The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) are now accepting applications for the 2026 cycle. The LRPs help recruit and retain researchers in biomedical and behavioral research careers by repaying up to $50,000 per year of qualified educational debt for eligible investigators who commit to conducting NIH mission-relevant research. Applications for the 2026 Extramural LRP cycle are due November 19, 2026.
The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) supports University of Utah researchers applying for NIH LRPs by coordinating the institutional certifications and eligibility verifications required by NIH. Researchers planning to apply are encouraged to engage with OSP early in the application process to ensure sufficient time for institutional review and certification. Aubrey Bostick (aubrey.bostick@osp.utah.edu), OSP’s designated Institutional Business Officer (IBO) for NIH LRP applications, serves as the primary point of contact for applicants.
Eligible faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and other researchers conducting qualifying research may apply through NIH’s Extramural LRP program areas, which include clinical research, pediatric research, health disparities research, contraception and infertility research, and research in emerging areas critical to human health.
Researchers should review program requirements, begin preparing application materials, and obtain an eRA Commons account if needed.
For University of Utah procedures
Review the NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) Quick Reference Guide
