Struggling to make your student loan payments? The National Institutes of Health has a deal for you. In exchange for a two or three-year commitment to conduct specific research at your university or nonprofit institute, the NIH will repay up to $35,000 per year of your undergraduate and graduate school debts as well as any resulting increased tax liabilities. In exchange, you agree to spend at least 50% of your time (a minimum of 20 hours per week) on the agreed upon research.
Why the generosity? The NIH wants to encourage scientists and health professionals to pursue careers in specific areas, including those addressing medically underserved populations. "It tries to offset student loan debt as an inhibitory factor for going into these areas," explains Alfred Johnson, acting director of the NIH Office of Loan Repayment and Scholarship. The NIH awarded $71 million in loan repayments last year.
Loan Repayment Program ...
