Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content

Skip Navigation LinksATCLRP


​​​​​​

Air Traffic Controller Loan Redemption Program
Air Traffic Controller Loan Redemption Program

Air Traffic Controller Loan Redemption Program

On January 12, 2026, a bill was signed into law to establish the Air Traffic Controller Loan Redemption Program in New Jersey. In response to a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers, the program offers student loan relief as an incentive for air traffic controllers serving the region's airspace.

Over the course of up to four years, program participants can receive a total of up to $100,000 in student loan redemption. Redemption amounts are available as follows:

  • 16% of the participant's eligible student loan(s) up to $16,000 for the first full year of service;
  • 26% of the participant's remaining eligible student loan(s) up to $26,000 for the second full year of service;
  • 28% of the participant's remaining eligible student loan(s) up to $28,000 for the third full year of service;
  • 30% of the participant's remaining eligible student loan(s) up to $30,000 for the fourth full year of service.
Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Be a New Jersey resident and maintain residency in the State throughout program participation;
  • Have been hired by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on or after January 12th, 2026;
  • Be employed as an eligible air traffic controller at an approved site; and
  • Have an outstanding student loan(s) that is not in default.

Approved applicants will be required to enter into a written contract with the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) to participate in the program. The contract will specify the service obligation (up to four full years) and the total amount of student loans to be redeemed by HESAA in exchange for that service.

Applying

Applicants must submit all required documents, as listed below, with their application.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis while funding remains available. Approval is subject to the availability of funds.

Applications for this program will open soon.

Eligible Sites Questions & Answers

Required Documents

Applicants will be required to upload all of the following documents before submitting their application:

  • Transcript(s) from each school for which the student loans to be redeemed were borrowed;
  • Standard Form 50 (SF-50) Personnel Form;
  • Completed Employer Certification Form(s);
  • Billing statement dated within 30 days of the application submission date;
  • New Jersey State-Issued ID; and
  • Student Loan Summary: Detailed documentation of eligible student loans, including the lender's name, current balance, account number(s), and loan disbursement dates.*
* Please Note: If your eligible student loans have been consolidated, you must also provide the loan details for all of the original underlying loans included in your consolidation loans, including the account number(s) and the loan disbursement dates for each underlying loan.