Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) for Public Interest Lawyers
Columbia's Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) reduces the burden of law school debt with the goal of making a career in public service financially possible for graduates. Columbia's LRAP is one of the most generous programs of any law school nationally. LRAP benefits are loans, which are used to repay law school debt. LRAP loans are gradually forgiven when graduates remain in public interest employment for more than three years.
ENHANCEMENTS . . . Participants have the option of electing the traditional Columbia Law School LRAP, or a program that combines Columbia's traditional LRAP with the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For detailed information about the programs, please refer to the revised Columbia Law School Loan Repayment Assistance Program description, paying particular attention to the "Combining LRAP with the Federal Program" section.
If you graduated before May 2008, please e-mail our office for a copy of your program description.
An LRAP Calculator Worksheet is also available for students/graduates to use to get an estimate or vision of what the 2 programs (traditional LRAP versus the combined programs) provide in benefits. Please contact the LRAP Administrator, Seandell James, for additional information.
The following websites provide detailed information about the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program:
NEW! PSLF Employment Certification Package, which includes:
Please feel free to contact our LRAP Administrator, Ms. Seandell James, by e-mail or phone (212-854-1245) for questions related to LRAP.
Columbia Law School always attempts to ensure that, to the extent possible, changes in the coverage and policies of the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) do not prejudice the interests of graduates who made fundamental decisions in reliance on the basic features of the Program at the time they entered the Law School. Applicants should be aware that other factors, including fiscal constraints and the changing needs of the legal community, also will be considered in determining the design and administration of the Program over the years. Eligibility and the extent of support available under the Program will be determined at the time a graduate applies to the Program, in accordance with the rules and policies then applicable.
