For students in the University Program (UP), there are options for extending medical school beyond four years. This can occur for a variety of reasons and the process for requesting either an extension or a leave of absence are outlined in the Student Handbook. Below, we have provided a table to assist students in understanding the difference between a leave of absence and an extension.
Leave of Absence vs. Extensions (University Program)
| Leave of Absence (LOA) | Extension - Research | Extension - Dual Degree | Extension - Remediation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reason/Work Done | Personal / Medical / Enrollment at another institution / Other | Academic Research / Enrichment | Dual Degree | Repeating of Coursework (Years 1 and/or 2) |
| Student Status | Not a student | Active Student Status | ||
| Tuition Charges * | 0% | 5% | 25% | 50% |
| Financial Aid ** | Not aid eligible. No living expense funds can be disbursed. Will need to reapply for university and federal aid prior to return. University need-based aid eligible for 4 years of enrollment. | Eligibility for both University and Federal aid will continue at the current level during an extension year. The limit for University need-based aid is a maximum of 4 years of enrollment. For Federal aid, eligibility is maintained throughout enrollment up to 6 years. This means that ONLY Federal loans are available in year 5 and beyond. The budget for living expenses remains the same in all years of attendance. | ||
|
Federal/University Loans |
Go into repayment after a 6 month grace period. Can be deferred. | Loans stay in 'in-school deferment' status, given continuous enrollment. | ||
|
Student Health Insurance *** |
Can be on parent health insurance if under 26 years old, or can pursue coverage via the health insurance exchange or public options. | Student health insurance option remains available. Can be on parent health insurance if under 26 years old, or can pursue coverage via the health insurance exchange or public options. | ||
|
Satisfactory Academic Progress / Maximum Time Frame |
Students can have up to 6 years to complete their degree from the day of matriculation. | Students can have up to 6 years to complete their degree from the day of matriculation. | Students can have up to 7.5 years to complete their degree from the day of matriculation. This does not include MSTP students. | Students can have up to 6 years to complete their degree from the day of matriculation. |
| Students have up to 150% of the standard program length to complete their degree(s) by school policy and to remain eligible for federal loans. | ||||
* Tuition charges listed above occur in subsequent years after four consecutive years of full tuition are charged, except in LOA situations. LOAs are not charged tuition or fees during their time away, but standard tuition charges will resume upon their return.
** LOA is not eligible for Federal or University aid, because there is not student status.
*** Students on LOA for medical reasons can continue the student health insurance for one additional semester.