Financial Aid

Tuition and 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.  

 

 

Step-by-Step Financial Aid Process

Student must apply annually for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using UNC’s Federal School Code: 001349. 

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 

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. 

After receiving your notification, log into MyUNC to review your and accept your financial aid. 

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

Loans 

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.

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. 

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.

Step-by-Step Application for Private Loans Process

Students choose their preferred lender and loan product. Students can use ELMSelect and Finaid.org to assist in finding a lender.  

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

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

Loan Repayment Options

After graduation, medical students have several federal repayment plans designed to fit different career paths and income levels. Common options include:

  • Standard Repayment Plan
  • Graduated Repayment Plan
  • Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans such as SAVE, PAYE, REPAYE, and IBR

Learn more about federal repayment plans.

Loan Forgiveness & Repayment Assistance

Graduates pursuing careers in primary care, rural medicine, public health, or nonprofit practice may qualify for loan forgiveness or repayment assistance through state or federal programs, including: 

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – forgiveness after 10 years of qualifying payments while working in eligible public service positions 
  • State-based loan repayment programs for service in rural or underserved areas 

Students are encouraged to explore these programs early and discuss eligibility with a financial aid specialist. 

Exit Counseling & Repayment Resources

Before graduation—or any time a student leaves UNC—borrowers must complete exit counseling at studentaid.gov.
This required process ensures students understand: 

  • Their loan repayment responsibilities 
  • Available repayment plan options 
  • How to identify and contact their loan servicer

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. 

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: 

  1. Email ofa@unco.edu from your BearMail account. 
  2. Include your full name and the last four digits of your Bear Number. 
  3. 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.

Financial Literacy and Debt Management

Financial Literacy Curriculum & Individual Counseling 

UNC COM is committed to helping students make informed financial decisions throughout medical school and beyond.

The Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services delivers a comprehensive Financial Literacy Curriculum spanning all four years, covering topics such as: 

  • Financial behavior and decision-making 
  • Budgeting and goal setting 
  • Economic concepts and taxes 
  • Asset protection and insurance 
  • Debt management and repayment strategies 

In addition, all COM students are required to meet individually with a financial aid specialist each semester to review their budget, discuss financial concerns, and plan for upcoming expenses. 

Budgeting for Medical School 

Creating and maintaining a realistic budget is essential to minimizing debt. Students are encouraged to: 

  • Track monthly living and academic expenses 
  • Anticipate costs related to clinical rotations and board exams 
  • Align spending with their Cost of Attendance and personal financial goals 

The Office of Financial Aid provides budgeting tools and sample templates to help students manage expenses responsibly. 

The COM Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services also offer individual consultations to help students prepare repayment and manage financial transitions during residency. 

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.