Financial Wellness

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) offers Financial Information, Resources, Services and Tools (FIRST) for members of the academic medical community. The FIRST program helps medical students expand their financial awareness to make informed decisions oh how to best finance their medical education.

AAMC Money Management
MedLoans® Organizer and Calculator
FIRST Videos and Webinars

Budgeting also known as your spending plan is essential during your educational journey. Effective budgeting involves careful planning, disciplined spending, and regularly reviewing and adjusting the budget as needed. To ensure a stable financial future, student loan borrowers should cultivate strong budgeting habits to keep student debt low and support responsible financial management during the repayment period.

AAMC Budgeting Basics and Tips
AAMC- FIRST Budget Worksheet for Students

Federal Student Aid Budgeting Tips
Federal Student Aid Budget Creation
finaid Calculators   

Credit is a financial arrangement that enables individuals to borrow money or acquire goods and services with the commitment to repay in the future. When handled responsibly, it offers numerous rewards — from building a strong credit history to unlocking access to better interest rates, financial flexibility, and opportunities for major purchases. Learn more about credit reports, scores, and tips to manage credit wisely.

AAMC- FIRST Credit 101
Annual Credit Report
Identity Theft Information 

Federal Student loan debt incurred prior to matriculation at Weill Cornell Medicine can be eligible for deferment. Students are responsible for continuing any required loan payments until matriculation is officially reported and loan servicers automatically update loan status to deferment. This reporting typically occurs within a month of the start of classes. Students may also request in-school loan deferment by submitting Enrollment Certificate.

For other student loans- including private lenders, institutional loans, and/or Perkins Loans- students are responsible for directly notifying loan holders to ensure their loan status is updated to reflect in-school deferment. These entities do not receive automatic matriculation reporting from Weill Cornell Medicine.

Students are responsible for any consumer debts such as credit cards debt, car loans, and other outstanding bills incurred prior to matriculation at Weill Cornell Medicine. Consumer debts are the responsibility of the student; additional financial aid cannot be awarded to pay these debts.   

Graduating Student Loan Debt Management

AAMC Loan Forgiveness, Loan Repayment Assistance Programs, and Scholarships
AAMC Preparing for Residency

Federal Student Aid Loan Exit Counseling
Federal Student Aid Loan Repayment Plans
Federal Student Aid Loan Forgiveness   

Students pursuing their education at Weill Cornell Medicine are encouraged to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and prioritize their mental well-being to support their academic and personal success.

Students who are facing food insecurity may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program that helps individuals with limited income purchase food. SNAP benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card and can be used at participating grocery stores and markets.

Food Assistance and Local Food Pantries

ACCESS HRA for SNAP Benefits
Food Bank for NYC to locate local food pantry

Well Being

AAMC Medical Student Mental Health and Well-Being
Well at Weill