're serving, but here's what trips people up: you have to be on the right repayment plan from day one, and if you mess up the paperwork or switch plans, your years might not count. Some branches also offer their own education benefits that can help with payments, but they're not automatic either - you need to ask your recruiter specifically about what's available for your situation and get it in writing.
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