For many physicians, the path to becoming a doctor comes with a substantial obstacle: the financial burden and physician student loans. Medical school debt often stretches well into six figures, and repayment can feel overwhelming. Understandably, one of the most common questions physicians ask is: Are medical school loans forgiven after 10 years?

Before discussing the specifics, it’s worth noting repayment strategies and forgiveness options vary widely depending on your career path, employer and loan type. Understanding your options can help you determine whether forgiveness is a possibility— and how it might affect your long-term financial outlook.

As you consider repayment, it’s important to look at the bigger picture of physician student loans and the average time to pay off medical school debt. For many doctors, forgiveness programs can shorten repayment and significantly reduce financial stress.

Are medical school loans eligible for forgiveness?

Yes, many medical school loans are eligible for forgiveness. However, the options depend on whether you hold federal or private loans. Federal student loans, such as Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, PLUS Loans and Direct Consolidation Loans, often qualify for government-backed forgiveness programs. It’s important to note private loans are generally excluded.

When do you start paying medical school loans?

Most federal medical school loans have a six-month grace period after graduation or after leaving residency before payments begin. However, interest can accrue during this time, and residents may choose to enter income-driven repayment (IDR) plans to keep payments affordable. These IDR plans are particularly important because they often serve as the qualifying repayment plans for federal forgiveness programs.

Are med school loans forgiven after 10 years?

The easy answer is: sometimes. Certain forgiveness programs, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), are designed to forgive remaining federal student loan balances after 10 years of qualifying payments, but this is not automatic for all physicians.

Loan forgiveness for doctors after 10 years depends largely on your employer. If you work full time for a qualifying nonprofit hospital, academic institution, government agency or community health center, you may be eligible for PSLF after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. For physicians in private practice or employed by for-profit hospitals, this option is typically not available.

Keep in mind not all repayment plans qualify and missing or misclassified payments can delay forgiveness. For this reason, many physicians consult with a financial advisor specializing in physician debt to ensure they are on track.

Do doctors qualify for loan forgiveness?

Yes, but not every doctor qualifies in the same way. Several medical school loan forgiveness programs exist beyond PSLF, though usually with eligibility requirements related to location, specialty or service commitment.

Some notable programs include:

• National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program – Offers loan repayment assistance for physicians working in underserved areas
• Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program – Provides up to $40,000 for physicians who commit to two years of service in Native American communities
• Military loan repayment programs – Branches of the U.S. military often provide substantial repayment assistance for physicians who serve
• State-based programs – Many states offer loan repayment incentives for physicians who work in shortage areas or high-demand specialties

These programs can complement or serve as an alternative to federal forgiveness options, especially for doctors who do not work for qualifying PSLF employers.

Do doctors qualify for public service loan forgiveness?

For many physicians, PSLF is the most promising forgiveness option. To qualify, you must:

1. Have federal direct loans.
2. Be enrolled in an income-driven repayment plan.
3. Work full time for a qualifying nonprofit or government employer.
4. Make 120 qualifying monthly payments (approximately 10 years).

If you meet these requirements, the remaining balance on your loans may be forgiven tax free.

It’s important to stay proactive. PSLF has historically had a high denial rate due to paperwork errors, employer ineligibility or repayment plan issues. Keeping thorough documentation and submitting the annual Employment Certification Form can help ensure you stay on track.

So, are medical school loans forgiven after 10 years? The answer is yes — but only under specific circumstances, such as through PSLF or certain service-based programs. For many physicians, loan forgiveness can provide a much-needed financial reset after years of expensive training.

If you’re a physician weighing your options, the key is to carefully evaluate your career path, employer type and repayment plan to see if you qualify. Forgiveness is possible, but it requires planning, persistence and often professional guidance.

Ready to explore your repayment and forgiveness options? Visit the resource center at PracticeLink.com for more information on developing a strategy that helps you reduce debt, maximize forgiveness opportunities and take control of your financial future.