The medical school annually provides both merit- and need-based scholarships, which are awarded by the Student Scholarship Committee. Committee members include medical school faculty and one to two fourth year medical students. Financial aid offers are sent to students via email.
Merit-based scholarship awards do not require a separate application form. The scholarship amounts are established by the Student Scholarship Committee, which for accepted applicants are based on information provided in their application to medical school. In subsequent years, the Student Scholarship Committee considers the student's entire record in medical school - academic performance, leadership, and citizenship.
Need-based scholarships require that students submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Need-based application period: Apply by February 1, and submit requested documents for priority consideration. For students admitted after February 1, the deadline is two weeks from the date of admission. Applications filed after the deadline will be considered as funds become available.
The FAFSA becomes available each year by January 1.
External Scholarships and Awards
In addition to WMed scholarships, students are encouraged to explore other scholarship opportunities. The more that students can receive in gift aid, the more that they can limit or reduce student loan borrowing.
Scholarship Searches
Below are suggested free scholarship search engines:
Suggestions from scholarship recipients about applying:
- Apply for all relevant opportunities
- Carefully adhere to application guidelines
- Be aware that multi-part applications may contain different deadlines for each step
- Make sure you know how to have quick access to secure transcripts from your previous schools
- Submit supporting documents prior to posted deadlines
Potential sources:
- Unions
- Employers with scholarship programs for employees or their families
- Department or retail stores
- Local churches
- Civic and community organizations
- Multicultural associations
- Agencies administering programs for veterans and their children
- Local county medical society associations
Service Commitment Scholarships
National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program
The NHSC program provides annual scholarships to pay tuition, education-related expenses, and a monthly living stipend to full-time medical students who commit to providing primary healthcare services in underserved communities. NHSC scholars serve one year for each year of funding (two-year minimum, four-year maximum) and must fulfill their service obligation in NHSC-approved Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).
Priority for funding is granted to scholars already in the program who are submitting an annual renewal request and to applicants from "disadvantaged backgrounds" who demonstrate a strong likelihood of continuing to practice in a HPSA after fulfilling their service obligation.
NHSC Students to Service (S2S) Loan Repayment Program
This program provides up to $120,000 in loan repayment for a minimum of three years of service. To apply, students must be entering their final year of medical school, planning to complete a primary care residency in an NHSC-approved specialty (Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Psychiatry, Geriatrics), commit to serve in NHSC-approved HPSAs with the greatest need, and have unpaid government or commercial education loans.
For more information about the NHSC Scholarship Program and the NHSC Students to Service (S2S) Program, go to http://nhsc.hrsa.gov
Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Programs
Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Programs (HPSP) provides contracts for financial assistance to medical students in exchange for active duty service in the armed services (Air Force, Army, or Navy). Obligations incurred in the program are served as a medical officer. Benefits include payment of tuition/fees and a monthly stipend. You are expected to serve as an active-duty member of the armed forces with an obligation of years of service that is branch-specific. For additional information visit a recruiter or refer to specific web sites:
Educational Benefits for Veterans
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® provides financial support for education and housing. Students must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This may cover some, but not all, of the costs for additional education.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.