PA Program
Sources of Financial Aid
Morsani College of Medicine Master of Physician Assistant Studies (PA)
The USF Health Office of Financial Aid provides information and guidance regarding funding options available to students enrolled in the Morsani College of Medicine Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program. Financial resources may include federal student loans, scholarships, private (alternative) loans, and external funding opportunities. Funding options and eligibility may vary based on enrollment status, borrowing history, program requirements, and applicable federal regulations.
Planning for Funding Your Education
Graduate and professional students often use a combination of financial resources to help cover educational expenses throughout their program. Students should review financial aid offers carefully, understand borrowing responsibilities, and develop a long-term financial plan for future academic years. The USF Health Office of Financial Aid is available to assist students in understanding available funding options and the financial aid process.
Important Update (2026–2027 Academic Year)
Federal student loan regulations are changing. These updates may affect:
Federal borrowing limits
Graduate PLUS Loan eligibility
Overall funding options for some graduate and professional students
Federal borrowing eligibility and loan options may vary based on individual circumstances and applicable federal regulations. Students are encouraged to review financial aid offers carefully and monitor official university communications regarding federal financial aid updates.
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Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are non-need-based federal loans available to eligible graduate and professional students. Interest begins accruing when the loan is disbursed, and students are responsible for all accrued interest.
Eligibility and annual borrowing limits are determined by federal regulations and may vary based on individual circumstances.
Students interested in borrowing Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans should complete the FAFSA annually and review any additional requirements communicated by the USF Health Office of Financial Aid.
Helpful Resources:
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Graduate PLUS Loans are federal credit-based loans available to eligible graduate and professional students to help cover educational expenses not met through other financial aid resources.
Graduate PLUS Loan eligibility may vary based on applicable federal regulations and individual circumstances. Students approved for Graduate PLUS Loans may borrow up to their remaining Cost of Attendance after other financial aid has been applied.
Graduate PLUS Loans require a credit review conducted by the U.S. Department of Education. Students who do not meet credit requirements may have the option to obtain an endorser or document extenuating circumstances in accordance with federal requirements.
Helpful Resources:
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Private educational loans are non-federal loans offered by private lenders. Students should explore federal loan options before considering private loans and carefully compare lender terms, interest rates, borrower benefits, repayment options, and eligibility requirements.
Students are not required to borrow from lenders appearing on any lender comparison tool and may choose any lender that participates in the private education loan program. The lenders available through ELMSelect were selected based on historical borrowing patterns among USF students and their ability to provide electronic loan processing.
Private loan applications generally require students to select a loan period corresponding to the academic period for which funding is requested. The following loan periods should be used when completing private loan applications for the 2026–2027 academic year:
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Students applying for private (alternative) loans may use the following commonly used enrollment periods when completing lender applications.
Loan periods are intended to approximate the academic enrollment period for the selected term(s).
Enrollment Period
Loan Period
Fall + Spring
5/11/2026 - 4/30/2027
Fall
5/11/2026 - 12/4/2026
Spring
1/4/2027 - 4/30/2027
Summer
5/10/2027 - 7/16/2027
Students with questions regarding loan application periods should contact the USF Health Office of Financial Aid before submitting a private loan application.
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Loan Type
Borrower Type
Fixed Interest Rate
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Graduate or Professional
7.94%
Direct PLUS Loans
Parents and Graduate or Professional Students
8.94%
Interest not paid while enrolled may accrue and capitalize at repayment. Students are encouraged to borrow only what is necessary through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Graduate PLUS Loan programs.
Scholarships and Funding Opportunities
Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) students are encouraged to explore scholarship and external funding opportunities that may help offset educational expenses. Scholarship availability, eligibility requirements, and application processes vary by organization and funding source.
Students may also be eligible for specialized scholarship and loan programs designed to support healthcare professionals pursuing careers in underserved communities and priority workforce areas.
Non-USF Scholarship Searching Tools
Additional Funding Opportunities
Students may also be eligible for specialized funding programs, including:
Scholarships and loans for disadvantaged students:
Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) - Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)Scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native students:
Indian Health Service Scholarships