Minnesota Healthcare Loan Forgiveness Program

Summary

Minnesota’s Office of Rural Health and Primary Care provides loan forgiveness to healthcare professionals serving in high-need areas. The 2026–2027 application cycle for eligible professions runs November 1, 2026 through January 6, 2027.

Eligibility

Individual health professionals only (organizations cannot apply). Applicants must live in Minnesota with a Minnesota home address, and hold, or will hold by fall 2027, a full, unrestricted Minnesota license in an eligible profession. They must commit to at least 30 hours a week of direct patient care, 45 weeks a year, usually for 3–4 years (nurse faculty and long-term care nurses: 2 years plus an optional 2). Qualifying student loan debt must exceed 2× the annual award (1× for long-term care nurses and nurse faculty). Applicants can't be in another loan repayment program at the same time, except Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Most tracks require a designated rural area (outside the 7-county Twin Cities metro); urban tracks require a shortage area (HPSA, MUA or MUP). Annual awards range from $6,000 (long-term care nurse, rural public health nurse) to $41,000 (dentist). The program is competitive, there are no appeals, and decisions are emailed by May.

Requirements Checklist

• Applicants must follow the profession-specific eligibility, service-obligation, and documentation requirements in the official Minnesota program materials.

Required attachments

• Current professional license or proof of expected licensure by Fall 2027