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N.D. (AP) — Some North Dakota teachers may qualify for a program that helps pay off student loans.

The North Dakota University System will begin accepting applications on Wednesday for the 2015 teacher shortage loan forgiveness program.

Applicants may be eligible if they held a full-time teaching contract in a defined teaching shortage area in North Dakota for a full academic year.

Recipients can receive up to $1,000 a year and a maximum of $3,000.

Interim university system chancellor Larry Skogen says the program is a great incentive to teachers who choose to stay in the state.

Nearly 400 applicants were awarded loan forgiveness a year ago through the program.