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Grants & Loans

GRANTS

These funds do not need to be repaid and are often referred to as “gift aid”.

JABSOM Opportunity Grant

This fund is specific to JABSOM and is awarded on a “first come, first served” basis until depleted. The current award amount for this grant is $3,000 for the academic year.

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Completed the FAFSA before the February 1st priority deadline

    • The FAFSA must be submitted for each year you wish to be considered for the grant

  • Demonstrate financial need

LOANS

These are borrowed funds to help pay for educational expenses and must be repaid, usually with interest. There are a number of loan programs available to medical students at JABSOM.

Types of Loans

  • The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program consists of loans created to help students finance their post-high educational costs. The lender of these funds is the U.S. Department of Education.

  • New students entering in Academic Year 2026-2027 and beyond are limited to a maximum of $50,000 annually in the Federal Unsubsidized Loan.  
    • Students can borrow up to a lifetime limit of $200,000 for graduate school (when including medical programs).
    • Students have an aggregate lifetime cap of $257,000 for all loans (undergraduate and graduate), which is effective from July 2026.

 

  • For more information about federal student loans, visit the UH Mānoa - Loan page.

  • Private student loans may be used in place of, or to supplement, Federal Direct Loans.  While these loans MAY offer lower interest rates to borrowers with EXCEPTIONALLY strong credit scores, borrowers should be aware that private loans do not qualify for the traditional loan repayment programs available through the federal government/State of Hawaiʻi.

  • Students must search for and apply directly with the bank or lender of their choice and may be required to have a loan co-signer.
  • Maximum loan amounts per year will be based on the Cost of Atttendance.
    • Example Aid package, based on a Cost of Attendance of $73,950:
      • JABSOM Opportunity Grant: $3,000 (requires the FAFSA and is not guaranteed)
      • Federal Unsubsidized Loan: $50,000 (new annual maximum as of July 2026)
      • Private Student Loan: $20,950
      • TOTAL Aid: $73,950

  • For questions on the pros/cons of private loans, feel free to reach out at medfas@hawaii.edu.

  • Students facing emergency financial hardships may be eligible for a short-term interest-free loan OR a small monetary grant to help them through the situation.

  • Students should reach out to us at medfas@hawaii.edu for assistance.