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Medical tuition costs are usually much more than most people can afford on their own, but many students are eligible for a medical school scholarship, medical school grants and medical school financial aid. These types of medical school funding programs can help to cover the costs associated with getting a medical degree and may either be merit-based or need-based. Students who are planning to enroll in a pre-med program or a comprehensive medical program are able to apply for medical school funding to complete their medical degree program without the financial stress.
About Different Types of Medical School Scholarships
Most medical school scholarships are designed to pay for the costs of education associated with becoming a medical professional. A medical scholarship may be offered by the medical department of a college or university, or through the American Medical Association and Armed Forces. Merit-based medical school scholarships typically take the student's GPA and MCAT scores into account, and have stringent qualification and eligibility criteria.
Armed Forces medical school scholarships are offered through the Health Professionals Scholarship Program. The Armed Forces will pay for the student's tuition and books, but must make a commitment to serving a year of active duty for each year of school attended.
Medical School Scholarships Available through the AMA
Students who apply for a medical school scholarship through the American Medical Association can obtain funding for a single year or several years of their medical education. The American Medical Association Foundation awards several different types of medical scholarships each year, including scholarships for minorities and a scholars fund program.
Types of medical school funding options offered by the AMA and related organizations include:
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Minority Scholars Award
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Scholars Fund
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Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarships
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Seed Grant Research Program
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Howard Hughes Medical Institute Medical Student Fellowship Program
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American Lung Association Research funding Programs
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American Federation for Aging Research's Medical Student Training in Aging Research Program
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American Physician Scientists Association
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Emergency Medicine Foundation's Research Grants
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American Heart Association Research Funding
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PhRMA Foundation's Paul Calabresi Medical Student Research Fellowship
Medical School Funding Options
If you cannot afford to pay for the costs of medical school on your own, there are several medical school funding options available. You can apply for medical school scholarships through your school or a private organization, and also consider applying for medical school grants and medical school financial aid.
Talk to your school's admissions advisor or financial advising center for information about different types of medical school funding options, grants available and scholarship information. These professionals will be able to guide you through the application process and provide recommendations on different types of medical school funding opportunities you are eligible for.
How Medical School Grants Work
Some college and university departments offer medical school grants, a form of medical school funding provided by the government to further research and education in a particular field. These grant programs are designed to support students with career development and prepare them for careers in research or scientific study in the medical field. All medical students are eligible to apply for grants that have been approved by the American Medical School Association. Medical school grants are readily available from many colleges and universities that have onsite research facilities and are leaders in medical breakthroughs and scientific discoveries.
Applying for Medical School Financial Aid
If you aren't eligible to receive a medical school scholarship or a medical school grant, you can apply for medical school financial aid through your college or university's Financial Aid Office. Medical school financial aid can cover the costs of educational expenses, including tuition, books and other college-related expenses up to a certain amount.
In most cases, students applying for medical school financial aid will need to do the following:
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Prove that they have a need for financial assistance
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Be accepted at least half-time in their field of study
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Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
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Make satisfactory academic progress
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Commit to using federal student aid only for educational purposes
Each college or university will provide medical school financial aid requirements to the student when they request an official application.
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