NIH Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs)

On September 1, 2003, the NIH began accepting applications for its five Loan Repayment Programs. National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) can repay up to $35,000 per year of qualified educational debt for health professionals pursuing careers in clinical, pediatric, contraception and infertility, or health disparities research.

The programs also provide coverage for federal and state tax liabilities. Applicants must have a doctoral-level degree, devote 50% or more of their time to nonprofit- or government-funded research, and have educational debt equaling at least 20% of their institutional base salary.

All such funded research, whether or not it applies towards either a MS or a PhD degree, is eligible. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or U.S. nationals may apply.

The NIH Loan Repayment Programs are a vital component of our nation's efforts to attract health professionals to research careers in areas of national need.

Optometrists are eligible to apply.

According to the American Optometric Association, in 2002 four optometrists received these grants out of the eight awarded by the National Eye Institute.

Overview of LRP Benefits

Up to $35,000 Per Year for Repayment of Educational Loans
The NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) repays up to $35,000 per year of qualified education debt (payments are made directly to participants' lenders).
Federal & State Tax Reimbursements
NIH LRP reimburses participants for Federal and state taxes owed due to receiving repayment benefits

Visit www.lrp.nih.gov for further information and to apply online.