Scholarships, Debt Management and Financial Wellness

General Information

Wayne State University School of Medicine Tuition - https://recordsandreg.med.wayne.edu/tuition

Office of Financial Aid - https://wayne.edu/financial-aid/medicine

Federal Loans vs Private Loans - https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/federal-vs-private3

Resources for Muslim Students

A Muslim's Guide to Student Loans in the U.S. - MuslimMatters.org

A Continuous Charity (acceducate.org)

Michigan – A Continuous Charity (acceducate.org)

Education and Scholarships - Center for Arab American Philanthropy (centeraap.org)

JFLA 120

Wayne State University Scholarships

WSU ScholarshipUniverse connects Wayne State University students to internal and external scholarship opportunities. Current and admitted Wayne State University students can log in to search and apply for scholarships.

Scholarship FAQs 

Board of Governors MD Scholarship

The Board of Governors (BOG) MD Scholarship is awarded to medical students who demonstrate financial need based on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information and who meet satisfactory academic progress standards. The amount of the BOG MD Scholarship is based on the aggregate total Federal Direct Subsidized Loan that you borrowed at the undergraduate level, if any, and the percentage used of the 600% lifetime Federal Pell Grant eligibility limit. Please reference the following chart. 

This award is meant to assist with your tuition and fee costs. If you receive a tuition and fee scholarship that covers all of these costs, you may retain up to $2000 of the BOG award to assist with your other expenses. No application is required.

No combination of awards, including loans and stipends, may exceed the estimated cost of attendance.

Scholarships are awarded until funding is exhausted.

The Federal Direct Subsidized Loan aggregate total borrowed at the undergraduate level and the percentage used of the Federal Pell Grant 600% eligibility limit can be viewed at studentaid.gov.

School of Medicine Scholarships

Medical students who wish to be considered for Wayne State University School of Medicine private scholarships must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of information submitted on their FAFSA, their academic record, their citizenship status, and other criteria stated in the scholarships listed on this site. Information that Y1 students submitted at the time of application to the WSU School of Medicine also will be considered. There is no separate SOM scholarship application. The School of Medicine Scholarship Committee will notify recipients in summer/early fall.

Scholarships eligibility criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Be admitted and enrolled at the WSU School of Medicine (not on a Leave of Absence)
• Fulfill other requirements as specified by individual scholarship provisions (e.g., place academically in the upper half of the class, participate in volunteer activities, etc.)

Scholarships from private funds are made possible by the generosity of alumni, friends and other donors to the Wayne State University School of Medicine. Scholarship recipients are requested to write a thank you letter to the donors associated with the scholarship. The SOM Development and Alumni Affairs Office provides "Thank You Letter Guidelines." Direct all thank you letters and inquiries about letters to Tim Strzslkowski, 1369 Scott Hall, email: tstrzalk@med.wayne.edu.

View list of scholarships available for annual awards to medical students

Scholarship Reinstatement Policy

To be eligible for reinstatement of Scholarship Funding, MD Student must have an approved Return from LOA Letter and meet with Kelli Wright in the Office of Scholarships, Debt Management and Financial Wellness to complete a Budgeting and Financial Wellness Session and create a Financial Plan for the MD Students return to Medical School.

To be eligible for reinstatement they must meet the following criteria

• Be enrolled
• Completed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the Academic Year they are returning
• If MD Student is a non-citizen and not eligible to file a FAFSA they need to supply a current Statement of Financial Support for non-residents
• Send a detailed email requesting reinstatement of Scholarship Fund Account/s to scholarshipteam@wayne.edu
• The Scholarship Committee will review the request and make a determination for the next Academic Year which begins on July 1.

Emergency Scholarships

The School of Medicine Scholarship Committee offers an Emergency Scholarship that opens for Application 15 days before each term begins in a multiple email announcement.  The Emergency Scholarship Application is a standardized and equitable process for administering Scholarship Funds to all MD Students with emergency situations. 

To be eligible for consideration, the MD Student must 1) complete the application and 2) Schedule Appointment & Meet with the Office of Scholarship, Debt Management and Financial Wellness to discuss their personal situation, create a budget, discuss available resources and create an improvement plan. 

MD Students must meet the following criteria: 

• Be Enrolled in coursework (MD Students on LOA are not eligible) 

• Completed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the Academic Year, if eligible to file a FAFSA and completed all Financial Aid requirements 

• If a non-citizen and not eligible to file a FAFSA, provide documentation of what circumstances have changed from the time the Statement of Financial Support for Non-Residents was completed and a Personal/Educational Loan denial documentation 

• Funding cannot be awarded to cover Prior Academic Year Balances 

• Emergency Fund amounts are based on funding availability 

• Utilized all available Financial Aid funds including Federal Loans and a Federal Grad Plus Loan denial documentation on file from any year 

The Scholarship Committee will grant the Emergency Scholarship Funds based on availability for the Term.  Emergency Scholarship Funds, in addition to any previously awarded grants, loans and scholarships, cannot exceed the maximum Cost of Attendance for the Term.  Cost of Attendance includes funding for Tuition, Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment, Living Expenses (Housing and Food), Transportation and Personal/Miscellaneous Expenses.  Please reach out to the Office of Student Financial Aid for questions regarding Cost of Attendance. 

The process for submitted an External Scholarship Check to Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Office of Financial Aid can be found at the following link:  External scholarships - Scholarships - Wayne State University

Below is a list of External Scholarship Applications available to MD Students

AAFP - https://www.aafp.org/students-residents/medical-students/begin-your-medical-education/debt-management/funding-options/scholarships.html

Scholarships.com - https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-major/medical-scholarships/

Board Vitals - https://www.boardvitals.com/blog/top-medical-school-scholarships/

National Health Services Corps – https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/

Military and Veteran - https://wayne.edu/financial-aid/types/other/veterans

Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students - Scholarships for Graduate School| The Sallie Mae Fund 

National Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship - National Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship Details - Apply Now | Unigo 

Latino Medical Student Association Scholarships - LMSA National Scholarships - The Latino Medical Student Association 

Tylenol Care Scholarship - TYLENOL® Future Care Scholarship | TYLENOL®  To apply for this scholarship program, go to https://aim.applyISTS.net/Tylenol/ If needed, the program key to apply is Tylenol If you complete your application, you will be notified if you have progressed to the semi-finalist stage in July. Notifications of final awards will be made in August after the semi-finalist application period. If awarded, funds will be issued for the entire year in the month of September. 

Iranian-American Scholarship Fund - Iranian-American Scholarship Fund Apply Here - Iranian-American Scholarship Fund (iasfund.org) 

AMA Scholarships - Apply for medical school scholarships | American Medical Association (ama-assn.org) 

Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship - Scholarships | Daughters of the American Revolution (dar.org) 

Chinese American Physicians Society -  Scholarship Program (caps-ca.org) 

Traub-Dicker Rainbow Scholarship - Scholarships — Stonewall Community Foundation (stonewallfoundation.org) 

Pisacano Scholars Leadership (PLF) Award in Family Medicine -  http://www.pisacano.org/  

National Medical Fellowships - http://www.nmfonline.org/   

OSARA Medical Scholarship Program - Medical Scholarships Available- OSARA Medical School Scholarships 

AAMC Scholarship & Loan Repayment Search Tool - Loan Repayment/Forgiveness/Scholarship and Other Programs (aamc.org) 

Buckfire Lawfirm Diversity Community Scholarship - Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Medical Diversity Scholarship Program (buckfirelaw.com) 

Islamic Development Bank/ISNA Scholarship - Islamic Development Bank/ISNA Scholarship – Islamic Socety of North America  

ISNA Scholarships - Scholarships – Islamic Society of North America (isna.net) 

STSA Southern Thoracic Surgical Association - Resident Scholarship - Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (site-ym.com)

Bold.org - Top Scholarships for Medical School Students in 2024

EMRA

Diversity Oriented Away/Scholarship Programs EMRA  

American Academy of Neurology - Visiting Students:  https://aan.secure-platform.com/a/organizations/main/gallery/rounds/7/details/21105 and https://aan.secure-platform.com/a/organizations/main/gallery/rounds/7/details/21104

American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery - The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) offers grants for underrepresented minority students to do elective away rotations in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and for minority students to attend the AAO-HNS National Meeting. AAO-HNS Diversity Grants

American Society of Hematology - The American  Society of Hematology offers funded research experiences for underrepresented in medicine medical students ranging from 8 weeks to one year.  http://www.hematology.org/Awards/Medical-Student/383.aspx  

American Society for Radiation Oncology - The American Society for Radiation Oncology offers Minority Summer Fellowships designed to introduce students from underrepresented minority groups to the discipline of radiation oncology. https://www.astro.org/Patient-Care/Research/Funding-Opportunities/ASTRO-Minority-Summer-Fellowship-Award/  

Boston Medical Center - Boston Medical Center offers funded electives for visiting medical students underrepresented in medicine. https://www.bmc.org/medical-professionals/office-minority-physician-recruitment/visiting-medical-students  

Brown University - Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School offers visiting student scholarships for rotations in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Learn more about this opportunity. 

Duke University School of Medicine - Duke University School of Medicine offers a visiting scholars program for underrepresented in medicine students featuring rotations in Surgery, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology, Dermatology, Neurology, Pathology and Radiology. Learn more about this opportunity. 

Eastern Virginia Medical School - EVMS Otolaryngology Away Elective Rotation Grant to underrepresented minority medical students.  The student must be in good academic standing and enrolled in their fourth or final year at an accredited MD or DO degree program during their elective rotation at EVMS. Underrepresented minority is defined by the AMA and AAMC as “those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population”.  Contact Erin Mordecai, Residency Program Specialist II mordecel@evms.edu, phone: 757.388.6229

FARMS Database - The Funded Away Rotations for Minority Medical Students (FARMS) Database is a directory of programs offering financial support to students underrepresented in medicine wishing to participate in visiting electives.  FARMS Database

Harvard Medical School - Harvard Medical School offers a paid Visiting Research Internship Program for first- and second-year medical students. Learn more about this opportunity.  Harvard Medical School’s funded visiting clerkship program offers rotations in Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics and Surgery. Learn more about these opportunities. 

Johns Hopkins University - The Department of Medicine of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine offers funded visiting clerkship opportunities for underrepresented minorities. Learn more about this opportunity.

Louisiana State University - Louisiana State University Health Science Center – New Orleans offers funded visiting clerkships in Emergency Medicine. Learn more about this opportunity.  

Mayo Clinic - The Mayo Clinic offers funded visiting clerkships for underrepresented in medicine students in all specialties at its three campuses. Learn more about this opportunity. 

Mount Sinai - The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai offers funded visiting electives for underrepresented in medicine students in Anesthesiology, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedic Surgery, Pathology, Pediatrics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Plastic Surgery, Psychiatry, Radiology, Surgery and Urology. Learn more about this opportunity.  

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service Loan Repayment Program - To be eligible for this program, applicants must be currently enrolled as full-time students in their last year of an eligible allopathic or osteopathic degree program at a fully-accredited school, and planning to complete an accredited primary care residency in a NHSC-approved specialty (Family Medicine, Geriatrics, Internal medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics and Psychiatry).  In addition, applicants should be interested in working with underserved communities in high-need areas throughout the United States and its territories. Learn more about this opportunity. 

New York University - New York University School of Medicine offers funded visiting electives for students underrepresented in medicine. Learn more about this opportunity. 

Northwestern University - The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine offers a funded visiting elective program for underrepresented in medicine students in all specialties. Learn more about this opportunity. 

Oregon Health and Sciences University - Oregon Health and Sciences University offers a funded diversity program for visiting students in Internal Medicine. Learn more about this opportunity. 

Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital - The Pediatric Oncology Education Program at Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a paid internship in laboratory and clinical research. Learn more about this opportunity. 

University of California Davis - The University of California Davis offers a funded visiting clerkship program for 23 specialties. Learn more about this opportunity. 

University of California Los Angeles - The Department of Pediatrics at University of California Los Angeles offers funded visiting electives for students underrepresented in medicine. Learn more about this opportunity. 

University of California San Francisco - The University of California San Francisco offers scholarships for visiting electives in Emergency Medicine, Family Practice, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Radiology, Surgery, Urology and other specialties. Learn more about this opportunity.  

University of Chicago - The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine offers a funded minority visiting clerkship program in several subspecialties within Surgery, Pediatrics and Medicine. Learn more about this opportunity. 

University of Cincinnati - The University of Cincinnati offers funded minority visiting fourth year electives at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Anesthesia, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedic Surgery and Pediatrics. Learn more about this opportunity. 

University of Colorado - The University of Colorado offers Medical Student Diversity Grants for visiting clerkships in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at its Aurora Campus. Interested applicants may contact Dr. Omid Jazaeri at Omid.jazaeri@ucdenver.edu. 

University of Michigan - The University of Michigan offers Health Equity Visiting Clerkships for underrepresented in medicine students. Learn more about this opportunity. 

University of Utah - The University of Utah School of Medicine offers funded visiting clerkships and residency travel stipends for students underrepresented in medicine. Interested applicants may contact healthequity@hsc.utah.edu. 

University of Wisconsin Madison - The Department of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin Madison offers an Underrepresented Minority Visiting Elective Scholarship program. Learn more about this opportunity.  

Wake Forest University - Wake Forest University School of Medicine offers a scholarship clerkship program to promote diversity in Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, Family and Community Medicine, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, Dermatology, Neurology, Otolaryngology, Psychiatry, Orthopedic Surgery, Urology, Nephrology and Radiology. Learn more about this opportunity. 

Washington University in Saint Louis - The Office of Diversity Programs at Washington University in Saint Louis offers funded visiting electives. Learn more about this opportunity. 

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine and the Mentored Training in Clinical Investigation program offer four positions designed to strengthen the links between women’s health research and traditional epidemiology.  Interested applicants should contact the principal investigators, Dr. George Macones (maconesg@wustl.edu) and Dr. Jeffrey Peipert (peipertj@wustl.edu). 

Yale University - Yale University School of Medicine offers funded visiting elective/rotations for underrepresented minority students in Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics. Learn more about the Emergency Medicine opportunity. Learn more about the Pediatrics opportunity. 

The Office of Student Affairs has a policy/process for assistance with help funding conferences/seminars.  PLease review at the folloewing link:  Student Organizations Finance - Student Affairs - Wayne State University

Detroit Area Community Resources - https://socialwork.wayne.edu/coronavirus/resources

Child Care - Resources 

University-Based, Low Income Housing - Resources

Housing Options

For Rent Housing Options

4 Bedroom, 2 Full Baths and 2 Half Baths Home available in Sterling Heights, Michigan 48313 - $3500.00 per month - Call Jeneanne Queen at 586-383-1222

Preview Properties.com - Kishore Pathanjeli Realtor - 248-943-7721

Homelessness Prevention

• Neighborhood Legal Services (Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program): 313-964-1975 
• United Community Housing Coalition: 313-963-3310 
• Southwest Solutions: 313-963-6601 
• Community and Home Supports: 313-964-2566 
• Detroit Housing Commission - Resources

Utility Bill Assistance

• DTE Case Management – 800-545-8064 
• Friendship House – 313-871-7443 
• Heat and Warmth Fund – 800-866-8429 
• Community and Home Supports – 313-964-2566

Emergency Assistance

THE RED CROSS IS AVAILABLE TO YOU 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK! 

IF YOU NEED EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FROM THE RED CROSS, CALL: 1-800-774-6066 
United Way (Dial 411)

Food Assistance

W Pantry

The W Food Pantry supports currently enrolled Wayne State students by providing resources (i.e. non-perishable food, toiletries, and feminine hygiene items) to reduce food and other insecurities they may face. With the help of students, faculty and staff, and WSU community volunteers as well as our donors we are able to continue to fulfill our mission of enhancing student success.

Low Cost Computer Options - Resources Need a new computer?  Low cost refurbished options available.

Warrior SMART - https://wayne.edu/financial-aid/resources/wsmart

GreenPath Financial Wellness - https://www.greenpath.com/realstories/episodes/budgeting/

AAMC Financial Wellness - https://aamcfinancialwellness.com/

Transitioning to Medical School - https://students-residents.aamc.org/financial-aid-resources/transitioning-medical-school-financial-tips

Tools for Residency - https://students-residents.aamc.org/managing-your-medical-career/tools-success-during-residency

Financial Reference Guide

MD Transition to Medical School

MD Transition to Medical School International Students

First Year Budget Worksheet

Second Year Budget Worksheet

Third Year Budget Worksheet

Fourth Year Budget Worksheet

Managing Student Loans Timeline

Federal Student Loans Payment Plans

Physician Loans/Huntington Home Loans for Residents

Residency Transition Loans

General Resources

• Record Keeping - https://students-residents.aamc.org/financial-aid-resources/debt-management-relies-good-record-keeping
• Money Management - https://students-residents.aamc.org/financial-aid/money-management
• Taking Control of Credit Card Debt - https://students-residents.aamc.org/financial-aid-resources/taking-control-credit-card-debt
• GreenPath Debt Management - https://www.greenpath.com/blog/college/student-loan-counseling/

Debt Management Curriculum  - https://canvas.wayne.edu/enroll/DXCFJM 

AAMC/Association of American Medical Colleges - https://students-residents.aamc.org/financial-aid-resources/repayment-assistance-through-forgiveness-scholarships-or-service

USPHSCC - https://usphs.gov/

IHS - https://www.ihs.gov/physicians/

Centers for Disease Control – https://jobs.cdc.gov/index.html

National Institutes of Health – https://www.lrp.nih.gov/

National Health Services Corps – https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/

HRSA - https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding#loan

STLRP - Steven M. Thompson Physician Corps Loan Repayment Program (STLRP) - HCAI

NIMHD - Loan Repayment Program (LRP) (nih.gov)

California State Repayment Program - California State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) - HCAI

MedSend (Faith Programs) - MedSend

AAMC Search Database - Loan Repayment/Forgiveness/Scholarship and Other Programs (aamc.org)

Military Programs - https://www.medicineandthemilitary.com/

Army National Guard Programs - https://www.nationalguard.com/amedd

US Department of Veterans Affairs - https://www.va.gov/

• EDPR - https://www.vacareers.va.gov/Benefits/EducationSupport#repay
• SELRP - https://va-ams-info.intelliworxit.com/selrp/
• HPSP - https://va-ams-info.intelliworxit.com/hpsp/

State Programs - https://systems.aamc.org/fed_loan_pub/index.cfm?fuseaction=public.welcome

Federal Public Student Loan Forgiveness - https://students-residents.aamc.org/financial-aid-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-pslf

Federal Student Loan Program - https://studentaid.gov/h/manage-loans

• Student Loan Repayment - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment
• Complete Exit Counseling? - https://studentaid.gov/exit-counseling/?counselingType=exit
• How to Make a Student Loan Payment? - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/make-payment
• Update Contact Information for Federal Student Loans? - https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing?redirectTo=%2F
• Who is My Federal Loan Servicer? - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers
• What is Loan Deferment and Forbearance? - https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/what-is-loan-forbearance-deferment
• What is The Grace Period for Federal Student Loan Repayment? - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment#the-grace-period
• How do I decide which Payment Plan is Best for my Federal Student Loans? - https://studentaid.gov/loan-simulator/
• How do I choose a Payment Plan for my Federal Student Loans? - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans
• How do I Consolidate my Federal Student Loans? - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans#consolidate
• Where do I send my Federal Student Loan Payments? - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/make-payment
• How do I change my Repayment Plan? - https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/how-to-change-repayment-plan

Federal Student Loan Forgiveness

Understanding Loan Forgiveness - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation

Having trouble making Federal Student Loan Payments?

• Get Temporary Relief - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/lower-payments/get-temporary-relief
• Lower Monthly Payments - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/lower-payments
• Understanding Delinquency and Default - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/default
• Collections on Defaulted Loans - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/default/collections

Federal Loan Repayment Plans

American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) Repayment Strategies Presentation

If you have existing student loans from undergrad or grad school prior to medical school, will those student loans be in repayment over medical school?  Federal Student Loans will go into in school deferment while you are in Medical School.  If you have Private Education Loans you will need to contact your Lender to determine repayment options.

How can we apply for scholarships?  Most Wayne State Endowed Scholarships do not require an application.  You will receive an email with instructions to apply for the ones that require an application.

How do you recommend that students prepare for potential high inflation periods while still maintaining an emergency fund that can be used during those periods?  The Office of Financial Aid sets the Cost of Attendance for the Academic Year according to Federal Regulation.  Student can reach out to the Office of Financial Aid for possible adjustment requirements.

My question pertains to the money I earn in my gap year. Would it be smarter to put all the money into my budget over the four years, or to take out a portion and allow it to accumulate wealth in an investment?  That is a decision you will need to make.  If you will be utilizing Student Loans to pay for your Program and Living Expenses, remember they will accrue interest while you are enrolled, but do not require a payment.  You may want to use the saving to reduce the amount of debt you will need to repay after graduation.  If the Student Loan interest is higher than what you will earn in your investments, it may be better use savings.

Are there any pros and cons of a federal loan versus a private loan?  Federal Student Loans are always the best option, due to the fixed interest rates, variety of repayment plan options, forgiveness programs, no payment requirements while enrolled in school and some do not require a credit check and loans that do are less strict.

Is there on-campus housing?  Yes there is on-campus housing available.  Please check out our website.

Follow-up on living in midtown. For someone who is Out of State how do students find roommates? Students connect on Social Media Pages and we assist based on requests during Financial Wellness Sessions.

On average, how many years after graduating from medical school do most students take to finish paying off their debt?  We do not have an average due to each persons Financial Situation and Financial Goals are different.  You will want to review the repayment options at https://studentaid.gov and determine which plan best meet your personal and financial goals.  Remember paying off debt quickly will reduce interest charges and the amount you will repay, but select a plan that meets your personal budget.