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Clinical Research Loan Repayment Program for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds


The program supports the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Intramural Research Program in recruiting and retaining health professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds to conduct clinical research at the NIH by providing for the repayment of educational loans for participants with substantial amounts of educational debt relative to income. Participants agree by written contract to engage in clinical research as employees of the NIH for a minimum two-year period. Maximum program benefit is $35,000 per year in loan repayments and $13,650 per year in Federal tax reimbursements.

The program supports the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Intramural Research Program in recruiting and retaining health professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds to conduct clinical research at the NIH by providing for the repayment of educational loans for participants with substantial amounts of educational debt relative to income. Participants agree by written contract to engage in clinical research as employees of the NIH for a minimum two-year period. Maximum program benefit is $35,000 per year in loan repayments and $13,650 per year in Federal tax reimbursements.


In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a U.S. citizen (or U.S. national or permanent resident) and have a M.D., Ph.D., Psy. D., Pharm. D., D.O., D.D.S., D.M.D., D.P.M., D.C., N.D., O.D., D.V.M., or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited institution. You must also certify your disadvantaged background status by submitting a written statement from your health professions school, documentation that you received Loans for Disadvantaged Students, or documentation that you received a scholarship from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Scholarship for Individuals with Exceptional Financial Need.


Not applicable

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The application period is open annually from September 1st through November 15th. To apply online, please visit the Apply for Loan Forgiveness page.


For more information please visit the Clinical Research for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds section of the Eligibility & Programs page.