A variety of financial aid programs can help with the pursuit of graduate studies. Student loans are one option available through the federal government, banks, and private lending institutions. Many companies and institutions provide their employees with financial support for professional development. The following resources may help you finance your degree.
Applications for aid are available on October 1. Do not wait for acceptance into the MEDEX program to apply for aid. Many students apply for funds from limited sources. For priority consideration, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the UW priority filing date of January 15. Information about the application process can be found through links on the UW Office of Financial Aid Web site or from the FAFSA Web site.
UW Office of Student Financial Aid
It is recommended to read the information on the sites listed above before contacting the financial aid office.
Contact Information
University of Washington
Office of Student Financial Aid
105 Schmitz Hall, Box 355880
1400 NE Campus Parkway
Seattle, WA 98195-5880
(206) 543-6101
osfa@u.washington.edu
The financial aid office coordinates and awards the following aid for graduate students enrolled in the MEDEX program:
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Federal Direct Stafford Loans
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Federal and State Work Study
MEDEX Northwest has established several in-house scholarship funds with an emphasis on primary care, a focus on the medically underserved, and leadership potential. One is focused on emergency medicine. An announcement to first-year didactic students in Fall quarter invites students to apply for these scholarships. Scholarships are awarded at the April MEDEX Alumni Reception & Awards Ceremony in SeaTac, WA. This annual event coincides with the Western Washington meeting of the Washington Academy of Physician Assistants (WAPA). Students must be currently enrolled to be eligible to apply.
Other scholarship information can be found on many websites, and most public libraries maintain lists of educational scholarships and loans in their reference areas. There are links to various scholarships and lists of available scholarships on the UW Office of Student Financial Aid website and through the UW Scholarship office. Professional associations also offer scholarships to currently enrolled PA students who meet certain criteria. WAPA, the American Academy of Physician Assistants Veterans Caucus and the Physician Assistant Foundation sponsor just a few of these awards annually. Look for the websites that are free and do not require registration fees unless that is something you choose to do.
To make the search for scholarship opportunities easier, MEDEX has compiled a list of opportunities. The list is expansive and includes many scholarships meant for physician assistant students and healthcare workers. Please visit each website to view the most up-to-date opportunities available.
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Department of Education is a resource that provides guidance on financial aid, student loans, grants, and other funding options for education:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal grants (e.g., Pell Grant, FSEOG)
- Federal student loans (e.g., Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans, PLUS Loans)
- Work-study programs
- Scholarships and repayment options
VA Educational Benefits
VA loans and Veterans’ benefits, including the Post 9/11 GI Bill, are available from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Washington State Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program
http://www.wsac.wa.gov/health-professionals
(360) 705- 6665
Several programs offer financial assistance to healthcare students in exchange for a commitment to serve in underserved communities. These programs provide scholarships and loan repayment opportunities to help offset the cost of education while ensuring healthcare access in high-need areas.
Why Consider a Service Exchange Program?
- Reduced Financial Burden – Receive tuition assistance, loan repayment, or stipends.
- Guaranteed Job Placement – Secure employment in underserved areas upon graduation.
- Make a Difference – Provide healthcare to populations with limited access to medical services.
For students passionate about serving rural, tribal, or medically underserved communities, these programs offer a valuable path to education and career advancement.
Some programs that often benefit MEDEX students include:
Idaho State Loan Repayment Program
SLRP is a multi-discipline, state-based loan repayment program for nurses, clinicians, and physicians working in federally-designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. Loan repayment is provided through a federal grant. Participating sites must implement a sliding fee scale for low-income and uninsured patients and accept Medicare and Medicaid. Recipients may receive loan repayment awards up to $25,000 per year. A service obligation is required; full-time practitioners are required to fulfill a two-year service obligation. Sites must submit annual reports during the funding period. Participants currently receiving loan repayment and fulfilling a service obligation are not eligible. The next open application cycle is anticipated to be after 2025. To receive updates and notice of the next open application cycle, please email alex.prado@dhw.idaho.gov to be added to the email notification list.
Washington Health Corps Loan Repayment Program
The Washington Health Corps Loan Repayment Program provides financial assistance to licensed healthcare professionals, including physician assistants (PAs), who commit to serving in designated shortage areas across Washington State. Participants can receive up to $75,000 in loan repayment in exchange for a minimum three-year service obligation at an approved site. This program aims to improve healthcare access in underserved communities.
Wyoming State Loan Repayment Program (WY-SLRP)
This program provides loan repayment assistance to eligible healthcare professionals, including PAs, who commit to practicing full-time for two years in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) at approved National Health Service Corps (NHSC) sites within Wyoming.
Montana State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)
The Montana State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) is an incentive program for primary care providers working at approved National Health Service Corps (NHSC) or Montana SLRP site in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). The Montana SLRP is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and matched with State and community funds. Awarded Providers may receive up to $25,000 per year to repay approved educational loan debt in exchange for a minimum two years of full-time service at an approved practice site. Clinicians providing less than full-time service may be eligible for a part-time award. Award recipients may apply for a subsequent award for a maximum benefit of four years.
Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) – Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP)
WICHE’s PSEP helps students in participating western states access affordable tuition for healthcare programs, including physician assistant (PA) education. Through PSEP, students pay reduced tuition at out-of-state institutions, with the expectation that they return to their home state to practice in a healthcare profession facing workforce shortages.
Supporting Health Access through Loan Repayment Program (SHARP)
SHARP supports health care workforce recruitment and retention of healthcare practitioners in medical, dental, and behavioral health disciplines through student loan repayment and direct financial incentives. The goal of SHARP is to increase the availability of health care services throughout the state, especially to rural and underserved populations. Participants in SHARP work at health care facilities throughout the state. Eligible Employers and Participants apply to the program and enter a contract with the State of Alaska Department of Health.
Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (NHHSP)
Established in 1988 within the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act, the NHHSP provides awards to Native Hawaiian students seeking degrees in the health care professions. The purpose is to increase the number of Native Hawaiians in health and allied health professions, thereby increasing access to acceptable health care delivery for those who seek it.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) – HRSA
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC), administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), offers both scholarship and loan repayment programs to healthcare professionals who commit to working in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Through these programs, eligible participants can receive financial support for their education in exchange for a multi-year service commitment in underserved communities. This initiative helps improve access to primary care by increasing the number of qualified healthcare providers in areas facing workforce shortages.
Indian Health Service (IHS) – Loan Repayment & Scholarship Program
The IHS Loan Repayment Program (LRP) and IHS Scholarship Program provide financial assistance to healthcare students who commit to serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. These programs aim to strengthen the healthcare workforce within tribal health facilities and support culturally competent care in indigenous communities.
Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
The U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force offer the HPSP to prospective military PAs. This program covers full tuition, fees, books, and instruments, and provides a monthly living stipend. In return, recipients commit to serving as commissioned medical department officers upon graduation.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Scholarships
The VA provides scholarship opportunities for military veterans pursuing degrees in PA studies through the Educational Assistance for Certain Former Members of the Armed Forces (EACFMAF) pilot program. This initiative aims to increase the number of qualified PAs serving veterans.