Health Professions Student Programs FAQ

1. What are the Health Professions Student Programs?
2. What does disadvantaged background mean?
3. Do I have to complete the 2006-2007 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
4. How will these programs be awarded?
5. Why is parent information required?
6. Will this mean that my parents’ income information will be used to determine my eligibility for other grants and loans?
7. If I receive a Health Professions Loan or Scholarship what is the potential affect on my financial aid award?
8. I am married. How do I complete Parental Financial Statement?
9. Whom should I contact if I have other questions about this form?

What are the Health Professions Student Programs?

There are three programs that Oklahoma State University participates in. They are the Loans for Disadvantaged Students (LDS), Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL) and Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS).

Loans for Disadvantaged Students (LDS) Program provides long-term, low interest rate loans to full-time, financially needy students from disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine.

Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL) Program provides long-term, low interest rate loans to full-time, financially needy students to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine.

Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) Program provides scholarships to full-time, financially needy students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine.

What does disadvantaged background mean?

An individual from a disadvantaged background is defined as one who comes from an environment that has inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skill, and abilities required to enroll in and graduate from a health professions school, or from a program providing education or training in an allied health profession; or comes from a family with an annual income below a level based on low income thresholds according to family size published by the U.S. Bureau of Census, adjusted annually for changes in the Consumer Price Index, and adjusted by the Secretary, HHS, for use in health professions and nursing programs.

Do I have to complete the 2006-2007 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

Yes. To be considered for the Health Professions Programs you must complete the federal aid application providing you and your spouse’s (if applicable) income and asset information as well as your parents.

How will these programs be awarded?

Health Professions Programs will be awarded to: Applicants with the greatest demonstrated need. "Need" is determined based on your financial profile as well as that of your parents.

Why is parent information required?

The Health Professions Program is authorized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The treatment of parental income and the determination of a theoretical contribution on the part of the parents is a long-standing policy.

Will this mean that my parents’ income information will be used to determine my eligibility for other grants and loans?

No. A contribution determined from only your and your spouse’s (if applicable) income and assets is used to determine eligibility for other student aid programs.

If I receive a Health Professions Loan or Scholarship what is the potential affect on my financial aid award?

The Health Professions Loan or Scholarship will either supplement or replace your eligibility in the Direct Loan programs. Even if the inclusion of the Scholarship does not increase your total offer of assistance, but is used to replace loans, you will be incurring less debt for the year.

I’m married. How do I complete Parental Financial Statement?

Your spouse is considered part of your parents’ family for the purpose of completing this form.

Whom should I contact if I have other questions about this form?

Lori Boyd
Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
119 Student Union
Stillwater, OK 74078
Email: lori.boyd@okstate.edu
(405) 744-7295
Fax # (405) 744-6438

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