Top Scholarships for PA School in 2026 | Fund Your PA Journey

Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is one of the fastest-growing and most rewarding healthcare career paths. PA school is shorter and less expensive than medical school, usually lasting 2–3 years, but the costs can still be daunting for many students.

Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships and financial aid opportunities available to help you reduce your debt while pursuing your dream career. Below we’ve compiled some of the top scholarships for PA students this year along with eligibility requirements, deadlines, and award amounts.

Looking for a pre-PA or PA internships abroad? Inquire here.

Military Scholarships for PA Students

The U.S. military offers several full-ride scholarships that cover tuition, fees, and provide a monthly living stipend in exchange for service after graduation.

I. National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship 

Covers tuition and stipend; recipients commit to working in a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-designated underserved area.

II. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) 

Full tuition, monthly stipend, and reimbursement of educational expenses in return for active duty service.

III. Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) 

Same structure as the Air Force program, requiring a minimum two-year service commitment.

IV. Veterans Affairs (VA) Scholarship 

Pays full tuition and stipends for PA students who agree to serve as PAs in the VA healthcare system.

• Award: Full tuition + stipend
• Eligibility: Accepted PA students (U.S. citizens)
• Deadline: Varies by branch

PA Foundation Scholarships

The PA Foundation, affiliated with the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), offers multiple scholarships each spring (application window: late April–mid-June). Applicants must be AAPA student members enrolled in an ARC-PA-accredited program and in good academic standing.

I. PA Foundation Scholarship 

$1,000 general award.

II. AAPA Rural Health Caucus Scholarship 

$2,000 for students from rural backgrounds planning to practice in underserved areas.

III. AAPA Past Presidents Scholarship 

$1,000 for students demonstrating leadership and service.

IV. NCCPA Endowed Scholarship 

$2,000 for underrepresented minority or disadvantaged students.

V. Ron Pace Memorial Scholarship 

$1,000 for Florida students with veteran parents/guardians.

VI. Timi Agar Barwick Scholarship for Humanism in Medicine 

$1,000 for underrepresented or disadvantaged students.

VII. William H. Marquardt Community Health Access Scholarship 

$2,500 for students planning to work in underserved communities.

VIII. Joyce Nichols Memorial Scholarship 

$1,000 for Black PA students.

IX. Women in Philanthropy Scholarship 

$1,000 for students advocating for women’s and children’s health.

Additional Noteworthy PA Scholarships

I. Indian Health Service (IHS) Health Professions Scholarship 

Variable funding for American Indian/Alaska Native PA students who commit to serving their communities.

II. Susan and Tom Lusty Memorial Scholarship (AASPA) 

$1,000 for PA students with interest in surgical practice. Deadline: Dec. 15.

III. Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology (APAO) Scholarship 

$2,500 for PA students in their clinical year interested in oncology. Deadline: Apr. 30.

IV. Susan Lindahl Memorial Scholarship (PAOS) 

$5,000 for clinical-year PA students interested in orthopedics. Deadline: Apr. 30.

V. Paul S. Robinson Award (SEMPA) 

Up to $3,000 for PA students pursuing emergency medicine. Deadline: Nov. 30.

FAQs: Scholarships for PA School

#1. Can PA students really get scholarships?

Yes. From national programs like the NHSC to specialty-focused awards, there are many ways to offset costs.

#2. Is a full-ride to PA school possible?

Yes. Military scholarships and some service-based programs cover 100% of tuition plus living expenses.

#3. Does FAFSA apply to PA programs?

Yes, PA programs are eligible for federal student aid via FAFSA.

#4. How do most students pay for PA school?

A combination of scholarships, grants, federal loans, and personal savings. Applying widely for scholarships can significantly reduce debt.

Final Thoughts

While PA school costs can be steep, scholarships make it more manageable. From full-ride service-based programs to smaller specialty awards, every bit of funding helps reduce your student loan burden.

As you plan your path to becoming a PA, research scholarship deadlines carefully and apply to as many as you qualify for. The effort is worth it. Not only can scholarships make your education more affordable, but many also connect you to valuable professional networks in the PA community.

At Go Elective, we also know that clinical experience matters as much as financial preparation. Our Physician Assistant internships and Pre-PA internships in Kenya and Tanzania give students the opportunity to gain clinical exposure, strengthen their applications, and enter PA school with confidence.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, PA Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Dec 15, 2025