J.F.K. School Begins Loan Forgiveness

Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government implemented a loan-forgiveness program Wednesday for students seeking low-paying public service careers, officials said.

“By definition, Kennedy School graduates are committed to public service, but increasingly they come from undergraduate schools with high educational debts and incur more here,” said Graham Allison, dean of the school.

“This program ensures that no graduate is forced to devote more than 10% of his income to repay loans,” he said.

Can Defer Payments

The new program will forgive loan payments owed by a graduate earning under $15,000 annually, Allison said. Those earning between $15,000 and $30,000 can defer loan payments in excess of 10% of their gross income.

Graduates still earning less than $30,000 more than five years after graduation can have the payments in excess of 10% of the income forgiven, he said.

The program will first apply to the four classes graduating in the years 1987 through 1990. The school is conducting a fund-raising campaign to endow the program.