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The School of Medicine (SOM) Financial Aid Office provides financial aid counseling to students who are enrolled in Medical Doctor degree and various Ph.D. and Master's Programs including the Premedical Health Sciences Certificate Program (CERT).
The School of Medicine (SOM) Financial Aid Office provides financial aid counseling to students who are enrolled in Medical Doctor degree and various Ph.D. and Master's Programs including the Premedical Health Sciences Certificate Program (CERT).
In order to serve its student body efficiently, the SOM maintains its own office of financial aid.
The SOM Scholarship Committee, composed of administrators, faculty and appointed physicians from various specialties of medicine, makes policies for the awarding of institutional financial aid. Applicants seeking consideration for institutional scholarships must file the PROFILE application by CollegeBoard (https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile) as well as the FAFSA 2020-2021 (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa). In addition, applicants may be asked to provide copies of their and/or parents’ Federal Income Tax Returns. Students seeking only loan assistance are not required to fill out PROFILE application. They must complete FAFSA for every academic year they are seeking federal student loan assistance.
Applicants who anticipate borrowing student loans as a means of financing medical education are advised to ensure that their personal credit record has no adverse credit history. The establishment of good credit is not a requirement for obtaining the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan but the Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan and Private Student Loans take credit history into account.
Financial need is not a factor in decisions regarding admission. Financial Aid information is made available to all students who are invited to the SOM for admissions interview.
The SOM Financial Aid Office is the primary point of contact for all financial aid questions which is located on the fourth floor of McGlothlin Medical Education Center, Room 4-306. You are welcome to visit, call (804-828-4006) or e-mail any staff member.
United States and Canadian citizens and permanent residents are considered for admissions. All Canadian citizens or Canadian permanent residents coming to VCU School of Medicine to obtain an M.D. degree must certify via I-20 that they have sufficient financial means to attend school before they enter the country on an F-1 visa. There are no sources of funding available to international students from federal or institutional aid.
Institutional Scholarships: Students who would like to be considered for SOM Scholarships must fill out the PROFILE (https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile) application by CollegeBoard in addition to the FAFSA 2020-2021 (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa). The SOM Scholarship Committee will award institutional scholarships based on need and/or merit. There is no other Scholarship application for institutional scholarships.
National Health Service Corps Scholarship: This program requires a supplemental application, which is available after January 1. You can request one to be mailed to you by calling 800-221-9393 (outside Virginia) or 703-734-6855 (within Virginia). The National Health Service Corps will provide for up to four years of paid tuition and fees, books and supplies and approximately $800 per month stipend in exchange for service as a physician after graduation for students who are interested in pursuing primary care specialties. Normally the recipient serves one year in a federally-designated underserved area for each year of scholarship. The required service commitment is minimum two years and maximum four years.
Military Health Professions Scholarship Program: The Army, Navy, Air Force and Army National Guard provide for up to four years of paid tuition and fees, books and supplies allowance and a monthly living stipend in exchange for military service after graduation. Normally, the recipient serves one year on active duty for each year of scholarship, with a minimum of three years. The Army and Navy are offering a signing bonus in addition to other benefits.
Hear what our students have to say about the Health Professions Scholarship Program.
For more information, contact:
United States Air Force Health Care Recruiting
TSgt Nathan Jaynes
Email: Nathan.jaynes@us.af.mil
TSgt Zackery Nuvy
Email: Zackery.nuvy@us.af.mil
United States Army Health Care Recruiting
Captain Marlena N. Motley
US Army Medical Recruiting - Richmond Medical Recruiting Center
13203 N Enon Church Rd, B-127
Chester, VA 23836
Office: (804) 530-8546
Cell: (804) 241-4213
Fax: (804) 530-8683
Email: marlena.n.motley.mil@mail.mil
United States Navy Health Care Recruiting
LT Andrea N. McCoy Garrett
NRD Richmond/NORS Charlottesville
Office: (434) 296-6304
Cell: (804) 339-9775
Email: andrea.mccoygarrett@navy.mil
920 Garden's Blvd Suite 103-A
Charlottesville VA 22901
Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan: The Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan is no longer available for Graduate and Professional students.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is available to medical students regardless of need or ability to contribute. Maximum annual loan limit is $42,722 (for M-1 and M-4 students) and $47,167 (for M-2 and M-3 students). A one-time promissory note needs to be signed for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. An origination fee of 1.059 percent is charged up front for loans disbursed after October 1, 2019 and before October 1, 2020. The Stafford Loan aggregate limit is $224,000. The interest rate on the loan is at a fixed 4.30 % for loans disbursed after July 1st, 2020. Interest begins to accrue on these loans at the time of disbursement. Repayment begins six months after termination of enrollment or graduation. There is no deferment during internship and residency, but forbearance and various alternate payment plans are available.
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan: The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a credit based loan that allows graduate and professional students to borrow up to the standard cost of attendance minus any other aid. An origination fee of 4.236 percent is charged up front for loans disbursed after October 1, 2019 and before October 1, 2020. The interest rate on the loan is at a fixed 5.30 % for loans disbursed after July 1st, 2020. Repayment begins immediately with provisions for deferment while in school more than half time. Graduate Plus Loan application is available online. Students must sign a separate master promissory note (MPN) for these loans.
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Application
These are unsecured bank loans. These credit-based loans are offered at variable interest rates and are based on either prime or LIBOR, which fluctuates quarterly. Interest begins to accrue immediately but you are able to defer both interest and principle repayment while you remain enrolled. Most lenders will also allow deferment during all or part of your residency. Various lenders offer different benefits, terms and conditions so be sure to read carefully before you agree to apply or consult with the SOM Financial Aid Office.
The VCU Office of Financial Aid recommends that students explore all federal student aid options prior to applying for private loans. Applications for alternative loans are submitted electronically through the lender’s website. ELMSelect provides students and families with information on frequently used private loan lenders.
https://www.elmselect.com/v4/school/457/program-select
The Federal Primary Health Care Loan (PCL): The Federal Primary Health Care Loan is a campus-based program awarded by the Financial Aid Office to medical students who have chosen to work in primary care fields. Funds are very limited. Eligibility is determined from information submitted on PROFILE (https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile) application. Students must furnish copies of parental information to the financial aid office to be considered for this loan regardless of dependency status. The loan has a 12-month grace period after graduation with a fixed interest rate of 5 percent. Payment of the loan may be deferred during periods of internship and residency. The student is not responsible for interest until repayment begins. In general, regular loans can be converted at graduation to Super PCL loans once it is clear that the student will be matched in a primary care residency. The availability of PCL depends on the availability of funds each academic year. SOM Financial Aid Office awards the PCL to 4th year medical students after the match.
Loans for Disadvantaged Students (LDS): This is a campus-based program awarded by the School of Medicine Financial Aid Office to medical students who are determined to be financially needy and/or from disadvantaged backgrounds. There are very limited funds available for this loan. The loan has a 12-month grace period after graduation with a fixed interest rate of 5 percent and may be deferred during periods of internship and residency. The student is not responsible for interest until repayment begins. The availability of LDS depends on the availability of funds each academic year.
Two steps are required each spring to apply for aid for the subsequent academic year:
1. Fill out FAFSA 2020-2021 (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa). Our federal code# is 003735. This is adequate if applying only for federal student loans.
2. Fill out PROFILE application (https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile). Necessary for any grant/scholarship and/or United States Department of Health and Human Services funds. You must provide parental information to be considered for this aid regardless of age or marital status. If your application is selected for verification, you will be asked to submit tax returns.
Once your file is complete you will be notified of your financial aid eligibility. You may borrow more later (up to the cost of attendance figure minus all other aid) if you incur unexpected expenses.
VCU's Financial Aid Forms:
Financial Aid Rights and Responsibilities:
VCU School of Medicine - Medical Degree Program Financial Aid Checklist:
Financial Aid Summer Workshop for Incoming M1 Students: The SOM Financial Aid Office holds a voluntary financial aid summer workshop during the month of June for incoming M1 students. The financial aid process, types of aid and other services and resources are discussed during this workshop to help prepare the students for their first year. This workshop is communicated to the incoming students by the Admissions Department. The main emphasis is on the financial aid process.
Loan Counseling and Debt Management during medical education: The SOM Financial Aid Office provides Loan Counseling and Debt Management presentations for M.D. students during Orientation and throughout their medical education. The SOM Financial Aid Office observes an open door policy. Students are welcome to stop by or make an appointment for Debt Management Counseling at any point during their education. Students who have borrowed student loans are given a detailed Exit Counseling presentation and one-on-one counseling at the end of M4 year.
For Free Credit Report:
For a free credit report, visit: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
Credit Bureaus:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
PROFILE (for Scholarship application/renewal): https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile
National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS): The NSLDS allows the students to view federal student loan history. https://nslds.ed.gov
AAMC FIRST: Financial Information, Resources, Services and Tools: https://www.aamc.org/services/first
Medloans Organizer and Calculator (MLOC): The MLOC provides a secure location to organize and track your loans and then calculate custom repayment plans using your own loan information to help you make smart choices about repayment: https://www.aamc.org/services/first/medloans
Check your financial aid status online at: https://ssb.vcu.edu
We provide financial aid counseling to students who are enrolled in Premedical Health Sciences Certificate Program and the Master's and PhD programs.
The School of Medicine Financial Aid Office provides financial aid counseling to students who are enrolled in Premedical Health Sciences Certificate Program (CERT) and the School of Medicine Master's and Ph.D. programs. Students who are interested in obtaining financial aid should file the FAFSA 2020-2021 (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students are eligible to receive the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan for up to 20,500 and if needed, up to the Cost of Attendance, from the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS program. Students who are in default of any type of federal student loan are not to be eligible to receive federal loans until the default status is resolved.
Applicants who anticipate borrowing as a means of financing their medical education are advised to ensure that their personal credit record has no adverse credit history. The establishment of good credit is not a requirement for obtaining the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, but the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan takes credit history into account.
Financial need is not a factor in decisions regarding admission.
Click the panels below for additional information.
FAFSA 2020-2021: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
VCU School Code for FAFSA: 003735
Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan
The Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan is no longer available for Graduate and Professional students.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is available to graduate students. The maximum amount is $20,500 for Fall and Spring semesters. A one-time promissory note needs to be signed for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. An origination fee of 1.059 percent is charged up front for loans disbursed after October 1, 2019 and before October 1, 2020. The Stafford Loan aggregate limit is $138,500. The interest rate on the loan is at a fixed 4.30%. Interest begins to accrue on these loans at the time of disbursement. Repayment begins six months after falling below half time enrollment, termination of enrollment or graduation.
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a credit based loan that allows graduate and professional students to borrow up to the standard cost of attendance minus any other aid. An origination fee of 4.236 percent is charged up front for loans disbursed after October 1, 2019 and before October 1, 2020. The interest rate on the loan is at a fixed 5.30%. Repayment begins immediately with provisions for deferment while in school more than half time. Students can apply online for the Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan. There is no paper application. Students must sign a separate master promissory note for the Federal Direct Graduate Plus loan.
These are unsecured bank loans. These credit-based loans are offered at variable interest rates and are based on either prime or LIBOR, which fluctuates quarterly. Interest begins to accrue immediately but you are able to defer both interest and principle repayment while you remain enrolled. Various lenders offer different benefits, terms and conditions so be sure to read carefully before you agree to apply or consult with the SOM Financial Aid Office.
The VCU Office of Financial Aid recommends that students explore all federal student aid options prior to applying for private loans. Applications for alternative loans are submitted electronically through the lender’s website. ELMSelect provides students and families with information on frequently used private loan lenders.
Downloadable Forms (VCU Financial Aid): http://finaid.vcu.edu/resources/forms.html
Rights and Responsibilities (VCU Financial Aid): http://finaid.vcu.edu/resources/rights.html
Financial Aid Checklist for Graduate Students: 2020-2021 VCU Graduate Financial Aid Checklist
2020-2021 Cost of Attendance: CERT Program: 2020-2021 CERT Program Cost of Attendance
2020-2021 Cost of Attendance: Graduate Programs: 2020-2021 Graduate Programs Cost of Attendance
Check your financial aid status online at https://ssb.vcu.edu
For a free credit report, visit: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
List of Credit Bureaus:
VCU School of Medicine Financial Aid Office address information.
Financial Aid Office
Office of Student Affairs
VCU School of Medicine
Physical Address: McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), 1201 E Marshall St., 4th Floor
Mailing Address: Box 980565
Richmond, VA 23298
Phone: 804-828-4006
Fax: 804-827-5555
VCU School of Medicine Office of Financial Aid faculty and staff contact information.
Pemra E. Cetin, M.B.A.
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs & Financial Aid
Pemra E. Cetin, M.B.A.
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs & Financial Aid
Office of Financial Aid
Email: pemra.cetin@vcuhealth.org
Address/Location:
McGlothlin Medical Education Center, Room 4-037
Paula H. Rafferty
Senior Counselor for Office of Financial Aid
Paula H. Rafferty
Senior Counselor for Office of Financial Aid
Office of Financial Aid
Email: paula.rafferty@vcuhealth.org
Address/Location:
McGlothlin Medical Education Center, Room 4-037
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