Scholarships and Loan Repayment Programs

Home » Financial Aid » Scholarships and Loan Repayment Programs

There are many scholarships available to students, but there is no all-inclusive source that accurately lists every scholarship. Students are encouraged to research options on their own. Start within your own community. Some organizations may have scholarships available. These include, but are not limited to: fraternal organizations, unions, religious organizations, medical offices, clinics, professional associations, county programs, state programs, employers, parents’ employers, hospitals and more. There are legitimate web sites for scholarships. However, if a tool asks for money, you may want to try a different option.

Throughout the year, Des Moines University’s financial aid office reviews available scholarships and posts general information on Pulse. Students are encouraged to check this page often. If a scholarship has specific requirements such as field of study, academic performance, geographic restrictions or others, the financial aid office works to identify qualified applicants and forward the application materials or contact the students directly.

Treatment of Scholarships

All scholarships are treated as a financial resource and count toward the student budget. This includes HPSP (military) and NHSC scholarships. The entire value of these scholarships includes tuition, books, stipend and other miscellaneous reimbursed expenses. A student may receive other financial aid resources to meet the difference between the scholarship value and the student budget. If a student received financial aid up to the budget and then receives a late award the entire package is recalculated. If possible second disbursements are lowered, if not the late award is sent to the lender to reduce the amount of loans.

Program-Specific Scholarships and Loan Repayment Programs

University Scholarships

$mart Cents Scholarships

The $mart Cents Scholarships were developed to increase financial literacy among DMU students. Students must attend a minimum of two $mart Cents Financial Literacy Events during the current academic year and meet minimum financial aid eligibility requirements. Mandatory presentations such as Orientation and Mid-Point Presentations do not qualify. Optional sessions such as $mart Cents Large Group Presentations, Workshops or scheduling and attending a one-on-one counseling (including over the phone) do qualify.  Students will be required to write an essay explaining how the $mart Cents Financial Literacy program has impacted their borrowing and spending. There will be two $2,500 scholarships awarded.

Dorgan Memorial Scholarship

This fund was established to benefit students in any DMU clinical program who need financial assistance and embody the mission and values of the university. Deans have the opportunity to nominate applicants and one student will be chosen from the nominees.

Glanton Fund

Established to recognize the contributions of the late Judge Luther T. Glanton and W. Stevenson Glanton to DMU and the Des Moines community, the Glanton Fund assists students with professional and academic promise in attending the university. The Glanton Fund requires eligible recipients to demonstrate financial need, which is determined by a valid FAFSA on an annual basis.

Justice Alfred D. Lerner Scholarship

This endowed scholarship was established in memory of Justice Alfred D. Lerner and is awarded to a veteran of the U.S. military. All DMU students including first year students may apply.  A veteran of one of the branches of the U.S. military who is enrolled in one of the colleges of Des Moines University. The recipient will be deemed in significant need of financial assistance and in good academic standing with the University.

Claude Oster D.O. Scholarship

This endowed scholarship was established in the fall of 1985 by Claude Oster, D.O. One or more awards will be made annually. Recipients can reapply in succeeding years for scholarship awards. Students must be enrolled in or accepted into DMU. Preference will be given to students enrolled in COM. Priority given to dependents of members of the United Auto Workers. If there are no qualified applicants from the UAW, then dependents of an organized labor union will be given priority. If there are no qualified applicants from organized labor, then the annual awards are open to students who qualify for financial assistance.

Scroll to Top