Columbia Journalism School Announces 2026 Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) Awardees, Nearly $450,000 Committed
Investing in alumni to sustain local journalism and expand educational access.
Columbia Journalism School has approved a new cohort of 45 Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) awardees, committing nearly $450,000 in repayment support to alumni from Columbia Journalism School and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications working in local newsrooms across the United States.
“The LRAP program has helped offset such a substantial portion of my student loan debt, giving me peace of mind, stability and hope for a healthy financial future for my family and me,” said 2026 LRAP awardee Meghan Suma, ‘22 M.S.
“At a time when good journalism is perhaps more important than ever, this program is helping other people like me continue to focus on what matters.”
Since its launch in 2023, LRAP has distributed more than 100 awards over three years, providing more than $1 million in total assistance. The program was established to reduce the burden of educational debt for recent alumni pursuing journalism careers in local newsrooms, supporting journalists whose work is critical to upholding press freedom and protecting the First Amendment.
“LRAP is about sustaining the vital work of reporters, opening doors for talented journalists and defending press freedom in every community they serve,” said Jelani Cobb, Columbia Journalism School Dean and Henry R. Luce Professor of Journalism. “By supporting graduates from Columbia Journalism School and Northwestern’s Medill School, LRAP keeps public-interest reporting not just possible, but viable.”
The program is a central pillar of Columbia Journalism School’s CJS2030 Access initiative, which aims to create more inclusive pathways into journalism. By providing financial support to alumni pursuing public-interest reporting, LRAP extends the School’s commitment to making high-caliber journalism education accessible to students regardless of socioeconomic background.
“This LRAP award means that betting on yourself works. With this award, I am one step closer to being debt-free. And for that, I am immensely grateful.”
The initiative, the first of its kind in the journalism industry, is supported by the generosity of individuals and foundations, as well as partnerships with journalism education institutions committed to strengthening local journalism.