Physician loan repayment programs vary by state based on award amounts, specialty eligibility, service commitments, and practice location requirements. State-sponsored initiatives across the country provide loan repayment assistance for physicians who practice in eligible communities.

1. Michigan — The Michigan State Loan Repayment Program allows eligible primary medical, dental, and mental health care providers to receive up to $300,000 in loan repayments up to 10 years for service in underserved communities designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas.

2. Iowa — The Rural Iowa Primary Care Loan Repayment Program offers up to $200,000 in federal student loan repayment for physicians practicing in family medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, or internal medicine in eligible service commitment areas.

3. Nebraska — Nebraska’s loan repayment programs provide up to $180,000 to $200,000 for physicians and dentists, with the Nebraska State Loan Repayment Program offering $60,000 per year for 3 years and the National Health Service Corps Nebraska State Loan Repayment Program offering $50,000 per year for 2 to 4 years.

4. New Jersey — New Jersey's Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program provides up to $120,000 in student loan redemption for physicians, dentists, psychiatrists, and other eligible primary care providers who serve in health professional shortage areas for 2 to 4 years, subject to available funding.

5. Louisiana — The Louisiana Physician Loan Repayment Program offers physicians up to $30,000 annually for a 5-year commitment to serve in health professional shortage areas.

6. Maryland — The Maryland Loan Repayment Programs provide up to $100,000 in loan repayment assistance for eligible physicians who complete a 2-year service commitment at approved practice sites.

7. New York — The state's Doctors Across New York Physician Loan Repayment Program requires a 3-year service obligation for new awards and provides a maximum award of $120,000.

8. Delaware — The Delaware State Loan Repayment Program offers up to $100,000 for qualified primary care, dental, and behavioral or mental health professionals who provide at least 2 consecutive years of full- or half-time service in shortage areas.

9. Minnesota — Minnesota’s health care loan forgiveness programs are available to physicians who practice in designated rural areas or underserved urban communities. Eligible specialties include primary care, pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, psychiatry, and obstetrics and gynecology. Participants commit to between 3 and 4 years of service and may receive up to $33,000 annually in loan repayment for a lifetime maximum of $132,000. Eligible federal Direct and private student loans may qualify for repayment assistance.

10. Colorado — The Colorado Health Service Corps offers up to $90,000 in loan repayment for physicians and dentists practicing in designated health professional shortage areas for at least 3 years. Loan repayment awards are not subject to federal income tax.

Sources: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa Legislature, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, Well-Ahead Louisiana, Maryland Department of Health, New York State Department of Health, Delaware Health and Social Services, University of Minnesota Medical School, Colorado Health Service Corps