The Biden-Harris Administration has expanded public servants debt relief by approving $4.5 billion in student loan forgiveness for over 60,000 workers across the country. This expansion of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program is part of a broader push to reduce student debt. Since taking office, the administration has forgiven more than $175 billion in student loans, with $74 billion specifically benefiting public servants.

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How the PSLF Program Has Improved

The PSLF Program forgives remaining student loan balances for public service workers who have made 120 qualifying payments. Vice President Kamala Harris noted that when she and President Biden took office, only 7,000 people had been approved for loan forgiveness through PSLF. Now, over one million public servants, including teachers, nurses, and first responders, have received relief.

“Higher education should lead to opportunity—not a lifetime of debt,” Harris said. “Today, we celebrate a record number of public servants receiving debt relief.”

State-by-State Breakdown of Debt Relief

Under the expanded PSLF Program, public servants in every state have benefited:

  • Florida: $4.65 billion forgiven for over 55,000 borrowers.
  • Ohio: Over 44,000 borrowers received more than $3.08 billion in forgiveness.
  • Pennsylvania: 44,150 borrowers benefited from $3.15 billion in relief.
  • Michigan: 35,400 borrowers saw $2.5 billion canceled.

Public service workers in Georgia, Wisconsin, Nevada, Maryland, and Virginia also received significant debt relief. Harris emphasized that these efforts improve the financial well-being of workers across various sectors.

Broader Initiatives to Reduce Student Debt

The Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts extend beyond the PSLF Program. Over $56.5 billion has been forgiven through income-driven repayment plans, while $28.7 billion in relief has been approved for other borrowers. Additionally, a $900 increase to the Pell Grant aims to prevent future student debt.

Harris’s Commitment to Reducing Debt

Harris remains dedicated to lowering student debt and making higher education affordable. “Despite opposition, we will keep working to lower costs and relieve student debt,” Harris stated. “We want an economy that works for all Americans.”