/
NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP)
Edit

NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP)

What is the NIH Loan Repayment Program?

The NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) helps recruit and retain early-career researchers by repaying up to $50,000 per year in qualifying educational debt in exchange for a commitment to research.

The program is designed to reduce financial barriers that may deter individuals from pursuing research careers in areas of high public health importance. LRP contracts are for two years and may be renewed.

JHURA Point of Contact: Denelle Joynes is the Institutional Business Official (IBO). An IBO represents the LRP applicant’s employing institution in an official capacity and will be asked to certify that an applicant is eligible.

LRP Categories Relevant to Public Health

Public health researchers most commonly apply under:

  • Clinical Research

  • Health Disparities Research

  • Pediatric Research

  • Behavioral and Social Science Research

  • Contraception and Infertility Research

  • Clinical Research for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds

Many BSPH investigators, particularly in epidemiology, prevention science, implementation science, health policy, and community-based research, fit within these categories.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To apply you must:

  • Hold a doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, MD, ScD, PharmD, etc.)

  • Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident

  • Have qualifying educational loan dept equal to at least 20% of your institutional base salary

  • Commit to conducting at least 50% research effort (20 hours/week) in an eligible research area

  • Be employed by a nonprofit institution or U.S. government agency

Research must align with NIH mission priorities and be conducted in a qualifying setting (e.g., university, research institute, government agency).

Why It Matters for Public Health Researchers

Financial Relief

Up to $50,000 per year in loan repayment can significantly reduce financial stress, particularly for early-career faculty and research-track investigators.

Career Development 

LRP awardees demonstrate a strong commitment to research. This can strengthen professional credibility and signal long-term investment in public health scholarship. 

Focus on Impact 

The program supports research in high-priority areas such as: 

  • Disease prevention and control 

  • Health equity and disparities 

  • Behavioral health 

  • Population health interventions 

  • Social determinants of health 

Should You Apply? 

You should consider applying if: 

  • You have substantial educational debt 

  • You are committed to a research-focused career 

  • At least 50% of your effort is dedicated to research 

  • Your work aligns with NIH priorities 

  • You can commit to a two-year research contract 

The program may not be a strong fit if: 

  • You plan to transition away from research 

  • You do not meet the research effort requirement 

  • Your educational debt is minimal 

Application Considerations 

  • Applications are competitive 

  • A strong research plan and institutional support are essential 

  • Letters of recommendation are required 

  • Renewal requires continued eligibility and research commitment 

Applicants should begin preparing early and coordinate with departmental leadership and grants administration. 

Contract Details 

  • Up to $50,000 per year in loan repayment 

  • Two-year contract, renewable 

  • Payments are made directly toward qualifying educational loans 

Additional Resources