Financial Aid & Debt Management Resources

Financial aid eligibility can be affected by a leave of absence. Students must be registered for a minimum of 6 credit hours during any semester to be eligible to receive financial aid. Any student that is registered for less than 6 credit hours or not registered at all in a semester will no longer have their loans in an in-school deferment status and will enter their grace period or go into repayment. We encourage students to meet with the COM Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) prior to the start of your leave of absence (LOA) to discuss the potential financial aid implications and what steps to take during and after the LOA. Chicago students- your OSA Advisor will set up a meeting with OSFA and the Registrar’s Office.

Leave of Absence Checklist:

  • Meet with the COM OSFA to discuss financial aid implications and next steps prior to the start of your LOA. Email our office to schedule a meeting: medicinefinaid@uic.edu.
  • Check your UIC student billing account for outstanding balances and clear your bill prior to the LOA.
  • Access and view your federal student loan debt and locate your loan servicer and their contact information at Student Aid.
  • Contact your loan servicer to inform them of your LOA and to discuss your grace period and repayment/deferment options and timeline to complete documentation.
  • Contact the COM OSFA at least 1 month prior to your anticipated return to the COM to ensure financial aid requirements are met and that there are no delays to your financial aid upon your return.

Navigating the Scholarship Process (10/10/24)

We understand that navigating the scholarship process can be daunting for many students. The COM Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) and the UIC Writing Center provides guidance on the best practices for a successful scholarship search and application submission.

Topics:

  • Completing a FAFSA to qualify for need-based scholarships
  • Starting Early and Being Proactive
  • Where to look for opportunities
  • UIC Scholarship and Awards Program (SnAP) Database
  • Steps to Success
  • Writing Center Resources

Credit Union 1: Understanding Credit; Budgeting and Saving (7/17/24)

Topics:

  • Creating Your Financial Foundation
  • Budgeting and Saving
  • Understanding Credit

Creating a Budget 101 (5/30/24)

Topics:

  • Cost of Attendance (COA) & Budget Components
  • Creating a Budget
  • Easy Ways to Save Money
  • Budget Adjustment Request
  • Step Exam Fees (M2 & M3)
  • Anticipated MED School Expenses, Which Cannot Be Included In The COA
  • Debt Management and Budgeting Resources

AAMC: Student Loan Repayment Strategies (Spring 2024)

Topics:

  • Know your loan portfolio
  • What happens after graduation
  • Repayment Plans
  • Postponing Loan Payments
  • Refinancing & Consolidating loans
  • How repayment looks in residency
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

PhysicianLoans: Home Financing for Graduating Medical Students (1/23/24)

Topics:

  • Home Buying Timeline
  • What do to and when if interested in buying a home
  • Buy vs. Rent
  • Decision Tree and Analysis
  • Types of Loans
  • Special home loans available to doctors
  • How Much You Can Afford
  • Understanding Debt Ratios
  • Budgeting for Closing
  • How much cash is required

North Star: Financial Strategies for Physicians (1/18/24)

Topics:

  •  How to build a financial plan
  • Understanding your emergency reserve and cash flow
  • Debt Management
  • Financial considerations when moving
  • Risk management
  • What to look for in a financial advisor

Generational Financial Partners, LLC: Financial Planning 101 (1/11/24)

Topics:

  •  The problem with financial planning
    • Time, education, trust, process, philosophy
  • What are financial pitfalls
  • The process of planning
    • Building a strong foundation (defensive planning, basics of insurance, basics of disability insurance)
    • Prepare for the future ( 401k, IRAs, planning for family)
    • Enjoy and grow your wealth
  • Cash management
    • Understanding your paycheck
    • Budgeting (emergency fund, fixed vs variable expenses)
    • Credit scores
    • Cost of waiting to save

Radden Education Institute: Physician Financial Wellness (1/9/24)

Topics:

  • Student Loans
  • Debt Reduction
  • Buying a Home
  • How to Save in Residency
  • Planning for your Attending Income
  • Asset Protection
  • Tax Efficient Strategies

 

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