Loan Repayment Assistance Programs

There are many student loan repayment programs that are designed to help law school graduates who have borrowed significant amounts of debt while earning their degrees. Resources for these programs come from the University of Michigan Law School, the federal government, and in some instances, employers. This section of our website is designed to help bring these resources together to make your search easier. 

Michigan Law's income-Based Debt Management Program (LRAP)
The Income-Based Debt Management Program at the Law School provides those from the entering class of 2011 and later with maximum flexibility to choose jobs from any law-related area (excluding judicial clerkships and UM funded fellowships) including modest-paying public interest positions, while still maintaining a reasonable lifestyle and remaining current on outstanding loan obligations. Graduates whose combination of income and debt make them eligible receive assistance in meeting their loan obligations incurred during law school. Consult the Financial Aid Office or visit the Income-Based Debt Management FAQ, PowerPoint, and Audio FAQ for further information.

The federal government's College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007
The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 established, among other things, two new programs that will be of particular interest to graduates going into low paying and public interest jobs. Income Based Repayment (Section 203 of the Act) allows borrowers to pay back their federal loans on the basis of their income at the time of repayment. Loan Forgiveness (Section 401 of the Act) will forgive federal Direct loans after 120 payments and 10 years of full time employment in the public service sector. It is possible to take advantage of both of these programs at the same time, or to elect one or the other option. One option does not either preclude nor exclude another. Our CCRAA FAQ provides more details on these programs.

John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program (JRJ)
The JRJ Program provides funding for federal student loan repayment for eligible public defenders and prosecuting attorneys who agree to remain employed within Michigan for at least three years. Program information and application instructions are available online at www.michigan.gov/jrj.