The road to being a medical doctor – either a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) – in the United States is a long one. Students must obtain a bachelor’s degree before starting medical school. A medical school degree typically takes four years. After medical school, medical school graduates must complete a paid residency period, which could last 3-7 years – depending on the specialty, before they obtain their license.
Medical school is also an expensive endeavor, particularly for those who already took out loans for their undergraduate degrees.
The average cost of a medical school degree is $218,792. And each year, the average cost rises by $1,500.
So, if you’re considering medical school, be sure to maximize your financial aid and apply for as many scholarships as you can.
Here are some of the best scholarships for medical school.
AFSCME/UNCF Union Plus Scholars Program
Amount: $500-$4,000. About: The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the largest…
Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students
Amount: $10,000. About: In 2021, the Sallie Mae Fund partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College…
Alliance Medical Education Scholarship
Amount: $2,500. About: The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society offers the Alliance Medical Education…
Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
Amount: Full tuition for up to 4 years, $2,000+ stipend, and signing bonus. About: The…
KASF Scholarships
Amount: $500-$5,000. About: The Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF) offers scholarships to qualified Korean American…
HFA Medical/Health Services Educational Scholarship
Amount: $4,000. About: Administered by the Hemophilia Federation of America, the HFA Medical/Health Services Educational…
Dr. Francis Anthony Beneventi Medical Scholarship
Amount: $5,000. About: The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) offers the Dr. Francis Anthony…
Leslie Andree Hanna Medical Scholarship
Amount: $5,000. About: Offered by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Leslie Andree…
Alice W. Rooke Scholarship
Amount: $5,000. About: The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) offers a scholarship for students…
Winterhoff Arthritis Scholarship
Amount: $5,000 per year (renewable up to 4 years). About: The Arthritis Champions Scholarship is…
Benjamin Cottone Scholarship
Amount: $5,000. About: Offered by the Unico National Foundation, the Benjamin Cottone Scholarship is annually…
Navajo Nation Scholarship
Amount: Varies. About: The Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship & Financial Assistance (ONNSFA) offers several…
NHSC Scholarship
Amount: Funding for 4 years, including tuition, fees, reasonable educational costs, and monthly stipend. About:…
FARE Health Equity Scholars Program
Amount: $10,000. About: Established in 2022, Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) has partnered with…
Cobell Scholarship
Amount: Varies. About: Established as the result of the Cobell v. Salazar settlement, the Cobell…
The scholarships listed above are just some of the best scholarships we’ve found for you. There are many other scholarships out there.
Use TUN’s Scholarship Search Engine to find more scholarships for you.
To keep on top of new scholarships as they are offered, be sure to join the TUN Community. We will let you know about scholarships that you qualify for.
When to apply for scholarships
Each scholarship has a specific deadline. These deadlines occur throughout the year, so you can find one for any time of the year. Keep in mind, however, that some scholarship deadlines may fall months, even a year, before the start of the academic year for which you’re seeking a scholarship.
So, you should start the search process early and look for scholarships throughout the year. That way, if you find an award that appeals to you, you’ll be ahead of the game.
And when you apply, be sure to meet the deadline for each specific scholarship.
How to apply for scholarships
Each scholarship has its own unique requirements and qualifications. The first step to successfully applying for any scholarship is reading the details carefully. Make sure that you fit the eligibility criteria and fill out the application completely.
Pay attention to what’s required of you. For example, if you need a recommendation letter, you should request one way ahead of time so you have one by the time you apply. If an essay is required, start writing weeks before the deadline so you have an essay you can be proud of before the due date.
Aim to send in your application at least a few days before the deadline. This way, you avoid the risk of getting sidelined by technical glitches, tests, heavy homework load, or illness.
And don’t forget to submit everything required of you as part of your application.
For more tips on how to apply for scholarships, check here.
How to find scholarships
Colleges may offer either merit-based or need-based scholarships or both. You can usually find most of the information by clicking on their “financial aid” page. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to email or call their financial aid office.
There are also outside scholarships — like the ones listed above — that are sponsored by companies, organizations, foundations, and individuals as a way to give back to their communities. The awards can cover your entire tuition or a portion of it. Some scholarships have a GPA requirement or are based on financial need, while others embrace a cause or emphasize community involvement, athletic achievement, diversity, passion, and much more.
So, how do you find outside scholarships like these?
Start your search with TUN’s Scholarship Search Engine to find scholarships that are ideal for you. You can search by grade level, GPA, major, state of residency, scholarship name, or deadline month. You can also browse through our featured scholarships, some available only through TUN, and a collated list of scholarships for specific groups of students.
You should also check with your school to see if they have a list of scholarships. Your counselor may have the list or point you to someone who can help you. They may also be in the know about scholarships sponsored by local stores or organizations.
Your family is yet another good source of scholarships. Your parents or guardians may work for a company that offers scholarships for dependents of employees.
For more tips on how to find scholarships, check here.
How to get scholarships
Scholarships, especially ones with high awards, can be very competitive. In some cases, you may be competing against thousands of students.
So, how do you increase your chances of winning a scholarship?
First, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and submit all the information required of you, including recommendation letters, transcripts, and resume.
Second, be sure to distinguish yourself from the other applicants. Your essay, if that’s required, is what makes you unique so let your personality and creativity shine through. How do you do that?
You can achieve that “by showing instead of telling,” according to Sarah Chomette, an eAdviser with the College Advising Corps.
“When answering a creative prompt or inputting your personal statement, it’s important to provide the reader with a story instead of just telling them about your goals and accomplishments,” she said. “That can be kind of boring and it makes you get lost in the crowd.”
A successful essay must include four major components, Chomette explained. First, make sure that you convey your personal values. Second, be open and honest to help the reader feel a connection with you. Third, let the reader know why your story is important. Fourth, your writing must show that you put time and effort into it.
To summarize, always put thought and effort into your whole application and submit your best work. There should be no obvious errors or typos. And if you need to submit a recommendation letter, reflect on who knows you best and whose recommendation would help your application the most.
Are scholarships taxable?
Typically, scholarships are not taxable. However, it can depend on how the scholarship money is being used, according to federal tax laws.
Scholarship dollars are tax-exempt if they are going to a degree-seeking candidate and are being used to pay for tuition and fees required for enrollment, books, supplies, and other educational expenses.
Scholarships are not tax-exempt, and you must report them as “gross income,” if they are used to pay for room and board, travel, or optional equipment.
If you have additional questions, you should reach out to the financial aid office of your prospective or current college or university.