Financing a Public Interest Career
What About the Bills?
Attorneys who work in public service and government offices generally earn a lower salary than do those in private firms. This does not mean that you are doomed to a dreary, spartan future of self-denial, however, and should not stop you from pursuing your public service career goals.
Starting salaries for public service attorneys range from approximately $20,000 to $38,000, with government attorneys earning about $10,000 per year above this. Attorneys working for five years or more can expect to earn as much as $50,000 or more per year. Although you may never own a luxury car or live in Bel Air on a public service salary, you will be able to drive a respectable car and live in a decent home. Further, you will have the time to enjoy life and feel good about your chosen career path.
Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP)
To make public service a more manageable option financially, USC Law developed the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP). LRAP can ultimately save a graduate tens of thousands of dollars in loan repayment costs. The LRAP is furnished by the Director of USC Law's Financial Aid Office.
The official program description and application is available below and may also be obtained from the Career Services Office, Room 110 or the Financial Aid Office, Room 104.
