Minnesota Teacher Shortage Student Loan Repayment Program

The Minnesota Teacher Shortage Student Loan Repayment Program, created in 2015 by the State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Dayton, is intended to encourage teachers to teach in Minnesota in designated shortage areas by providing assistance with their student loan repayments.

Annual awards are up to $1,000 in loan repayment assistance paid directly to selected applicants. Awardees are limited to $5,000 in total repayment assistance.

Eligibility

In general, applicants must currently:

  • Hold a teaching license issued by the licensing division in the Minnesota Department of Education on behalf of the Board of Teaching
  • Be employed by a school district to provide classroom instruction
  • Teach in an designated teacher shortage area; and
  • Have outstanding qualified educational loan debt

Application Process

  • Applicants must apply annually.
  • Complete the Minnesota Teacher Shortage Student Loan Repayment Program application. (Paper applications are available by request.)
  • Applicants who meet the general eligibility requirements will be requested to provide additional documentation to verify the information provided on the application.