Disadvantaged Student Eligibility
The Office of Student Financial Services at UTHealth offers long-term, low interest rate Loans for Disadvantaged Students (LDS) to Graduate/Professionals enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Dental Surgery programs. The LDS program is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and Bureau of Health Professions and are offered on a first come, first serve basis to those who meet the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) definition of economically 'disadvantaged'.
The DHHS definition of economically 'disadvantaged' student is based on 200% of the Department's poverty guidelines. The guidelines, which apply regardless of student's age, dependency level or marital status are as follows:
2024 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and The District of Columbia
| Persons in family/household | Poverty Guideline | Low Income Threshold (200% of Poverty Guideline) |
| 1 | $15,060 | $30,120 |
| 2 | $20,440 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $25,820 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $31,200 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $36,580 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $41,960 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $47,340 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $52,720 | $105,440 |
For Families/households with more that 8 persons, add $10,760
*Means number of exemptions listed on parents federal income tax forms (e.g., family size of 4 might include two parents and two dependents).
**Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for calendar year 2024, rounded to nearest $100.
All interested applicants must:
- Attach a copy of the parents’ 2024 IRS Tax Return Transcript.
- Complete the Parent Income & Resource Certification form.
- Provide the Financial Aid Transcript Request form.
Recipients will be notified via their Financial Aid Award Notification (via myUTH).
Please contact us at 713-500-3860 if you have any questions.