What is the Tufts Loan Repayment Assistance Program?
The Tufts Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) is a university-wide program that helps selected Tufts graduates working in public service pay a portion of their annual education loan bills. Believed to be the first university-wide program of this kind in the country, the purpose of Tufts LRAP is to encourage and enable Tufts graduates to pursue careers in public service and meeting an unmet need by reducing the extent to which their educational debt is a barrier to working in comparatively low-salaried jobs in the non-profit and public sectors.
Eligibility
All Tufts graduates with undergraduate, graduate or professional degrees, who have educational loans incurred for the purpose of attending Tufts as certified by the Financial Aid Office at Tufts, and who are employed full time by a non-profit (501c3 or equivalent) or public sector organization are eligible to apply. Certificate programs do not qualify for the LRAP program. Learn More
How to Apply
Completed applications and all required documentation must be submitted and received by September 1, 2009.
LRAP
Tufts University
Dowling Hall - 770
419 Boston Ave
Medford, MA 02155
lrap@ase.tufts.edu
Visit the Application Page for a complete list of required documentation and to download the application.
Selection Process
Awards are made by a committee from each Tufts school. The committees consider each applicant’s income, level of indebtedness, and overall need. Applicants may reapply each year. However, not every applicant will receive an award. Moreover, receiving an award in one year does not guarantee receipt of an award in subsequent years.
Number and Size of Awards
The number and size of awards depend on the total number of applications received and the funding that is available. LRAP awards should cover a portion of the award recipient’s annual loan payments. Award assistance may vary each year.
Tax Efficiency
The Tufts LRAP is structured so that awards should not be taxable, pursuant to special federal income tax rules that apply to the discharge of student loan debt (26 U.S.C. § 108(f)).
- In accordance with this provision, Tufts LRAP awards are made in the form of loans which are forgiven when the award recipient completes at least 9 months of continued public service employment.
- Employment will be measured beginning with the application deadline of September 1st.
- Applicants should consult a tax advisor with specific tax-related inquiries.
Additional Information
For additional information, consult the Frequently Asked Questions.