Scholarships
The University of Northern Colorado College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNC COM) is dedicated to making medical education accessible and affordable. To help reduce the financial burden of medical school, UNC COM offers a variety of merit- and need-based scholarships that recognize academic excellence, leadership, service, and alignment with our mission to prepare compassionate physicians who serve their communities.
Dean’s Award
The Dean’s Award is a merit-based recruitment scholarship granted at the time of admission to up to 30 incoming students who demonstrate the highest academic achievement. Selection is based on a composite evaluation of MCAT score, overall and science GPAs (including graduate science GPA), and GPA trajectory. Each award totals $40,000, distributed as $10,000 per year for up to four years of study. Recipients are notified of their selection at the time of admission.
Phelps Family Scholarship
The Phelps Family Scholarship honors UNC COM’s inaugural class by supporting two outstanding UNC alum who demonstrate excellence and commitment to community service.
Each scholarship provides $30,000 toward first-year tuition and may be renewed for up to three additional years, for a maximum of $120,000 per student. Renewal decisions are made by the UNC COM Scholarship Committee based on the students remaining in good academic and professional standards. The Phelps Scholarship application is embedded in the UNC COM supplemental application, which is sent to qualified students via an invitation.
The Phelps Family Scholarship was created to inspire others to give and is guided by the core values of C.A.P.:
- Contribute: Share your time, skills, and passion in service to the community.
- Achieve: Persevere and overcome challenges to reach your goals.
- Pay it forward: Make a positive difference in the lives of others through generosity and kindness.
This award reflects UNC COM’s mission to prepare future physicians who embody service, achievement, and compassion.
UNC Foundation and Alumni-Funded Awards
UNC COM students may also apply for institutional and donor-funded scholarships made possible through the UNC Foundation and generous alumni contributions.
These scholarships support students who demonstrate:
- Academic excellence and leadership
- Financial need
- Commitment to rural or underserved communities
- Dedication to service and the osteopathic profession
Incoming students are automatically considered for admission-based scholarships at the time of acceptance. Continuing students may apply annually for donor-supported awards through the UNC Scholarship Application—accessible in your URSA account under the Financial Aid tab (a valid Bear number is required).
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 (insert Scholarship Link) to learn more about scholarships.
Note: COM students are assigned a dedicated financial aid counselor specializing in health professions education.
Students are encouraged to:
Complete the FAFSA each year
- Submit any supplemental scholarship applications by posted deadlines
- Review eligibility, selection criteria, and timelines as new awards are established
Guide to UNC Foundation 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
Equal Opportunity
UNC is dedicated to providing an equal opportunity climate and environment free from discrimination and harassment. In accordance with established laws, the University prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, national origin, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military service, or political affiliation for all employees in all aspects of employment and for students in academic programs and activities.
