Financial Aid

Earning your Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree is an investment in your future as a healthcare professional. The Office of Financial Aid at the University of Northern Colorado partners with COM students to make this journey financially accessible and sustainable. We are here to guide you through federal, state, and institutional aid options, budgeting, and financial wellness throughout medical school.  

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2026-27 is open. UNC’s Federal School Code: 001349.   

Apply for Financial Aid 

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Five-Steps Financial Aid Process 

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA  

Student must apply annually for Financial Aid using the UNC’s Federal School Code: 001349. 

Step 2: Explore Private (Alternative) Loans 

Because the federal Graduate PLUS Loan program will no longer be available to new borrowers beginning July 1, 2026, students pursuing professional programs may consider private student loans as an additional financing option to help meet their total cost of attendance. Resources for private student loans: ELMSelect and Finaid.org 

Step 3: Monitor your BearMail  

Regularly check your BearMail for updates from the UNC Office of Financial Aid, including requests for unsatisfied requirements and your official financial aid notification once your FAFSA has been reviewed.

Step 4: Review and Accept Financial Aid 

After receiving your notification, log in URSA to review your and accept your financial aid. 

Step 5: Complete Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note 

Once you’ve accepted your loans, complete Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note for federal loans at studentaid.gov.   

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Important Dates 

• October 1 – FAFSA is open for the 2026-27 academic year. 
• November 1 – UNC Scholarship Application is open. 
• June 1 – FAFSA and UNC Scholarship Application Priority Deadline. 
• June 15 – Accept or decline financial aid offers. 

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Types of Financial Aid 

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans 

UNC COM students may borrow Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans to help finance their medical education. These loans are not based on financial need, and interest begins accruing once funds are disbursed. Students are responsible for all accrued interest during school and repayment begins six months after graduation, withdrawal, or dropping below half-time enrollment. 

To receive this loan, students must complete the FAFSA annually, accept the award in their URSA account, and complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note at studentaid.gov. 

Beginning Fall 2026, students will borrow under the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). 

• Annual borrowing limit: $50,000 

• Aggregate limit (Lifetime): $200,000 

Students who borrowed before July 1, 2026 remain under current limits ($47,167 per 12-month year; 8.08% interest; 1.057% fee). Students should meet with a financial aid counselor to review borrowing strategies and repayment options. 

Private (Alternative) Loans 

Private loans are credit-based loans offered by banks, credit unions, and private lenders to cover costs not met by federal or institutional aid. They typically require a credit check and may need a co-signer. Students should always review federal loan amounts first and borrow only what is necessary to meet educational and living expenses. Students should compare lenders carefully, as interest rates, fees, and repayment terms vary widely. UNC certifies enrollment and eligibility for approved loans. 

Steps to Applying for a Private Loan 

Step 1: Select a Lender: Students choose their preferred lender and loan product. Students can use ELMSelect and Finaid.org to assist in finding a lender.  

Step 2: Certification: UNC certifies the loan to verify enrollment, academic year dates, and remaining eligibility within the Cost of Attendance. 

Step 3: Disbursement: Once approved and certified, funds are typically released within 14 business days. Disbursement timelines may vary by lender. 

Scholarships

Institutional Scholarships 

UNC COM offers several merit- and need-based scholarships to recognize excellence and advance our mission of preparing compassionate, community-focused physicians. Visit https://unco.academicworks.com/ to learn more about scholarships. 

External Scholarships  

Students are encouraged to explore state and national programs such as: 

• Colorado Health Service Corps – Loan repayment for providers serving in underserved areas. 

• AACOM and NHSC Scholarships – Support for students committed to primary care and community service. 

• Health Professions Scholarship Program – Support for students committed to military service 

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Contact & Support 

UNC COM Admissions & Student Affairs

Email:  COMAdmissions@unco.edu

Phone:  970-351-3962

Note: COM students are assigned a dedicated financial aid counselor specializing in health professions education. 

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Eligibility and Policies 

Enrollment Requirements 

To remain eligible for financial aid, medical students must maintain at least half-time enrollment each term: 

• Full-time: 15 or more credit hours 

• Half-time: Minimum of 8 credit hours 

Falling below half-time status may affect eligibility for financial aid and loan deferment. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 

Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to remain eligible for financial aid. SAP is evaluated according to academic performance, completion rate, and maximum timeframe standards established by UNC COM and federal guidelines. 

<Link to SAP Policy> 

Professional Judgment (Special Circumstances) 

Students who experience a significant change in financial circumstances may request a review through the Professional Judgment Process. This allows the Office of Financial Aid to evaluate and, when appropriate, adjust specific elements of financial aid eligibility. 

Examples of qualifying circumstances include: 

• Loss or reduction of employment income (20% or more for at least 60 days)
• Loss of alimony or child support
• Death of a parent or spouse
• Legal separation or divorce 

To request a review: 

• Email ofa@unco.edu from your BearMail account.
• Include your full name and the last four digits of your Bear Number.
• Briefly describe your situation to request access to the Student Aid Index (SAI) Appeal Form. 

You will receive a response within 2–4 business days with submission instructions. 

Please do not send supporting documentation via email. All appeal materials must be uploaded securely through your URSA account.Cost of Attendance (COA) Increase Request 

Students who incur education-related expenses that exceed the standard budget may request a Cost of Attendance (COA) increase. Eligible expenses may include: 

• Additional housing or commuting costs
• Purchase of a computer or required educational materials
• Books and supplies that exceed standard allowances
• Child or dependent care expenses 

Documentation of expenses is required for review. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for guidance on submitting a COA adjustment request. 

Submit a COA Increase Request 

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Financial Aid FAQs

• When should I apply for financial aid for medical school?

  Students should complete the FAFSA each year as soon as it becomes available at studentaid.gov.

  For priority consideration, submit it by June 1, even if you haven’t yet received your admission decision.

  UNC’s Federal School Code is 001349. 
  Financial aid offers are typically released once your FAFSA is processed and you are admitted to the COM program. 

• Can I receive financial aid if I repeat or remediate a course?

  Yes. Students who must repeat or remediate coursework required for degree completion may remain eligible for financial aid, as long as they: 

  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards 

  • Are enrolled in program-approved coursework that counts toward the DO degree 

  How does financial aid work during clinical rotations? 

  Financial aid eligibility continues during clinical rotations if you remain enrolled at least half-time and are completing courses or rotations that apply toward your degree. Your Cost of Attendance (COA) already includes allowances for transportation, additional housing, and clinical expenses. If rotations require expenses beyond this, you may request a COA increase by submitting documentation of the additional costs.

• Can I receive aid for board exams or travel? 

  Yes. The COM Cost of Attendance includes an allowance for COM required board exam fees and materials, as well as travel for required clinical rotations.

  Expenses not automatically included—such as residency interview travel or exam retake fees—may be considered for a COA adjustment with supporting documentation. 

• What happens to my financial aid if I take a leave of absence?

  If you are approved for a Leave of Absence (LOA), notify the Office of Financial Aid immediately.

  Because aid eligibility is based on enrollment, federal loans cannot disburse while you are on leave.

  If you previously received loans, your grace period and repayment may begin once your leave starts.

  A financial aid counselor can help you understand how your leave affects repayment and eligibility when you return.  

• When will my student loan funds be applied to my UNC account? 

  Federal student loans are typically disbursed about one week before the start of each term, once all requirements are met: 

  • You’re enrolled at least half-time
  • You’ve accepted your loans in URSA
  • You’ve completed Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note at studentaid.gov 

  Private (alternative) loans are disbursed according to the lender’s timeline—usually within 14 business days after UNC certification, though timing may vary. 

  Loan funds are first applied to tuition and fees. Any remaining balance is refunded through your chosen refund method, typically within a few business days after disbursement.

  Delays may occur if requirements are incomplete, your enrollment changes, or a lender delay arises.

  You can monitor your status in URSA under the Financial Aid tab.