Applying for Financial Aid

WMed offers financial assistance for its degree programs including the Doctor of Medicine, master's, and dual-degrees. 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the only application required to be considered for financial aid programs.

Steps to submit the FAFSA:

  • Obtain a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) at https://studentaid.gov
  • Submit the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov
  • The 2024-25 FAFSA requires 2022 federal tax year information
  • Provide consent for the Department of Education to obtain your federal taxpayer information automatically from the IRS
  • Review the FAFSA Submission Summary sent from the federal processor to make sure there are no requests for missing or incomplete data
  • Some students may be selected for a process called "Verification." If selected, the student and spouse, if applicable, may be asked to submit a federal tax transcript obtained from the IRS, and W2 forms. Our office will communicate via the email address on file if additional documentation or information is required as a result.

Merit-Based and Need-Based Scholarships (for MD degree-seeking students only)

All MD students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships without being required to submit an application. Financial aid offers are sent electronically to students via the email address on file.

For need-based aid consideration, complete the FAFSA and submit any requested documents.

Student Loan Programs

Students who submit a FAFSA and meet federal eligibility requirements will be offered federal Direct Unsubsidized and/or Grad PLUS loans as part of their financial aid offer. Students should carefully review their expenses and borrow only the amount of loans that they need.

Students are encouraged to consider borrowing federal loans before private/alternative loans. Federal loans include benefits such as fixed interest rates and income-driven repayment plans not typically offered with private loans. Private loans may not have the same flexibility of repayment or may be more expensive than federal student loans.

Students considering private/alternative loans can compare federal versus private loans at:

Students can compare private education loans and lenders at:

Before applying for or accepting federal or private/alternative loans, review the Loan Programs information.

Application Deadlines

Application Type Available Deadline
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) By January 1 each year for the following academic year. Scholarship priority deadline is February 1. For federal student loans, recommended at least 60 days prior to the academic start date.
Private loan and External Scholarship Programs Check with individual programs. Some require a FAFSA to determine need criteria. Consult the individual programs.


Eligibility for Financial Aid

To receive and maintain eligibility for financial aid, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a Social Security number
  • Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • Complete a FAFSA and submit any requested documents on an annual basis within stated deadlines
  • Be a degree-seeking student enrolled and attending at least half-time
  • Not be in default on any state or federal grant or loan received at any institution
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students who may be at risk for meeting eligibility requirements should contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss their circumstances.

LEARN MORE

Scholarship Programs

  • WMed Scholarships
  • External Scholarships and Awards
  • Scholarship Searches
  • Service Commitment Scholarships

Loan Programs

  • Basic Tips for Student Loan Borrowers
  • Managing Student Loans During Medical School
  • Federal Student Loans
  • Private/Alternative Loans

Loan Repayment and Forgiveness

  • AAMC Searchable Database
  • National Health Service Corps (NHSC)
  • Veterans Affairs

Contact the Office of Financial Aid if you would like additional assistance or information, or have questions about available funding opportunities.