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There are several loan options available that provide debt forgiveness in exchange for various types of service commitments. If you are planning on staying in North Carolina, specializing in primary care, or going into public service, these may be great options for you.

NOTE: Be sure to always go through ConnectCarolina to complete forms and applications pertaining to loans — this is very important, as it is how we keep your records (and your to-do list) up-to-date and accurate.

NC Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS)

Established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2011, the Forgivable Education Loans for Service provides financial assistance to qualified students enrolled in an approved education program and committed to working in critical employment shortage professions in North Carolina. Students must be a legal North Carolina resident and NC resident for tuition purposes. FELS loan recipients must sign a promissory note that will require them to seek loan forgiveness through employment in an approved position or repay the loan in cash. Generally, a loan for one academic year will be forgiven for one year of full-time employment. Recipients cannot receive FELS funding concurrently with other state-funded loans.

NC FELS Website

National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students pursuing an eligible training or degree program for a primary care health profession. In return, scholars commit to providing primary care health services in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Students commit to a minimum two years (and four years maximum) of full-time service. The total number of years you serve depends on the number of school years of NHSC Scholarship support you receive. The funding cannot exceed four school years.

NHSC Scholarship Program Website

 

Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)

Fund your future in medicine. Let us help you so you can help others. The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) covers the following most or all medical pathway degree plans offered at UNC. This scholarship is specifically aimed for MDs, Osteopaths, Dentistry, Surgery, Psychiatry. If you are pursuing any medical degree, feel free to apply.
Scholarship Prize Details
100% Paid Tuition
3K Monthly Stipend
20K Bonus
Requirements
Cumulative Undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or above
Be enrolled, accepted or applying to an accredited M.D. or D.O. School
MCAT score 500 or above and 124 in all line scores
Must pass a medical history pre-commissioning evaluation
Favorable FBI background check
US Citizen
Military Service Obligation
Must be willing to commit to military service obligation;
Will service as US Army AMEDD Officer AFTER completing medical school
Q. What is the process?
– Contact AMEDD Recruiter to help facilitate > Complete Pre-Commissioning Medical Evaluation and physical at Fort Bragg > Wait for Board Results > If selected you will swear into the US. Dept Army Medical Corps as a Second Lieutenant as a United States Army Reserve Officer > Army pays your tuition directly to the school; and pays you directly your 20K bonus and 3k monthly stipend.
Application Requirements for the HPSP: 
  • Social Security Card
  • MCAT Score 500+
  • Birth Certificate
  • Transcripts
FAQ
Q. I already started med school, is it too late to apply?
  • You can still apply during your MS1 year!
Q. Can I apply directly thru UNC Student Affairs office?
  • You will need to apply through our Army NC AMEDD recruiters (not your financial aid office). However we are located in Raleigh, NC and if you prefer in person meetings, we can meet you at UNC Campus. Contact info is below.
Q. I am a MS3 or MS4, does the Army have any student loan payback options for me
  • Yes we have an incentive you can obtain after matching into your residency program. It’s called FAP. Depending on specialty the Army may provide a 45K grant and 3K monthly stipend. That’s pay you receive in ADDITION to your residency hospital pay. You can use that money to do whatever you want! To include pay off student loans.
Scholarship Point of Contacts
CPT Brianna J. Cook
Army Healthcare Recruiter / OIC
Cell: (919) 889-6545 or (808) 294-5918
SFC Kyiarra C. Crews
Station Commander Cell: (919) 306-7874
kyiarra.c.crews.mil@army.mil

Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)

Medical school is expensive, but the Air Force has a scholarship program that could cover a huge chunk of the cost – potentially over $250,000!

The Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) pays for your tuition, books, and most fees. On top of that, you get a monthly stipend ($2,999) and a sign-on bonus of $20,000.

That puts nearly $135K in your pocket while you’re in med school. They offer 2, 3, and 4-year scholarships.

So, what’s the catch? In exchange for this generous support, you commit to serving as a physician in the Air Force after you finish your residency. Think of it as trading debt for service.

What are the perks? Besides having your education paid for, you’re guaranteed a physician position after training, earn a salary during your service, and can retire with a pension after 20 years.

Are you eligible? Here’s a quick rundown:

  • U.S. Citizen
  • MCAT taken or scheduled
  • Accepted to, enrolled in, or applying to a U.S. medical or osteopathic school
  • Under 35 at time of application

Important Note: There may be other requirements, so it’s best to talk to a recruiter.

Want to learn more? If you want to know more, you can call, text, or send me an email (see contact information below).

You can also visit the Air Force website for more details about healthcare careers: https://www.airforce.com/careers/specialty-careers/healthcare

This is a huge decision, so do your research and see if the Air Force HPSP is the right path for you. It could be a great way to achieve your medical career goals without being buried under student debt while serving your country.

Scholarship Point of Contact:

TSgt Robert P. Williams

Air Force Officer Accessions Recruiter

4030 Wake Forest Rd, Suite 205

Raleigh NC 27609

Cell: 919-799-0667

https://www.airforce.com/careers/specialty-careers/healthcare