Students often assume that loans are the only financing option for medical school. While loans are indeed the primary funding source, scholarships are available from a number of sources to reduce or, in some cases, obviate educational debt altogether. This section describes a variety of scholarships that are available to medical students.
Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
The Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program offers scholarships through the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force. These one-, two-, three- and four-year scholarships cover all direct educational costs (i.e., tuition, fees, books, health insurance) and provide a monthly stipend for ten and one-half months per year. In return, there is a service commitment of one year of active duty service for each year of participation in the program, with a minimum commitment of three years. For more information, please visit the following websites or contact Kimberly Millette in the Student Activities Office:
Army HPSP
Navy HPSP
Air Force HPSP
National Health Service Corps (NHSC)
The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, pays tuition, required fees, and some other education costs, tax free, for as many as four years. The program includes a monthly stipend in exchange for service in a federally-designated and medically underserved area of the United States. In addition, priority for selection is given to applicants who are committed to primary care specialties such as family practice, general internal medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics-gynecology.
The Office of Financial Aid office maintains a list of current and former NHSC recipients who would be happy to share their experiences in the program. If you wish to receive this list, please contact us at md_finaid@brown.edu. Additional information regarding the NHSC Scholarship Program may be obtained on their website.
Indian Health Service Program (IHS)
The Indian Health Service (IHS) Program offers scholarships similar to the NHSC Program. IHS scholarships include tuition, supplies, a book allowance, and a monthly stipend. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who are federally recognized American Indians or Alaskan Natives. Students interested in obtaining more information should check out their website. The AAMC also has information on this loan repayment and scholarship program.
Yellow Ribbon Veteran's Administration (VA) Program
AMS offers two eligible medical students $15,000 in scholarship funding. The VA will match the $15,000 scholarship for eligible veterans or dependents' of eligible veterans' medical students. Medical students are required to submit documentation to the Alpert Medical School Office of Financial Aid. Students need not be recipients of need-based aid to receive this benefit. Veterans should contact the VA directly to determine their eligibility for the program. Additional information regarding VA Benefits and the Yellow Ribbon Program is available at GI Bill Information or by calling VA Benefits at 1-800-827-1000. For assistance in obtaining a certification of enrollment at Brown, please contact the Registrar's Office at (401) 863- 2500.