Beginning September 15, Columbia Journalism School’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) will allow graduates to apply within 10 years of earning their degrees, doubling the program’s previous five-year limit.
The change extends support further into journalists’ careers, when student debt may still influence their ability to remain in local news. This increase in access positions LRAP to help newsrooms retain journalists who have spent years building expertise and earning their communities’ trust.
Launched at Columbia Journalism School three years ago, the program now includes four additional participating institutions: Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Morgan State University’s School of Global Journalism and Communication and, most recently, the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications.
Since its inception, LRAP has awarded more than $1 million in assistance to help graduates repay student loans while pursuing careers in local news.
“I'm so grateful for the opportunity to participate in the LRAP program,” said Jah'l Selassie, '24 MSU, a Multiplatform Producer for Greensboro, NC outlet WFMY News 2. “Most journalists don't get into this field for money, but LRAP has given me the opportunity to focus on my professional goals without the burden of looming student loan payments. I hope that future journalists are granted the same opportunity so that they may enter newsrooms with financial freedom.”
Graduates interested in applying under the expanded eligibility window must work full-time at a qualified U.S. local newsroom and meet the program’s additional eligibility criteria.
Applications are now being accepted for 2027 LRAP funding, and the deadline to apply is November 8.
Learn more about LRAP and how to apply.
