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What is Available

Eligibility Requirements 

Eligibility for federal aid is determined on the basis of financial need as well as several other factors. In order to receive aid from federal programs, you must: 

  1. Have financial need (which is NOT a criteria for student loans).
  2. Have a high school diploma or GED or pass a test approved by the Department of Education.
  3. Be degree-seeking in a program of study.
  4. Be enrolled in an eligible program of study and take classes required of that program.
  5. Have a valid Social Security number.
  6. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. If you are in the U.S. on an F1 or F2 student visa or only a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa, or a G series visa you are NOT an eligible non-citizen.
  7. Register with the Selective Service System if required (you can register here).
  8. Maintain satisfactory academic progress once in school (you can view our policy here).
  9. Attend at least half time to receive a Direct Loan.

Types of Financial Aid

Scholarships

Federal Financial Aid

Federal student aid for medical students includes low interest rate loans that are not need based. Most federal student aid applicants will be eligible for some form of financial assistance through the federal student aid programs regardless of demonstrated financial need. In order for eligibility to be determined federal student aid applicants must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

Federal Direct Loan Program

Federal Direct Loans are low, fixed interest loans that medical students may obtain from the Department of Education. These loans include the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan and the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan. These loan programs were created by the Department of Education to help all eligible students, with and without financial need, pay for the student's educational expenses. The Department of Education releases the interest rates for the upcoming academic year in May. A new student loan borrower must complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling online at studentaid.gov in order for the loan to disburse on time. If a student graduates and withdraws from the College of Medicine, the student is required to complete an Exit Counseling on studentaid.gov as well. The aggregate loan amount for a medical student is $224,000.

Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are federally sponsored loans for students attending graduate/professional school. With a Graduate PLUS loan, a student may borrow up to the full cost of attendance, less other financial aid received including scholarships and Direct Unsubsidized loans. A separate application and credit check are required.

You can read about the different types of loans for professional students at studentaid.gov.