Money Matters: Paying for College, Medical School & Beyond

Can I Afford to Become a Pediatrician?

Many students worry about how they would pay for college and medical school. That's a normal question to have! The good news is that there are many ways to get help paying for your education, including scholarships, grants, financial aid, and special programs that help future doctors.

After medical school, some programs can even help pay back part or all of your student loans if you work in communities that need more doctors or choose certain pediatric specialties.

Most importantly, don't let concerns about money stop you from dreaming big.

Many pediatricians were the first in their families to go to college or came from backgrounds where paying for school seemed impossible. With hard work, support, and the right resources, becoming a pediatrician is possible and you'll be able to earn a good living supporting yourself and your family.

How can I pay for College and Medical School?

Paying for college and medical school can feel overwhelming, but there are many resources to help! The earlier you start learning about scholarships and financial support, the more options you'll have!

Scholarships: What You Need to Know

You can start earning scholarships in high school to help pay for college.

You can also earn scholarships in college and medical school to help pay for medical school.

There are even scholarships and loan repayment programs that help you AFTER medical school if you work in places that need more pediatricians or serve underserved communities.

In addition to scholarships, when you apply to college, be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during your senior year of high school. Many colleges use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and other forms of financial aid.

How to Start Your Search

Talk to your school counselor and teachers, especially your science teachers. They often know about local and national scholarships.
Use scholarship search websites to explore opportunities (see below).
Visit your public library! Use their computers and ask a librarian to help you search or navigate websites. Many libraries even lend laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots so you can continue your search from home.

Don't be discouraged if the first application feels overwhelming.

Once you've completed your first scholarship application, applying for others often becomes much easier. Many scholarships ask for similar information, and you can frequently adapt essays, resumes, and other materials for future applications. The more you apply, the easier the process becomes and every application increases your chances of earning funding to help you reach your goals!

Top Scholarship Search Websites

There are thousands of scholarships available, and many go unclaimed every year simply because students don't apply. Here are some examples that can help you find opportunities that match your interests, background, career goals, and experiences.

Loan Repayment Programs for Future Pediatricians

Even if you take out loans, there are ways to get help paying them off if you:

Work in underserved communities
Choose certain pediatric specialties
Join a service-based or government program

Programs to check out:

Military Medical Options

The military offers full-tuition medical school scholarships in exchange for service—another great way to afford medical school and serve.

Medicine + The Military Overview