Panthers Forward can now help graduates find loan forgiveness and repayment options

The University of Pittsburgh’s Panthers Forward program has created a first-of-its-kind opportunity to help Pitt students find the best options for loan repayment and forgiveness with assistance from Savi, a social-impact technology startup that helps borrowers discover new repayment and loan forgiveness options.

“We’re thrilled to be the first university to team up with Savi to offer this valuable service to students,” said Sarah Cullen, Panthers Forward director. “This partnership underscores the University of Pittsburgh’s commitment to addressing the affordability of higher education and empowering students to be confident and prepared for life after graduation.”

Each year, Panthers Forward provides 150 graduating Pitt seniors with resources designed to support their post-graduation success, including financial wellness programming, budgeting and long-term investing tools, mentoring and up to $5,000 in direct federal student loan relief. Graduates will now also have access to Savi’s platform and educational resources, which can potentially save them thousands of dollars on their loans.

Through this partnership with Savi, Panthers Forward has elevated its programming to offer an online tool that helps participants:

• Navigate and apply for federal loan repayment and forgiveness programs like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
• Learn about lowering interest rates, consolidating loans or reducing payments
• Discover all benefits or programs available to them

Founded by experienced student loan experts and advocates, Savi works with hundreds of employers, from hospitals to universities, along with organizations such as the National Education Association and TIAA to provide its service as a unique student loan benefit.

 “We’re excited to partner with the University of Pittsburgh and help graduates early in their careers reduce one of the biggest burdens: student debt,” said Aaron Smith, co-founder of Savi. “Research has shown that student debt can have a long-lasting impact on people’s lives. Through this partnership, we’ll be able to provide students with all the resources and tools they need to navigate their student loans and ensure they get off to a strong start.”

Pitt also offers Savi as a benefit to its employees. Morgan Weaver (A&S ’23) participated in Panthers Forward as a student and now works on the program’s staff.

“Savi greatly simplified the process of enrolling in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and identifying other helpful resources as I began to repay my student loans,” Weaver said. “That process is complex and even overwhelming at times, and it’s wonderful that fellow Panthers Forward participants will be able to benefit from using Savi like I did.”

— Josh Tysiachney, photography of Kayla Kendricks (ENGR ’24) by by Kaylee Uribe