From Advocate to Recipient: How One Educator Eliminated His Student Loan Debt

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – JUNE 17, 2026 – Robert “Bobby” Marshall III helped shape the future of student loan forgiveness for educators. Years later, that same program changed his own life.

Today, Marshall is a health teacher at Hermiston High School in Oregon with more than 23 years of experience in education. Over the course of his career, he’s served as a teacher, vice principal, athletic director and dean of students.

However, while building a rewarding career in education, Marshall was also building significant student loan debt.

As a first-generation college student, Marshall earned a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and ultimately an education specialist degree. Along the way, he accumulated more than $185,000 in student loan debt.

“I invested everything into becoming the best educator I could be,” he said.

Marshall was no stranger to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, having played a role in expanding it. Through his work with the Oregon Education Association and state and national education leaders, he advocated for changes that broadened eligibility beyond teachers to include other education professionals as well as nonprofit employees.

"I lobbied in Washington, D.C., worked with policymakers and even helped rewrite portions of education legislation," Marshall said. "It's been incredible to watch the program evolve and help so many people."

Despite his deep understanding of PSLF, changing regulations and technical requirements still created challenges for him. That's where Horace Mann's Student Loan Solutions program made a difference.

While reviewing Marshall's account, a Horace Mann representative identified a limited-time opportunity to consolidate his loans and ensure he qualified for forgiveness under updated PSLF rules. Acting quickly made all the difference.

“That opportunity allowed my loans to be completely discharged,” Marshall said. “It has saved me literally $185,000.”

He credits Horace Mann's guidance with helping him navigate a complex process at exactly the right moment.

“Take the time to gather your information, stay informed and work with someone who understands the process,” he said. “The benefit is absolutely worth it.”

Marshall's experience reflects a challenge facing educators across the country. While the average educator carries approximately $55,800 in student loan debt, many carry significantly more as they pursue advanced degrees and certifications. At the same time, federal student loan changes scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026, may impact repayment options and eligibility for forgiveness programs.

That's why Horace Mann continues to offer Student Loan Solutions, powered by Tuition.io, at no cost to educators.

“At Horace Mann, our mission is to help educators succeed in and out of the classroom,” said Steve Chauby, Chief Marketing and Distribution Officer at Horace Mann. “Navigating student loan forgiveness programs and upcoming federal changes can be overwhelming. Student Loan Solutions helps educators understand their options, reduce financial stress, and plan confidently for the future.”

Since 2020, more than 7,200 educators have applied for financial relief through Horace Mann's Student Loan Solutions program, and the company estimates more than $355 million in potential loan forgiveness over the next decade.

After spending years advocating for student loan forgiveness and helping expand access for others, Marshall was able to experience its benefits firsthand.

“It’s been an amazing journey,” he said. “To help shape the program, earn the forgiveness and have my debt eliminated has truly changed my life.”

To learn more about Horace Mann’s Student Loan Solutions program, visit https://www.horacemann.com/programs/student-loan-solutions.