Student Loan Forgiveness Assistance

Student loan debt continues to be one of the most significant financial challenges in the U.S., now exceeding $1.7 trillion. Penn recognizes the burden that repayment can place on the financial well-being and mental health of its staff and faculty—and is here to help.

To support your journey toward greater financial freedom, Penn offers free access to PeopleJoy, a trusted financial wellness partner specializing in student loan repayment assistance, forgiveness programs, and education planning.

Whether you're seeking relief through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), navigating federal or private loan repayment, or planning for future college costs, PeopleJoy provides personalized, goal-oriented guidance to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

School of Nursing Employee Erases $80,000 in Student Loan Debt

Holly Harner, a faculty member in the School of Nursing, recently used Penn's free service and received $80,000 in student loan forgiveness. Watch this video to hear about her experience in navigating the process.

Comprehensive Services Available to You

  • PSLF Program Support. Get expert help determining your eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. PeopleJoy will assist with navigating the application process, managing documentation, and serving as your advocate with federal loan servicers. Eligible loans must be in the employee's name.
  • Program Assessment. Not sure which repayment plan is right for you? PeopleJoy’s platform will evaluate your unique financial situation and recommend the best-fit federal or private repayment options.
  • Hands-Off Enrollment & Recertification. Avoid the hassle of paperwork and deadlines. PeopleJoy manages your enrollment and ongoing recertifications for federal programs, ensuring you stay compliant and on track year after year.
  • One-on-One Goals-Based Coaching. Receive customized repayment advice that aligns with your budget, income goals, and overall financial health. Regular coaching calls ensure you’re supported throughout your repayment journey.
  • College Financial Planning. Get help planning for the future—whether for yourself, your children, or other dependents. Services include one-on-one sessions with an advisor, evaluation of the most cost-effective financing strategies, and access to tools that help you make informed decisions.
  • Private Loan Coaching & Refinancing Guidance. Explore repayment strategies for your private student loans with personalized coaching. PeopleJoy’s advisors will help you understand your options for refinancing and connect you with vetted refinancing partners, so you can potentially reduce interest rates and monthly payments.

How to Get Started

If you’re a Penn staff or faculty member with student loan debt—federal or private—you can get started at no cost by visiting upenn.peoplejoy.com. You’ll need your work email, PennID, and MyStudentData file to enroll. Are you unsure how to download your MyStudentData file? Watch this video.

Once your profile is complete, PeopleJoy will reach out via email to confirm your enrollment, request any additional information, and guide you through the next steps. Alternatively, you will be notified if you are ineligible for services.

Need More Information?

Visit upenn.peoplejoy.com or read the PSLF FAQs to learn more about how PeopleJoy can support your financial wellness and help you make progress on your student loan goals.

Employee Testimonials

"Having PeopleJoy as a benefit through UPenn allowed me to have a space to go for questions, support to ensure I was on the best repayment plan, and peace of mind while there has been so much uncertainty."

Katrina Struloeff
Director of Growth and Impact
Catalyst Education

"This is exciting and I cannot thank PeopleJoy and the University of Pennsylvania enough for your assistance through this process. Before I reached out to PeopleJoy, I would receive information on how to manage my loan or consolidate, but the information was so overwhelming that I didn't want to make a commitment that would cost me even more. I also didn't know who I could trust to tell me the truth and provide guidance to a manageable remedy, even if the loans could not be fully forgiven. But because I know that Penn has a rigorous research team to search for the best suppliers, I felt that I could trust PeopleJoy. I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to receive your services." 

Miriam Harris ($68,152 in student loans forgiven)
Financial Administrator
Penn GSE Business Office 

"I had $180,000 in student loans forgiven through this program. The PeopleJoy platform was very user friendly. The relief of this financial burden has been incredible for our family. It has allowed us to reimagine our retirement."

Lindsey Albenberg, DO
Attending Physician
Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia