For Immediate Release
June 25, 2007
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Loan Forgiveness Program for Soldiers Extended

More Than $17 Million Forgiven for Our Servicemen and Women

HARRISBURG -  Pennsylvania's soldiers may still  be eligible to receive financial relief on higher education loans through the Armed Forces Loan Forgiveness Program, according to Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks), because of a deadline extension.

Tomlinson said the state can continue to offer some financial relief to soldiers through an initiative launched by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Through the Armed Forces Loan Forgiveness Program, PHEAA has helped ease the financial burden of more than 7,500 military personnel.  It is estimated that PHEAA has provided $17.5 million in relief since launching the initiative in 2003.

"We're very proud of our servicemen and women, and we recognize the sacrifices they make on our behalf," said Senator Tomlinson.  "Easing the financial burden of higher education loans is one way we can give back to them."

To be eligible a borrower must be:

(1) Currently a resident of Pennsylvania;
(2) A nonresident who left a Pennsylvania school due to a call to active duty;
(3) Any Pennsylvania resident who was living in Pennsylvania at the time of enlistment and was in the military continuously through at least September 11, 2001, regardless of current place of residence, or;
(4) Any non-resident who attended a PA approved institution of postsecondary education, who went directly from this postsecondary enrollment into the Armed Forces of the United States, and was in the military continuously through at least September 11, 2001, regardless of current place of residence.

Applications and more information regarding the Armed Forces Loan Forgiveness Program are available at www.pheaa.org or www.aesSuccess.org.  Applications can also be requested by calling PHEAA's toll-free Customer Service number at 1-800-233-0557. 

Contact:

Carol Maravic
(717) 787-6725