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, new borrowers 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 for new borrowers 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 their expected time to credential††, whichever is less.
Federal Loan Limits – Annual Limits
Combined Federal Loan Limits
| Direct Unsubsidized Loan* | Graduate Plus Loan* | Total* | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2025-2026 Academic Year |
$44,944 for MS1 and MS4 |
Up to max cost of attendance |
Up to max cost of attendance |
|
Beginning with 2026-2027 Academic Year |
$50,000 |
Not available |
$50,000 |
*Exceptions for Current Borrowers (“Legacy Provisions”): Students who borrow a Federal Direct Loan (Direct Unsubsidized Loan or Graduate PLUS Loan) before July 1, 2026, while enrolled in a credentialed program, can continue to borrow under pre-legislative loan limits for the Direct Unsubsidized loan as well as apply for the Graduate PLUS Loan for three additional academic years or their expected time to credential††, whichever is less.
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* | |
|---|---|---|
|
Prior to July 1, 2026 |
Not applicable |
$224,000 |
|
Beginning July 1, 2026 |
$200,000 |
$257,500 |
*Exceptions for Current Borrowers (“Legacy Provisions”): Students who borrow a Federal Direct Student Loan (Direct Unsubsidized Loan or Graduate PLUS Loan) before July 1, 2026, while enrolled in a credentialed program, can continue to borrow under pre-legislative loan limits for an additional three academic years or their expected time to credential††, whichever is less.
††Important Note: Expected time to credential is the difference between the standard program length of medical school (4 years/8 semesters) and the period of such program that a student has completed as of June 30, 2026. Breaks in enrollment spanning a full semester(s) taken prior to July 1, 2026, do not count against a student’s expected time to credential. Enrollment in any portion of a semester would classify that semester as a period of completed enrollment for purposes of legacy provisions.
Alternative Education (Private) Loans
Alternative education loans are private, credit-based, non-federal loans. With the discontinuation of the Graduate PLUS Loan for new borrowers in 2026-2027, many students may find private loans are the best way to fund additional educational expenses. Students apply directly through a lender. The application process, requirements, and terms for private loans vary by lender. Eligibility is limited to your estimated cost of attendance, less any other aid (including scholarships and federal loans). Students are encouraged to borrow the minimum amount of loans needed to minimize debt.
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.
Resources
Also visit the UAB Heersink Financial Wellness webpage for comprehensive tools and resources to help you navigate finances throughout your medical school journey.
Contact Us
Contact Medical Student Financial Services
medschoolscholarship@uab.edu | 205.934.2332 | Schedule a Meeting