The South Carolina Teacher Loan Program encourages residents to enter the teaching profession. A teacher can cancel portions of his or her student loan by teaching in certain critical geographical and subject areas. Both rural and suburban schools are designated as critical geographic areas. These areas are designated annually by the State Board of Education. It is a recipient's responsibility to determine a school's designation prior to accepting employment.

Awards: Freshmen and sophomores may borrow up to $2,500 per year. Juniors, seniors, and graduate students may borrow up to $5,000 per year. Career Changers may borrow up to $15,000 per year and up to an aggregate maximum of $60,000. Critical Needs Certification Program participants may borrow up to $1,000 per year, not to exceed an aggregate maximum of $5,000.

Eligibility: Teachers who teach in critical geographical and subject areas.

Contact: For a list of the current subject areas, critical geographical school districts, and cancellation guidelines, contact the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation, 800-347-2752.