FINANCIAL AID OPPORTUNITIES

The brief descriptions given on the following pages do not include every known source of aid, however, they do cover the largest and most often used sources of assistance by our students. Please keep in mind that many of the federal programs are subject to revision, cancellation, or expansion by the Congress, and the others are subject to today's economic climate. Many scholarships and other loan sources are not being fully utilized. Check with organizations that you or your parents are members of for information about loans or grants. These can be religious, social, or employment related. Also, some hospitals offer loans to residents. Check around, ask questions, and go to the library for research. Excellent sources of information are available in the USC School of Medicine Library. Additional information is available on the World Wide Web www.FAFSA.ed.gov.

HOW TO APPLY

FEDERAL PROGRAMS

Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal (FAFSA) via the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Complete all required forms in sufficient time to meet stated deadlines.

FEDERAL PIN

A personal identification number assigned by the Federal Government to access FAFSA information submitted via the Web. The PIN serves as an electronic signature.

PRIVATE SOURCES

Apply to the organization indicated or by completing the appropriate form required for School of Medicine scholarships and loans.

LOANS

FEDERAL PROGRAMS - REPAYMENT IN CASH -- REQUIRE FILING OF NEEDS ANALYSIS

FEDERAL STAFFORD LOAN
(Subsidized/Unsubsidized)

The Subsidized portion is a long term, low interest loan. Loans are based on need and range up to $8,500 annually.  No interest is charged to the student while enrolled at least half-time and payments are not required until 6 months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program. For new borrowers, the interest rate will be variable based on the 91-day T-bill plus 3.10%. The variable interest rate is capped at 8.25%.
The Unsubsidized loan is similar to the Subsidized portion except that it is not based on need.  The annual limit at USC is the amount of the student's school approved budget less the subsidized portion of the loan up to a maximum of $38,500 per year.  The interest rate is the same as the borrower's Subsidized Stafford (cap 8.25%) and begins to accrue to the student at the time of disbursement (the date the lender makes the check). Borrowers may choose to pay the interest or request that the lender accrue interest during enrollment.

GRADUATE PLUS LOAN

PLUS-Loans are low-interest, federally insured loans made available to graduate and professional students (fixed interest rate of 8.5%).  Students must first apply for a Stafford Loan.  Students can borrow the cost of attendance minus any other aid received.  To receive funds students must be enrolled in a minimum of six hours per semester.  PLUS loans are based on the credit-worthiness of the applicant.  The lender, not the University, makes a credit check.  If a graduate student is denied a PLUS due to credit issues, they may seek the assistance of a credit-worthy co-borrower.

FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN

A long-term, low interest, campus-based loan based on exceptional financial need. The annual award may not exceed $6,000 with an aggregate total of $40,000. For new borrowers repayment with interest of 5% begins nine months after graduation or the date enrollment drops below half-time. Deferment or forbearance during residency is based on eligibility at the time. The lender is the University of South Carolina.

SUPER PRIMARY CARE LOAN (SPCL)

This is a PCL that is awarded for the sole purpose of repaying a higher interest loan. Awards from this program are generally awarded to students who have successfully matched in a primary care residency.

FEDERAL PROGRAMS - REPAYMENT IN SERVICES

ARMED FORCES HEALTH PROFESSIONS SCHOLARSHIP

(Air Force, Army, Navy)

Tuition and fees paid; additional amount for reasonable educational expenses and a monthly stipend of approximately $1,185. Must serve in military for 1 year for each year of aid received. Contact School of Medicine Office of Student Services for additional information.

NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE CORPS SCHOLARSHIP (NHSC)

Dependent upon funding from the Federal Government. Full scholarship includes tuition and fees, books, supplies and equipment and a monthly living stipend. Requires serving a minimum commitment of 2 years in an underserved area of the United States and begins upon completion of residency or training. Application is due the last Friday in March.

CONTACT:

http://nhsc.bhpr.hrsa.gov

STATE PROGRAMS - REPAYMENT IN SERVICE

STATE AND FEDERAL LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM

For students who are completing a primary care residency and agree to practice in an underserved area in the state of South Carolina or the nation.

CONTACT:

Becky Seignivus
Recruiter
843-792-4439

http://www.scahec.net

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS - REPAYMENT IN SERVICE

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENTS AND INTERNS PROGRAMS (NARI)

A loan program available to fourth year medical students. Maximum loan up to $10,000.

CONTACT:

LAURA R. AND WILLIAM M. CORBETT TRUST LOAN PROGRAM

Available Only to Medical Students Enrolled in the School of Medicine.

(Long-Term)

A long-term loan program based on financial need. May borrow up to $3,000/year maximum. Repayment of principal may be deferred up to 5 years during which time interest payments are made semi-annually. Loans must be repaid within 10 years of graduation. Student must borrow at least $12,500 of Federal Stafford Loan money and maintain that amount for the academic year to be eligible for a loan. Must file a FAFSA. Apply through the Office of Student Services in August of each year.

(Emergency Advance Loan)

An Emergency Advance Loan available for emergency type situations only. May borrow up to $1,000 which will be deducted from the next academic year loan eligibility. Terms will be the same as for the long-term loan.

PRIVATE LOANS

Most lenders who provide Federal Stafford loans also provide Private Loans.

STUDENT SERVICES EMERGENCY LOAN FUND

Emergency loans are given for various amounts, dependent upon funds available. All loans are interest free for 60 days and must be repaid within 90 days. For information contact the School of Medicine Office of Student Services

L. ARTHUR O'NEILL, JR. EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Students from Sumter (city or county) attending South Carolina colleges for Universities. Application deadline May 1.

CONTACT:

L. Arthur O'Neill, Jr.
Educational Fund
P.O. Box 2091
Sumter, SC 29151-2091

LEROY SPRINGS STUDENT LOAN

Loans available to students who are residents of Fort Mill or Chester or Lancaster County, South Carolina. Students may borrow up to $4,000 plus a book allowance of $500 a year, interest free while in school, for a total of $4,500.  Students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Repayment will not begin until after the 6-month grace period following graduation or withdrawal from school. Applications for the academic year are available April 1 and the deadline for submission is May 1. Application deadline for spring semester only is November 1 through December 1.

CONTACT:

Ms. Judy Rowell
Springs Foundation
P.O. Box 460
Lancaster, SC 29721
803-286-2197

LOUISE G. WILSON EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION LOANS and SCHOLARSHIPS

Students residing in Lee, Florence, Darlington, Chesterfield, Kershaw, or Sumter County, South Carolina may qualify for medical education loans through this program.

CONTACT:

National Bank Trust Department of S.C.
P.O. Box 1798
Sumter, SC 29151

SCHOLARSHIPS

FEDERAL SOURCES - REQUIRES FILING OF FAFSA (FEDERAL APPLICATION) WITH PARENTAL DATA

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS (SDS)

Students must be enrolled or accepted in an accredited medical school, must have exceptional financial need, and be from a "disadvantaged background" as defined by the Dept. of Health and Human Services. Submission of parental data is required on FAFSA. Award amounts vary annually depending on the number of eligible students and the amount of federal funding available.

USC SCHOOL OF MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIPS - APPLY THROUGH THE OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES

ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP

Awarded annually (or as funds are available) to a student(s) who has a strong academic record, good professional skills, and a commitment to serving the needs of his/her patients.

AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION EDUCATION AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Scholarship awarded annually to medical students based on financial need, academic achievement, and documented leadership skills. Selected by the School of Medicine Scholarship and Loans Subcommittee.

ANNIVERSARY SCHOLARSHIP

Income from this fund is used to award scholarships to deserving students selected by the School of Medicine Scholarships and Loans Subcommittee.

TOM L. AUSTIN STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

Awarded by the School of Medicine Scholarships and Loans Subcommittee in honor of Dr. Tom L. Austin of the Department of Neonatology.

BRUNER-WADDELL SCHOLARSHIP IN MEDICINE

An endowed scholarship in memory of Robert Raysor Bruner, Jr. and Henry Grady Waddell, M.D. Will be awarded to a worthy student who is a resident of South Carolina.

DR. WILLIAM CHILDS CANTEY MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIP

Income from this account will be awarded to a worthy medical student from South Carolina. Priority given to an entering student who may receive the award for a maximum of four years, provided stated criteria are met and he/she has the endorsement of the School of Medicine Scholarships and Loans Subcommittee.

CAROLINA MEDICAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Three to five students are selected each year from the entering freshmen class. Recipients may receive full in-state tuition scholarships for up to four years. Selection made by School of Medicine Scholarship and Loan Subcommittee.  (Must interview by January 16, 2008 for consideration for Fall 2008 matriculation.)

DR. THOMAS C. CHOW, M.D., DPH AND DR. ROSEMARY Y. CHOW, M.D., DPH, FAMILY AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIP

An endowed scholarship established by Jim C. Chow, M.D., class of '85 in honor of his parents. The scholarship recipient, selected by School of Medicine Scholarship and Loan Committee, is to be a rising senior who has expressed and demonstrated an interest in pursuing a medical career in the areas of Family Practice and/or Preventive Medicine.

WILLIAM Q. CLAYTOR AND MARGUERITE D. CLAYTOR MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIP

An endowed scholarship awarded to a worthy medical student enrolled in the School of Medicine. This scholarship was established by Dr. Hubert Claytor in memory of his parents.

DR. AND MRS. GEORGE DICK SCHOLARSHIP IN MEDICINE

An endowed scholarship established by Mrs. Caroline McKissick Dial in memory of her parents. Awarded to a worthy medical student, the scholarship may be retained by the recipient for a period of four years if in the judgement of the School of Medicine Scholarship and Loan Committee he /she has maintained satisfactory academic performance.

WILLIAM B. DOUGLAS MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIP

An endowed scholarship awarded to students who view their prospective profession as a ministry of healing to aid in alleviating the ills of mankind. Priority given to students from South Carolina, particularly Florence and the Coastal Plains area.

DR. LAWRENCE H. ERDMAN SCHOLARSHIP

An endowed scholarship in memory of Dr. Erdman, awarded to a student who possesses a keen desire to acquire the necessary education and skills to be a good physician and who has an unusually keen sense of caring.

FULLERTON SCHOLARSHIP

The School of Medicine Scholarship and Loan Committee selects nominees from the entering freshmen class who meet specific criteria for this scholarship. The Fullerton Foundation Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.  (Must interview by January 16, 2008 for consideration for Fall 2008 matriculation.)

GREENLAWN BAPTIST CHURCH MEDICAL STUDENT HOUSING AWARD

The Greenlawn Baptist Church Medical Student Housing award provides a residential living space for two M-I students at low cost rent for their first two years of Medical School. The School of Medicine Scholarship and Loan Committee selects recipients. Contact the Office of Student Services for additional information.

LOUISE MICKLE HARVEY MEDICAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

An endowed four-year scholarship for a student from Camden or the nearest geographic area within the state of South Carolina. Additional criteria are financial need, academic achievement, and potential for becoming a personable, compassionate physician. Trust fund is administered by the Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Camden.

ELLINGTON CODY HAWES MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIP

An endowed scholarship for a student who is a resident of Georgia and who has met the stated criteria. Recipient is selected by The USC School of Medicine. Award covers up to $20,000 per year of a student's expenses.

ARTHUR L. HUMPHRIES SCHOLARSHIP

Established in memory of Dr. O'Neal Humphries' father, the recipient should have a keen sense of caring, patience, compassion, a gentle nature, and a sense of fairness.

THE JOWERS SCHOLARSHIP

The income of a fund provided by Dr. Lawrence V. Jowers in memory of his friends provides an annual award to a student who has earned the highest achievement in the first year of medical school

JAMES STANLEY LIVERMAN, M.D. SCHOLARSHIP

Awarded to students selected by the School of Medicine Scholarships and Loans Subcommittee.

A. HINES McWATERS SCHOLARSHIP

An endowed scholarship awarded annually to an academically sound and needy student. Selection made by the School of Medicine Scholar- ship and Loan Subcommittee.

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE FACULTY/STAFF SCHOLARSHIP

A scholarship established by the faculty and staff of the School of Medicine and awarded annually to medical students who have achieved academic excellence, performed service to the School of Medicine and the University, and who have exhibited a professional demeanor.

DR. FRANK CAPERS OWENS SCHOLARSHIP

This endowed scholarship, in memory of Dr. Owens, is awarded annually to a qualified junior or senior student who is planning a career in family practice.

JAMES R. STALLWORTH STUDENT SCHOLAR

A scholarship to be awarded to a student in the USC School of Medicine who has an outstanding academic record and shows evidence of good clinical acumen, devotion to patient care and potential for future leadership. The James R. Stallworth Scholar Selection Committee will select the recipient.

ALINE ZIMMERMAN THOMASON SCHOLARSHIP

A scholarship established in memory of Aline Zimmerman Thomason available to a student from Greenwood County, Richland County or other South Carolina residents.

THE TODD MEDICAL FOUNDATION

A permanent endowment, with the interest being awarded to second-, third-, and fourth-year medical students in good academic standing and in financial need.

GEORGE WALKER WARING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The income of a fund, established by the Waring family to honor the memory of their father and grandfather, provides a scholarship for a medical student who has completed the sophomore year.

JOHN A. WARREN SCHOLARSHIP

An endowed scholarship in honor of John A. Warren, who is former Chairman and Chief Executive of SCANA Corporation. Income from the fund will be awarded by the School of Medicine Scholarship and Loan Committee to rising seniors who have expressed and demonstrated an interest in pursuing a medical career in the areas of Family Practice, Pediatrics, and /or Oncology.

DR. HUDNALL GENTRY WEAVER SCHOLARSHIP

This endowed scholarship, established by the family of Robert S. Paschal, Jr., in memory of Dr. Weaver, is awarded to a deserving student enrolled in the School of Medicine.

DR. HUGH H. WELLS SCHOLARSHIP

The interest from this endowed scholarship, in memory of Dr. Wells, is awarded annually to a medical student from South Carolina who has a demonstrated need.

ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

COLUMBIA MEDICAL SOCIETY AND AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP

An annual award made to medical students with high scholastic achievement and in need of financial assistance. Priority given to South Carolina residents from the Midlands area. Available only to third & fourth year Medical Students. Application process includes writing a 250-300 word essay.  APPLY THROUGH THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES.

S.C. MEDICAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION

In alliance with S.C. Medical Association Alliance

Annual awards made to students enrolled in the School of Medicine based on academic achievement and financial need. Priority given to second, third, and fourth year students. APPLY THROUGH THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES.

SOUTHERN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

Awarded for the purpose of giving aid to third-year students of superior ability who are in need of scholarship funds. Nominated by the School of Medicine.

JOHN T. STEVENS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

A grant for up to four years of medical education expenses awarded to worthy medical students enrolled in the School of Medicine and who reside in Lancaster or Kershaw counties. The grant requires the scholar to practice in Lancaster or Kershaw county for a defined period of time upon completion of training.

CONTACT:

Steve Williams, Sr.,
President
P.O. Box 158
Kershaw, SC 29067

Office of Research and Special Projects
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Columbia, SC 29208
803-733-3331

USC FACULTY/STAFF DEPENDENT SCHOLARSHIP

For either single or married dependents of full-time employees of the University of South Carolina. APPLY THROUGH THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES. Deadline February 1.

NATIONAL PRIVATE PROGRAMS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOANS (Partial Listing)

FOR MINORITIES:

NATIONAL MEDICAL FELLOWSHIPS, INC. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Applications are restricted to Black Americans, Mainland Puerto Ricans, American Indians, Mexican-Americans, who are U.S. citizens and will be first or second-year candidates for the M.D. or D.O. degree in accredited U.S. medical schools. Scholarship of $500-$2,000; based on financial need. Contact National Medical Fellowships for application deadline.

CONTACT:

http://www.nmf-online.org

FOR WOMEN:

AMERICAN MEDICAL WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LOAN PROGRAM

Women who are U.S. citizens, mid- first, second or third year students and are members of AMWA may apply. Loans granted are $2,500 per year with a maximum of $5,000 during medical school. Interest at 7% begins the December 15th after graduation and repayment commences the January 15th after graduation. Loans must be repaid within 3 years of graduation. Deadline for Application is April 30.

CONTACT:

AMWA
801 N. Fairfax St., Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-838-0500 Ext. 3305
Fax - 703-549-3864
http://www.amwa-doc.org

SCHOLARSHIP

A scholarship is available. For details contact Marie Glanz at mglanz@AMWA-doc.org

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S CAREER ADVANCEMENT

Women who are U.S. citizens and at least 25 years of age, who are enrolled in an accredited program in their 3rd or 4th year in the U.S. Award amounts vary. Deadline is April 15. You may go to BPW's web site at www.BPWUSA.org to download an application.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATIONS:

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
DR. GEORGE AND EMMA J. TORRISON SCHOLARSHIP

Membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Applicants will be judged on stated career goals, not on need. Deadline for nominations is April 15. Must secure nomination from: Presidents of ELCA Colleges, ELCA Campus Pastors, or ELCA Pastor from student's church.

CONTACT:

Office of Student Services
School of Medicine
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208
803-733-3135

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Non-Institutional Scholarship Procedures

The University of South Carolina School of Medicine recently established a written policy on managing financial support from external entities for Medical and Graduate Students.

Any person interested in funding all or part of a Medical and/or Graduate Student's education should follow the appropriate procedure listed below.

1. Contact the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Director of Development at the Office of the Dean, USC School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29208 or 803-733-3210 to create a scholarship account in the USC Educational Foundation.
2. Contact the University of South Carolina Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships at 1714 College Street, Columbia SC 29208 or call 803-777-8134 to underwrite any portion of a student' tuition and/or fees.
3. Contact legal and/or financial advisors regarding potential tax benefits/liabilities.

If you have any questions or need additional information, contact the School of Medicine Office of Student Services, Assistant Director of Student Services at 803-733-3135.

Scholarship Searches

Websites:  www.sc.edu.financialaid/noninst.html

FINANCIAL AID CALENDAR

JANUARY TO FEBRUARY

You and your parents should complete federal income tax forms as soon as possible. Keep copies for your personal records as you may be required to submit signed copies to the USC School of Medicine Office of Student Services (if married, a copy of your spouse's form must be available).

Complete the FAFSA on the Web. The priority deadline for receipt by USC is April 1.

MARCH TO APRIL

Promptly complete and return any forms sent to you requesting information, i.e. USC Medical Student Institutional Verification Form, signed photocopy of Federal Tax Return, Selective Service Registration Confirmation Form. Students who have applied for and are awarded scholarships through the School of Medicine, will be notified after April 15th.

Check with the Office of Student Services to make certain that all required financial information regarding your application has been received.

MAY

The USC Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will begin notifying you of any aid you are awarded. Awards will continue to be made as students apply and become eligible.

AUGUST

Applications for Long-Term Corbett Loans will be available on the Web at http://medicaleducationoffice.med.sc.edu/corbett.htm

SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER

Periodically re-evaluate your financial need. For emergency loans contact the School of Medicine's Assistant Director of Student Services. The deadline for Long-Term Corbett Loan applications is early September.

IN ORDER TO RECEIVE AWARDS BY THE TIME OF FEE PAYMENT, STUDENTS MUST FILE A FAFSA PRIOR TO MARCH 1ST.

Information concerning financial aid and applications will be available in the School of Medicine Office of Student Services in early February (and throughout the year as needed).

Please feel free to contact the Assistant Director of Student Services at 803-733-3135 for assistance.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FINANCIAL AID

Once I complete the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) on line, how long will it take for USC to receive the results?
Depending on the time of year, it will take approximately 2-4 weeks to process and forward the results to the USC Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

When will I receive my financial aid?
If you met the deadline for applying and sent in all required follow-up information, disbursement will be made each term around the first week of class (half at Fall registration, the remainder at Spring registration).

What are the priority deadlines for receiving financial aid?
The priority deadline for USC to receive the results of your Federal Application is April 1st. To assure meeting the deadline, we recommend that students file the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 or, no later than, March 1.

Can I receive financial aid if I don't meet priority deadlines?
Yes, but you may not be considered for some programs with limited funding.

How does the Financial Aid Office determine my application date?
Your application date is the date the results of your FAFSA and any required additional information are received in the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. Your information is received from the Federal Processor by electronic data exchange.

How do I know which items on the SAR should be corrected?
Upon receiving the SAR, you should carefully review the data shown. This information is what you listed on your FAFSA and you should be able to determine if an error was made. If corrections are necessary, contact the Assistant Director of Student Services in the Office of Student Services. Do not send corrections to the Federal processor until you have spoken to the Assistant Director of Student Services.

Why must I provide my parents' financial information to apply for a  Primary Care Loan, Loan and Grant programs, and other DHHS programs if I am self-supporting?
This is a requirement of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which administers the health professions program.

How do I find out if I qualify for in-state resident or non-resident tuition?
You should contact the USC Residency Office located in Petigru on the main campus 777-4060, or call Office of Student Services at 733-3135.

STEPS TO ACHIEVING YOUR GOAL

• Plan to meet your financial needs by preparing a budget.
• Home and family contributions should be assessed.
• You must take responsibility for your financial security.
• Sign up for all scholarships and loans for which you may qualify.
• Investigate all opportunities for financial assistance.
• Complete appropriate forms prior to deadline dates.
• Identify tricks to curtail personal expenses.
• Ask questions from financial aid advisor.
• Needs should be reassessed periodically.

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