Actually, they can... as long as they are FEDERAL loans (i.e. Direct Loans) and you perform 10 years of public service (i.e. Military service... and you MUST stay in for atleast 10 years)... and make atleast 120 payments. After the 120 payments, the remainder of your balance is forgiven. For more information, contact your federal loan provider.
I am not participating in this program because I don't intend to stay in the military for 10 years and I don't plan on making 120 payments either... I am trying to repay this loan in a much shorter period of time...