For many students, it's fulfilling a childhood dream to become a doctor. They've worked hard all through high school and college and achieved excellent scores on their MCATs. Now it is time to apply to a host of medical schools; however, the dream suddenly becomes reality when students realize the enormous cost that goes along with becoming a doctor. Factoring in the amount of debt after graduation can be a heartbreaking experience. According to the American Medical Association, the average medical school student owes $140,000.
Shockingly, that amount doesn't include room and board, and if the student chooses a private institution, the amount of total debt doubles. Med students have to factor in how much they will be paid after their residency when they become a doctor. Depending on what they choose to specialize in, a new doctor could make an excellent salary, as a surgeon at reputable teaching hospital for example; however, a general practitioner in a small town will make a very humble salary. Therefore, an upcoming trend seems to be tuition-free medical schools.
Take a look below at these three schools and see the benefits of graduating without debt.
Become an Army Doctor
Or a doctor in the Navy or Air Force. The military guarantees all four years in med school absolutely free, including both tuition and living expenses. To offer the latter is virtually unheard of, yet many students are deterred once they hear the word "military." But this should not deter students, since the military can offer an incredibly unique hands-on experience that students will not receive anywhere else, especially with their residency.
Doctors must serve a minimum of two years in the military, or they must serve each year that they received free tuition. In other words, if a doctor took five years to complete med school in the military, he will serve five years or more in the field.
UCF Medical School Offers Full Scholarships to the Class of 2013
An unprecedented program in this nation's medical history (besides the military), University of Central Florida College of Medicine was established in 2006. According to the school's website, it was created, "by the Florida Legislature and the Florida Board of Governors to address the growing physician shortage nationwide and provide economic benefits to Central Florida and the state." In August 2009 the school welcomed its first class of 41 students who had both the highest GPAs and average MCAT scores of any incoming class of med students for the entire state of Fla. Thus, the school has already earned a competitive listing among the nation's medical colleges in its first year.
For the class of 2009, UCF had 4300 applicants. However, if a student is accepted, s/he will receive a full scholarship, including both tuition and living expenses, for all four years.
Graduate Medical Education for Free at the Cleveland Clinic
The Cleveland Clinic Learner School of Medicine offers a full scholarship to students in the college program that includes both tuition and fees. Be aware when applying that this school is one of the most competitive in the nation because according to U.S. News & World Report, "for the fifteenth consecutive year, Cleveland Clinic has once again been ranked No. 1 in the nation for heart care." The CC also ranks number four on the magazine's list for best hospitals overall in the entire country.
Therefore, competition is stiff; in fact, only two percent of those who apply are admitted to the program. Students must have top scores and outstanding grades to be considered. In return for free college tuition and fees, in the fifth year the student must research, and as an added bonus the scholarship extends to cover the five percent tuition hike during that year and a stipend will be given to support a student's living expenses in her/his research year.
Students may acquire a large amount of debt for their undergraduate* degree; however, this should not deter them from working hard, earning top marks and scores to gain admittance into medical school. For prospective doctors, the funding they've been searching for can be found in the three schools listed above.
For undergraduate education in the medical sciences, these two articles, State v. Private College, Best Financial Aid and Best State Schools for Financial Aid, discuss which schools offer the best aid packages for students.
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