Financial Aid Office
The Pars Medicine Financial Aid Office is dedicated to helping students and families navigate the financial aspects of healthcare education. We believe that financial circumstances should not be a barrier to pursuing your educational goals, and we work with students to identify funding sources and create manageable financial plans.
Types of Financial Aid
Scholarships
Scholarships are gift aid that does not need to be repaid. Pars Medicine offers various scholarship opportunities:
Merit-Based Scholarships:
- Presidential Scholarship: Full tuition awards for exceptional academic achievement
- Dean's Scholarship: Partial tuition awards based on academic excellence
- Achievement Awards: Recognition awards for outstanding accomplishments
Need-Based Scholarships:
- Pars Medicine Grant: Institutional aid based on demonstrated financial need
- Access Scholarships: Supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds
- Community Service Scholarships: Recognizing commitment to service
Specialty Scholarships:
- Departmental scholarships for specific programs
- Named endowed scholarships from donors
- Scholarships for underrepresented minorities in medicine
- Scholarships for rural or underserved area commitments
- Research scholarships for student investigators
Federal Financial Aid
Federal Loans:
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Federal loans available to graduate/professional students with interest accrual during school
- Direct PLUS Loans (Grad PLUS): Additional federal loans for graduate students to cover cost of attendance
- Federal Perkins Loans: Low-interest loans for students with exceptional financial need (if available)
Federal Work-Study:
- Part-time employment opportunities on campus or with approved community partners
- Earnings help pay educational expenses
- Positions often related to your field of study
State Financial Aid
Many states offer financial aid programs for residents attending in-state institutions. State aid may include:
- State grant programs
- State scholarship programs
- Loan forgiveness programs for service commitments
- Tuition assistance programs
Check with your state's higher education agency for available programs.
Private Loans
Private educational loans from banks and lending institutions can supplement other aid sources:
- Credit-based lending with variable or fixed interest rates
- May require creditworthy cosigner
- Terms and conditions vary by lender
- Should be considered after exhausting federal aid options
The Financial Aid Office maintains a list of recommended lenders but does not endorse specific institutions.
Alternative Funding Sources
- Employer Tuition Assistance: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs
- Military Benefits: Veterans, active duty, and family members may qualify for GI Bill and other military educational benefits
- Tribal Grants: Members of federally recognized tribes may qualify for tribal education funding
- Professional Organizations: Healthcare professional associations often offer scholarships
- Service Commitment Programs: Programs like NHSC (National Health Service Corps) offer loan repayment for service commitments
How to Apply for Financial Aid
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for all federal financial aid and most institutional aid:
- Website: studentaid.gov/fafsa
- Pars Medicine Federal School Code: [Request from Financial Aid Office]
- Priority Filing Deadline: March 1 for fall enrollment
- Required Information: FSA ID, tax returns, income documentation, asset information
Tip: File the FAFSA as early as possible (available October 1 for the following academic year) to maximize aid eligibility.
Step 2: Submit Additional Documentation
Depending on your FAFSA results, you may need to provide:
- Verification documents (tax transcripts, W-2s, etc.)
- Institutional financial aid application
- Scholarship applications for specific awards
- Additional needs documentation if applicable
Step 3: Review Your Financial Aid Award
After processing your FAFSA and application materials, you will receive a financial aid award letter outlining:
- Types and amounts of aid offered
- Terms and conditions of each aid component
- Instructions for accepting or declining aid
- Next steps in the financial aid process
Step 4: Accept Your Aid and Complete Requirements
To receive your financial aid:
- Accept or decline each aid component through the student portal
- Complete entrance counseling (for first-time borrowers)
- Sign Master Promissory Notes for federal loans
- Satisfy any outstanding verification or documentation requirements
Payment Plans
The Bursar Office, in coordination with Financial Aid, offers payment plan options to help families manage educational expenses:
- Monthly Payment Plans: Spread payments over the semester or academic year
- Enrollment Fee: Minimal fee to enroll in payment plan
- No Interest: Payment plans do not accrue interest (enrollment fee applies)
- Automatic Payments: Set up automatic bank withdrawals for convenience
Contact the Bursar Office for payment plan enrollment information.
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) includes all educational expenses for one academic year:
- Tuition and Fees: Instructional costs and mandatory fees
- Books and Supplies: Required textbooks, equipment, and materials
- Room and Board: Housing and meals (on or off campus)
- Transportation: Commuting costs or travel home
- Personal Expenses: Clothing, recreation, miscellaneous costs
- Professional Expenses: Clinical supplies, licensing exam fees, white coats, etc.
Financial aid cannot exceed the Cost of Attendance. Detailed COA information is available on our website and in your award letter.
Maintaining Financial Aid Eligibility
To continue receiving financial aid, students must:
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): Meet minimum GPA and completion requirements
- Submit FAFSA Annually: File a new FAFSA each academic year
- Remain Enrolled: Maintain at least half-time enrollment (program-dependent)
- Meet Enrollment Requirements: Be enrolled in degree-seeking program
- Avoid Drug Convictions: Federal aid eligibility affected by drug-related convictions
- Maintain Loan Compliance: Avoid default on federal student loans
The Financial Aid Office monitors SAP at the end of each academic term and notifies students of any issues.
Special Circumstances
If you experience significant changes in financial circumstances, you may request a professional judgment review:
- Job loss or reduced income
- Medical expenses not covered by insurance
- Death of parent or spouse
- Divorce or separation
- Natural disaster or emergency situations
Contact our office with documentation of your circumstances for review.
Loan Counseling and Financial Literacy
The Financial Aid Office provides resources to help students make informed financial decisions:
- Entrance Counseling: Required education before receiving first federal loan
- Exit Counseling: Required counseling before graduation or leaving school
- Budgeting Workshops: Learn to manage finances during school
- Loan Repayment Information: Understand repayment options and obligations
- Debt Management Resources: Strategies for minimizing educational debt
Important Dates and Deadlines
- FAFSA Available: October 1
- Priority Filing Deadline: March 1
- Award Letters Sent: April - May
- Scholarship Deadlines: Vary by scholarship (check individual applications)
- Summer Financial Aid: Apply by April 1 for summer enrollment
Contact the Financial Aid Office
Pars Medicine Financial Aid Office
Email:
Phone: Available through main office
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Walk-In Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (appointments recommended)
Virtual Appointments: Available by request
We're Here to Help
Financing your healthcare education can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Our financial aid counselors are here to answer questions, explore options, and help you create a financial plan that works for you. Contact us today!
Financial aid programs and availability are subject to change based on federal, state, and institutional funding. Information provided is general in nature; specific eligibility and awards depend on individual circumstances and completion of required applications.
Detailed financial aid information.