Who Is Eligible to Participate in the Fee Assistance Program?

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Learn the eligibility requirements for the Fee Assistance Program, including address guidelines, parental information, award limits, and benefits.

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Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Fee Assistance Program, you are required to fulfill the following requirements:

  • You must have a U.S.-based home address.
  • Each household reported on your application (yours and your parents, if applicable) must have a 2023 total family income that is equal to or less than 400% of the 2023 national poverty level for your family size.
  • You must be preparing to apply to medical school.
    • Specifically, applicants for AAMC Fee Assistance must not:
      • Be currently accepted or enrolled in any medical school.
      • Have graduated from medical school.
      • Be preparing to apply for residency.

Address Guidelines

 You will be required to provide proof of a U.S. address. Note the following about the documentation or identification that you submit:

  • Applicant’s full name must be included.
  • Applicant’s current permanent U.S. address must be included.
  • For identification (such as an ID), it must be unexpired. 
  • For documentation, it must be issued within the last 60 days of the date you submit your application.

Learn more about the documentation and forms of ID that will be accepted as proof of a permanent U.S. address

IMPORTANT: Parental Information Requirement

Unlike some federally funded aid programs, the Fee Assistance Program requires your parents’ financial information, if you are under age 26 at the time of submission. Your parents' financial information and supporting tax documentation are required regardless of your marital status,  your tax filing status (independent or dependent), your parents' country of residence, or whether your parents are willing to provide documentation. If your parents are deceased, further information will not be asked. To learn more about the parental information requirement, please visit the 2024 Fee Assistance Program Essentials

Fee Assistance Program Poverty Guidelines

Fee Assistance Program award approval is tied directly to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' poverty level guidelines. In 2024, you will be granted fee assistance if each household reported on your application has a 2023 total family income that is 400 percent or less than the 2023 national poverty level for that family size.

2023 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States, The District of Columbia & U.S. Territories

Family Size Fee Assistance Program Poverty Guideline*
1 $58,320
2 $78,880
3 $99,440
4 $120,000
5 $140,560
6 $161,120
7 $181,680
8 $202,240

Source: https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines 

*For households with more than 8 persons, add $5,140 for each additional person.

2023 Poverty Guidelines for Alaska

Family Size Fee Assistance Program Poverty Guideline*
1 $72,840
2 $98,560
3 $124,280
4 $150,000
5 $175,720
6 $201,440
7 $227,160
8 $252,880

Source: https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines

*For households with more than 8 persons, add $6,430 for each additional person.

2023 Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii

Family Size Fee Assistance Program Poverty Guideline*
1 $67,080
2 $90,720
3 $114,360
4 $138,000
5 $161,640
6 $185,280
7 $208,920
8 $232,560

Source: https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines

*For households with more than 8 persons, add $5,910 for each additional person

Canadian MCAT examinees interested in the Canadian Fee Assistance Program

Learn more about the eligibility criteria and application process and deadlines by visiting AFMC's website (English website).

Additional Information

Visit the main Fee Assistance Program webpage to learn more about the program benefitswhat you need to apply, and to access the Fee Assistance Program FAQs.

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Contact the Fee Assistance Program

AAMC Attn: Fee Assistance Program 655 K Street N.W., Suite 100 Washington, DC 20001

Fax: 202-828-1120

Sending Email? Please include your name, AAMC ID, and a detailed explanation of how we can help in your email. Sorry, we're unable to accept attachments.

Canadian Fee Assistance Program Questions? Visit AFMC’s website at https://www.afmc.ca/resources-data/education/aspirants-applicants/

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. ET, Closed Wednesday, 3-5 p.m. ET

202-828-0600
Learn about the Expanded Fee Assistance Program
Application Processing

As of March 18 the Fee Assistance Program is:

Processing applications that were “Submitted and Pending Verification” on March 15.

2024 Fee Assistance Program Essentials

Understanding the 2024 Fee Assistance Program Essentials is the first step in applying. This is required reading before completing your AAMC Fee Assistance Program application and necessary for a smooth application process.

Download
2024 Fee Assistance Program Application Workbook

This resource is designed to help you prepare your materials for the 2024 AAMC Fee Assistance Program application but does not replace the online application.

Download
Financial Aid Resources

The AAMC's FIRST (Financial Information, Resources, Services, and Tools) program provides free resources to help you make wise financial decisions. 

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MCAT Official Prep Hub

The MCAT Official Prep Hub is where you can access your products received through the Fee Assistance Program, purchase new products, and view free resources.

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