The NIH Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) are a set of programs established by Congress that are designed to assist health professionals who have doctoral-level degrees and are conducting biomedical or behavioral research with repaying their educational debt. The high costs of obtaining advanced education in clinical and medicinal career specialties causes some scientists to abandon their research careers and seek opportunities in the private industry sector or open private practices to reduce these debts. The LRPs are designed to help offset the costs of advanced training to retain scientists and clinicians in the research field.
If awarded one of the LRPs, the NIH will help repay up to $100,000 annually of a researcher’s qualified educational debt in return for a commitment to engage in NIH related research. Researchers should reapply for the LRPs annually to continue receiving this assistance. There are eight LRPs available, of which more detailed information can be found here.
