State Loan Repayment Program

The State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP), administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is a forecasted discretionary grant opportunity listed under opportunity number HRSA-26-015. This federal grant initiative is funded through HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce and authorized under Assistance Listing 93.165 – Grants to States for Loan Repayment. The primary purpose of the SLRP is to assist state, territorial, and district governments in establishing or sustaining educational loan repayment programs for primary care providers who serve in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). HRSA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is tasked with improving access to healthcare services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. The SLRP aligns with HRSA's mission by expanding workforce capacity in underserved areas, thereby increasing the availability of essential primary care services. Under this program, states receive grant funding to repay qualifying educational loans for eligible primary care professionals who commit to working in underserved communities. The funding opportunity anticipates approximately 50 awards, with a total estimated program funding of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. However, award ceilings and floors are not specified in the forecasted notice and remain undetermined. A cost-sharing or matching requirement is in place, meaning states must contribute non-federal funds toward loan repayment expenses in conjunction with federal funding. Specific matching amounts are not listed in the forecasted details, and this will need to be verified in the final NOFO when released. Eligibility for this program is limited to state governments and special district governments, including all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories. HRSA explicitly lists "Others (see text field entitled 'Additional Information on Eligibility')" but then clarifies that only state governments and special district governments qualify. Therefore, eligibility is not open to nonprofit organizations, individuals, or local municipalities unless they are structured as special districts. The current grant opportunity is in a forecasted stage, with an estimated post date of July 30, 2025, and an application deadline projected for January 12, 2026. The proposed project start date is July 1, 2026. As of the last update on July 3, 2025, the opportunity has not yet opened for applications. There is no indication that this opportunity is rolling; however, it is likely to be recurring, given HRSA's historical administration of this program in prior years. The internal check date for the next expected cycle is set as July 3, 2026, based on this recurrence pattern. For additional information, potential applicants may contact the designated HRSA grant officer, Opeoluwa Daramola, at (301) 443-0000 or by email at ODaramola@hrsa.gov. While the forecast does not include a link to a detailed funding opportunity PDF or application materials, further instructions and application questions will likely be provided upon publication of the full NOFO. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor grants.gov or the HRSA website for the final solicitation and any pre-application webinar or technical assistance resources.