PA School is Expensive
It goes without saying PA school is expensive.
PA school is also demanding, which means you will have limited time (if any) to work while attending school.
With the average undergraduate education debt prior to PA school at $36,300 and the average anticipated debt load from PA school at $75,000-$124,000, it is important that you have a rock-solid plan for how you are going to pay for your PA school education.
Funding sources vary, and federal loan programs will probably form the foundation of your assistance package. Many states also offer financial aid funding.
Additionally, there are specialized scholarships, traineeships, and loan programs available. Remember — apply the resources for scholarships and grants before you accept loans. Then, only accept loans that you need.
Work closely with your financial aid department. They will be able to inform you about special loans and scholarships for which you may be eligible.
Federal and State Resources
Numerous loans and grants guaranteed by the federal government are available to qualified students. Visit the website for Federal Student Aid sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Direct Subsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school.
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, but in this case, the student does not have to demonstrate financial need to be eligible for the loan.
- Federal Stafford Student Loan Program: These loans are offered through your bank, credit union, or other lending institutions. Graduate students may borrow up to $8,500 per year up to a total of $65,000. To qualify for a Stafford loan, you must demonstrate financial need as determined by the CM formula mentioned above. The interest rate varies. These loans are based on need, not creditworthiness. Therefore, no cosigner is necessary.
State sources of financial assistance include an agency in each state that guarantees federal student loans. Also, some states offer their own educational assistance programs with loans or grants. Check with your financial aid office to locate the office(s) in your home state.
Tax Credits are another option to explore.
Scholarships and Traineeships
- Americorps is a national network of hundreds of programs throughout the U.S. and is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents aged 17 or older. This program helps pay for education in exchange for a year of service.
- The Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarship program provides financial assistance for American Indian and Alaskan Native (federally recognized only) students enrolled in health professions and allied health professions programs. The IHS Loan Repayment Program (LRP) was created to support this mission by providing health professionals the financial freedom to fulfill your career goals. The IHS LRP awards up to $20,000 per year for the repayment of your qualified student loans in exchange for an initial two-year service obligation to practice full-time at an Indian health program site.
- The National Health Service Corps Program (NHSC) is a competitive federal program. Students dedicated to practicing primary care in communities of greatest need can compete for educational scholarships. I was an NHSC Scholar, and you can read more about that here. They also offer a generous NHSC loan repayment program in exchange for two years of service in a designated healthcare shortage area (see the next section below).
- The Physician Assistant Foundation offers competitive scholarships for PA students who are currently attending an accredited PA program, are in the professional phase of the program and are student members of AAPA. Visit the Foundation web pages for a current application or see below.
- The United States Navy Health Services Collegiate Program is designed to provide financial incentives for college students in designated health care professions while completing baccalaureate degree requirements.
- The U.S. Army Health Care team offers a three-year loan repayment program for any PA- C who wants to serve as an Army PA.
- PAs for Latino Health (PALH), a Caucus of the AAPA, offers a $500 scholarship to currently enrolled PA students each year.
- The Tennessee Physician Assistant Foundation awards the following scholarships each year at FallFest, TAPA’s fall continuing medical education (CME) conference.
Loans, Repayment Programs, and Consolidation Services
- The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program is available to PAs in primary care or current students who plan to become primary care providers after graduation. You must agree to provide primary care services in a priority health professional shortage area for a minimum of two years.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. Physician assistants qualify.
- IMPORTANT: Loan forgiveness is an option after 10 years of payments, but it may not be an option if you refinance your loan during that period. So make sure you read the fine print!
- Sallie Mae Tuition Pay Plans provide quality, low-cost, innovative solutions to paying for education. Tuition Pay is an interest-free plan that lets you break down the large lump-sum payments due at the beginning of each semester into easy-to-manage installments.
- Common Bond: Ever wished your student loans could have a positive effect on society? Common Bond seeks to "reimagine finance based on our belief that business has a responsibility to further social good and promote welfare outside of its immediate customer base." Common Bond is unique in that they bring a 1-for-1 model to education through Social Promise. For every fully funded degree on the CommonBond platform, they fund the education of a student in need for one year through the nonprofit Pencils of Promise. They even fund a trip to Ghana with Pencils of Promise so that borrowers (and employees) can go and meet some of the children who the Social Promise has helped to fund.
Insider's tip: Looking to refinance a loan? Magnify Money is a wonderful website that lets you compare and contrast student loan options. Just beware that if you have federal loans, refinancing to private loans may result in losing protections like special repayment plans (such as the public loan forgiveness program) that can help you in a time of need. Make sure you can comfortably afford your new payments if you refinance. And take the time to get rates from several providers.
AAPA Constituent Organization Scholarships
The Physician Assistant Foundation offers competitive scholarships for PA students who are currently attending an accredited PA program, are in the professional phase of the program, and are student members of AAPA. Visit the Foundation website for a current application. The PA students who were awarded scholarships during the 2021 application cycle are listed here.
- The Foundation offers two application cycles each year. Cycle one opens in January and closes in March. Cylce two opens in June and closes in August. Applicants may only apply during one cycle.
- PA Foundation Scholarship
14 awards @ $1,000 each
Open to applicants who meet the general eligibility criteria listed above.
- AAPA Past Presidents Scholarship
3 awards @ $1,000 each
Awarded to students who demonstrate service leadership through their PA program or through a community health organization/project.
- Ron Nelson Memorial Scholarship
1 award @ $2,000
Awarded to students from a rural area who are committed to serving a rural community.
- NCCPA Endowed Scholarship
2 awards @ $2,000 each
Awarded to students who identify as an underrepresented minority and/or economically disadvantaged and/or educationally disadvantaged, based on the definitions provided here.
- Ron Pace Memorial Scholarship
1 award @ $1,000
Awarded to a Florida-based student who is a veteran or the child/dependent of a veteran. Named in memory of Ron Pace, a Florida Academy of Physician Assistants past president and AAPA Outstanding PA of the Year Award recipient, who served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years.
- William H. Marquardt Community Health Access Scholarship
1 award @ $2,500
Aims to benefit PA students who are dedicated to promoting accessible primary and preventive healthcare amongst underserved populations.
- Joyce Nichols Memorial Scholarship
4 awards @ $1,000 each
Awarded to Black PA students. Honors the legacy of PA Joyce Nichols, who overcame much adversity to become the first Black woman to be formally educated as and practice as a PA. She was the first person of color to serve on the AAPA Board of Directors. PA Nichols advocated for and established the AAPA Minority Affairs Committee and served as its first chair.
- PA Foundation Scholarship
- Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology offers a $2,500 award for PA students. The award consists of two parts: $500 to help with travel to AAPA's Annual Conference to receive the award and $2,000 (unrestricted). Apply by March 1st.
- California Academy of Physician Assistants offers three annual student scholarships for student members. Apply online by December 31.
- Lesbian, Bisexual, and Gay Physician Assistant Caucus offer $1,000 grants for PA students to attend AAPA's Annual Conference to help foster involvement and awareness of the caucus within the AAPA.
- Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants has six annual student leadership scholarships and three scholarships for students who choose to enter the writing competition. Apply online by June 30.
- Physician Assistant Academy of Vermont offers a scholarship of $1,000 and free attendance at the annual PAAV Winter CME Conference for PA students who are residents of Vermont. Apply by June 30.
- Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery offers one or two $500 scholarships from the Susan Lindahl Memorial Scholarship Fund, established to encourage young PA students to enter the field of orthopedics. Apply by August 15.
- The Society of Army Physician Assistants honors the memory of Captain Sean P. Grimes, through the Captain Sean P. Grimes Physician Assistant Educational Scholarship Award. Apply by February 1st.
- The AAPA Veterans Caucus Scholarship seeks to recognize the achievements of an outstanding veteran of one of the seven branches of the Uniformed Services who is currently enrolled in a PA program.
Note: Grants are similar to scholarships, and availability is based on resources and financial need. When you submit your FAFSA form, you will be considered for Pell Grants.
Also, check your place of employment, organizations, and place of worship for any grants for which you may be eligible.
United States Military Service and Loan Repayment Programs
- National Guard Healthcare Bonuses and Loans
- Physician Assistants and Social Workers:
- $20,000 per year for a three-year contract
- $15,000 per year for a two-year contract
- $10,000 per year for a one-year contract
- Physician Assistants and Social Workers:
- National Guard Student Loan Repayment Program
- Must have 1 or more qualifying and disbursed Title IV federal loans
- State and private loans are ineligible for repayment
- PLUS loans are eligible
- Loans must be listed on the Department of Education National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) aid summary website
- Must enlist for a minimum 6-year term of service
- Must enlist for a critical skills (CS) vacancy in the grade of E-4 or below
- Information:
- Payments will not exceed $50,000, with annual repayments not to exceed the maximum amount established by law
- Must enlist into a qualifying position in an MTOE or Medical TDA unit only
- Must score a minimum of 50 on the Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT)
- Navy Clinical Care Provider
- To qualify for Active Duty employment consideration as a Physician Assistant in the Navy Medical Service Corps, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen currently practicing in the U.S.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Completion of a physician assistant education program approved by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) - Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
- Be willing to serve a minimum of three years of Active Duty
- Be between the ages of 18 and 41
- Be in good physical condition and pass a full medical examination
- General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you intend to serve Active Duty or Reserve Duty and whether you are currently serving, have served before or have never served before.
- To qualify for Active Duty employment consideration as a Physician Assistant in the Navy Medical Service Corps, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public health Services: The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps offers two excellent opportunities for students to serve their country while completing or continuing their education. If you are interested in a public health career: Internship/Externship Program, and Unique Financial Assistance Program
- Army Health Professions Scholarship Program
- Air Force Health Professionals Scholarship
Who Gets the Most Financial Aid?
You might think that the families who receive the most financial aid would be the families with the most need. In fact, this is not necessarily true. The people who receive the most aid are the people who best understand the aid process.
Can I afford Not To Go To PA School?
Can you afford to go to PA school? The question you should be asking is: can I afford not to go to PA school?
If your goal is to become a PA, then the answer to this question is easy. The worst thing you can do is shy away from applying because you think you won’t be able to afford it and then live the rest of your life wondering, What if?
When I applied to the Rutgers Physician Assistant Program and spoke with students at the open house, they explained that if I were to be accepted, the program would do its best to ensure I got through financially. They were right.
I may have borrowed a little more than I intended, but the money was available, and after an initial setback, I ended up with a highly coveted NHSC Scholarship.
As you will soon find out, there are plenty of opportunities for loans, grants, scholarships, etc. It does, however, take a little work on your part. But since you have set your goals and you’re focused, you are prepared for anything.
Barbara says
I’m an honors student at UMD. I am graduating next month. I have several clinical credits. What are the best steps to be accepted into a PA school.
Anna M says
Hi,
I am looking to become a NHSC scholar as I am already interested in community medicine. I am going to apply in the 2019 cycle. Would I need to apply for NHSC while applying for schools, once I commit to a specific PA school, or after I graduate PA school?
Thank you!
Romeo says
Hi Stephen,
I am an international student in the process of applying. What may the steps to get loans/grants or scholarships/assistantship to pay for PA school – tuition and accommodations after I am accepted?
Thanks,
R.
Jamie says
Hi! Thank you for the helpful article. I am interviewing for schools currently and I have read everywhere that there is a big push for PAs interested in entering psychiatric medicine, which is my field of interest. Do you know of any scholarship opportunities in this specialty? Thanks!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi, Jamie, I would contact the Association of Physician Assistants in Psychiatry. They will be able to direct you to some resources: http://psychpa.com/
Stephen
Jess says
I am interested in becoming a physician assistant but kind of on the fence because I’m not sure. I haven’t observed any physician assistants. do you have any advice for how I can get a better feel for what they do? I specifically want to do psychiatry…
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Jess, the only way to understand what we do on a day to day basis is to observe us in action. You say you are interested in being a psychiatric PA? Then my advice is to go out there and find one to talk to and ideally shadow. Consider also observing a PA in their more “natural” habitat as well such as in the ER or a family practice clinical setting. This way you can get a good feel for what our role is as a generalist.
Stephen
Rachel Gratz says
Hi Stephen,
If this isn’t too personal, I was wondering about how much of a stipend you get per month for living expenses from the NHSC? ( the amount may have changed now, but just curious!) 🙂
Thanks so much!
Rachel
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Rachel,
I don’t mind at all, the stipend I received in 2004 was $1000 per month. I sure would hope that it has increased since that time!
Stephen
Gwendolynne Simeone says
Hi Stephen! I have 2 young children, am already 38 and also a military Veteran. I want to be a PA so I can give back and work for the VA to help with veteran women’s healthcare. How difficult would it be to attend the grad program without getting a job while in school?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Not bad at all… It is 26 months of intensive study and there are many programs out there that will help with loan repayment. The VA is in desperate need of people like you to join their ranks! I say go for it!
Stephen
Caleb Roberts says
There are various programs that offer loan forgiveness or partial repayment in exchange for commitment to working in a certain underserved community or area for a set time. Can you comment on these?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
I think these are wonderful programs! As a National Health Service Corps scholar I was “required” to serve just 2 years in an underserved community in exchange for tuition and a monthly stipend. I stayed at my service corps site for 10 years so I guessed it worked out well. I love these programs and I recommend them to everyone who has a passion to serve in these types of communities. It is a wonderful experience and I am now fluent in Spanish as a result.
Stephen
Charles says
Hi! am a Ghanaian and I want to know how I can go to the PA school for free?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Charles,
Sometimes your home country may offer scholarships to healthcare providers to study overseas in exchange for service upon returning home. You may want to see if this is an option. I know in South Africa there are several physician associate training programs. I actually wrote an article a while back on them here: https://www.thepalife.com/make-a-difference-train-the-next-generation-of-pas-in-sub-saharan-africa-as-a-clinical-associates-mentor/
You may want to check that out, especially if you plan on returning home to work – as PAs are not recognized in many countries, even in South Africa this is a very new profession.
If you are working, living and studying in the United States you can speak with someone at your financial aid department of your college/university and an academic advisor – they are a wonderful resource.
If you are in Ghana, a good place to start may be a local University there and speak with someone in their international studies department or call your local government representative/agency.
Stephen
Kate Cummings says
You might want to add http://www.tnpa.com/content/scholarship-applications\
The Tennessee Physician Assistant Foundation awards the following scholarships each year at FallFest, TAPA’s fall continuing medical education (CME) conference.
The James Montag, Jr. Scholarship
The J.C Carey Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship criteria include:
The applicant must be a student in good standing enrolled in a Committee on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) approved program in Tennessee, or a student in a CAAHEP approved program outside the state of Tennessee who holds valid residency in the state of Tennessee; accepted proof will be valid driver’s license from Tennessee or other authenticated legal document.
Applicants of the James Montag, Jr. scholarship must have military experience.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Thank you so much Kate for posting this! I will try to remember to add this to the post and I encourage everyone with scholarship or grant opportunities not listed above to post them here in the comments section.
– Stephen
Anne says
Do you know how much these scholarships awrd?