Evaluating LRAPs: Key Questions to Ask

 

Loan Repayment Assistance Programs can be life-changing giving you the freedom to pursue a career in public service after law school. Not all law school programs are the same, however. Here are a few key questions to ask when comparing programs:

1. Does the program cover all sorts of jobs or only a few types?

NYU Law's LRAP covers one of the widest ranges of employment of any repayment program including full-time jobs in federal, state, local, community and tribal government, nonprofit organizations, judicial clerkships, legal academia, self-employment and for-profit organizations serving the public interest.

2. Does the Law School offer a choice of LRAP plans or is it a one-size fits all approach? 

NYU Law's LRAP offers two options, an income-driven plan and a traditional 10-year LRAP.

3. I have other, non-law school debt. Will that be covered by the LRAP? 

Not all LRAPs cover non-law educational debt. NYU Law's LRAP covers up to $30,000 of original principal (on top of a $10,000 allowance for a bar loan).

4. I have children. Does LRAP offer any allowances for my dependents? 

At NYU Law, LRAP includes a new dependent allowance of $10,000 per eligible dependent.

5. Can I defer LRAP participation if I need to?

If you have a life event and need to step away from LRAP for a period, you want to be sure you can do so. At NYU Law, you can defer for up to two years to start a family, pursue education, or deal with unforeseen hardship.