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Program Overview
Mississippi funds are available for those interested in becoming a physician.

Important Dates
Application deadline: March 31
Document deadline: July 31

The dates are important as the number of awards and recipients are dependent upon available funds.

Eligibility
You may be eligible if all of the following apply:

• Be a legal resident of the State of Mississippi for one year prior to application
• Be fully admitted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine
• Agree to specialize in family medicine or internal medicine or pediatrics or obstetrics/gynecology
• Agrees to specialize in family medicine or internal medicine or pediatrics or obstetrics/gynecology in a geographical shortage area of the state.
• Must be in good standing on any prior education loans
• Enrolled as a full time student

Click here for a complete listing of eligibility requirements.

Award Amount and Length of Eligibility
Tuition each year for attendance at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Medicine, not to exceed four (4) academic years

Awarding Priorities
The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid will make awards on a first-come, first-served basis based upon our level of funding. However, priority is given to renewal applicants who complete the renewal process by the deadlines.

Residency Requirements
Complete a medical residency consistent with the approved medical specialty not to exceed four (4) years

Service Obligation
The loan to service obligation can be discharged on the basis of one year’s service for one year of loan/scholarship received. The service must be rendered as a licensed physician in an approved medical specialty in a geographical shortage area of the state.

Click here for important information on service requirements and penalties for non compliance.

To Apply

1. Complete the online application by the application deadline of March 31. This online application must be completed each academic year whether you are a prior recipient or a first-time applicant.
2. Submit a copy of Letter of Acceptance to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Medicine.
3. If currently enrolled we will need a Letter of Good Standing from the Registrar’s Office.
4. Submit two of the following three documents for residency verification by the deadline date of July 31:

• Signed copy of the first two pages of your (and your spouse if married) MS Resident Individual Income Tax Return  for the current year; or
• The results from having completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); or
• Copy of Mississippi driver’s license, unless you elected to submit it electronically during the online application

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I know that as a recipient under the State Medical Education Loan/Scholarship Program I have a contractual obligation to work full-time in public health or in an approved health care field in an area outside of a standard metropolitan statistical area within the state of Mississippi, but I am not sure that I understand these options. What are the specific areas?
   State (public) Health Institution means any of the following: Mississippi State Hospital; Ellisville State School; East Mississippi State Hospital, Mississippi Children’s Rehabilitation Center; North Mississippi Retardation Center; Hudspeth Retardation Center; South Mississippi Retardation Center; University Medical Center; Boswell Retardation Center; the Mississippi State Department of Health; and health care facilities under the Mississippi Department of Corrections or a community health center as approved by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
2. What if I am unable to find a job immediately after completing my residency
   training?
   There is no deferment of the contractual obligation for reasons of unemployment. Failure to secure employment in one of the options stated in Questions #1 shall result in repayment of principal and interest of all funds received. The State Medical Educations Loan/Scholarship is eligible for deferment during post-graduate training in conformity with specific requirements which are stated in the Contract. Deferment for post-graduate training must be at an accredited hospital and deferment cannot exceed four (4) years. The areas of acceptable post-graduate training include internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, obstetrics/gynecology.
3. May I receive funds to pursue post-graduate training?
   No. State Medical Education Loan/Scholarship funds are not available for post-graduate training. The State Medical Education Loan/Scholarship is eligible for deferment during post-graduate training in conformity with specific requirements which are stated in the Contract.
4. Can I receive funds if I choose to go to another school?
   No. You must attend the University of Mississippi Medical Center.