Meeting financial needs not covered by the program

The Wayne Med-Direct scholarship covers full tuition and fees in both undergraduate and medical school years and on-campus room and board during the undergraduate years. Students are fully responsible for covering other financial needs, such as books and supplies, transportation and parking, and personal/miscellaneous expenses. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for additional external scholarships/grants to cover these expenses.

Books and supplies

The Wayne Med-Direct scholarship does not cover books and supplies. However, a student who is Pell-eligible will receive a book scholarship in the amount of $500 each fall and winter semester. Also, book vouchers are available for eligible students who receive additional aid. A book voucher is an advance on your financial aid refund that allows you to purchase or rent books and supplies at the Wayne State Bookstore. The amount of the book voucher will be deducted from the student's financial aid refund. Book vouchers must be authorized a few weeks before the beginning of each semester. The Office of Student Financial Aid website provides more information about book vouchers.

Transportation and parking

Wayne Med-Direct scholarship will not cover transportation and parking costs. Because the student receives room and board in university housing, transportation and parking costs are not built into the student's cost of attendance. This means the student is responsible for all expenses related to transportation to and from the university for any purpose (including attending to research/workshops).

Students are strongly encouraged to use the Wayne State University free shuttle service to get around the campus.

Federal work-study

Federal work-study is another way to cover financial needs not covered by the Wayne Med-Direct scholarship. A federal work-study award is offered to students with financial need who may contribute toward their educational expenses by working part-time. Work-study funds are limited and not all eligible applicants will receive an award. Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website to learn more about the federal work-study program.

Other student loans

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans are the most common and one of the lowest-cost forms of education funding. A Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is a need-based loan for undergraduates. No interest accrues on the subsidized loan while you are enrolled at least half-time. A Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is a non-need-based loan. Interest begins to accrue on the unsubsidized loan from the day the loan funds are disbursed. Parents of dependent undergraduates can apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan to assist with educational expenses. The maximum annual loan amount is the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance received. More information about applying for federal loans is available at https://wayne.edu/financial-aid/types/loans. Loans require repayment and you are encouraged to calculate a personal budget for yourself to determine if you need a loan. Check out the spending plan at www.cashcourse.org. WSU financial aid staff are available to assist you with understanding financial aid programs, eligibility and the financial aid process at the WSU Welcome Center Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. in fall and winter semesters; and Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. in spring/summer semesters. Contact them at studentservice@wayne.edu or via phone at 313-577-2100.

Student employment

Some students may find the need to work in order to cover financial needs not covered by the Wayne Med-Direct scholarship. Students can choose to work, although it is not encouraged. Wayne Med-Direct is a program with a rigorous curriculum that expects full commitment from students in meeting program milestones and requirements in a timely manner. The student's priority and focus should always be on continuous academic progress and fulfilling Wayne Med-Direct program requirements. Student employment cannot conflict with a student's academic schedule and Wayne Med-Direct program schedules and cannot be a reason to be excused for absences to classes and other program events. If the student must work, they are strongly encouraged to find on-campus jobs (i.e. student center, fitness center, paid peer mentoring, tutoring, student assistant positions, research assistant positions, etc.) that can easily fit into the student's schedule and allows more flexibility than off-campus jobs.