We know medical school is a serious commitment, and understanding how best to pay for your medical education and manage your budget is a key piece of the process. That’s why our Medical Student Financial Services leaders in the Office of Admissions & Enrollment Management work with accepted students to obtain funding and guide them through applications for scholarships, grants, and federal and private student loans.

We also work with medical students on personal budgeting and debt management in both a group setting through special seminars and in one-on-one counseling appointments. Learn more about Financial Wellness in the School of Medicine.

Funding your Medical School Education

UAB Heersink Scholarships

Over 200 donors make it possible for students to receive scholarships through the Heersink School of Medicine.

• Incoming students are automatically considered for recruitment scholarships based on their full admissions application and interviews. No additional scholarship application is required.
• Complete the Heersink School of Medicine Scholarship Application in BSMART, UAB’s Scholarship Portal, in subsequent years to be considered for additional funds.

Federal Financial Aid

To be considered for Federal Financial Aid, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year at www.studentaid.gov.  Professional students are considered independent for financial aid purposes and will not submit parental information.

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans – students who submit a FAFSA are offered a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, up to $44,944 for your first year of medical school.
• Graduate PLUS Loan – the Graduate PLUS Loan can help pay for educational expenses not covered by scholarships or other financial aid, up to the remaining cost of attendance. In addition to completing the FAFSA, a separate Graduate PLUS Loan Application is required to be considered.

Alternative Education (Private) Loans

Alternative education loans are private, credit-based, non-federal loans.  Application processes and requirements vary by lender. Visit UAB’s Alternative Education Loans website for additional information and to view a historical lender list.

External Scholarships

External scholarships are administered outside of UAB but can be a great opportunity to help fund your medical education.  View a listing of common external scholarships here.

Tuition & Fees

View current tuition and fee rates along with a full estimated cost of attendance here.

The UAB Office of Student Financial Aid uses the Cost of Attendance to determine the maximum amount of aid a student is eligible to receive each academic year. If you are receiving federal aid, federal regulations limit the total aid you receive, including scholarships and loans, to the annual cost of attendance.

Contact Us

Throughout your time in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, Medical Student Financial Services wants to make sure you have all the information and resources needed for money matters.  Contact us at any time for assistance with budgeting, federal financial aid, scholarships, debt management, and financial aid wellness.

Medical Student Financial Services
Volker Hall 107
medschoolscholarship@uab.edu
205.934.2332

Schedule a time to meet with us.  Appointments are available in person, via Zoom, and over the phone.