The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) collaborates closely with the University of Nevada, Reno Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to help students access the financial resources they need to succeed. Offering a wide range of options including scholarships, grants, loans and work-study opportunities, the office provides personalized guidance to help students navigate the financial aid process. To apply, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid is typically based on need and includes federal and state grants, loans and work-study opportunities.
Financial aid is categorized as gift aid or self-help aid. Gift aid, such as grants, scholarships and tuition assistance, is sometimes called "free money" because it doesn’t require repayment. Self-help aid, including work-study and loans, requires students to either work or borrow.
Resources and contacts
For any questions regarding financial aid or loan options, our financial aid team is here to support you throughout your medical education journey.
- M.D. students: Contact Leonard Walker, Assistant Director, Student Financial Services, M.D. Program
- Physician Assistant students: Contact Rubina Hackbusch, Manager, Student Affairs, Physician Assistant Studies Program
- Speech Pathology and Audiology students: Contact the University of Nevada, Reno Office of Financial Aid
General financial aid information
Key financial aid forms
Some of the most common financial aid forms UNR Med students will be using are:
- Reporting Changes
- Budget Revision Request
- Child Care Budget Increase Request
Financial planning and disbursement
School Code: 002568
UNR Med provides guidance on financial planning and managing student debt. Numerous resources, such as scholarships, grants and budgeting tools, are available to help students stay on top of their finances.
- Fall Disbursements: Seven to ten days before the academic year starts
- Spring Disbursements: Seven to ten days before the spring semester starts
We encourage students to enroll in direct deposit via MyNevada to receive financial aid disbursements more quickly.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
To be eligible for financial aid, students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards. The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at the University of Nevada, Reno and the UNR Med have established qualitative and quantitative requirements for a student's progress towards completion of their degree. These standards must be met for a student to maintain financial aid eligibility.
Loan options and considerations:
When evaluating loan options, be sure to consider:
- Interest rates (variable or fixed)
- Loan fees and limits
- Repayment terms (start dates and maximum repayment period)
- Default and late payment charges
While UNR Med cannot recommend specific lending programs due to federal regulations, students can research various loan options using independent resources. Below are some resources to help you research loan terms and criteria, so you can make an informed decision.
- Federal Direct Loan
- Federal Graduate PLUS Loan
- Private Alternate Loans
- AAMC’s “Guide to Money Management and Student Loans” (M.D. students)
Loan repayment programs
M.D. students, Physician Assistant students and health professionals with student loan debt can explore the following loan repayment assistance options. Be sure to review the eligibility requirements for each program:
National Health Services Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program:Available to licensed primary care medical, dental, and mental health providers working, or seeking employment, at approved sites in underserved areas.
- NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program: Offers loan repayment assistance to final-year medical students (M.D. and D.O.) in exchange for a commitment to provide primary care in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) with the greatest need.
- NHSC State Loan Repayment Program: Provides states and territories with cost-sharing grants to operate their own loan repayment programs for primary care providers working in HPSAs within their state.
M.D. students
UNR Med emergency loans (M.D. students)
Emergency loans are short-term, interest-free loans of up to $2,000, which must be repaid within 90 days. Failure to repay within this timeframe will result in a hold being placed on the student’s academic record. This hold will prevent registration, financial aid disbursement, transcript release, graduation, diploma distribution, and any verification required for residency programs or state medical licensure. Students with delinquent debts to the University will also be unable to re-enroll, register for USMLE examinations, or receive certifications of enrollment, transcripts or diplomas. For assistance, contact Robin Wittman.
Residency interviewing and relocation financing (M.D. students)
As medical students start applying for and preparing for residency, many wonder how to manage the additional cost of relocating. If M.D. students have not borrowed loans up to their budget for the current school year, and feel they may need additional funds for fourth year residency expenses, contact Leonard Walker to learn if you are able to increase your current loans.
Military students
Military students seeking VA Education Benefits can find current information online or can contact the University’s Veteran Service Office.