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
NIH Division of Loan Repayment: https://www.lrp.nih.gov