"The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is one of the most significant breakthroughs for public interest lawyers in a generation, according to the organization Equal Justice Works, which strives to ensure a steady stream of attorneys into public service jobs," San Jose Business Journal reports. "The program that began July 1, established by the College Cost Reduction & Access Act, offers a lower repayment schedule and loan forgiveness on the balance after 10 years of loan repayment and qualifying public service employment, the group said. In addition to law graduates, the program is open to other crucial public-interest professionals such as police officers, those in certain medical jobs and teachers. For purposes of the act, public service includes jobs with most government agencies, most public and private schools, and most 501(c)(3) nonprofits."