Medical school is not only highly competitive but also incredibly expensive. That’s where scholarships come in: to save your savings account! Medical school scholarships can help cover essential expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and other costs of attendance. The best part? Unlike student loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid.
Today, we’ve researched your options and curated a list of some of the top medical school scholarships available in 2024.
How much does it cost to attend medical school?
First things first: how much money are we talking about, here? The cost of medical school can vary widely depending on factors such as whether the institution is public or private.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the average annual cost of medical school is $58,986. For first-year students at public medical schools, the average is slightly lower at $39,905. However, private medical school students face higher costs, with an average first-year tuition of $62,570.
When considering the total cost from start to finish, medical school can be even more expensive! On average, an in-state public medical degree costs about $161,972 when all is said and done, while out-of-state private medical schools can set you back by approximately $264,704.
These high costs continue to rise, with medical school tuition increasing by at least 2.5% each year since 2014. A decade later, prospective physicians struggle to shoulder this increasing financial burden.
While it’s important to be aware of the costs, remember that financing your medical education should not deter you from pursuing your passion. In addition to scholarships and loans, consider exploring work-study opportunities, assistantships, or part-time employment that may be available at your institution to help manage living expenses. Financial planning and budgeting early on can alleviate—or at least mitigate—future stress.
What can students do?
Many medical students take out loans to finance their education, but this can lead to significant debt. According to the AAMC, the average medical student graduates with nearly $200,000 in student loan debt.
Tuition-Free Medical Schools
It sounds too good to be true, but you can attend medical school for free! Yes, tuition-free medical schools do exist.
Here’s the caveat: while tuition-free programs are a wonderful option, we warn you to be mindful of their specific eligibility requirements and the competitive nature of these schools. For instance, these programs may prioritize students with a demonstrated commitment to underserved communities or those with strong leadership history and academic records. Consider how your personal experiences and long-term goals align with th emission of these tuition-free institutions before applying (or banking on free schooling).
While these programs are highly competitive, they offer a fantastic opportunity to avoid tuition costs entirely:
Cleveland Clinic
The Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine (CCLCM) provides full tuition coverage for the first five cohorts of the program.
Columbia University
Similarly, Columbia University’s Vagelos Scholarship Program meets 100% of students’ demonstrated financial need. However, this program is only available to students who qualify for financial aid.
Cornell University
Weill Cornell School of Medicine offers a debt-free, need-based financial aid program that replaces student loans with full-ride grants.
New York University
Last but certainly not least is NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine, one of the most renowned institutions offering a full-tuition scholarship to all accepted students. These awards are thanks to generous donations and a strong commitment to reducing medical school costs.
While these programs can eliminate the burden of tuition, it’s important to remember that students are still responsible for other expenses, such as administrative fees and living costs. If tuition-free schools aren’t an option—or you need additional financial support—then applying for medical school scholarships is an excellent next step.
Best Scholarships for Undergraduate (Pre-Med) Students
If you’re planning to pursue a career in medicine, your education journey can benefit greatly from scholarships early on. Therefore, if you’re able to be proactive, it’s a great strategy to take some time to complete and submit scholarship applications as an undergraduate student.
As you begin this process, keep a detailed list of requirements and deadlines to ensure you don’t miss any opportunities. Additionally, do keep in mind that many scholarships are a responsibility. Scholarship organizations may require students to maintain certain academic or professional standards while in school. It’s important to understand not just the application process but also the expectations and commitment post-award (such as GPA requirements or service commitments) which can affect your financial planning. Make sure you review the fine print of each scholarship to ensure you can fulfill the requirements.
Ready to move forward?
Below are some scholarships tailored to students in popular pre-med majors working towards a Bachelor’s degree. While many pre-med students tend to gravitate toward majors like biology and chemistry due to their natural alignment with medical school prerequisites, it’s important to know that other fields can also provide valuable preparation for medical school.
Choosing a Pre-Med Major
As we mentioned before, biology and chemistry are common choices for pre-med students because of their strong connections to medicine and the natural sciences. (For instance, a biology major covers essential subjects like human anatomy and physiology, while chemistry can be particularly helpful for students interested in pharmaceuticals or medical research.)
However, you don’t have to limit yourself to these majors. Medical schools accept students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, as long as you complete the necessary prerequisite courses, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and math. In fact, a more diverse educational background can sometimes be seen as a strength, particularly if you’re interested in a specific field of medicine that benefits from a multidisciplinary approach.
Public Health Scholarships
For students majoring in public health or related fields, here are five scholarships available in the U.S. just for you:
1. AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability
Available to: Undergraduate and/or graduate students with disability as defined by the American with Disabilities Act studying public health.
Award Amount: $1,000
2. AAPHP Public Health Practice Award
Available to: Undergraduate, graduate students in public health majors.
Award Amount: $1000.
3. ACMPE Scholarship Fund Inc.
Available to: Undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of public health fields.
Award Amount: $3,000
4. HIMSS Scholarships
Available to: Undergraduate and graduate students in public health.
Award Amount: Varies.
5. James M. & Erma T. Freemont Foundation Scholarship Program
Available to: Graduating high school seniors; undergraduate and graduate students with public health goals.
Award Amount: Varies.
Biology Scholarships
If you’re majoring in biology, consider applying for these five top scholarships:
1. Thermo Fisher Scientific Antibody Scholarship
Available to: Undergraduate & Graduate Students in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related life science.
Award Amount: $5,000 – $10,000
2. Asia SiVon Cottom Scholarship
Available to: High School Seniors & College Students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math.
Award Amount: $500 – $2,000
3. ABC Humane Wildlife Women in STEM Academic Scholarship
Available to: Undergraduate & Graduate Students who are majoring in STEM fields.
Award Amount: $1,000
4. Michael Moody Fitness Scholarship
Available to: High School Seniors & College Students majoring in athletic training, psychology, biology, kinesiology, nursing, general medicine, dentistry, behavioral sciences, personal training, physical education teaching and coaching, health and physical fitness, exercise science, sports and recreation management, health sciences, physical therapy, or another health-related field.
Award Amount: $1,500
5. Boster Bio Scholarship
Available to: High Seniors through Undergraduate Students enrolled in two- or four-year academic programs related to biology or biotechnology.
Award Amount: $1,000
Chemistry Scholarships
Chemistry majors specifically can benefit from the following five scholarships in the U.S.:
1. American Chemical Society Scholars Program
Available to: African American, Hispanic, and American Indian students nationwide who are majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or chemical technology.
Award amount: $5,000
2. Gladys Anderson Emerson Annual Scholarship
Available to: Extraordinary female junior and senior-level undergraduate students who have excelled in a chemistry or biochemistry curriculum at an accredited U.S. institution.
Award amount: $2,000
3. Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship for Male Students
Available to: Participating members of the NAACP who are attending an accredited institution in the United States with a declared major in engineering, chemistry, physics, or mathematical sciences.
Award amount: $3,000
4. John Kitt Memorial AACT Scholarship Fund
Available to: College sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are majoring in food science, chemistry, biology, or other related areas to pursue a career in confectionery technology.
Award amount: $5,000
5. Society of Plastics Engineers Foundation Scholarships
Available to: Undergraduate or graduate students who are majoring in plastics engineering, polymer science, chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or industrial engineering.
Award amount: $6,000
Best Scholarships for Medical School
Next up, we’ll cover medical school scholarships in more detail. For students continuing their education in medical school after earning a bachelor’s degree, there are numerous dedicated scholarships available to help offset the substantial costs.
When applying for medical school scholarships, it’s crucial to start the application process early and stay organized. Many scholarships have deadlines well in advance of the academic year. Keep in mind that many scholarships have specific eligibility requirements. These can include demonstrating a commitment to serving particular communities, holding a specific citizenship or residency status, or having a certain academic or professional background. Be sure to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship on its official website to confirm that you qualify.
Additionally, doing some research on the organizations or programs offering the scholarships can give you a competitive edge during the selection process. Personalizing each scholarship application by highlighting how your goals align with the scholarship’s mission can make a significant difference. Understanding their mission, values, and goals can help you tailor your application to stand out!
1 American Medical Women’s Association Scholarships
Available to: Women medical students with leadership skills and financial need
Award amount: Varies
2 Analtha Parr Pell Memorial Scholarship
Available to: Medical students demonstrating academic excellence and commitment to community service
Award amount: Varies
3 Andrea M. Taylor Future Doctors Scholarship
Available to: Minority medical students who show a commitment to improving healthcare in underserved communities
Award amount: $5,000
4 The Brown Medical and Educational Society Healthcare Scholarships
Available to: Medical students with financial need and a commitment to improving healthcare access
Award amount: $2,000
5 Chinese American Medical Society Scholarships
Available to: Medical students of Chinese descent, based on academic merit
Award amount: $5,000
6 Chinese American Physicians Society Scholarships
Available to: Medical students of Chinese descent who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement
Award amount: $2,000
7 Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarships
Available to: Medical students who promote equality in medical education and healthcare
Award amount: $5,000
8 The Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship
Available to: Hispanic medical students, academic achievement, and commitment to serving Hispanic communities
Award amount: $5,000
9 Japanese Medical Society of America
Available to: Medical students of Japanese descent, demonstrating academic achievement and financial need
Award amount: $2,000
10 Kaiser Permanente Northern California Medical Student Scholarship
Available to: Medical students committed to serving underrepresented communities in Northern California
Award amount: $10,000
11 Leopold Schepp Foundation Scholarship
Available to: Medical students with academic excellence and financial need
Award amount: $8,500
12 MPOWER Global Citizenship Scholarship
Available to: International and DACA students in medical school, based on commitment to social change
Award amount: $10,000
13 The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program
Available to: Medical students willing to work in underserved areas post-graduation
Award amount: Full tuition + stipend
14 National Medical Fellowships
Available to: Minority medical students with demonstrated financial need
Award amount: $ Varies
15 National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholars Program
Available to: Medical students with interest in aerospace medicine or related fields
Award amount: $10,000
16 The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Available to: Immigrants or children of immigrants pursuing graduate studies in the U.S., including medical school
Award amount: $90,000
17 Physicians of Tomorrow Awards
Available to: Medical students in their final year, based on academic achievement and financial need
Award amount: $10,000
18 Pisacano Scholars Leadership Program
Available to: Medical students committed to family medicine
Award amount: $28,000
19 Point Foundation Scholarships
Available to: LGBTQ+ medical students, based on leadership, community involvement, and financial need
Award amount: Varies
20 The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program
Available to: Medical students studying a STEM-related discipline, with commitment to work for the U.S. Department of Defense
Award amount: Full tuition + stipend
21 Stantec Equity & Diversity Scholarship
Available to: Medical students from diverse backgrounds demonstrating leadership and academic excellence
Award amount: $10,000
22 Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
Available to: Medical students who show academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement
Award amount: $10,000
23 Wellesley College M.A. Cartland Shackford Medical Fellowship
Available to: Medical students who are Wellesley College graduates
Award amount: Varies
24 The White Coat Investor Scholarship
Available to: Medical students based on academic merit and financial need
Award amount: $4,000
25 WICHE Professional Student Exchange Program
Available to: Medical students from Western states with financial need
Award amount: Varies
Maximizing your scholarship applications
Once you’ve identified the scholarships for which you qualify, it’s essential to apply to as many as possible. While the process might seem overwhelming, keep in mind that many scholarship applications share similar requirements. This overlap can significantly reduce the amount of time and effort needed to submit multiple applications.
During the application process, students should seek letters of recommendation from professors or mentors who can speak specifically to their strengrths and dedication to the medical field. A strong letter can reinforce your application, particularly for scholarships that emphasize leadership, service, or commitment to underserved communities.
By applying to several scholarships, you increase your chances of securing funding that will help ease the financial burden of medical school.
Need additional help?
Using data-driven technology and one-on-one consultation with former college Admissions Officers, our customized programs help you and your college application consulting stand out during the fiercely competitive U.S. college admissions process—from scholarships to graduation.
If you want to continue the conversation, you can always talk to Empowerly. Our team spends on average 25x more time with students than the average high school counselor, and 98% of students who have worked with Empowerly and been accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools. We are here to help walk you through every step of the way.
