Financial Aid

Financing your education

It’s never too early to make a plan for financing your education. It is recommended that you start researching your eligibility and loan options as soon as possible. The Pre-Health Programs are structured and comprehensive preparatory programs. Students may be eligible for federal aid, private loans, and payment plans. However, there are no institutional grants, scholarships, or work-study positions available for Pre-Health students.

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Your tuition at the University of Pennsylvania is calculated at a per course unit (c.u.)* rate based on the program you choose and the number of course units for which you register unless otherwise indicated.

Visit the following resources on Penn websites and federal websites to guide you through the process.

Student Financial Services

Penn’s Student Financial Services office is available to prospective and current students for financial aid inquiries. For more information on financing your graduate studies, visit the Student Financial Services website to:

  • Check your loan eligibility status
  • Get information on federal loans and payment plans
  • Get email and mailing addresses, phone numbers, office hours and appointment details
  • Learn more about the differences between private and federal loans, and where you can find lenders

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

All domestic applicants interested in their federal loan eligibility should complete the FAFSA form after applying to the program.

  • Start your FAFSA form on the Department of Education’s website

Students in the Pre-Health Programs are eligible for Federal Stafford Loans. Students must be registered at least half-time (two course units) for each semester of attendance. In the summer, one course unit is considered half-time.

The parents of dependent students may apply for a PLUS loan. Optional or alternative loans may also be available.

Tuition benefits

If you intend to complete the Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Programs as a working professional, you may be able to take advantage of tuition reimbursement benefits offered by your employer. If you are a full-time Penn employee, learn more about Penn's tuition benefits on Penn’s Human Resources website.


*Academic credit is defined by the University of Pennsylvania as a course unit (c.u.). A course unit (c.u.) is a general measure of academic work over a period of time, typically a term (semester or summer). A c.u. (or a fraction of a c.u.) represents different types of academic work across different types of academic programs and is the basic unit of progress toward a degree. One c.u. is usually converted to a four-semester-hour course.

Which program is right for me?

Which program is right for me?

Learn more about applicant qualifications for each of the Pre-Health Programs.

Preparing for the MCAT?

Preparing for the MCAT?

Put your best foot forward with our personal advising, strategy sessions, and online MCAT content review.

Student Groups

Broaden your perspective

Explore a range of interests with our student-run organizations while connecting with peers and the community.