NHSC S2S

NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program

Up to $120,000 lifetime for final-year health professions students who commit to 3 years at an NHSC-approved HPSA site after training. The right program if you are graduating in 2026 and know where you want to land. The Maternity Care Target Area supplement can add $40,000.

HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce, National Health Service Corps

Award

Up to $120,000 lifetime ($30,000 per year × 4 annual installments). The Maternity Care Target Area supplement adds up to $40,000 on top for qualifying maternity care providers, for a potential total of $160,000.

Eligible professions

→Students in their final year of an accredited U.S. school in: MD, DO, DDS/DMD, NP, CNM, or PA
→NP/CNM/PA must graduate by August 31, 2026 for the current cycle

Eligible employer types

Fqhc Ihs Publichospital Nonprofit Government

HPSA requirement

Service site must be an NHSC-approved facility in a designated HPSA.

Application cycle

FY2026 awards announced by April 15, 2026 (current cycle closed). Next cycle expected fall 2026.

PSLF interaction

Service period at a qualifying employer can count toward PSLF concurrently.

Tax treatment

Federally tax-exempt under IRC §108(f)(4).

Common pitfalls

!You must be in your FINAL year of training when you apply. Early-year students are not eligible.
!For MDs and DOs, the service obligation begins AFTER residency, which delays the start by 3 to 7 years depending on specialty.
!Failure to complete service triggers liquidated damages of 3 times the award amount plus interest.

Next step

Want us to match you with a qualifying employer?

Upload your resume. A member of our team reviews every profile and introduces you only when there's a real match at an employer that qualifies you for the program you're targeting. Free, private, and you decide whether to be introduced.

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Sources

HRSA: NHSC Students to Service LRP · Retrieved May 17, 2026
HRSA: NHSC S2S Application Program Guidance (PDF) · Retrieved May 17, 2026

Last reviewed against primary sources: May 17, 2026. Program rules and award amounts change. Always confirm directly with the agency before applying. If you find an error, email hello@blackhealth.org and we'll correct it within 48 hours.