Rural Health Funding & Opportunities: Financial aid for health career education

West Virginia Medical Student Loan Program
Forgivable loans for medical students in West Virginia who agree to practice in an approved area of West Virginia upon graduation.

Geographic coverage: West Virginia
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsors: West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, West Virginia University Institute for Community and Rural Health

West Virginia Rural Health Service Program
A financial incentive for physician and physician assistant students at Marshall University in exchange for a commitment to serve the same number of years upon graduation in a rural area of West Virginia.

Geographic coverage: West Virginia
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsor: Robert C. Byrd Center for Rural Health

Western Montana Area Health Education Center Student Rural Clinical Rotations Program
Travel reimbursement to support health professions students participating in clinical rotations at rural sites in Montana.

Geographic coverage: Montana
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsor: Western Montana Area Health Education Center

David W. and Sandra L.R. Boyes Physician Education Scholarship Inactive
Scholarship for health professionals and specialists working on continuing education in the field of gerontology. Special consideration is given to applicants who currently practice or plan to practice in rural Virginia or southern Appalachian areas.

Geographic coverage: Rural Virginia and Southern Appalachia
Application Deadline: Jun 1, 2026
Sponsor: Bedford Community Health Foundation

Maine Dental Education Forgivable Loan Program Inactive
Forgivable loans for Maine residents pursuing dental education who agree to practice in an eligible facility in a shortage area upon completion of their degree.

Geographic coverage: Maine
Application Deadline: Jun 1, 2026
Sponsor: Finance Authority of Maine

Maine Dental Education Loan Repayment Program Inactive
Loan repayment assistance for dentists and certain dental auxiliary health professionals who agree to practice in a Dental Health Professional Shortage Area or Medically Underserved Population Areas in Maine.

Geographic coverage: Maine
Application Deadline: Jun 1, 2026
Sponsor: Finance Authority of Maine

Maine Health Professions Loan Program Inactive
A need-based, competitive loan for Maine students pursuing postgraduate medical, dental, and veterinary education.

Geographic coverage: Maine
Application Deadline: Jun 1, 2026
Sponsor: Finance Authority of Maine

West Virginia Nursing Scholarship Program Inactive
Scholarships for licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), LPN teaching certificate, masters, and doctoral nursing students who agree to complete a service obligation in West Virginia.

Geographic coverage: West Virginia
Application Deadline: Jun 1, 2026
Sponsor: West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

Illinois Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program Inactive
Loan repayment assistance for qualified mental health and substance use professionals who agree to practice in rural areas in Illinois.

Geographic coverage: Illinois
Application Deadline: May 31, 2026
Sponsor: Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Illinois Nursing Education Scholarship Program Inactive
Scholarships for Illinois residents pursuing nursing degrees who demonstrate the greatest financial need. Awardees must practice in the state upon graduation.

Geographic coverage: Illinois
Application Deadline: May 31, 2026
Sponsors: Illinois Center for Rural Health, Illinois Department of Public Health

Rural Health Funding by Topic: Financial aid for health career education

Rural Health
Funding by Topic: Financial aid for health career education