Think your student loans can't be canceled? In most cases you're correct, but there are some instances in which your student loans can be totally or partially canceled. Canceling your student loan will depend on what kind of loan you have, but here are some of the more common ways it can be done:

• Permanent total disability: If you're unable to work because of a chronic or terminal illness or an injury, your loan could be canceled.

• Membership in the armed forces. Special instances apply, but you can defer and even cancel student loans if you are in a uniformed service.

• Teaching or providing services to needy populations.

• Performing community service, like in the Peace Corps.

• Working in the health care services in certain circumstances.

• Working in law enforcement: Some older Perkins Loans can be canceled.

• Attending a trade school that closed before you finished the program.

• Relative of a 9-11 victim.

• Withdrew from school and didn't get a refund for the portion you didn't complete.

None of these conditions guarantee that you will have a student loan canceled, but if any of these circumstances apply to you, you should contact your loan servicer and ask about a possible cancelation.