Grow Your Future in Nemaha County

Nemaha County, Kansas, is proud to participate in the state’s Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZ) Student Loan Repayment Program, helping to attract new residents and strengthen our workforce. Eligible individuals who move to Nemaha County and hold an associate, bachelor’s, or postgraduate degree can receive up to $15,000 in student loan reimbursement over five years. Whether you're returning home or discovering our vibrant rural communities for the first time, this program is designed to help you Grow your Future in Nemaha County—where opportunity, community, and quality of life come together.

The Rural Opportunity Zone Program helps to facilitate workforce recruitment and population growth in rural Kansas Counties with populations under 40,000, through tax relief and student loan repayment assistance. Qualified individuals could be eligible to receive Kansas state income tax credits and/or student loan repayment assistance provided by both the State and an approved local sponsor. The Kansas Department of Commerce is responsible for administrating the student loan repayment portion of the Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZ) program.

What is the rural opportunity zone program?

Qualified individuals will receive student loan payments in equal shares over a maximum term of 5 years. Annual distributions will be equal to 20% of the individual’s outstanding student loan balance up to a maximum of $15,000 over 5 years when they move to an eligible funded ROZ County after they have earned at least an associate degree.

How does it work?

In order to qualify for student loan repayment assistance, a resident individual must satisfy the following conditions:

1. Establish domicile in a ROZ county after July 1, 2011, and on or after the date on which the county opts-in to the student loan program (First Resolution Date).
2. Hold at least an associate degree prior to moving to the ROZ county.
3. Have an outstanding student loan balance related to the degree/s earned prior to moving to the ROZ county.
4. Ability to provide proof of residency at current and previous addresses, proof of degree earned, and proof of student loan balance with distribution dates.
5. Have a local sponsor. Counties, cities, foundations, and employers can sponsor applicants in this program. The applicant must have a sponsor to receive funding. It is the applicant’s responsibility to find a sponsor if county sponsorship is not available.
6. Applicants must submit a completed form with contact info, address history, degree proof, loan details, and a brief explanation for moving to the county. Additional requirements include anticipated move-in date, Kansas license if applicable, and any other info requested by the secretary.

Who qualifies for student loan repayment assistance?

ROZ applications must be submitted through the Kansas Department of Commerce Rural Opportunity Zone website between January 1 and September 30 each year. Applicants must complete the form fully and provide documents like ID, housing records, transcripts, loan details, and, once approved, forms including a W9, Participant Agreement, and Direct Deposit.

How to apply for roz benefits?

Contact Nancy Gafford with any questions