Perseverance Pays Off – Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

In more ways than one, working in the nonprofit sector pays off.  

Just ask Katie Ranney, YSS Director of Quality and Compliance, who recently celebrated a significant personal milestone—her student loans were forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program after ten years of service. 

“It took ten years—120 payments—so it was a long time, but I made it. I have really enjoyed working at YSS and plan to continue being here, so it’s just one of those perks to working here,” Katie shared. 

Katie’s journey with YSS began in December 2012, shortly after she graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Starting part-time, she soon moved into a full-time administrative role. It was around this time that she first heard about the PSLF program through her loan repayment site. The program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for an eligible employer. 

Katie wasn’t sure she would meet all the qualifications, but she stayed committed, tracking her payments and doing everything required. Now, after a decade of persistence, her goal has been reached. “It’s been a little over ten years that I’ve been paying on this. So just to have it finally be done and have that last little chunk be forgiven is really exciting,” she recalls. 

She sees this as a significant benefit of nonprofit work. “I think it’s also just a really great benefit for those that want to work in a nonprofit public sector. Sometimes those positions don’t pay as much as where you could find jobs in the private sector, but those little perks like that are awesome,” she said. “Definitely sign up for the program.” 

Katie’s time with YSS has been more than a job; it’s been a meaningful path. “It’s been a really fun journey being able to just provide the support for the staff that are working with all of our youth and clients at YSS,” she said. 

Asked what keeps her going day after day, Katie is quick to respond: “I really have a great group of people that I spend my days with. It makes work not feel like work.”