How to pay for medical programs: Four ways to fund your education

Pursuing a medical or health care career is an exciting step toward making a difference for others, but figuring out how to pay for your education can feel overwhelming. The good news? Many funding options are available, including scholarships, grants, financial aid programs and tuition discounts. With careful planning, you can minimize your costs and make your education more affordable.

Explore four common strategies for paying for medical programs and specific resources available to you through University of Idaho’s School of Health and Medical Professions (SHAMP).

1. Federal and state financial aid

Your first step to unlocking financial aid for medical programs? Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal grants, low-interest student loans and work-study opportunities.

Here’s what you may qualify for:

• Direct unsubsidized loans: Available to graduate and professional students, these federal loans have fixed interest rates and offer income-driven repayment plans after graduation. 
• Graduate PLUS loans: These loans are designed for students pursuing advanced degrees to cover the full cost of attendance (minus other aid received). Grad PLUS loans do require a credit check. 
• State-specific financial aid: Some states offer loan forgiveness programs, grants or tuition assistance for students pursuing medical or health care careers — especially for those committed to working in rural or underserved communities. 
• Work-study programs: If eligible, students can earn money and their degree simultaneously by working part-time.

Need more details on financial aid for medical students? Explore the Association of American Medical Colleges’ (AAMC) financial aid resources and assistance that may apply to you.

2. Scholarships and grants

Scholarships and grants are some of the best ways to fund your education because they don’t have to be paid back. At U of I, you’ll be automatically considered for merit-based scholarships after completing your application and submitting your transcripts and test scores to the university.

You’re always encouraged to apply to scholarships outside of the university. U of I partners with ScholarshipUniverse (SU) to make applying for scholarships easy. With SU, there are thousands of scholarships worth millions of dollars to choose from.

Be sure to research your options early and often, as many scholarships have unique eligibility requirements and deadlines. Review the following trusted scholarship and grant databases:

• ScholarshipUniverse: Newly admitted and current U of I students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships using this scholarship search engine. 
• U.S. Department of Education: View federal grant and scholarship resources.  
• National Medical Fellowships: Discover scholarships for underrepresented medical students.  
• AAMC Loan Repayment and Scholarship Database: Find funding opportunities by specialty and location.  

3. Student loans and loan forgiveness programs

Student loans are a common way to finance medical and health care programs, but it’s important to borrow wisely to avoid excessive debt. Federal student loans generally offer lower interest rates, income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness options, making them a better choice than private loans.

If you plan to work in public service, high-need communities or non-profit health care, you also may qualify for loan forgiveness or repayment assistance. Program opportunities include:

• Indian Health Service loan repayment program 
• National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan repayment program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• State Loan Repayment Programs (SLRP)

Want to explore more loan repayment and forgiveness options? Review the AAMC Loan Repayment and Scholarship Database for a comprehensive list.

4. Military scholarships and service-based programs

If you’re pursuing a health care degree as an active-duty service member or veteran or considering military service, the U.S. military offers scholarships and tuition assistance programs.

One of the most well-known military scholarships, the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), provides medical school tuition, textbook funding and a monthly stipend for advanced medical degree programs across medicine, dentistry, nursing and other fields.

Learn more about your educational benefits.

Paying for medical programs at University of Idaho

At University of Idaho’s School of Health and Medical Professions, we know that cost is a major factor in choosing a medical or health care program. There are various financial resources designed to support your education, whether you’re interested in the fully online Master of Science (M.S.) in gerontology degree, the in-person Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) program, hybrid Doctor of Anatomical Sciences (D.A.S.) program or Idaho WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho) partnership.

U of I offers graduate student-specific funding options. Explore funding opportunities available to SHAMP students and see how U of I helps make your education more accessible. 

Tuition discount: Western Regional Graduate Program

University of Idaho participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), which allows students from Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) states and territories to qualify for in-state tuition rates for our Doctor of Anatomical Sciences program. This tuition discount can significantly reduce the cost of your D.A.S. degree.  

Funding and scholarships: Reducing the cost for Idaho WWAMI

As a student in Idaho WWAMI, you can complete medical training at an in-state tuition rate while gaining hands-on experience in rural and underserved communities. To help with additional costs, Idaho WWAMI awards more than $800,000 in scholarships across 20+ funding opportunities each year. These scholarships can make a big difference in reducing tuition and easing the financial burden of medical programs.

Loan forgiveness assistance: Rural Physician Incentive Program

If you plan to practice as a primary care physician in a region of Idaho that is experiencing a health professional shortage, like rural medicine, you may qualify for loan forgiveness through the Rural Physician Incentive Program (RPIP). This program, administered by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, offers up to $100,000 over four years to help pay off your student loans when you provide care in underserved communities.

Other financial aid opportunities at U of I 

While there are no program-specific scholarships for the Psy.D., D.A.S. or M.S. in gerontology degree programs, you still have access to a variety of university-wide financial aid options to help make your degree more affordable. This includes graduate assistantships, student jobs, general scholarships and more.

Learn more about financial aid at U of I and contact us for assistance.

Make your medical education affordable 

Paying for a health care or medical program is a big investment, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At University of Idaho, we’re committed to helping you take the next step in your health care career through financial aid resources and additional support.  Ready to get started? Request more information or begin your application.