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Self-Help Credit Union

Dreamer Medical School Loans

Self-Help Federal Credit Union is pleased to offer financing for medical students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status attending certain qualifying universities.  Students will be approved for a line of credit of to cover the total cost of attendance for medical school with rates and fees based on the Federal Direct Grad PLUS loan.

We are currently serving DREAMER full-time students enrolled in the following health science graduate degree programs: MD and DO. 


"Medical education is rightfully known as a challenging and rigorous marathon of advanced clinical training. Students can expect long hours in the classroom, the hospital, and additional time outside of these formal spaces for self-dedicated  studying. For immigrant students with DACA status, finding accessible and non-predatory financial aid can be equally as challenging.  Financial uncertainty detracts from DACA students’ ability to focus on their studies and clinical  responsibilities.

I was fortunate to have been a DACA recipient with access to equitable private loans. Low interest loans for DACA students are exceedingly rare, not to mention the stringent co-signer requirements. Self Help offers a very  needed accessibly financial resource. I continue to feel supported by Self Help as they accommodate my unique financial circumstances with respect to loan repayment beyond medical school and I am excited as to the opportunities that their  financial services will open for the immigrant community."   - Boss P.

Medical Student

Medical School
Total Line of Credit $300,000 maximum
Maximum Borrowing Period Five years
Repayment Period 15 years
Annual Percentage Rate 9.45% APR*
Post-Training Deferral1 Six months post-residency
Estimated monthly payment $170.00 per $10,000 borrowed

Contact Us to Get Started

Application

Applicants will need to submit the following documents to Self-Help Federal CU:

  • Verification of admission or enrollment from graduate school
  • Completed loan application
  • I-797 Notice of Action form documenting active DACA status
  • Self-Help Federal Credit Union will pull your credit report. You will not be eligible if you are in an active bankruptcy or been discharged from bankruptcy in the last two years. All applications are subject to credit approval.

Interest Rate

Federal Direct Grad PLUS rate as published by the U.S. Department of Education on July 1, 2024. The current rate is 9.08%, which will change on or before July 1, 2025. This is a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan, regardless of when funds are drawn.

 

Origination/Draw Fee

Federal Grad PLUS fee as published by the U.S. Department of Education on October 1. The current fee is 4.228%, which may change on or before October 1, 2025. The fee can be financed at the time of each draw or can be eliminated by increasing the interest rate by an additional 1.00%.

 

Repayment

  • Post-deferral period. Full principal & interest due over the remainder of the loan’s life.
  • The student may make payments at any time with no penalty. For example, a student may choose to pay interest during school or residency to reduce future payments, or pay the loan off entirely at any time.

 

Draws

Students will be eligible to borrow up to $65,000 per academic year divided into two equal installments and to refinance any graduate school debt. The total annual amount that students may draw is equal to the total cost of attendance, as calculated by the university, less scholarship funds.

 

Disbursements

Funds are disbursed to the university, which will first apply all proceeds to tuition, fees and other school charges. The university will then provide the remaining funds to the student to assist with other attendance costs, including living expenses.

 

Eligibility

Applicants must have DACA status and be full-time students at a qualifying medical school.

 

Co-signer

Required for borrowers that do not have sufficient income at application to qualify. Co-signer must have a valid social security number or individual taxpayer identification number. 2

 

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate
1. If the student withdraws from school or otherwise fails to complete their education and/or residency, full principal & interest payments will begin the month following.
2. Self-Help does not inquire as to the immigration status of co-signers.