What would you do?

[Saul Good]

Originally Posted by Mike in SW-MO

If the program is loan forgiveness, then you should take option #1. You borrowed the money and you owe it. You should pay it back.

If the program is contracted benefit to attract a qualified employee, then go modified option 2 with payoff cash in an account ready to go. Debilitating injury/illness in year 4 would really stink. If this is from a locality watch out for severence right before they have to pay out.

I am big fan of free market. If they need that incentive to attract good people then go for it. If that is part of her compensation package, then she deserves every penny.

This isn't a handout. It's a way to attract qualified people to areas of need. You should absolutely take advantage of that. It's like the GI bill for teachers in low-income and/or high-need areas.

You wouldn't go through the military and then go "I really shouldn't let them pay for my college". That would be insane. It's part of the deal you signed onto.