Start with FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to determine eligibility for federal grants and loans.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans:
Available regardless of financial need.
Low fixed interest rate, but interest accrues while in school.
Direct PLUS Loans (Grad PLUS):
Covers remaining costs not met by other aid.
Requires a credit check; interest accrues immediately.
Primary Care Loans (PCL):
Low 5% interest rate.
Deferred during full-time enrollment and grace periods.
Requires a commitment to primary care for 10 years or until repaid.
Repayment Flexibility: Federal loans offer income-driven repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for qualifying public service roles.
Free Money First: Scholarships and grants don’t require repayment and can reduce debt significantly.
Merit & Need-Based Awards: Provided by universities, nonprofits, and private organizations for academic excellence, leadership, diversity, or financial need.
Service Commitments:
National Health Service Corps (NHSC): Full tuition + stipend in exchange for work in underserved areas.
Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP): Military service commitment after graduation.
Target Your Search: Look for opportunities specific to your school, community, background, interests, and future specialty.
MD/PhD Programs (Dual Degree): Many combined MD/PhD programs—often funded by the NIH Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)—waive all tuition and provide a living stipend. These programs train physician-scientists and typically take 7–8 years to complete.
Tuition-Free Medical Schools: Certain schools (e.g., NYU) cover tuition for all students, though living expenses still apply.
Work-Study & Part-Time Jobs: Some students manage part-time work to supplement income.
Personal Savings & Family Support: Reduces the need for loans if available.
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs): Offered by states or organizations for graduates in underserved or primary care fields.
For eligible students with disabilities, the California Department of Rehabilitation can provide:
Services Offered: Disability benefits programs, job training, interview skills, college textbooks, disability equipment, childcare/transportation support, and connections to other supportive services.
Student Services: Covers costs for career-related needs—classes, technology, professional clothing, internships, shadowing, and mentorship opportunities.
How to Start: Provide proof of disability/student accommodation, meet with a counselor, and create a plan for school and work.
Expectations: Follow program rules, submit receipts for covered expenses, and stay in contact with your counselor.
More Info: DOR Student Services Page
Some medical schools and universities offer internal, competitive funding programs that can significantly reduce tuition costs or provide full coverage along with stipends.
Example: Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
Multidisciplinary and multicultural graduate scholarship.
Provides up to three years of full financial support for any graduate degree at Stanford, including MD programs.
Offers leadership development experiences to prepare scholars to address complex global challenges.
Tip: Research the financial aid pages of your target medical schools for:
Named scholarship programs
Merit fellowships
Diversity-based funding opportunities
Endowed awards for specific fields or leadership qualities
Maximize Free Money: Prioritize scholarships, grants, and funded program opportunities like MD/PhD or school-specific awards before loans.
Explore All Avenues: Combine federal aid, institutional awards, service-based scholarships, and tuition-free programs.
Budget Wisely: Manage expenses to limit borrowing.
Seek Guidance: Your school’s financial aid office can provide personalized advice.
*Side note* Use free resources like SCIHUB and Library Genesis to save money and not spend on textbooks and or journal articles.