Northwestern University School of Law has announced a new loan forgiveness program that dovetails with two new federal student loan repayment plans, Income Based Repayment (IBR) and the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, to collectively address the financial hardships of those pursuing public interest careers.

In combination with the federal government programs, the new Public Service Fellowship Program can result in 100 percent forgiveness of federal law school loans for alumni who work as attorneys or managers in the public sector for 10 years.  

The Northwestern program also offers additional financial help during the first five years of loan assistance to make sure that those who pursue work in the private sector before they have completed 10 years in the public sector can still make headway on their loans. The program also takes into consideration education debt along with salary levels so that graduates who face the most significant financial obstacles receive the greatest benefits.  

"A primary concern was creating a program that would account for a graduate's salary and debt burden so that our largest awards would go to graduates who need them the most," said Cindy Wilson, public interest advisor in Northwestern Law's Center for Career Strategy and Advancement.  

Northwestern University School of Law's new Public Service Fellowship program is a key component in the school's broader public service strategy. "That strategy, which we adopted in 2002, emphasizes the importance for all students to serve their communities, whether through direct legal representation, pro bono activities, community service, nonprofit board membership, or philanthropy," said David Van Zandt, dean, Northwestern University School of Law. "This new program reaffirms our strong commitment to public service."

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