The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) has entered into a strategic collaboration with Sallie Mae to expand the financial resources available to current and future osteopathic medical students. Announced on August 13, 2026, the partnership is designed to provide eligible borrowers with access to exclusive benefits and trusted financial support as changes to federal student loan programs reshape how students finance their medical education.
The collaboration reflects AACOM’s commitment to identifying solutions that expand access to medical education while providing students with reliable resources throughout medical school and into residency. Robert A. Cain, DO, president and CEO of AACOM, stated that recent changes to federal student loan programs have created new uncertainty for many students pursuing a career in medicine. He noted that AACOM took a deliberate, student-centered approach to evaluating potential pathways and providers before selecting Sallie Mae.
Loan Features and Benefits
Through the collaboration, eligible AACOM-referred students will have access to Sallie Mae’s medical school loans. These loans offer competitive interest rates, no origination fees, and financing for up to 100 percent of the school-certified cost of attendance. The package includes multiple repayment options, an extended grace period, dedicated student and school support, financial wellness resources, and U.S.-based loan servicing.
The available financing options also extend to Sallie Mae’s Residency and Relocation Loan. This product may be used for eligible expenses associated with the transition to residency, including travel, moving costs, board examinations, and other residency-related needs.
Interest Rate Reductions
Eligible AACOM-referred borrowers may receive a 0.50 percentage-point interest rate reduction for the life of the loan after making 12 consecutive on-time payments of the billed principal and interest amount. This benefit is available on both the Medical School Loan and the Medical Residency and Relocation Loan for students who apply through AACOM’s designated application link.
Combined with Sallie Mae’s standard 0.25 percentage-point auto-debit interest rate reduction, eligible borrowers may qualify for a total rate reduction of up to 0.75 percentage points.
Workforce Context
Osteopathic medical students now represent nearly 30 percent of all U.S. medical students. Colleges of osteopathic medicine play a critical role in preparing physicians who practice in primary care and rural and underserved communities. As the nation faces an expected shortage of more than 187,000 physicians by 2037, ensuring students have access to the resources they need to complete their medical education is an important part of strengthening the future physician workforce.
Patrick Freeman, senior vice president at Sallie Mae, stated that students, schools, and associations are looking for trusted, reliable providers who understand their unique needs. He added that Sallie Mae is proud to collaborate with AACOM to create innovative and scalable solutions that meet the evolving needs of their members, address workforce needs, and support student success.