Frequently Asked Questions

The first thing you need to do before applying for financial aid is to set up a budget. This will help you decide how much aid you will need while you are a student. Please refer to the cost of attendance budget for your specific program. Once you have determined your budget, you can decide how to finance your education utilizing loans, scholarships or other means.

View our information about the financial aid process or see these additional resources to learn more about applying for financial aid:

• FinAid.org
• AAMC.org
• AspiringDocs.org

Beyond applying for financial aid, it is a good idea to pay off or minimize credit card debt and reduce your expenses. The Financial Aid information and forms will be available in the spring prior to the upcoming aid year.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans are not dependent on your credit score. However, Federal Direct Grad PLUS loans require a credit check. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com for a free annual credit report. A high percentage of credit reports include errors and it can take time to make corrections. It is helpful to begin fixing your credit score now if needed.

There are some federal agencies and states that will help students pay off their loans. These plans require students to practice for a specific length of time in specified areas after graduation. Here are some loan repayment programs for health professionals:

• Health Professional Recruitment Program
• National Health Service Corps
• National Institutes of Health (research)
• Indian Health Service
• Rural Iowa Primary Care Loan Repayment Program (D.O. only)

Branches of the military have different programs for doctors and medical technicians that include tuition reimbursement. See the links below for more information.

• Air Force
• Army
• Navy
• Army National Guard

You may receive financial aid up to the cost of attendance budget for your program and year. This budget includes annual tuition, fees and cost of living expenses.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a good place to find the average salary of someone working in your chosen profession. Although the majority of students graduate with student loan debt, Des Moines University graduates have a very low default rate.

Students can defer undergraduate federal loans while they continue their education, but will need to check with individual lenders about deferring private loans.

Award letters are sent after we certify your loans. Students must have all of their forms complete before we can certify loans. After the loan is certified you will receive an email notifying you to view your award letter on Pulse.

You must sign up for direct deposit through the Business and Finance Department.

Disbursements generally arrive the first week of each term. We ask for disbursements on the earliest day we can, per federal guidelines. Disbursement dates vary by program and year of school.

Check the disbursement date schedule for details.

No. Federal regulations govern when the school can disburse money. There is a refund advance available to help you in an emergency.

Contact Business and Finance for details.

Yes. Every year you must complete the FAFSA. If you have already completed a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Master Promissory Note you still need to complete a DMU Direct Loan Request Form to indicate the amount you want to borrow (the same applies for the Direct Grad Plus Loan).

In general, no. But certain loans or scholarships may have deadlines. For example some DMU scholarships have deadlines. You should allow ample time for school and Direct Loan processing.