Financial Aid: Government Financial Aid

Your credit history is one of the most important factors used in
determining your loan eligibility. Most loan programs require some form of credit evaluation. If you have defaulted on a previous educational loan, you are ineligible for future loans.

To receive need-based aid, you must hold U.S. citizenship or be a permanent resident of the U.S. International, advanced standing, and transfer students will only be considered for non-University-based funding (Federal loan, when applicable and alternative loans).

Applicants and their families who wish to be considered for need-based financial aid programs (including grants, Perkins loans, and Health Professions loans) at Penn Dental Medicine are required to complete the student and parent sections of the PENN Financial Aid Applications and the student section only of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as submit parental and student taxes.

Federal Perkins Loan - Federally subsidized Perkins loans are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptionally high need and are citizens or permanent residents of the United States. This loan carries a 5% interest rate upon repayment. Maximum aggregate eligibility is $30,000, including undergraduate borrowing. Repayment begins nine months after graduation with ten years to repay. Eligibility is assessed when all financial aid documents are submitted.

Health Professions Loan (HPL) - Federally subsidized Health Professions Loans are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptionally high need and are citizens or permanent residents of the United States. This loan carries a 5% interest rate upon repayment, and repayment begins 12 months after graduation with ten years to repay. Parental information is mandatory for eligibility. Eligibility is assessed when all completed financial aid documents are submitted.

Federal Stafford Loan - The first $8,500 of any dental student's financial need must be met through the subsidized Stafford Loan Program. Full-time students may borrow up to $40,500 per academic year. This includes $8,500 subsidized Stafford, where the federal government pays the interest while you are in school, and $32,000 unsubsidized Stafford, where the interest is accruing from the date of disbursement. The combined loan application includes both programs. Maximum aggregate eligibility is $224,000 including undergraduate borrowing.

Note: Students applying for only the Federal Stafford Loan and Grand PLUS Loan should file just the FAFSA application; no additonal forms are required. The first $8,500 of a Stafford loan will be subsidized (no interest accruing while in school) if the student's assets are not too high.

Federal Work-Study Program - You may be eligible to substitute a work-study job for a portion of a University need-based loan to reduce your indebtedness.

Don't forget to review the information in our general scholarships section for additional information on scholarship opportunities, government resources and loan forgiveness programs.

Office of Student Affairs
University of Pennsylvania
School of Dental Medicine
240 South 40th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6030

(215) 898-4550