Pursuing a medical degree in the United States can open up incredible career opportunities, but it also often comes with a hefty price tag. For aspiring doctors who cannot afford the high costs of attending medical school in the US, there are ways to get a medical education without going into tremendous debt. Here are some of the main paths to study medicine for free in America:
Attend a Free Medical School
A small handful of medical schools in the US do not charge their students any tuition. These include:
NYU Grossman School of Medicine – As of 2018, NYU medical school became tuition-free for all students. Living costs are still around $31,000 per year.
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine – Offers full-tuition scholarships to all enrolled students. Still have to pay for cost of living.
Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine – Waives tuition for the entire 4 years for all students. Opened in 2019.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso – Full scholarships offered to all students, who just pay living expenses.
Florida State University College of Medicine – Gives full in-state tuition waivers to all Florida residents enrolled. Out-of-state tuition is reduced but not waived.
The main downside is these schools are extremely competitive to get into, since every student essentially gets a “full ride”. Average MCAT scores for matriculates are 518-520. Grades, test scores, research experience, and other factors are heavily emphasized in admissions. But for stellar applicants set on an affordable US medical education, these tuition-free schools are a top option.
Join the Military
Outstanding prospective medical students who wish to serve their country can attend medical school for free through one of the military’s Health Professions Scholarship Programs:
US Army Medical School Program
US Navy Medical School Program
Air Force Medical School Program
In exchange for having 100% of tuition covered, students commit to serving as active duty military medical officers for a set time after residency training (usually 3-7 years). These are extremely competitive but offer full medical school cost coverage. Housing, books, supplies are also included.
Obtain Scholarships
Scholarships from various organizations help cover the costs of medical school for exceptional students. These include:
National Health Service Corps Scholarship – Full tuition and fees in exchange for service in health shortage areas after residency.
Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarships – Cover 100% tuition for military members to attend medical school and serve as military doctors afterward.
Indian Health Service Scholarship -Provides full tuition, fees, books, supplies for Native American students who will practice in underserved tribal areas.
Soros Fellowship – Merit based fellowships for up to 4 years of tuition and living stipend. For New Americans and children of naturalized citizens.
Gates Millennium Scholars – Provides financial support through graduation for minority, high-achieving students.
AAMC Fee Assistance Program – Helps cover MCAT registration fees, AMCAS costs, and interview travel for disadvantaged applicants.
Research scholarships and grants available through government agencies, professional associations, private organizations, medical schools and apply early. Sometimes stipends help offset living costs too.
Attend Lower Cost Medical Schools
Opting for medical schools with lower tuition and fees can substantially cut down the total cost and debt incurred:
Public medical schools for in-state residents (in-state tuition is usually much lower)
Osteopathic medical schools like Touro University and Lake Erie College of Medicine often have lower tuition than M.D. programs.
International medical schools can have vastly lower tuition for Americans, though residency placement may be harder.
Newer medical schools like Kaiser Permanente and UTRGV School of Medicine that actively try to keep costs down.
While not completely free, attending lower cost medical programs can help graduates avoid extreme debt of $300,000+ accrued at expensive private schools. Being open-minded about the medical school attended can make a big financial difference long-term.
In summary, studying medicine without incurring a fortune in debt is challenging but possible in the US for qualified, determined candidates. Applying for full scholarships, military programs, grants and affordable schools are some ways to realize the dream of becoming a doctor on a tight budget. With proper planning and finding ways to cut costs where possible, medical school can still be financially feasible for students from lower income backgrounds.
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