For military and healthcare scholarships, a service obligation means you agree to work in a specific role after graduation in exchange for financial support during school.
A service obligation scholarship is a financial aid program that covers education costs in exchange for a legally binding, mandatory commitment to work for a specific employer or in a designated field for a set period after graduation. If the recipient fails to complete this service, they must repay the funds, often with interest.
Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program
The Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship (HPSP) program covers tuition and fees and provides a monthly stipend. Please note that stipends are taxable. Required books and the microscope rental fee are reimbursed. Scholarship opportunities are available through all three military branches. Visit Medicine + The Military for more information.
Applicants are subject to age restrictions. For the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, candidates must not exceed 35 years of age at graduation, whereas the U.S. Navy permits applicants up to 40 years of age at graduation. Prior military service may qualify you for an age waiver. Contact a recruiter for more information.
For each year of scholarship support received, students commit to one year of active-duty service as a commissioned officer. Scholarships are available for two, three, or four years, with a minimum service obligation of three years. The Army and Navy offer a two year scholarship option that carries a three year service commitment.
To apply, contact your nearest Army, Air Force, or Navy recruiting office. Each military branch has its own application deadlines, so applicants should begin the process early.
HPSP Resources
National Health Scholarship Corps
The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program (NHSC SP) awards scholarships to students pursuing eligible primary care health professions training. NHSC provide financial support for full-time enrollment in an eligible primary care health professions degree training program for up to four school years through payment of tuition and eligible fees, an annual payment for other reasonable educational costs , and monthly stipends to assist with living expenses while pursuing a health professions degree educational training program.
In return, scholars commit to provide primary care health services in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) . You must serve at an NHSC-approved site in a HPSA. The total number of years you serve will depend on the number of school years of NHSC SP support you received. (This cannot exceed four school years.)
To be selected, you must be a student pursuing primary care health professions training and meet the other eligibility requirements .
For an overview of the program, visit the NHSC website . For questions, contact NHSC .