The OCOM Office of Financial Aid provides financial literacy and debt management counseling for prospective and current students from pre-admission to graduation. We offer appointments and maintain an open door policy.

Pre-Admission

Prospective students receive guidance and information pertaining to financial aid and debt management (i.e., the cost of medical education) during the interview process. OCOM takes seriously the importance of prospective students in understanding the financial demands of medical education. During the interview day, the Office of Financial Aid discusses the services that the office provides to students, how to be in touch with the office, an overview of the financial demands of medical education, and how to plan/budget. The OCOM Office of Financial Aid will be the key point of contact and resources for all OCOM students throughout the student’s medical education.

Welcome Week

During Welcome Week, students are required to attend an OCOM Office of Financial Aid presentation; topics reviewed include understanding the cost of attendance, and disbursement date budgeting (emphasizing the length of time between refunds). Students also can meet individually with staff members of the Office of Financial Aid at any time to discuss financial concerns and general questions.

Every Academic Year

Students will meet with the OCOM Office of Financial Aid for individual entrance counseling appointments during the OSM-I Fall semester. Students attend presentations as part of the Debt Management Program throughout all four years and can complete online modules regarding financial literacy and debt management. Students also can meet individually with staff members of the OCOM Office of Financial Aid at any time to discuss financial concerns and general questions.

Optional financial literacy programming is provided throughout all four years of medical school. Presentations, webinars, and learning modules are all utilized. Topics can include: Understanding Credit, Identity Theft, Budgeting Fundamentals, and Financial Planning. 

Before Graduation

Students are required to attend an exit counseling presentation during their final semester at OCOM. Students will also meet for individual exit counseling appointments to review loan history; to review general debt and repayment strategies, including loan consolidation, loan forgiveness, and deferment/forbearance options; and to address any additional financial concerns or questions before graduation.