For 30 years, the Delaware Academy of Medicine has been a trusted private lender for Delaware residents wishing to attend medical or dental school. A portion of the APRA funding expands that program to include other degrees, including nursing and physician assistants, medical and dental assistants, and behavioral health professionals.
The program makes interest-free loans to Delaware residents attending Delaware institutions of higher learning who are willing to commit to a period of practice in Delaware after their graduation.
Loans will focus on students from areas disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, marginalized communities, and students who will be first-generation medical professionals in their families.
New Applications are being accepted at this time.
PLEASE READ ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA BELOW
APPLY HERE
Returning applicants should contact Giselle Bermudez directly
Eligibility:
- U.S. Citizen or permanent resident (I-151 or I-551 card)
- One year of residency in the State of Delaware
- Enrolled in an approved degree-granting program or certificate in Nursing, Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technician, Physician Assistant, Behavioral Health, or Allied Health
Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Online self-certification form
- Complete the online credit check authorization form
- Copy of signed 2022 Delaware tax return (personal and/or parents, if dependent)
- Proof of Delaware residency (driver’s license, vehicle registration, voter’s registration card)
- Proof of Citizenship
- Letter of Acceptance
- Promissory Note and Loan Agreement
Funding:
- Funded by the Delaware American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for shortages in the healthcare field due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Loan amount averages between $2,500 to $15,000 annually
Repayment:
- Interest-free while enrolled in an approved degree program
- Repayment begins 6 months after graduation
- Repayment plan options will depend on the degree type
- Certification programs: 1 to 3-year plans
- Associates, Bachelors, or Masters Degree programs: 5 to 7-year plans
- Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs: 7 to 11-year plans
The student loan repayment will be interest-free if the borrower continues to be a Delaware resident, attends a Delaware institution, and works in an approved Delaware Healthcare position after graduation for a period of time.
Applicants are subjected to a 6.5% fixed rate who cannot fulfill the interest free requirements.
Commitment to Working in Delaware:
Certificate | 1 year |
Associate | 2 years |
Bachelors | 3 years |
Masters | 2 years |
Doctor – Ph.D, DNP, DPT | 3 years |
Note: Terms of repayment of loans are covered through the promissory note and loan agreement
Have Questions? Need Assistance? email Giselle Bermudez, MS, Student Financial Aid Coordinator at gbermudez@delamed.org or call 302-733-1122