Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program
Jump to: Eligibility | Apply | Award | Timeline | More Information
In 2023, the Howard County Council established a Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program by allocating $225,000 each year for five years to help eligible HCPSS teachers repay their student loans. The program aims to support the recruitment and retention of a diverse group of certificated staff at HCPSS.
Eligibility
Howard County will assist in the repayment of student loans for current full-time, permanent HCPSS employees who are currently assigned to the Howard County Education Association (HCEA) certificated bargaining unit and meet the following criteria:
- received a graduate, professional, or undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- been employed with the HCPSS full-time for 5 school years
- not currently in default on any student loan
- incurred at least $20K in student loan debt for any education loan used for undergraduate or graduate study obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses
- have a remaining balance of $5K or more on their student loan
- possesses one of the following certifications/licenses:
- Professional Eligibility Certificate (PEC)
- Standard Professional Certificate I (SPC I)
- Standard Professional Certificate II (SPC II)
- Advanced Professional Certificate (APC)
- Initial Professional License (IPL)
- Professional License (PL)
- Advanced Professional License (APL)
- Temporary Professional License (TPL)
- Conditional License (CL)
Apply
The application will be made available during the next application window, which opens in February 2026.
Award
The amount of money awarded to each applicant will be determined by the Howard County government. Howard County Government will mail the check to the address provided on the application.
The applicant is responsible for applying the award to their student loans. The applicant will be provided a 1099 form and is responsible for any taxes associated with the award.
2025-2026 Program Timeline
Application opens: February 2, 2026
Application closes: April 10, 2026
Award determination notification via email: No later than May 29, 2026
Check mailed by Howard County Government: No later than June 30, 2026
For More Information
Review these FAQs to learn more about the Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program.
Questions about the Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program should be sent to TeachersLoanAssistance@hcpss.org.