State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)

The Health Resources and Services Administration provides grants to assist states in operating their own State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) for primary care providers working in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA). The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) received a grant award that will allow eligible health professionals to qualify for federally funded loan repayment awards.

How to Apply

The SLRP application period is currently closed. 

Program Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

To receive loan repayment assistance, a participant must meet the following requirements: 

• Be a U.S. citizen or national (naturalized citizen).
• Not have an outstanding contractual obligation for any of the following:
• Health care professional service to the Federal Government (e.g., a National Health Service Corps (NHSC))
• Scholarship or Loan Repayment Program obligation
• A NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program obligation
• A state loan repayment program (other than the one receiving HRSA grant funds), or
• Other entity unless that service obligation will be completely satisfied before the SLRP contract has been signed.

Please note: Certain provisions in employment contracts can create a service obligation (e.g., an employer offers a physician a recruitment bonus in return for the physician’s agreement to work at that facility for a certain period of time or pay back the bonus).

DISCIPLINES
SLRP participants must have completed training in an accredited graduate training program in, and possess an active and valid license (without restrictions or encumbrances) to practice in one of the following eligible disciplines:

• Allopathic Medicine
• Osteopathic Medicine
• General and Pediatric Dentistry
• Nurse Practitioner
• Certified Nurse-Midwife
• Physician Assistant
• Registered Dental Hygienist
• Health Service Psychologist (Clinical and Counseling)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Psychiatric Nurse Specialist
• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Registered Nurse
• Pharmacist
• Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselors licensed/credentialed/certified by their state of practice that meet educational requirements and master’s degree requirement.

Award Amount

Annual loan repayment awards are disbursed directly to the lender/servicer following completion of each year of service and can be up to $25,000 a year. 

Eligible Loans

The following requirements apply for a loan to be eligible for repayment through this program:

• Must not have an existing service obligation 

• Must not be in default status at the time of application 

• Can be a federal, state or private loan 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to apply each year?
No. If you have been accepted into the program, you will be notified regarding a required end-of-service period employment verification form every six months.

What happens if I leave the program? Do I have to pay back any money I received?
If you change locations and the new location is not in a HPSA or MHPSA, you move out of the state, or you fail to meet any of the program requirements, you will be removed from the program. Failure by recipients to complete the minimum two-year contract obligation will result in penalties totaling a minimum of $31,000. Specific penalty amounts assessed to participant awardees will be calculated pursuant to 42 U.S. Code § 254o.

What if I want to change practice sites?
Before changing practice sites, please contact THECB-Loan Repayment Office to discuss the impact of such a change. If you wish to change practice sites, the new site must be in a HPSA or MHPSA for you to continue to be eligible for the program.

I am participating in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Does this disqualify me from any loan repayment program?
No. This program requires a person to make 120 payments before the loan is potentially forgiven. The verification process does not take place until after all 120 payments have been made. A participant may complete the state program before all 120 payments have been made on their federal loans.

Can it pay on my private loans?
Yes. SLRP awards can be used for federal, state and private loans.

What if I defaulted on my private or state loans?
We encourage you to contact your lender to see what steps need to be taken to resolve the defaulted loan. SLRP awards cannot be issued on a defaulted loan.

Is this considered taxable?
SLRP awards are not considered taxable income so you will not receive a 1099 for this award.

How will I receive my award?
Funds are disbursed directly to your loan lender. If your lender has changed since the initial application was submitted, please email LoanRepaymentPrograms@highered.texas.gov with an updated account statement.

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