Student loans are a burden to any college graduate. Thanks to a variety of loan forgiveness programs, though, they can also open the door to special opportunities.

Alexander Pope once stated, "To err is human, to forgive is divine." The sentiment holds true for college graduates, who may rejoice at the prospect of having their student loans forgiven in exchange for service.

Forgiveness programs will pardon part of a student's loan in exchange for the graduate using his skills to help a needy or disadvantaged group. It can take the form of a stipend, or an automatic repayment of a percentage of the loan. It's an ideal way for graduates to give back to their country without having to give back money.

Volunteering makes a difference

Several volunteer organizations offer variations of loan forgiveness. The AmeriCorps will pay both a salary and give loan forgiveness, based on a 12-month commitment. The Peace Corps allows volunteers to defer Stafford, Perkins, and Consolidation loans, and provide partial cancellation of Perkins Loans. The Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) pays its volunteers a stipend to help end hunger, homelessness, poverty and illiteracy.

Military programs at your service

The armed forces offer merit-based programs that can repay part of their loans, with amounts varying by branch. The National Guard and Reserves will also repay student loans, although amounts may differ by state.

Teaching has its rewards

For educators, numerous programs forgive students loans in exchange for teaching low-income families. The National Defense Education Act is one program that forgives a portion of the Perkins Loan for teachers who work for select elementary or secondary schools. Help is also needed in special education, math, science, and other areas.

Legal and medical opportunities

For doctors and lawyers, opportunities for loan forgiveness also exist. Positions include serving the public interest, but vary by state and even occupation. There are also specific programs for occupational and physical therapists.

Tax implications

Loan forgiveness does come at a cost when April 15th rolls around. Current tax laws stipulate that the loan amount must be counted as taxable income in the year it's forgiven. There are loopholes, however, and there are numerous proposals on the table to make loan forgiveness completely tax-exempt. These, though, have yet to become legislation.

Student loans have provided the means for countless high school graduates to attend college. The burden of repayment for these loans can be steep and extend for many years. But thanks to a number of programs, students can exchange service for loan forgiveness and stipends. It's a great way to repay a debt while helping those in need-a win-win scenario for students and society alike.