Tuition, Scholarships and Financial Aid
Questions?
UW School of Medicine and Public Health Admissions
(608) 263-4925
medadmissions@
med.wisc.edu
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UW SMPH) provides an education that is equal or superior to any school in the United States and does so with tuition that is average for public universities and far less than most private schools. We recognize, however, the financial burden that attending medical school imposes on students.
All students accepted to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health will find that they are able to pay for their education and living expenses through scholarships and loans (as long as you are eligible for federal financial aid).
Each year members of the new entering class receive about $1 million in scholarships renewable for 4 years. Despite this amount of support our current students report that they must still borrow about two-thirds of the cost of attending medical school.
The Office of Student Financial Aid assists medical students whose personal and family resources are not adequate to cover the expenses involved in attending the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. There is a fulltime financial aid specialist who ensures that every medical student is provided with a financial aid package adequate to meet his or her needs.
All financial aid applicants must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application becomes available after January 1 each year and should be filed by March 1, even if your medical school application has not been reviewed by that time.
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) offers a wide variety of resources, including information about financial aid, debt management and financial planning.
External Scholarships
Students accepted to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health can seek external scholarships to support themselves.
The Wisconsin Medical Society offers scholarships from donations that they have received. The U.S. military and the National Health Service Corps offer scholarships to those willing to serve in the military or provide care in Health Professional Shortage Areas respectively. These scholarships require you to provide several years of service after your training is completed.
Each year a few students also find other scholarships unique to their situation from their home community, parent's employer, or other special circumstances.
- Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation Scholarships
- National Health Service Corps
- U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program
- U.S. Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program
- U.S. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program (pdf)
Research Scholarships
Students accepted to the MD/PhD Program are provided with a full tuition scholarship as well as a stipend for living expenses. Students must have a strong research background and should be committed to a career in academic medicine. This program is competitive on a national basis and Wisconsin residents are not given priority.
Funding is provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), UW School of Medicine and Public Health, and the UW Graduate School. On occasion students earning a graduate degree in addition to their MD will obtain funding for their graduate degree and medical education outside of this program as well.
UW School of Medicine and Public Health Scholarships
All applicants accepted to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health are considered for scholarships. No additional application is required. Funds are awarded based on merit and financial need as part of our efforts to recruit students. The Scholarship Committee meets regularly during the year. For the Entering Class of 2011 funds were awarded as the class was filled from October through June.
The scholarship committee also awards funds from the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association (WMAA). The WMAA and the University of Wisconsin-Madison are engaged in a major fundraising effort at this time to expand the amount of scholarships available to medical students.
Military Benefits
Applicants who have served in the U.S. military may be eligible for funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. If you were a Wisconsin resident when you enlisted in the military you may also be eligible for funding from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. Both offer programs that may pay your full tuition. All veterans should become familiar with their benefits.
Loans
All student loans are administered through the Office of Student Financial Aid. Terms and details are available through that office.
Debt Repayment Programs
Students may consider loan repayment programs that will pay all or part of the loans that they take out during medical school. Typically you do not apply for these until you are ready to start your practice after your residency. These programs require you to provide care in an area underserved by health professionals or do research within the mission of the NIH.
- Health Professions Loan Assistance Program
- National Health Service Corps
- NIH Loan Repayment Programs
Breakdown of Tuition and Expenses for 2011-2012
Budget for Wisconsin Residents
| Educational Costs | |
| Resident tuition | $24,270 |
| Books and supplies | $1,355 |
| Instruments | $660 |
| Total Educational Costs |
$26,285 |
| Monthly Costs | |
| Rent, utilities and phone | $710 |
| Food and household | $360 |
| Transportation | $160 |
| Miscellaneous | $325 |
| Health care/insurance | $215 |
| Total monthly costs | $1,770 |
| (X 10.5 months) | $18,585 |
| Total Wisconsin resident budget | $44,870 |
Budget for Non-Residents
| Total Wisconsin resident budget (see above) |
$44,870 |
| Total non-resident tuition add-on | $10,520 |
| Total non-resident budget | $55,390 |