Education

Financial Aid

Physician Assistant (PA) education is not inexpensive. However, paying for it is possible and an excellent long-term investment. There is money available, but you have to work to find it. The cost of PA education varies by institution. You should begin evaluating the cost and start your financial aid research at the same time you apply to a PA Program. Find out what it will cost and how you will pay for it. The purpose of financial assistance is to help those students who otherwise could not meet the costs of their education.

Always start your search for financial assistance at the college or university financial aid office. The financial aid office exists to provide information on grants, loans and other assistance from a variety of sources. 

Office of Financial Aid
Albany Medical College
47 New Scotland Ave.
Mail Code 1/ADM, R214
Albany, New York 12208-3479
(518) 262-5435

Money from federal loan programs will probably form the foundation of your financial assistance package. Many states also offer financial assistance programs. In addition, there are other specialized scholarships, traineeships, and loan programs available (See Table). Inquire at local hospitals and clinics to find out if they will provide tuition and a stipend in exchange for a commitment to work at the facility for a specified period of time.

The cost burden rests with you and your family. Financial assistance provides the difference between what you are able to pay and the actual costs of attendance. Prudent management is the key to your financial survival. You must plan, budget and above all, read all the financial assistance materials you can obtain.

 

GENERAL RESOURCES FOR YOUR SEARCH

THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS AT A GLANCE FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDENTS

1. You complete all required Financial Aid application materials and are sent an Award Letter.
    
2. You return the Award Letter. Your signed Award Letter must be returned to the Financial Aid Office within three weeks from the date on the Award Letter. Failure to return your signed Award Letter will result in loan funds not being received.
    
3. You complete Stafford/alternative loan process.  If you are offered Stafford Loans, a Master Promissory Note is included with the Award Letter.  If you need additional loan funds, you will contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information.
    
4. Funds are credited for Stafford and alternative loans. Funds will not be credited to your tuition account or you will not be allowed to sign loan checks until you have completed all requirements.
   
   Stafford/alternative loans.  When the loan funds are received, one half less fees will be credited to your tuition account not earlier than 10 days before the start of the academic year.  The second half less fees will be credited to your tuition account not earlier than 10 days before the mid-point of your academic year.
    
5. Excess funds are received. You will be sent a check for the credit balance (the excess funds beyond any school-related charges incurred by you while attending Albany Medical College). Checks will be sent to the Service Cashier.

All students applying for Financial Aid should complete the documents indicated below.

In order to receive first consideration for all Financial Aid, these documents should be received by the recommended deadline dates. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for specific dates.  All materials are readily available in the Financial Aid Office.  Hours are 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.

       Phone:  (518) 262-5435                  Fax:  (518) 262-5914

Applicants for admission should apply for Financial Aid at the earliest possible opportunity.