Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Loans
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for improving health care
to people who are geographically isolated, economically or medically vulnerable.
HRSA health professions student loans encourage and enable clinicians to work in underserved
areas.
HRSA Student Loans
Loan for Disadvantaged Students (LDS)
The LDS is a long-term, low interest loan to third and fourth year Doctor of Osteopathic
Medicine (DO) students with exceptional financial need.
Annual Amount
- Up to cost of attendance minus other financial aid (loans, scholarships and federal work study) awarded.
- Varies by funding available.
Rates and Fees
- 5% fixed interest rate.
- Does not accrue interest while student is enrolled.
- No loan fee.
Grade Period
- 12 months beginning after student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
Notes
- In August of each year, the PCOM Financial Aid Office will contact eligible students
to discuss the possibility of borrowing the LDS.
- Available for third and fourth year DO students who submit parental income information
on the FAFSA and meet the definition of demonstrating exceptional financial need as
defined by HSSA poverty guidelines.
- Loan is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and is administered
by PCOM.
- Read further details at HRSA.
Primary Care Loan (PCL)
The PCL is a long-term, low interest loan to fourth year DO students that commit to
practicing in primary care.
Annual Amount
- Up to cost of tuition & fees.
- Varies by funding available.
- Loan amount may be increased to repay outstanding balances on previous loans taken
out while attending PCOM.
Rates & Fees
- 5% fixed interest rate.
- Does not accrue interest while student is enrolled.
- No loan fee.
Grace Period
- 12 months. Begins after student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
Notes
- In March of each year, the PCOM Financial Aid Office will contact fourth year DO students
who match residencies in primary care to discuss the possibility of borrowing the
PCL.
- Students who receive the PCL must agree to:
- Enter and complete residency training in primary care within four years after graduation,
and;
- Practice primary care for ten years or until the loan is paid in full, whichever occurs
first.
- Available for students who submit parental income information on the FAFSA and meet
the definition of demonstrating exceptional financial need as defined by HSSA poverty guidelines.
- Loan is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and is administered
by PCOM.
- Read further details at HRSA.
