Federal Student Aid
To be considered for federal financial aid, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year at www.studentaid.gov. Professional students are considered independent for financial aid purposes and will not submit parental information.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans – students who submit a FAFSA are offered a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
- Beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year, students will be eligible for up to $50,000 in Direct Unsubsidized Loans annually. Award amounts are subject to the overall estimated cost of attendance as well as aggregate and lifetime loan limits.
- Federal Graduate PLUS Loan – students can apply for this loan at www.studentaid.gov to help pay for educational expenses not covered by scholarships or other financial aid.
- The Graduate PLUS Loan Program will be discontinued as of July 1, 2026, which is the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year. Students who borrow a Federal Direct Student Loan (Direct Unsubsidized or Graduate PLUS Loan) before July 1, 2026, while enrolled in a credentialed program, can apply for a Graduate PLUS Loan for an additional 3 academic years or until program completion, whichever is less.
Federal Loan Limits – Annual Limits
| Direct Unsubsidized Loan | Graduate Plus Loan | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 Academic Year | $44,944 for MS1 and MS4 $47,167 for MS 2 and MS3 |
Up to max cost of attendance | Up to max cost of attendance |
| Beginning with 2026-2027 Academic Year | $50,000 | Not available | $50,000 |
Federal Loan Limits – Aggregate and Lifetime Limits
| Aggregate Graduate-Level Limit Includes direct unsubsidized loans for medical school or any other graduate studies | Lifetime Limit Includes direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans for undergraduate and graduate studies | |
|---|---|---|
| Prior to July 1, 2026 | Not applicable | $224,000 |
| Beginning July 1, 2026 | $200,000 | $257,500 |
Click here to learn more about changes to the federal loan program effective for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Alternative Education (Private) Loans
Private Loans are a good option for students to explore in place of or in addition to federal student loans. These are private, credit-based, non-federal loans available through an outside lender.
- Application processes and requirements will vary by student and lender.
- Students are eligible to borrow up to their Estimated Cost of Attendance less any other aid, including scholarships and federal loans.
- Explore lenders – While UAB does not endorse any specific lenders, we provide a historical lender listing through ELM Select. This allows you to view information about lenders recently used by other UAB students.
- Learn more about Alternative Education Loans here.
Forgivable Loans
Forgivable loans may be a good option for students who are legal residents of Alabama and committed to practicing primary care in the state; other eligibility requirements also apply. Application processes and stipulations vary by loan fund.
Learn more about Forgivable Loans here.
Resources
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
AAMC: Steps in the Financial Aid Application Process
AAMC: Understanding your Financial Aid Offer
UAB student aid checklist
How to accept federal loans through BlazerNET
View your BlazerNET account summary and/or make a payment
Also visit the UAB Heersink Financial Wellness webpage for comprehensive tools and resources to help you navigate finances throughout your medical school journey.