Start with the school’s current figures
Find the cost-of-attendance information for your program, year and residency category. Check what tuition and mandatory fees include, then consider housing, food, insurance, instruments, travel and other expenses.
Label every assumption
Use confirmed awards when you have them; label hoped-for scholarships as uncertain in your notes. Keep a source and date with each estimate. Costs can change across years, so revisit the comparison when new figures are published.
Understand commitments before choosing funding
Review eligibility, deadlines, service commitments and award terms directly with a scholarship program or financial aid office. NHSC publishes program comparisons that can help you identify questions to ask.
Use scenarios to prepare questions
Compare a few funding scenarios, including higher living costs or less aid. The calculator shows a funding gap and a simplified interest illustration, not a loan quote or repayment forecast. Take your assumptions to the school’s financial aid team.
Go to the source
Use the current instructions from your school, application service, exam provider or licensing board when making decisions.
ADEA financing dental education ↗NHSC program comparisons ↗