Medical Scholarships

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How Do You Get Medical School Scholarships?

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!

  1. Pfizer Global Medical Grants Program
  2. Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
  3. Health Professions Scholarship Program
  4. Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarship
  5. Dr. James L. Hutchinson and Evelyn Ribbs Hutchinson Medical School Scholarship
  6. Anarcha, Betsy and Lucy Memorial Scholarship Award
  7. Buckfire & Buckfire Medical School Diversity Scholarship
  8. EMPOWER Scholarships 
  9. Linda Craig Memorial Scholarship Program 
  10. 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.

List of 2024 Medical School Scholarships

Check out our list of scholarships worth .

Shaver-Hitchings Scholarship

Residents of Durham, Orange, Wake, or Chatham counties who are enrolled or planning to enroll in graduate school, a physician assistant program, or medical school are eligible for this award. Students must show a demonstrated commitment to working with others in that field during or before graduate studies, preferably as volunteers.
Award Amount

Total: $1500

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: March 15

Unitil Scholarship

This scholarship is available for high school seniors who reside and attend school in Unitil’s service territory in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. The student must major in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field.
Award Amount

Total: $5000

Awards: 5

Deadline

Deadline: March 15

Henry Sachs Nursing and Health Science Scholarship at UCCS

This scholarship is available for African American students who are majoring in nursing or health sciences at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Selection is based primarily on academic achievement and unmet financial need.
Award Amount

Total: $18000

Awards: 5

Deadline

Deadline: March 15

Sachs Foundation University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine Scholarship

This scholarship is available for African American students who are attending the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Colorado. Applications will be evaluated on a combination of academic achievement and unmet financial need.
Award Amount

Total: $7000

Awards: 2

Deadline

Deadline: March 15

Sachs Foundation Scholarship for Pharmaceutical Sciences

This scholarship is available for African American students who are enrolled at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado. Selection of award recipients will be based on demonstrated academic performance and unmet financial need.
Award Amount

Total: $14000

Awards: 2

Deadline

Deadline: March 15

Berks County Scholastic Athletic Trainer’s Association Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors who attend a high school in Berks County, Penn., that employs or contracts with an athletic trainer. Students must have participated in student training in at least one sport for two or more years and must intend to pursue a four-year degree in sports medicine; first preference will be given to students who intend to become certified athletic trainers.
Award Amount

Total: $500

Awards: 6

Deadline

Deadline: March 15

Community General Hospital Foundation June A. Roedel Healthcare Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Berks County, Pennsylvania. Students must be pursuing a degree in the field of healthcare, with a career goal of fulfilling a local community need.
Award Amount

Total: $2361

Awards: 6

Deadline

Deadline: March 15

Skilled Labor Shortage Scholarship

This scholarship is available for U.S. and international students studying in the U.S. Applicants must be accepted to or currently enrolled in an undergraduate program. Selection will be based on essay submissions addressing this year’s current topics.
Award Amount

Total: $2500

Awards: 6

Deadline

Deadline: March 15

Thomas T. and Christine Hegeman Wheatley Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is open to U.S. incoming and current college students who will be pursuing an education in one of the following medical fields: EMT, paramedics, phlebotomy, or nursing. Students must be residents of Berks County, Pennsylvania, and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Award Amount

Total: $800

Awards: 6

Deadline

Deadline: March 15

NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program

U.S. undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher or rank in the top five percent of their class are eligible to apply for this award. Students must demonstrate a sincere interest in pursuing a career in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research.
Award Amount

Total: $80000

Awards: 20

Deadline

Deadline: March 18