(Baltimore, Md) —Morgan State University has joined the Columbia Journalism School Loan Repayment Assistance Program, becoming the fourth journalism school in the country to participate in the initiative aimed at reducing student debt for early-career journalists working in local newsrooms.
The program, known as LRAP, was launched in 2023 and has already distributed more than 100 awards and over $1 million in assistance to journalists nationwide.
“We’re excited to welcome Morgan State as the newest member of our LRAP network,” said Jelani Cobb, Dean and Henry R. Luce Professor of Journalism at Columbia Journalism School. “We share the goals of supporting local news, empowering the next generation of journalists and most importantly, ensuring that the journalism education remains within the grasp of students from all backgrounds. Together we are going to make great strides.”
For Morgan State's School of Global Journalism and Communication, an HBCU focused on expanding representation in media, the partnership opens new financial doors for graduates entering the profession.
"At Morgan, we believe access and opportunity should define the future of journalism," said Dean Jackie Jones. "By joining the LRAP network, we are helping ensure that our graduates can pursue impactful careers in local newsrooms without the burden of overwhelming student debt."
Morgan State joins Columbia, Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School, and Northwestern University's Medill School in the growing national network.
