Eligible students who are in compliance with program requirements may qualify for forgiveness of a loan or loans received through the program by agreeing to be employed in an occupational area of high demand within the state of Missouri, as determined by the board, with such employment beginning within one calendar year of graduation by the individual from an eligible institution, and as outlined in the contract pursuant to section 173.790. The employment qualifying the eligible student for loan forgiveness shall be approved by the board. The board shall approve loan forgiveness on a year-for-year basis, with each year of approved employment qualifying the student for the forgiveness of one year’s loans. Students electing not to comply with these employment requirements, or students failing to meet these requirements shall be required to repay with interest any or all loans received, pursuant to the contractual provisions described in section 173.790.