Medicine Study Expenses
It’s not unknown that studying medicine is tougher than ever! Every year, thousands of future doctors begin their medical school journey in the US, but the cost keeps climbing. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the average cost for first-year med students at in-state public schools was $41,081 in 2023-2024, up from $31,432 in 2013-14 which is a 31% increase! For in-state private schools, it jumped from $50,197 to $67,056 in the same period, a 34% rise.
So, most med students rely on loans, which often come with high-interest rates, making repayment tough. On average, med students graduate with over $200,000 in student loan debt. It’s a significant financial strain on top of an already demanding career path.
Scholarships in Medicine
Thankfully, scholarships can ease this burden by reducing or even eliminating the need for loans. To help, we’ve gathered a list of 15 top medical school scholarships for 2024. These scholarships offer substantial financial support, helping med students focus on their studies without the constant worry of debt.
Pursuing a medical degree is challenging, both mentally and financially. Luckily, there are numerous scholarships available to help. This article highlights some of the best medical scholarships in the US for 2024, specifically for US citizens and permanent residents. We detail each scholarship with key information like deadlines, eligibility, and award specifics.
1. Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
Deadline: June 30, 2024
The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship awards a total of $250,000 annually to students pursuing healthcare-related degrees, including medicine. Ten $10,000 scholarships and thirty $5,000 scholarships are available. To qualify, you need to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. If you’re passionate about making a difference in healthcare and have a solid academic record, this scholarship could be a great fit for you.
For more information and to apply, visit the Tylenol Scholarship website.
2. USA Medical and Surgical Supplies Scholarship Program
Deadline: June 15, 2024
USA Medical and Surgical Supplies offers a $1,000 scholarship to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a career in healthcare, including medicine. To apply, you’ll need to write an essay on a given healthcare-related topic. This scholarship is perfect for those who can articulate their passion and ideas through writing.
For more information and to apply, visit the USA Medical and Surgical Supplies website.
3. National Medical Fellowships (NMF) Need-Based Scholarship Program
Deadline: Varies
NMF offers several need-based scholarships to underrepresented minority medical students. These scholarships aim to address financial barriers and support students committed to serving underserved communities. Amounts vary depending on the specific scholarship program. If you're dedicated to improving healthcare in underrepresented communities, this could be a significant support for your medical education.
For more information and to apply, visit the NMF website.
4. Zuckerman Fellows Program
Deadline: February 5, 2024
The Zuckerman Fellows Program provides full tuition, fees, and a stipend to medical, business, and law students committed to public service. This fellowship is ideal for medical students who aspire to leadership roles in healthcare policy, administration, and community health. If you’re driven to lead and innovate in the healthcare sector, consider applying for this fellowship.
For more information and to apply, visit the Harvard University website.
5. AAMC Darrell G. Kirch, MD Scholarship
Deadline: June 1, 2024
The AAMC Darrell G. Kirch, MD Scholarship awards $10,000 to medical students who demonstrate excellence in academic performance, leadership, and community service. Named in honor of Dr. Darrell G. Kirch, a notable figure in academic medicine, this scholarship supports those who excel in and out of the classroom. It’s a great opportunity if you’re a standout student who also makes an impact in your community.
For more information and to apply, visit the AAMC website.
6. Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
Deadline: Rolling
The HPSP, offered by the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force, covers full tuition, fees, and provides a monthly stipend for medical students who commit to serve as military physicians upon graduation. This scholarship is ideal for those considering a career in military medicine. If you’re passionate about serving your country while practicing medicine, this scholarship provides substantial financial support.
For more information and to apply, visit the respective military branch websites: Army, Navy, and Air Force.
7. White Coat Investor Scholarship
Deadline: August 31, 2024
The White Coat Investor Scholarship is designed for medical, dental, and other health professional students. The amount varies each year, but several scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $12,000 are awarded. To apply, you need to submit an essay and demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and community service. This scholarship is a great fit if you can clearly express your thoughts and have a strong track record both academically and in your community.
Applicants must be getting good grades in one of the following:
Medicine / Osteopathy / Podiatry / Dentistry / Law / Pharmacy / Optometry / Physician/ Assistant
Nurse /Practitioner / CRNA / Veterinary Medicine
For more information and to apply, visit the White Coat Investor website.
8. Physicians of Tomorrow Awards
Deadline: June 30, 2024
The Physicians of Tomorrow Awards, provided by the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation, offer $10,000 scholarships to medical students entering their final year of study. The awards are based on academic excellence, financial need, and a commitment to the medical profession. This is a fantastic opportunity for top-performing students who need financial assistance in their final year.
For more information and to apply, visit the AMA Foundation website.
9. Edith SeVille Coale Scholarships
Deadline: October 1, 2024
The Edith SeVille Coale Scholarships are provided by the Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC) and are open to female medical students in their second or third year. The scholarship offers $8,000 to support education costs. If you’re a female medical student with a strong academic record, this scholarship can provide substantial financial aid.
For more information and to apply, visit the MSDC website.
10. Doctors of Tomorrow Scholarship
Deadline: September 15, 2024
Offered by the Detroit Medical Center, the Doctors of Tomorrow Scholarship provides $5,000 to high school seniors planning to pursue a career in medicine. This scholarship supports students who show exceptional promise in the field of medicine and are committed to serving their communities. If you’re a high school senior with big dreams in medicine, this scholarship could be your first step.
For more information and to apply, visit the Detroit Medical Center website.
11. The Horace Wells Scholarship
Deadline: July 15, 2024
The Horace Wells Scholarship, offered by the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (ADSA), is available to medical and dental students who are interested in anesthesiology. The scholarship provides $2,500 to help cover educational expenses. If you’re pursuing a career in anesthesiology, this scholarship offers valuable financial support.
For more information and to apply, visit the ADSA website.
12. Alice W. Rooke Scholarship
Deadline: October 15, 2024
The Alice W. Rooke Scholarship, provided by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), offers $5,000 to students pursuing degrees in medicine, nursing, or other healthcare-related fields. This scholarship is aimed at students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. It’s a great opportunity if you’re excelling academically but need financial help.
For more information and to apply, visit the DAR website.
13. National Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship
Deadline: September 25, 2024
This scholarship, provided by the National Hispanic Health Foundation, offers $2,000 to $5,000 to Hispanic students pursuing a degree in medicine, nursing, public health, or health management. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to serving the Hispanic community. If you’re a Hispanic student dedicated to making a difference in healthcare, this scholarship could be a perfect match.
For more information and to apply, visit the NHHF website.
14. Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Deadline: October 26, 2024
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans provide up to $90,000 in financial support over two years to immigrants and children of immigrants who are pursuing graduate degrees in the United States. This includes medical degrees. Applicants must demonstrate creativity, originality, and initiative. If you’re an immigrant or the child of immigrants and have a unique perspective to bring to medicine, this fellowship offers significant support.
For more information and to apply, visit the Soros Fellowships website.
15. United Health Foundation Diverse Scholars Initiative
Deadline: June 29, 2024
The United Health Foundation Diverse Scholars Initiative offers scholarships to students from diverse backgrounds pursuing degrees in healthcare fields, including medicine. The scholarship amounts vary, and recipients are selected based on academic performance, leadership, and commitment to reducing health disparities. If you’re passionate about making healthcare more equitable, this scholarship could help you achieve your goals.
For more information and to apply, visit the United Health Foundation website.
You know, getting a scholarship can really lighten the load when it comes to paying for medical school. Each of these scholarships offers different perks that fit various parts of the med student experience, like excelling in studies, showing leadership, doing community service, or helping underserved groups. If you're dreaming of being a doctor, it's smart to check out these opportunities and apply before the deadlines.
These scholarships not only help financially but also give props to the hard work and dedication you're putting in to become a medical pro. By going for these opportunities, you can focus more on your studies and training, without stressing so much about money.
For more info on each scholarship and how to apply, hit up their websites. Applying early and making sure you meet all the criteria will up your chances of snagging one of these cool awards.
Mandisa Langwenya Aug. 13, 2024
My name is Mandisa Langwenya, a girl from a small country in Africa called Eswatini.I am a very ambitious girl who takes every opportunity she has on changing her life and being a neurologist.I would like to be given an opportunity and pursue my dream career in medicine in order to achieve my goals and dreams and show all those who have lost faith in themselves that everything is possible with hard work and determination
Abdullah Al Naeem Aug. 22, 2024
Hi Mandisa, hope you are doing great. It really makes us proud when we know that our articles help ambitious people like you. I wish all the best to you and your dream. For your convenience, you can check our new section study-in-us. I hope there will be good articles that will be effective for international students who want to study in the US.