Primary Care Loan
The Primary Care Loan (PCL) Program is federally funded. Primary Care is defined as Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine, General Pediatrics, or a specialty in Preventive Medicine/Public Health.
- enter and complete a residency program in Primary Care within four years following graduation; and
- practice in Primary Care for the life of the loan (with possible extension at the discretion of the school).
Based on compliance, the interest rate is 5 percent (paid by the federal government) during in-school and approved deferment periods. In the case of non-compliance with the PCL agreement, the interest rate increases to 7 percent, beginning on the date of non-compliance.
All recipients must demonstrate financial need for PCL awards and the amount of the award is dependent on annual available funds. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers more detailed information on Primary Care Loans.