Tips for funding your education while serving Veterans

If you’re a healthcare professional thinking about a career at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the paycheck is only one benefit to consider. VA has successfully built one of the most generous education benefits ecosystems in the federal government, which can help you fund your education, pay off loans and enter into a VA career debt-free.

Keep reading to learn more about VA’s major scholarship and loan repayment programs, and how you can serve our nation’s heroes without financial burden.

Loan repayment options

There are a few options available to help pay down or pay off a student loan.

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Choose a healthcare career providing top-notch care to America’s Veterans and receive student loan repayment of up to $200,000 at $40,000 per year through EDRP. You can search for EDRP-eligible openings on USAJOBS by using EDRP as a keyword.
• Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program (SELRP): SELRP provides loan repayment to residents and fellows in exchange for a commitment to clinical service at a VA facility after graduation. Learn more about SELRP eligibility online.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Employees with federal student loans may be eligible for this national loan forgiveness program.

Scholarship programs

Beyond loan repayment, VA also funds education on the front end through scholarships tied to a service commitment.

• Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP): HPSP covers tuition and provides a stipend for students pursuing a healthcare discipline in exchange for a period of service at a VA facility after graduation.
• Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professionals Scholarship Program (VIOMPSP): Students seeking a degree or certificate in visual impairment or orientation and mobility can receive a scholarship through VIOMPSP. In exchange, you agree to a 3-year service obligation in a VA facility.
• HPSP Vet Center (Readjustment Counseling Service) Scholarship: The HPSP Vet Center (Readjustment Counseling Service) Scholarship supports healthcare professionals who are pursuing a full-time education in a behavioral health discipline, like psychology, social work, Licensed Professional Mental Health Counseling, and marriage and family therapy. Learn more about eligibility online.

These opportunities are worth exploring for anyone still in school or considering going back for an advanced clinical degree while already employed by VA.

Next Steps

1. Review job postings thoroughly. EDRP, SLRP and similar reimbursements are tied to specific positions, so check USAJOBS for eligibility and award amounts before you apply.
2. Keep an eye on application windows. SELRP, as well as HPSP and other scholarship programs, run on annual cycles rather than rolling admissions. Check VA Careers for updates.
3. Attend a virtual scholarship event. HPSP holds regular Thursday office hours for prospective applicants and award recipients. Review our events page for details on how to join.

Join our mission

The programs above can help you fund your education while healing our nation’s heroes. If you’re all about Veterans like we are, explore the benefits of a rewarding VA career at VA Careers.