Types of Aid at Cummings School

Cummings School assists students who demonstrate financial need to find the funding they require. After carefully reviewing each aid application, a specific package of available financial aid components is designed. With the exception of Federal Direct Student Loans and the Federal Work-Study Program, the resources listed below are limited to students enrolled in the DVM program.

Loan Programs
New applicants and current students are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need and are administered through the Office of Financial Aid.

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine is grateful to the individuals and organizations that have established the loans listed below:

Chester C. and Jean Ferry Davis Memorial Fund
Established in 1981 by the late Chester C. Davis, the fund provides financial assistance–in the form of loans–to students who are New York state residents and who intend to practice large animal medicine in that state.

Oliver and Jennie R. Donaldson Charitable Trust Student Loan Fund
Established in 1982, the fund provides financial assistance–in the form of loans–to deserving students.

Henry and Lois Foster Scholarship Loan Fund
Established in 1986 by Dr. and Mrs. Henry Foster, the fund provides financial assistance–in the form of loans–to deserving veterinary students.

Lewis Family Loan Fund
Established in 1991 by Mr. and Mrs. Stanley A. Lewis, A62, A92P, A95P, the fund provides financial assistance–in the form of loans–to veterinary students.

Massachusetts Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Student Loan Fund
The fund provides student loans to assist Massachusetts veterinary students.

Pauline M. Nickerson Emergency Student Loan Fund
Established in 1992 by Pauline M. Nickerson, the fund provides short-term bridge loans to students experiencing cash flow difficulties.

Edith H. Overly Student Loan Fund
Established in 1987 by Edith H. Overly, the fund provides financial assistance–in the form of loans–to deserving veterinary students.


Health Professions Student Loans
The Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL) program is a need-based federal loan available to health professions students who are enrolled in the DVM program. HPSL is a loan program of the Department of Health and Human Services. The Cummings School administers the loan program on our campus.

Eligibility is based on financial need as determined by federal guidelines. Loan amounts vary based on the amount of funds available. Eligibility is determined by the Financial Aid Office. To receive consideration, students must follow the instructions in the financial aid application and instruction packets.

The HPSL interest rate is 5.0% and repayment begins 12 months after the borrower graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment status. Interest does not accrue when the borrower is enrolled at least half-time. The loan remains interest free during the 12-month grace period.

Students who are awarded an HPSL will receive additional information about its terms and conditions. HPSL borrowers must complete a promissory note and required student loan counseling before receiving the loan.