Loan Forgiveness

The Law School is committed to making public service a viable career option for graduates who work in the public interest anywhere in the world. 

In 2001, the University of Virginia School of Law estab­lished the original Virginia Loan Forgiveness Program (VLFP I) to assist graduates entering low-paying public service legal employment with their law school educational loan obligations.  In 2013, the Law School revised the terms of the Virginia Loan Forgive­ness Program (VLFP II) to increase the assistance provided to graduates pursuing public service careers. 

Again in 2023, the Law School revised the terms of the Virginia Loan Forgive­ness Program (VLFP III) to further increase the assistance provided to graduates pursuing public service careers and to also expand the types of covered employment. VLFP is funded primarily by generous donations from Law School alumni and friends.

FAQs About the Virginia Loan Forgiveness Program
 

Virginia Loan Forgiveness Program (VLFP III)

Beginning with the J.D. classes of 2023 and later, the newly launched VLFP III program helps repay the loans of graduates earning less than $100,000 annually. Participants in the program earning less than $80,000 annually can receive benefits covering 100% of their qualifying law school loans. Those earning between $80,000 and $100,000 will receive benefits prorated based on their actual income. In addition, all graduates working in paid positions necessitating the use of legal skills are now eligible for benefits. 

Blue Cycle Applications, Orange Cycle Applications and Blue Cycle Recertification Form

There are two cycles for processing VLFP applications. The VLFP "Blue Cycle" benefit period covers the 12-month period of January through December. The "Orange Cycle," which covers the six-month period of July through December, accommodates graduates who secure employment later in the year, those with shorter-term plans, and those who need flexibility in the VLFP cycle. All Blue Cycle applicants are required to submit an abbreviated mid-year recertification form by June 1. 

  • Blue Cycle Application - available each calendar year between October and December 1, via the VLFP portal.  The due date for submitting the Blue Cycle Application is December 1.
  • Blue Cycle Recertification Form - available each calendar year between April and June 1, via the VLFP portal.  All Blue Cycle applicants will be required to submit an abbreviated mid-year recertification form that allows applicants to update information that has changed subsequent to the initial submission of their Blue Cycle Application.  The due date for submitting the Blue Cycle Recertification form is June 1.
  • Orange Cycle Application -  available each calendar year between April and June 1, via the VLFP portal.  The due date for submitting the Orange Cycle Application is June 1. 

 

 

BENEFIT PERIOD

APPLICATION DUE

ESTIMATED BENEFIT
DISBURSEMENT DATE

Blue Cycle

Jan. 1 to Dec. 31

Dec. 1

February

Orange Cycle

July 1 to Dec. 31

June 1

August

 

Helpful Resources

Nathan Hittle


“I started at the Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney's Office directly out of law school. I find the work to be varied, impactful, service-oriented and, with few exceptions, especially entertaining. If you are interested in how the law directly impacts people and communities, for better and for worse, then this is a fantastic place to see that up close day-in and day-out. Without the Virginia Loan Forgiveness Program, I could not have pursued this as a career path.”

—Nathan Hittle '12, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney's Office