The Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) in Newark provides financial assistance to help defray law school debt obligations for Rutgers Law School graduates who have chosen to pursue public interest and public service careers.

Applications are due on March 1, 2024.

Awards are made in the form of a loan and as such are not considered taxable income to the recipient. The LRAP loan indebtedness is forgiven upon fulfillment of qualifying public interest employment, usually without adverse federal income tax consequences to the recipient as provided in applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue code. Students are encouraged to speak to their accountant for individual advice.

All graduates from the Class of 1997 and all succeeding classes are eligible to apply if the following criteria are met:

  • submit an LRAP application and all required documents 
  • the graduate is employed in a law-related public interest position
  • the graduate has an income below the salary cap set annually by the LRAP Advisory Committee
  • the graduate's loans are in good standing
     
Resources
  • History of Program
  • Eligibility
  • Contact
  • Application

In 1998, students at the law school established a Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) for graduates who make a long-term commitment to public interest employment.

The LRAP is available for all graduates from the class of 1997 and forward who are employed in law-related public interest positions and whose income does not exceed maximum levels established by the LRAP board. Graduates are eligible to receive program funds for a maximum of five years. Beginning with the Class of 2014, graduates must apply for their five years of LRAP assistance within 10 years of their graduation date. The board’s current policy is to ensure that each applicant who qualifies receives a proportionate share of the LRAP funds available for disbursement. Award amounts are subject to the availability of funds and the number of applicants eligible in each award period.

Contact Tai Gedeon, the Director of Financial Aid:
973-353-1702

tai.gedeon@law.rutgers.edu

LRAP Application

As a law student planning a career in public interest law, it was clear to me that a loan repayment program was absolutely essential for people facing low salaries and high loan payments. Now, as director of a non-profit public interest law program, I see young attorneys who are able to work with us because they benefit from loan repayment assistance. By easing the financial burdens of law graduates, the Rutgers LRAP increases services available to underserved populations.

Amy Gottlieb '96, Associate Regional Director, Northeast Region, Immigrant Rights and Healing Justice Programs, American Friends Service, and LRAP Founder