Medical school scholarships could reduce your need to borrow federal and private student loans. You may use these scholarships for medical school to help cover tuition, fees, and living expense. In order to get a scholarship, the first place to look is the school’s financial aid office. Some med schools offer scholarships based on GPA, MCAT scores or financial need. Student aid may also come in the form of a grant or fellowship.
Professional med associations may also be a resource. The Chinese American Medical Society (CAMS) offers up to 5 awards of $5,000 each to Asian Americans. These go to first, second and third year medical students with financial need. The American Medical Association (AMA) offers the Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship. It is for students entering their final year of med school.
You may also find LGBTQ awards and scholarships for women pursuing medicine. Women in Medicine (WIM) will present two, $5,000 LGBTQ Leadership Scholarships for female medical students enrolled in in their first, second or third year. It can be an allopathic, osteopathic, or naturopathic medical school in the United States or Canada.
Why is Medical School Expensive?
Medical education is a lengthy process, so the cost may add up. Physicians first need a four year bachelor’s degree. Then, another four years of medical school. Also, another 3 to 7 years in internship and residency.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the four year cost to attend medical school for the class of 2020 was more than $275,000 at over half of all med schools. It was also more than $350,000 at 19 schools. As a result, the typical medical school student graduates with about $200,000 in loan debt. Scholarships are financial aid you don’t typically pay back. So, securing medical school scholarships may lessen the need to take out loans as well as reduce overall costs.
10 Medical School Scholarships You Should Apply for in 2021
Here are 10 scholarship opportunities for medical students. If you meet the eligibility requirements, apply today!
Pfizer Global Medical Grants Program
Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
Health Professions Scholarship Program
Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarship
Dr. James L. Hutchinson and Evelyn Ribbs Hutchinson Medical School Scholarship
Anarcha, Betsy and Lucy Memorial Scholarship Award
Buckfire & Buckfire Medical School Diversity Scholarship
EMPOWER Scholarships
Linda Craig Memorial Scholarship Program
Black Medical Students Scholarship
Could You Get a Full Ride Scholarship for Med School?
Full ride scholarships for students in medicine tend to pay tuition, mandatory fees and a stipend for living expenses. They may be available from the government and military as well as some schools. Several of today’s reputable med schools offer full tuition scholarships to students who cannot afford the cost.
Many medical schools do look for incoming students based on their academic performance. So, whether it’s a full ride or full tuition, you may have to gain admission first. Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania is one example. It provides about 30 full tuition medical school scholarships each year. The school factors in your character, leadership skills and interests.
Are There Scholarships for Pre Med Students?
Yes, there are scholarships for premed students. Eligible applicants may need to complete the FAFSA, have qualified SAT/ACT scores, above average GPA and references. Some of these scholarships may be available to new first year students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a health focused major.
You may find pre med scholarships from accredited colleges with healthcare programs. For example, Latino and Hispanic students at the University of Texas at Austin might apply for the Alejandro Miguel Solis Scholarship.
Make sure to also check organizations that offer financial assistance to students in STEM fields. The Barnes W. Rose, Jr. and Eva Rose Nickol Scholarship Fund is for high achieving graduates of Albuquerque High School. Eligible applicants must plan to major in science, tech, engineering or math. You also need a 3.6 GPA or above.
How Do You Pay for Medical School with Federal & State Financial Aid?
There are several federal and state financial aid programs that could help pay for med school. The US military also offers scholarships for med school in exchange for a service commitment.
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) is from the HRSA. They award medical school scholarships to students pursuing eligible primary care health professions. In return for a full year of scholarship support, you must commit at least two years of full time patient care in an under served area.
Indian Health Professions Scholarship.The IHS Scholarship Program is for qualified Native American and American Indian students. In return for financial support, you commit to two years of service in Indian health communities.
Scholars for a Healthy Oregon Initiative (SHOI). SHOI funding help pay full tuition and applicable fees for a limited number of eligible students entering specific clinical degree programs at OHSU. In return, you work in a medically under served urban or rural area of the state.
Does the Military Help Pay for Medical School?
Joining the armed forces may help you graduate from medical school debt free. The Health Professions Scholarship (HPSP) is from the U.S. Army. Other branches such as the Navy and Air Force also offer this scholarship for medical school with different rules.
HPSP covers full tuition for any accredited medical program, plus a generous monthly stipend of more than $2,400. There’s also a sign on bonus of $20,000 and an allowance for books. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens and hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. When you graduate, you must commit to active duty as a commissioned officer. Graduates are required to serve the U.S. Army for each year that they received the scholarship.
This award is available for U.S. college sophomores and/or graduate students who are residents of South Carolina and who are currently attending a college/university in South Carolina. Students must be members of the American Occupational Therapy Association and be pursing a career in occupational therapy.
This award is available for U.S. college sophomores and/or graduate students who have been residents of Utah for two years or more and who are currently attending a college/university in Utah. Students must be members of both the Utah Occupational Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association and be pursing a career in occupational therapy.
This award is available for U.S. college sophomores and/or graduate students who are residents of West Virginia. Students must be members of the American Occupational Therapy Association and be pursing a career in occupational therapy.
This award is available for U.S. college sophomores and/or graduate students who are residents of Wisconsin and who are currently attending a college/university in Wisconsin. Students must be members of the American Occupational Therapy Association and be pursing a career in occupational therapy.
The mission of Catching the Dream, founded in 1986, is to help improve the quality of life in Indian communities through the higher education of Indian people. We provide scholarship funds for students who demonstrate academic achievement, clearly defined goals, leadership, the determination to succeed, and the desire to return to their communities and help others realize their dreams. We assist Indian schools in preparing students for success in college.
CTD’s objective is to recognize and reward outstanding student achievement. This supplemental award is intended to help American Indian students of any age, from any U.S. tribe, within any state, striving to get an education. All awards are based on merit, academic achievement and ambition.
Because this is a supplemental aid program, applicants are required to apply for all other sources of funding for which they are eligible; this includes applying for campus-based aid. CTD strongly recommends that applicants search thoroughly for other sources of funding.
Please note: If a student applies for the CTD Scholarship and is not selected, he/she cannot apply again.
This award is available for U.S. occupational therapists who are residents of Ohio and who plan on attending a college/university in Ohio. Students must be members of the American Occupational Therapy Association, must already have an entry-level degree, and must be pursuing a graduate degree in occupational therapy.
This scholarship is available for undergraduate students who are residents of one of the following Leeward O’ahu zip code areas: 96701, 96706, 96707, 96782, 96792, 96797. Students must major in a health-related profession and demonstrate academic achievement with a GPA of 2.5.
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher. Students must be enrolled in a school of dentistry, dental hygiene or dental assisting.
