Paying for medical school means large loans and a higher interest rate than applied to student loans for undergraduate college students. Medical school loans are available from federal and private loan programs for medical students. Among the student loans offered are Federal Medical School Stafford loans, Federal Grad PLUS loans and private loans.

Federal Medical School Stafford loans are available to those medical students attending a medical school participating in the Federal Family Education Loan Program. Students must be US citizens, or a non-resident with a permanent address. To receive Stafford medical school loans students must be at least half time enrolled students. Only students who submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are eligible for Stafford medical school loans.

The Federal Grad PLUS medical student loans are available to graduate school students enrolled at least half time in a medical school. Federal Grad PLUS medical student loans can cover the full cost of medical school, minus the amount of any other federal student loans received. A FAFSA application must be submitted for the Federal Grad PLUS student loan. Medical students must be US citizens, or eligible non-citizens. Credit checks are part of the process.

The Global Health Education Loan Program (GHELP) provides student loans for international graduate health professions education such as medical school up to 100% of the cost. This program is inclusive of the medical school loans already described.

Private student loans are another alternative and many private lenders offer medical student loans including some for relocation and residency.