Rural Health Funding & Opportunities: Loan Repayment Programs

West Virginia Medical Student Loan Program
Forgivable loans for medical students in West Virginia who agree to practice in an approved area of West Virginia upon graduation.

Geographic coverage: West Virginia
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsors: West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, West Virginia University Institute for Community and Rural Health

Tennessee Eyecare Access Optometry and Ophthalmology Loan Repayment Program Inactive
Loan repayment for ophthalmologists (medical and surgical eye care specialists) and optometrists (Doctor of Optometry) who commit to at least 2 years of service in one of Tennessee's eligible rural counties.

Geographic coverage: Tennessee
Application Deadline: Aug 15, 2026
Sponsor: Tennessee Department of Health

Kentucky State Loan Repayment Program Inactive
A 50/50 matching program that increases availability of primary healthcare services through repayment of education loans to eligible health professionals practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas of Kentucky.

Geographic coverage: Kentucky
Application Deadline: Aug 14, 2026
Sponsor: Kentucky Office of Rural Health

Delta Dental of Rhode Island Dentist Loan Repayment Program Inactive
Loan repayment for eligible dental professionals who serve in underserved areas of Rhode Island.

Geographic coverage: Rhode Island
Application Deadline: Aug 13, 2026
Sponsor: Rhode Island Foundation

Montana Rural Physician Incentive Program (MRPIP) Inactive
Loan repayment assistance for physicians who agree to practice in rural and healthcare shortage areas of Montana.

Geographic coverage: Montana
Application Deadline: Aug 1, 2026
Sponsor: Montana University System

Louisiana State Loan Repayment Program Inactive
Loan repayment assistance for specific primary care, mental health, and oral health providers who agree to practice in Health Professional Shortage Areas of Louisiana.

Geographic coverage: Louisiana
Application Deadline: Jul 31, 2026
Sponsor: Louisiana Department of Health

Maryland Dent-Care Loan Assistance Repayment Program Inactive
Loan repayment assistance for dentists and dental hygienists in Maryland who provide care to vulnerable populations in the state, including Maryland Medical Assistance Program recipients.

Geographic coverage: Maryland
Application Deadline: Jul 31, 2026
Sponsors: Maryland Department of Health, Maryland Higher Education Commission

New Mexico Health Professional Loan Repayment Program Inactive
Loan repayment assistance for specific healthcare professionals who agree to practice in a medically underserved area of New Mexico.

Geographic coverage: New Mexico
Application Deadline: Jul 31, 2026
Sponsor: New Mexico Higher Education Department

Faculty Loan Repayment Program Inactive
Loan repayment for individuals from economically or geographically vulnerable backgrounds who agree to serve as faculty at eligible health professions schools for a minimum of 2 years.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories
Application Deadline: Jul 21, 2026
Sponsors: Bureau of Health Workforce, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Oklahoma Nursing Student Assistance Program Inactive
Forgivable loans for Oklahoma students pursuing nursing degrees in return for agreeing to practice in Oklahoma upon graduation. Priority is placed on practicing in rural communities.

Geographic coverage: Oklahoma
Application Deadline: Jul 15, 2026
Sponsor: State of Oklahoma Health Care Workforce Training Commission

Rural Health Funding by Type: Loan Repayment Programs

Rural Health
Funding by Type: Loan Repayment Programs