The first step in funding your education is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSA®), an annual application required to determine eligibility for federal student loans, WMed need-based scholarships, and external scholarship applications. Scholarships and student loans are available to cover the full cost of attendance, or student budget.
- Complete the FAFSA®
Complete the 2025-26 FAFSA® at studentaid.gov.
- Assistance with completion of the FAFSA® can be found at FSA Filling Out the FAFSA®Form, or through the FSA Student Aid Information Center.
- Enter School Code 042629 for Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine in the School Selection section (NOT 002330 Western Michigan University – we are a separate institution).
Frequently Asked Question: Is there a deadline for completing the FAFSA®?A student may complete the FAFSA® at any time during the academic year to borrow federal student loans. However, to be considered for WMed need-based scholarships, the FAFSA® must be completed by February 1, or 2 weeks after acceptance of the offer of admission. Students who complete their FAFSA® after this deadline will be considered for need-based scholarships if/when funds become available and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Scholarships | Gift Aid
- WMed Scholarships
WMed offers multiple merit, need-based, donor-funded, and endowed scholarships. The Student Scholarship Committee oversees the process for awarding all medical school scholarships and financial awards. Besides the FAFSA®, there are no additional applications required for consideration of the scholarships.
- Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on information obtained from admission applications.
- Need-based scholarships are awarded based on information obtained from the FAFSA® and admission applications.
- Donor-funded and endowed scholarships are awarded based on the donor’s wishes, or pledge agreements, and awarded in the fall after the academic year has begun.
Frequently Asked Question: Are there deadlines associated with WMed Scholarships?Yes. For priority consideration of WMed need-based scholarships, complete the FAFSA® by February 1, or 2 weeks after acceptance of the offer of admission. Admitted applicants who complete their FAFSA® after this deadline will be considered for need-based scholarships if/when funds become available, and on a first-come, first-served basis.
- External Scholarships
External scholarships are sponsored by various outside companies, individuals, or organizations and can vary greatly in the amount awarded and the criteria considered for qualification. The WMed Office of Financial Aid provides a list of available External Scholarships for WMed Students, which is researched and updated monthly.
The Kalamazoo Community Foundation often supports students of WMed. Complete one online application to be matched to over 60 available scholarships. The scholarship application cycle is open from December through March each year. Visit kalfound.org for more information and to apply.
- Service Commitment Scholarships
Service commitment scholarships are available to students in exchange for service commitments.
- Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) with the Air Force, Army, and Navy
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Profession Scholarship Program (HPSP)
- National Health Services Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program
- Educational Benefits for Veterans
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® provides financial support for education and housing for those who served or are a dependent child of a qualified Veteran or service member. Questions can be directed to our VA Certifying Official at registrar@wmed.edu.
Student Loans
As a graduate student, both federal and private student loans are available to borrow for educational expenses included in the Cost of Attendance. Federal student loans are regulated by Congress and managed by Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education. The interest rates, benefits, repayment plans, and loan forgiveness options are the same for each borrower.
- Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loans
- Fixed interest rates determined by the U.S. Department of Education annually
- Flexible repayment terms
- Does not require a credit history check or a co-signer
- Unsubsidized, meaning it gains interest from the time of disbursement until it is paid in full
- Current interest rate 8.083% and loan origination fee 1.057%
- 6-month grace period after graduation or falling below half-time
- Unsubsidized loans have an annual loan limit, determined by the length of the academic year
Federal Direct Grad PLUS Student Loan- Fixed interest rates determined by the U.S. Department of Education annually
- Flexible repayment terms
- Requires an annual application and credit history check
- Credit counseling and a co-signer are only required if the borrower has a negative credit history
- Unsubsidized, meaning it gains interest from the time of disbursement until it is paid in full
- Current interest rate 9.083% and loan origination fee 4.228%
- 6-month grace period after graduation or falling below half-time
Federal student loans offer many benefits, including fixed interest rates, deferred payment while in school, affordable repayment plans, loan forgiveness programs, a 6-month grace period, and optional deferment and forbearance to postpone payments during a hardship.Frequently Asked Question: How much can I borrow each year?
The annual Cost of Attendance (COA), also known as the “student budget,” is the maximum amount of financial aid (scholarships and student loans) a student can receive. There are also Loan Amount Limits regulated by Federal Student Aid.
Disclaimer: All information is based on Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine’s Office of Financial Aid interpretation of current U.S. Department of Education federal legislation, regulations, and guidance. This information is subject to change.
- Private Student Loans
Private loans are unique and each lender’s terms will vary and are based on the borrower. Private loans are funded by non-federal lenders such as banks, credit unions, and state agencies. They may also be referred to as “alternative loans”. When considering private loans, it’s important to understand their payment requirements, interest rates, credit check process, available repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs, available deferment and forbearance, and if entrance and exit counseling is offered to assist you in understanding and managing your private loans.
- Resources
- Average Medical School Debt
WMed Class of 2024
- Percentage with Medical School Debt: 87%
- Mean (indebted only): $276,209
- Median (indebted only): $294,896
AAMC Class of 2024 Education Loan IndebtednessClass of 2024 Public Private All Percentage with Medical School Debt 73% 67% 71% Mean (indebted only) $203,606 $227,839 $212,341 Median (indebted only) $200,000 $230,000 $205,000