Financial Aid

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine resolves to make medical education accessible to all admitted students. Both our need-based and merit-based scholarships for MD students reflect our dedication to making a Vanderbilt education possible. Merit-based scholarships are also offered in most of our other degree programs, and student loans are available for all of our students. Our goal is to guide students through the financial aid process and provide resources along the way.

A new medical student shakes the dean's hands after donning his white coat.

Financial Aid Quick Links

General Information

Financial Aid information by degree program:

Types of Aid

  • Vanderbilt Need-Based Scholarships – available to MD students
  • Vanderbilt Merit-Based Scholarships – available to most degree programs
  • Federal Student Loans and Private Alternative Loans – available for all students

Deadlines for aid vary by program.

Find Program-Specific Financial Aid Information

Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program

See how the financial aid process differs for students in the MD Program.

Cost of Attendance by Program

Financial Aid Timeline for Incoming Students

  • Incoming MD Students
    • Fall – Students should complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid when it becomes available for the next academic year. Complete the form on FAFSA’s website.
    • October 1 – The CSS Profile becomes available for students interested in institutional need-based funding for the next year. Students that do not receive a merit scholarship are encouraged to complete the form.
    • November 1 – MD students must apply to Vanderbilt through AMCAS by this date to be considered for admission and scholarships for the next academic year.
    • Late November – The first wave of scholarship offers will be communicated via phone call and email.
    • Late February – The second wave of scholarship offers will be communicated via phone call and email.
    • Mid-March – The third wave of scholarship offers will be communicated via phone call and email.
    • Mid-April – Financial Aid award offers will be sent and available on the portal to admitted students. The award letter will identify all programs for which the student is eligible.
    • June – Students accepting federal loans should complete the necessary requirements that can be found on the yes.vanderbilt.edu checklist.
    • Mid-July – Aid will be disbursed to student accounts. After disbursement, it will take several business days for the funds to be sent to personal bank accounts.
  • All Other Incoming SOM Students
    • Fall – Students should complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid when it becomes available for the next academic year. Complete the form on FAFSA’s website.
    • Mid-March (Incoming MPH Students only) – Financial Aid award offers will be available in Slate for students to view scholarships and loans.
    • June – Financial Aid award offers will be sent out on a rolling basis as departmental scholarships are confirmed and FAFSA information is received.
    • June – Students accepting federal loans should complete the necessary requirements that can be found on the yes.vanderbilt.edu checklist.
    • Late August – Fall aid will be disbursed to student accounts on August 20. After disbursement, it will take several business days for the funds to be sent to personal bank accounts.

Financial Aid Timeline for Current Students

  • Returning MD Students
    • Fall – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid becomes available for students interested in federal funding for the next year. Complete the form on FAFSA’s website.
    • Early January – Spring loans are disbursed to student accounts. After disbursement, it will take several business days for the funds to be sent to personal bank accounts.
    • Late May – Financial Aid award offers will be emailed and available at yes.vanderbilt.edu
    • Early July – Aid will be distributed to student accounts. After disbursement, it will take several business days for the funds to be sent to personal bank accounts.
  • All Other Returning SOM Students
    • Fall – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid becomes available for students interested in federal funding for the next year. Complete the form on FAFSA’s website.
    • Early January – Spring loans are disbursed to student accounts. After disbursement, it will take several business days for the funds to be sent to personal bank accounts.
    • June – Financial Aid award offers will be sent out on a rolling basis as departmental scholarships are confirmed and FAFSA information is received.
    • Late August (All Other Returning Students) – Fall aid will be disbursed to student accounts on August 20. After disbursement, it will take several business days for the funds to be sent to personal bank accounts.

Financial Aid Resources

FFA-SAP Policy (MD Degree)

MD students: review federal aid standards, eligibility and progress requirements.

FFA-SAP Policy (PDP Students)

Federal aid standards, eligibility & progress requirements for Professional Degree Programs.

Request for Reconsideration

Special circumstances or unique financial situations may qualify a student for aid adjustments.

Debt Management & Financial Wellness Tools

Prepare for the responsibility of managing your finances in medical school and beyond.

Consumer Information

Vanderbilt provides this information in accordance with the disclosure requirements under Title IV.

Veterans' Information

Learn about eligibility and certification for VA educational benefits.

Connect with the Office of Student Financial Aid

Office of Student Financial Aid

Eskind Biomedical Library and Learning Center
2209 Garland Avenue
Suite 226
Nashville, TN 37240-7712
(615) 322-1792 | (615) 343-2312 fax
medfinaid@vanderbilt.edu

Mail Scholarship Checks to This Address:

PMB 407810
2309 West End Ave.
Nashville, TN 37240-7810

Office Hours

8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday
Monday and Tuesday are online; Wednesday through Friday are in the office.

Questions About Financial Aid? Email us at medfinaid@vanderbilt.edu.

Heather H. Boutell, Ed.D.
Director of Student Financial Aid
(615) 322-1792

Jessica Yarbrough, M.Ed.
Senior Administrative Specialist
(615) 322-2145

VUSM Financial Aid Events

  • A man in a white coat points at the seal of Vanderbilt School of Medicine.

    Sept. 22, 2025

    6:00 p.m. online

    MD Financial Aid Town Hall

    Join AAMC's Johnathan Chancellor and Director of Financial Aid Dr. Heather Boutell to talk about all things financial aid. We'll cover the latest on the loan repayment plans, PSLF, and answer any of your questions regarding any aspect of financial aid. We will also cover the changes that occurred in the Reconciliation Bill.  And - we will draw names and give away 2 door prizes. 

Learn More