Does Military Pay for Medical School?
The cost of medical school can be daunting, with tuition fees, living expenses, and other financial burdens adding up quickly. For aspiring doctors who want to serve their country, the military offers a unique opportunity to pursue a medical degree while receiving financial support. In this article, we’ll explore the military’s medical school financing options and answer the question: Does military pay for medical school?
What is the Military’s Medical School Financing Option?
The military’s medical school financing option is called the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). The HPSP is a competitive program that provides full tuition and fees for medical school in exchange for a commitment to serve in the military for a specified period after graduation.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the HPSP, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be accepted into a Commissioned Corps-approved medical school
- Be willing to serve in the military for at least 7 years after graduation
- Meet the military’s physical and mental fitness standards
- Pass a background check
Benefits of the HPSP
The HPSP offers several benefits, including:
- Full tuition and fees for medical school
- A monthly stipend of $2,200 to cover living expenses
- Reimbursement for books and equipment
- Free medical care for you and your family while serving in the military
- Leadership training and development opportunities
Types of Military Scholarships
The military offers several types of scholarships for medical students, including:
- Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (AHSP): Provides full tuition and fees for medical school in exchange for a commitment to serve in the Army for at least 7 years.
- Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program (NHSP): Provides full tuition and fees for medical school in exchange for a commitment to serve in the Navy for at least 7 years.
- Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program (AFHSP): Provides full tuition and fees for medical school in exchange for a commitment to serve in the Air Force for at least 7 years.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Educational Benefits: Provides educational benefits to veterans and their dependents, including full tuition and fees for medical school.
How to Apply for Military Medical School Scholarships
To apply for military medical school scholarships, follow these steps:
- Research and contact the military branch: Reach out to the military branch you’re interested in serving with to learn more about their scholarship programs and application process.
- Apply to medical school: Submit your application to a Commissioned Corps-approved medical school.
- Submit a scholarship application: Complete and submit the scholarship application through the military branch’s website or through the medical school’s financial aid office.
- Interview and selection process: Participate in an interview and selection process, which may include a panel interview and a medical review board.
Alternatives to Military Medical School Scholarships
If you’re not eligible for a military medical school scholarship or prefer not to serve in the military, there are several alternatives to consider:
- Federal student loans: Apply for federal student loans, such as Direct Unsubsidized Loans or Grad PLUS Loans.
- Private student loans: Apply for private student loans from banks, credit unions, or online lenders.
- Scholarships and grants: Research and apply for scholarships and grants from private organizations, foundations, and medical associations.
- Employer tuition reimbursement: Check with your employer to see if they offer tuition reimbursement or education assistance programs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the military offers a unique opportunity for aspiring doctors to pursue a medical degree while receiving financial support. The HPSP provides full tuition and fees for medical school in exchange for a commitment to serve in the military for at least 7 years. While the military’s medical school financing option is competitive, it can be a rewarding and lucrative way to pursue a medical career.
