Loan Repayment Program FAQ
The purpose of the Law School’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) is to alleviate the debt burden of our graduates who work in public interest. To that end, we have designed a simple, generous, and inclusive program that offers the University of Chicago Law School graduate who works in public interest for ten years a free Law School education.
Who qualifies for the new program?
The class of 2013 will be the first class entirely under the new LRAP. The Classes of 2011 and 2012 may elect to use the new LRAP or prior loan repayment program, HPIP.
What about graduates prior to 2011?
Those having graduated prior to 2011 are not eligible for this new program; instead, they may seek assistance through the loan repayment program applicable to their class year. For more information, please contact the financial aid office.
To qualify, what kind of position must I secure?
Any graduate seeking assistance under the new LRAP must be engaged in the full-time practice of law, or in a position normally requiring a law degree, in a non-profit organization or government office, other than legal academia. The Public Interest Committee will review and determine eligibility. If you have questions about eligibility, please feel free to contact the Committee.
Do judicial clerkships qualify?
Yes, all full-time post-graduate state or federal judicial clerkships qualify as eligible positions. The Law School is proud of the high number of graduates who clerk and we are committed to supporting their service.
Can I receive assistance even if I am not sure that I will continue working in a public interest position after I complete my judicial clerkship?
Yes, you absolutely may receive assistance while you are a judicial clerk regardless of whether you continue in a public sector position after your clerkship. Each year that you would like to participate in the program you must complete and submit a simple application that will be reviewed by the Public Interest Committee. If you qualify for the program, you will be offered an award for that year only. The following year, if you would like to continue with the program, you may submit an updated application.
What are the salary requirements?
The LRAP is the most generous of its kind. Graduates earning as much as $80,000 annually may participate in the program provided they have met all other requirements.
If I am married, is my spouse’s income considered?
No, we do not factor in spousal income or personal assets. For the Law School only your salary, your position, and your commitment are relevent.
Which loans are covered under the Law School's LRAP?
All federal loans, certified by the Student Loan Administration, used to cover the standard cost of law school attendance are eligible for inclusion. Transfer students may receive assistance only for loans acquired at the University of Chicago Law School.
Must I select a specific federal repayment program if I would like to participate?
Yes, all loans must be placed into the federal Income-Based Repayment Program (IBR). We believe that this is the most cost-effective program for our graduates. This program calculates your monthly payment based on your salary instead of your overall debt. Individuals who participate in IBR are never required to pay more than 15% of their yearly income towards their loans.
How much of my yearly loan payment will be covered by the Law School?
Each year that you work full-time in a qualifying position, and earn an income less than the generous salary cap, the Law School will cover the full amount of your IBR payments.
How long can I be enrolled in the Law School's LRAP?
The Law School will assist you for up to ten years after graduation as long as you remain enrolled in IBR; after 10 years (120 good payments) of enrollment in IBR, the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLFP) will discharge any remaining federal student loan debt.
This means that a graduate who engages in qualifying work for 10 years, earns less than the salary cap, and maintains enrollment in IBR, will receive a FREE University of Chicago Law School education!
What If I need to take time off from public interest work?
The new LRAP allows for graduates to enter and exit the program at any time during their ten years of eligibility. Those seeking to take a parental leave may have their eligibility period extended.
What if I elect to discontinue my career in public service?
While we encourage graduates to continue careers in public interest, we understand that there are many factors influencing one’s career choices. It is important to know that if you leave public service, and discontinue IBR before the completion of the ten years, you will likely see a negative amortization of your loans. To assist with this consequence, the Law School is offering graduates having completed at least five years of service, a one-time $10,000 payout.
Is there anything that else that I should know?
Yes, if you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact the Law School's Financial Aid Office. Eligible graduates interested in applying for any loan repayment assistance should schedule an appointment for loan counseling in the spring quarter. The application will be available on the Law School website in the November.
Finally, it is important to note that the Law School’s program works in concert with both the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness and the Federal Income-Based Repayment Program. Both of these programs are subject to federal approval. Should there be changes in federal programming, the Law School's LRAP will be adjusted accordingly.