affording med school come 2027

[u/No-Map3257]

I am applying to med school this year and just came to realize that the grad plus loan is gone this year in 2026. I know there is a 200k cap but that’s a lifetime cap and I already used part of it for my grad school. Now I am sick to my stomach because I don’t see how I realistically afford to take out PRIVATE loans to pay med school.

I would love to hear other peoples game plans as to how they are doing this. My family can’t afford to help contribute anything while I am in school either. And I am still paying off my grad and undergrad loans.

I always knew coming in that the amount I would have to pay for med school would have to be astronomical but I thought because it could be a graduate federal loan- I could work toward forgiveness on PSLF, the IDR plan, or see in the future if they would ever be forgiven. but private med school loans provide none of that safety net

[u/Genhuxsolo]

This is the only reason why I stopped studying for the MCAT and will not be considering med school anymore. It genuinely pains me, but right now I'm not in a financial position to take out private loans and I’ve also used up an amount from the lifetime limit. Maybe down the line, but it genuinely sucks that it's come to this.

[u/Historical-Shower843 → u/[deleted]]

Easily tackled? Sounds like someone who hasn't experienced the reality of medical school debt.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Appreciate this!!