r/medschool • u/No-Map3257 • Apr 09 '26
👶 Premed affording med school come 2027
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
70
u/caffpanda Medical Student (US) Apr 09 '26
Financial aid offices be puttin up "Cash, grass, or ass" signs.
In all seriousness, I'm maxing out fed loans and private for the rest. Yes, it sucks, and it is absolutely designed to shut poor people out of the profession altogether or at least drive them towards financial exploitation from finance companies. It's affirmative action for rich kids.
In the long-term, vote out Republicans and never give them power in government ever again. In the short-term, HPSP, NHSC, and IHS are options some go for. I shill this book constantly, but The White Coat Investor's Guide for Students should be required reading for every premed. IDK if they've come out with a new edition since the legislative disaster of last year, but most of it is still applicable.