Post Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program

Students seeking financial aid for the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical and Pre-Allied programs are not considered graduate students; they are considered 5th-year undergraduates taking preparatory coursework. 

In general, most Post-Baccalaureate students are considered dependents and may receive up to $5,500 in Federal Direct Student Loans (combined subsidized and unsubsidized amounts) during the award period. If a student is determined to be independent, an additional $7,000 in Unsubsidized Federal Direct Students Loans may be available.

Unsure if you are considered an independent student or a dependent student? Find out here.

Dependent students whose parents are denied a Parent PLUS loan are eligible to borrow a total of $12,500 in Stafford Loans (up to $5,500 of which can be Subsidized) through the Federal Direct Loan Program. 

Post-Baccalaureate students may only receive Federal Direct Loans for a two-semester period (Fall/Spring) per Federal regulations and must be enrolled at least half-time (6 units per semester). If you are beginning the program with the summer term, only private alternative loans are available for the summer.

There are several questions Postbac students must answer to determine if they are a dependent or independent student. If you answer "no" to all questions, you MUST provide parental information on the FAFSA even if you no longer reside with your parents or they no longer provide your support. The federal government will still view you as a dependent student and parental information is required for all dependent students.

When Completing the FAFSA

When completing the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Postbaccalaureate Pre-Medical students should provide the following answers:

  • When you begin the 2023-2024 school year, what will be your grade level? Answer: 5th year/other undergraduates

  • When you begin the 2023-2024 school year, what degree or certificate will you be working on? Answer: You will answer Certificate/Diploma (occupational/technical/education program of less than 2 years)

  • At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program? Answer: No

  • Grade Level: Answer: 5th year, Post Baccalaureate Certification, 2nd Degree

Eligibility criteria

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5
  • Be enrolled at least half-time (6 or more units)
  • Have remaining eligibility for loan borrowing (Not reached lifetime loan limits associated with the credential program)

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance below is based on 12 unit enrollment per term (fall/spring), 24 units total for the academic year. 

*Your actual tuition cost will depend on the number of units you enroll in per term. The current tuition rate is $1,160 per unit. Effective Summer term 2024, the new tuition rate will be $1,260 per unit. 

Postbac Pre-Medical and Pre-Allied Programs

Off-Campus With Parents or Relatives
*Tuition (estimated) $27,840 $27840
Fees $811 $811
Housing & Food $25,713 $13,929
Books & Supplies $938 $938
Personal & Miscellaneous $4,428 $3,609
Parking & Transportation $1,764 $1,611
Loan Fees (estimated) $132 $132
Estimated Total Cost   $61,626 $48,870