NJTLRP

 

The application period for this program is currently closed.

Program Description

The Teacher Loan Redemption Program aims to strengthen New Jersey’s pre-K -12 workforce by offering student loan redemption to teachers working in high-need fields at eligible schools. Participants may receive up to $5,000 in student loan redemption per year for up to four years, for a maximum total of $20,000. Loan redemption payments equal 25% of the outstanding principal and interest of eligible student loan expenses at the time of redemption.

Program Eligibility

To participate in the program, an applicant must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a New Jersey resident and maintain residency in the State throughout program participation;
• Hold certification from the New Jersey Department of Education to teach in the state;
• Have been hired on or after January 18, 2022 to teach in a high need field at the time of hire by your current employer.
• Currently be employed in a high-need field at an eligible school at the time of application;
• Have not previously been selected for participation in the program; and
• Not be in default on any qualifying student loan.

Approved applicants must 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 academic years) and the total amount of student loans to be redeemed by HESAA in exchange for that service.

Academic Year 2026-2027 Overview

HESAA accepted applications for the 2026-2027 Academic Year from eligible New Jersey teachers from midnight August 14, 2026 through 11:59 pm ET on September 30, 2026. All applications needed to be complete by the end of the application period. HESAA will not accept additional documents or revisions made to applications after 11:59 pm ET on September 30, 2026.

Upon the conclusion of the application period, the HESAA team will carefully review applications and select participants based on the following criteria, weighted as follows:

• Total number of credits taught at the eligible institution(s) in the current year (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026) (50%)
• Total number of credits taught in an eligible Registered Nursing program (25%)
• Number of consecutive years (July 1- June 30) teaching at the same institution (20%)
• Type of degree obtained via an approved graduate program (5%)

The application period for this program is currently closed.