Boston University Medical Campus
Student Financial Services

FEDERAL

LOAN AND SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

Some students receive support from federal scholarship programs. They commit themselves to service after school in return for support while they are in school. Please check with our office for Federal loan eligibility.

National Health Service Corps – Students who are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. Priority in selection will be given to:

• Former recipients of NHSC scholarships.
• Students who are interested in primary care.
• Students from rural backgrounds who wish to serve in underserved rural areas.
• Students from under-represented minorities who will serve in underserved minority communities.

The benefits of the NHSC program include payment of tuition and required fees directly to the institution, a single lump-sum payment for books, supplies, equipment, and other reasonable educational expenses, plus twelve monthly stipends ($1,098 in 2004-2005). For each year of support a student is obliged to practice for one year in a federally designated, high-priority Health Manpower Shortage Area of the United States; there is a two-year minimum service obligation.

Applications are normally available in the Office of Student Financial Services in late February, or you may call or write the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program, 1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1200, Silver Spring, MD 20910. The telephone numbers are (800) 638-0824 or (301) 594-4400. The deadline for applications usually depends upon when applications are available and may be as early as March 26th. You may get more information online at http://nhsc.bhpr.hrsa.gov.

Indian Health Service Scholarship Program – This program is designed to ensure that Native Americans and Alaska Natives have maximum involvement in meeting their own health needs. Preference for selection is given to those applicants who provide official documentation of tribal membership or that they are the natural children or grandchildren of a tribal member.

The program covers a direct payment to the institution for tuition and fees as well as a lump sum payment to the student for insurance, books, supplies, limited travel, and equipment. It also provides a monthly stipend to help with living expenses. Students may be funded for up to four years, with a minimum service obligation of two years. The application deadline is usually mid-April.

For more information, contact: Indian Health Service Scholarship Program, 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20852. The telephone number is 301-443-6197.

Indian Educational Fellowships for Indian Students – The purpose of these awards is to enable Indian students to pursue courses of study leading to a degree in medicine. A fellowship is awarded in an amount up to but not more than the difference between the student’s resources including other sources of financial aid and the student’s expenses. Funds may be provided for tuition and required fees, stipend, dependent allowances, books and supplies, and required research and travel expenses. An allowance is provided for each dependent (spouse not included). Application forms and program information may be obtained by writing to Indian Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education, Room 2177, 400 Maryland Avenue, S. W. FOB-6, Washington, D.C. 20202.

Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarships – Tuition, community fee, and medical insurance are paid directly to the recipient’s account. A monthly stipend ($1,185) is paid directly to the student. Required books, other fees, and equipment costs are reimbursed directly to the recipient. Each year one-and-a-half months are spent on active duty during training in a hospital or, if your academic program requires, continuing with your studies while performing your annual training at school. During this period the student receives a second lieutenant or ensign’s pay and all privileges including housing and food allowances.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be enrolled in or accepted at a college of medicine in the U.S. or Puerto Rico, and meet eligibility criteria for appointment as a commissioned officer.

For more information, check the Blue Pages of your telephone book under “Federal Government,” “Air Force,” “Army,” or “Navy” for the address and telephone of your local recruiter. Local students should contact:

Army National Guard/Medical Student Early Commissioning Program – This program allows an individual enrolled in medical school to be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Medical Service Corps, and to serve in the National Guard without incurring an active duty obligation during or after medical school. Upon graduation the student is appointed to Captain in the Medical Corps. The benefits include additional income, continuation of schooling while serving part time; clerkship programs; and loan repayment for individuals serving in some specialty areas. Requirements for the program include being accepted or enrolled in an accredited medical school; participation in a flexible training program of 16 hours each month and 15 days annual training during the year; being qualified in accordance with current regulations.

If you are interested in becoming part of the Massachusetts Army National Guard Professional Medical Team, please call 617-728-3300/3301.