2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase
Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
Document Type
Student Presentation
Presentation Date
4-24-2026
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Jaime Sand
Abstract
The rising cost of medical and osteopathic education presents a significant barrier for students pursuing careers in healthcare, with many graduates accumulating over $200,000 in debt. These financial burdens can limit access to medical training and influence long-term career decisions, including specialty selection and practice location. The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), offered by the United States military, provides a comprehensive alternative by covering full tuition, required educational materials, and offering a monthly stipend during training in exchange for a service commitment. This project evaluates HPSP as a viable pathway by comparing it to traditional medical education routes using financial data and program information from military and educational sources. The analysis focuses on differences in cost, accessibility, and career outcomes. Findings indicate that HPSP enables students to graduate debt-free, reduces financial stress during training, and provides structured career development, leadership experience, and guaranteed employment as a physician. Overall, HPSP improves access to medical education while supporting long-term professional and workforce stability.
Recommended Citation
Gerlach, Marcus (Trey) and Sand, Jaime, "Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)" (2026). 2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase. 69.
https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/under_showcase_2026/69