Dreamer Medical School Loans

Dreamers can become doctors with these medical student loans

Our communities are always in need of people in the healing professions. U.S. residents with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status can qualify for up to $300,000 in education loan assistance to attend medical school at certain qualifying universities.

Access to credit line to pay for tuition and other costs

15-year repayment period after graduation

Payments can be deferred during school and residency

Competitive, fixed loan rate of 9.444% APR*

How to apply

Fill out the form below to get started. When you apply, you’ll need to provide verification of admission or enrollment from a qualified graduate program, along with an I-797 Notice of Action form documenting active DACA status.

How to apply

Access to credit line to pay for tuition and other costs

15-year repayment period after graduation

Payments can be deferred during school and residency

Competitive, fixed loan rate of 9.444% APR*

"For immigrant students with DACA status, finding accessible and non-predatory financial aid can be challenging. Financial uncertainty detracts from DACA students’ ability to focus on their studies and clinical responsibilities... Self-Help offers a very needed, accessible financial resource."

- Boss P., Self-Help borrower and future doctor

Affordable financing so you can focus on your training

Loan Details

Eligibility: For DACA students enrolled in MD or DO degree programs
Total line of credit: $300,000 maximum
Maximum borrowing period: Five years
Repayment period: 15 years
Annual percentage rate: 9.444% APR*
Post-training deferral:** Six months post-residency
Estimated monthly payment: $168 per $10,000 borrowed

Interest rate and origination fees

Interest rate and origination/draw fees are indexed to the U.S. Department of Education's Direct Grad PLUS rate and fee.

Interest rate: Fixed for the life of the loan, regardless of when funds are drawn.
Origination/draw fee: The current fee is 4.228%. An updated fee will be published on October 1, 2027. The fee can be financed at the time of each draw or can be eliminated by increasing the interest rate by an additional 1.00%.

Draws

Students can borrow up to $65,000 per academic year, divided into two equal installments. The total annual amount that students may draw is equal to the total cost of attendance, as calculated by the university, less scholarship funds. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, or refinancing eligible graduate school debt.

Disbursements

Funds are disbursed to the university, which will first apply all proceeds to tuition, fees and other school charges. The university will then provide the remaining funds to the student to assist with other attendance costs, including living expenses.

Repayment

Deferral: Loan payments can be deferred until six months after the end of residency. At that point, loan payments are due monthly until the full principal and interest have been repaid.
No pre-payment penalty: You can make payments at any time with no penalty. For example, you may choose to pay interest during school or residency to reduce future payments, or to pay the loan off entirely at any time.

* APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan, regardless of when funds are drawn.

** If the student withdraws from school or otherwise fails to complete their education and/or residency, full principal and interest payments will begin the month following.

All applications subject to credit approval. You are not eligible if you are in active bankruptcy or have been discharged from bankruptcy in the last two years.