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Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine

Admissions

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UHCOM-admissions@uh.edu

Types of Scholarships and Financial Aid

Internal Scholarship Opportunities

The Tilman J. Fertitta Family College Of Medicine has various scholarship opportunities available to students, up to $25,000 per year. Current opportunities include:
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Scholarship
  • Indian Doctors Association Scholarship
  • Dr. Kiran H. Shah Honorary Scholarship

To be considered for internal scholarship opportunities, complete the FAFSA with the UH School Code (003652), and the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine Scholarship Application. The TJFFCOM scholarship application will be sent to you via email during the month of April.

External Scholarship Opportunities

Medical students are encouraged to apply for all relevant scholarship and grant opportunities to help satisfy the cost of medical education. More scholarship and grant funding = less loan funding. Deadlines may vary. (For external scholarships, contact the sponsor for additional information.)

Students are responsible for notifying the College of Medicine Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid of any external awards received.

Students receiving scholarships through the Armed Forces Health Professions Program or the National Health Service Corps are not eligible for internal scholarships, as these programs cover the tuition and fees, and living expenses, in some cases.

National Medical Fellowships Program
NMF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of underrepresented minority physicians and other professionals in the health care workforce to improve access to quality health care in medically underserved communities. Most awards are granted to first- and second-year medical students who demonstrate financial need. Awards vary.

Federal Student Loans

Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Federal Direct PLUS Loans through the U.S. Department of Education are generally the most popular loan sources utilized by medical students. Be sure to understand the terms and conditions.

  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Terms
    • Interest Rate: 7.05% (For loans disbursed 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2024)
    • Origination Fees: 1.057% (For loans disbursed after 10/1/2020 and before 9/30/2024)
    • Annual Borrowing Limit:
      • First-Year Medical Student: $42,722, or up to the cost of attendance, whichever happens first.
      • Loan amounts are divided equally across semesters within each academic year.
      • Please Note: Students may not receive financial aid that exceeds their cost of attendance. If this occurs, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid is required to return the over award amount to the highest interest bearing loan first, if applicable.
    • Lifetime Aggregate Borrowing Limit: $224,000 for health professional students.
    • Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who complete the FAFSA and not in default on a federal student loan.
    • Repayment: Begins after a six-month grace period once a medical student graduates or ceases enrollment. The U.S. Department of Education works with different loan servicers, and the department notifies students which servicer their federal loans were assigned.
  • Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Terms
    • For students with additional need after maximizing the Unsubsidized Loan, DirectPlus is also available.
    • Interest Rate: 8.05% (For loans disbursed 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2024)
    • Origination Fees: 4.228% (For loans disbursed after 10/1/2020 and before 9/30/2024)
    • Annual Borrowing Limit: Up to the cost of attendance, minus all other aid received.
      • Please Note: Students may not receive financial aid that exceeds their cost of attendance. If this occurs, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid is required to return the over award amount to the highest interest bearing loan first, if applicable.
    • Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who complete the FAFSA and not in default on a federal student loan.
    • Repayment: If you received a Direct PLUS loan, you automatically get a six-month deferment after you graduate or cease enrollment.
  • More Information

Alternative Loan Options

Texas Medical Association
TMA offers both loans and scholarships for medical students and residents.

Private Loans
ELM Select allows students to compare several private loan lenders.