The National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) work to offset mounting education and post-graduate training costs absorbed by biomedical or bio behavioral health professionals. Created by Congress, the group of funding opportunities consists of eight programs (five geared towards external non-NIH employees) that address the escalating costs of advanced education and training in medicine and clinical specialties that influence some scientists’ decision to commit to research careers over for the higher-paying private industry.

According to NIH, qualified expenses include, but are not limited to, undergraduate, graduate, medical, dental, or veterinary schools along with living expenses and transportation. Qualified researchers can receive awards up to $35,000 annually to reduce educational debt. In exchange, researchers enter a commitment to serve on NIH mission-driven projects.

Download the 2018 application instruction booklet to learn more about the application process. External applications are due November 15, 2017.