06/17/2026
Every physician remembers the sacrifices it took to become a doctor.
Long hours. Endless studying. Missed family events. Financial uncertainty. And the unwavering belief that the journey would ultimately allow us to make a difference in the lives of others.
Today, the College of Medicine students here at Downstate are making those same sacrifices, but the financial burden they face has never been greater.
Current medical students pay more than $46,000 annually in tuition alone if they are New York residents and more than $71,000 if they are from out of state. When mandatory fees, housing, books, transportation, health insurance, licensing exams, and other educational expenses are included, the annual cost of attendance can exceed $110,000. Over four years, tuition and fees alone can total nearly $190,000 for New York residents and more than $288,000 for non-residents.
Behind every one of those numbers is a student with a story...
A student who may be the first in their family to attend college. A student balancing parenthood with medical school. A veteran transitioning from military service to medicine. A student committed to caring for underserved communities throughout Brooklyn, New York City, and beyond.
As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, unrestricted scholarship funding has become more important than ever. Flexible scholarship resources allow us to respond to student needs, ensure donor generosity reaches deserving recipients, and continue supporting future physicians regardless of changing administrative requirements and scholarship regulations.
Every unrestricted scholarship dollar allows us to meet students where they are and help them overcome financial barriers that might otherwise jeopardize their education.
An unrestricted scholarship gift does not diminish your impact; it strengthens it. Every dollar invested in scholarship support is an investment in the next generation of physicians. It is an investment in the patients they will treat, the discoveries they will make, and the communities they will serve. It may allow a student to pursue research, volunteer service, or clinical opportunities that enrich their education and benefit the communities they serve.
Your generosity today can ease a student's financial burden tomorrow. Click here to support: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=8a94cd10-feaf-4ccd-ae10-c802057bbe9d&envid=p-6bAShLfsHE2nZhGfvTR9TQ&zone=usa
The need is great. The impact is immediate. The future physicians who will care for our families, our communities, and our nation are counting on the support of those who once stood exactly where they stand today.
We invite you to join us in strengthening our unrestricted scholarship fund and helping ensure that deserving students continue to receive the support they need to succeed.
Thank you for believing in our students and in the future of medicine.
