Eligible behavioral healthcare professionals can apply for up to $180,000 in student loan relief and incentive grants through October 31, 2026.
The New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 Behavioral Healthcare Provider Loan Redemption Program. The program provides student loan relief to eligible behavioral healthcare professionals working in underserved communities throughout New Jersey.
Participants may receive up to $50,000 for every two years of full-time service at an approved site. The program offers up to $150,000 in student loan redemption in exchange for up to six years of qualifying service. In addition to this, professionals who work primarily with children or adolescents may also qualify for an additional $5,000 annually in incentive grants, bringing the total potential benefit to $180,000.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants must reside in New Jersey, maintain applicable professional licensure or certification, and be employed full-time, or have planned to begin full-time employment by October 1, 2026, at an approved site providing behavioral healthcare services. Approved sites include qualifying nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government entities.
The following nine professions are eligible:
- Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
- Licensed Associate Counselors
- Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers
- Licensed Professional Counselors
- Licensed Psychologists
- Licensed Social Workers
- Psychiatric Nurse Mental Health Clinical Specialists
- Psychiatrists
Applicants must commit to a minimum of two years of qualifying service. HESAA uses a scoring system that considers workforce demand, geographic location, salary, and whether applicants primarily serve children or adolescents. Participation is subject to program eligibility requirements and available funding.
Since the program launched in 2023, more than 200 behavioral healthcare professionals have been accepted.
Application Information
Applications must be completed by October 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. HESAA will not accept additional documentation or revisions after the deadline.
Current program participants do not need to reapply. Individuals who previously applied but were not accepted must submit a new application to be considered.
For complete eligibility requirements and to apply, visit HESAA’s Behavioral Healthcare Provider Loan Redemption Program webpage.
Autism New Jersey encourages eligible behavioral healthcare professionals, including those supporting individuals with autism, to explore this opportunity.