NIH Loan Repayment Program

The NIH Loan Repayment Programs (LRP) may repay up to $50k annually of a researcher’s qualified debt if the researcher is engaged in NIH mission-relevant research. These programs were established by Congress and designed to recruit and retain highly qualified health professionals into biomedical or biobehavioral research careers. Applicants are required to work with the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects on some elements of this application process. 

Application Cycle for 2026: TBD, Open in the Fall of 2026

Key Information for U-M LRP applicants

• Institutional Business Official (IBO): Amanda Reel is the IBO to list on LRP Applications.
  • Use her Commons ID (REELA1). Note that all caps is required.
  • For questions email [email protected].
• No PAF is required: Individuals apply for the program, so no Proposal Approval Form (PAF) is necessary.
• Dates and deadlines: ORSP deadline to receive IBO Certification Notifications: One week prior to application deadline. The application cycle is usually open from Sept. 1 to mid-November each year. 

ORSP will require LRP applicants to complete the Colleague Information section of the LRP application one week prior to application deadline. In the application instructions, NIH recommends completing this step as early as possible to ensure the Institutional Business Official (IBO) has ample time to complete the certification before the LRP application deadline. This certification is a multi-step process involving other offices and can take a week or more to complete.

• eRA Commons ID: Individuals will need an eRA Commons ID with the PI role. Use this Commons ID Request Form to submit the request to ORSP. Note: Before you submit this request, you must have previously signed into eResearch.

The LRP application is now part of ASSIST

The NIH LRP application is now part of the Application Submission System & Interface for Submission Tracking (ASSIST). ASSIST is used to prepare and submit applications electronically to NIH and other Public Health Service agencies.

Login to ASSIST with an eRA commons ID. Once logged in, click Go for the “Initiate or Access Loan Repayment Application” option.

Applicants should review the NIH LRP Website for helpful resources, including FAQs.

Loan Repayment Program: Common questions answered

How long does it take for ORSP to provide the IBO certification step for my NIH Loan Repayment Application?

It depends. ORSP relies on multiple parties for the required certifications. The IBO certification must be completed by the LRP deadline, so ORSP’s deadline for receiving the IBO certification request is one week prior to the application deadline. Do not wait until the last minute to input the IBO info into the ASSIST application. 

What if I received an IBO error on my ASSIST LRP application?

The most common error seen when inputting IBO information in ASSIST is: “Please confirm that the IBO you selected is still at your IC. If the IBO is still at your IC, then they may need to add the BO role to their eRA Commons account. Please check with your IBO.”

This is usually the result of inputting the wrong contact’s Commons ID in the IBO field or not entering it in all-caps. Please correct this to U-M’s IBO Commons ID in all caps: REELA1. Save the application once corrected. If still experiencing errors, contact the IBO ([email protected]). 

What counts as for-profit support?

See the LRP FAQ page for their definitions and guidance regarding for-profit support.

All LRP awardees are encouraged to immediately inquire about any potential involvement with for-profit activities to ensure compliance with the LRP contract by emailing [email protected] and copy the IBO ([email protected]) or forward the full thread to the IBO when the LRP provides a determination in writing about the support.

What if I am currently receiving for-profit research support?

See the LRP FAQ page for their definitions and guidance regarding for-profit support. 

Unless the LRP determines the for-profit support is eligible, the individual will need to remove effort from the project and cease receiving research support from it. ORSP will need departmental concurrence that this will be completed before an LRP award would start before the ORSP IBO can certify an application in the IBO portal. A violation of the terms and conditions of the LRP contract may result in the termination of an LRP award with penalties.

I have a VA appointment, do I still qualify for LRP?

Applicants with a VA appointment may still be eligible to receive an LRP award if they have less than a 5/8ths time appointment. Regarding federal employment, the LRP defines an Ineligible Individual as: Full-time (and some part-time) federal employees. Part-time federal employees (20 hours per week or less) engaged in research supported by a non-federal entity for at least 20 hours per week may be eligible.