Dear Editor,
As a Tufts graduate with student-loan debt who has worked in the non-profit sector, I was both excited and proud when my alma mater launched the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) in September 2008. This program should encourage Tufts students to pursue public and non-profit careers and lessen the financial burden of those already working in the field. Yet I would encourage LRAP's administrators to consider changing the program application due date from September 1st to rolling applications. Non-profit and public sector jobs tend to not follow the recruiting cycles of the private sector in which positions begin in July or August after fall recruitment. Those accepting positions at NGOs and governments often begin their jobs at many points in the year, which could restrict and delay their ability to obtain LRAP funds. With a firm Sept. 1 due date, someone starting to work in September or October would have to wait an entire year to apply and an additional four to five months to receive loan repayments.
I understand that the LRAP program is still in a nascent stage and that a rolling application may have high administrative costs. Still, allowing graduates to apply throughout the year, or at least offering an additional application period in the spring, would enhance the LRAP program and expand funding opportunities to public-sector professionals.
Sincerely,
Stephen Vitvisky
LA '06
