NJTLRP

 

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 principal and interest of eligible student loan expenses.

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 is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Academic Year from eligible New Jersey teachers from August 14, 2026 through September 30, 2026. Applicants must have been hired by their district on or after January 18, 2022 and meet all other program eligibility listed above.

Selection Criteria

After the application period closes, HESAA will review and score applications using the following weighted criteria:

• Number of unfilled teacher vacancies in the applicant’s school district: 60%
• Applicant’s student loan burden: 25%
• Applicant’s hiring date: 15%

The application period for this program opened at midnight on August 14, 2026 and will close at 11:59PM ET on September 30, 2026.