Whether you’re just starting out in the healthcare field or are looking to add a new skill to your existing credentials, phlebotomy classes can be an excellent way to get hands-on training and experience. But as with any type of education, financing your studies is often an obstacle.
Fortunately, there are several options for finding financial aid for phlebotomy classes that can help make getting the training you need more affordable. We will discuss grants and scholarships specifically geared towards phlebotomy students, explore various loan programs available through private lenders and government agencies, and explain payment plans some schools offer. We will also look at the average cost of attending a phlebotomy program so you know what kind of budget to prepare for when planning your educational goals.
Grants and Scholarships for Phlebotomy Students
One of the best ways to pay for phlebotomy classes is by finding grants and scholarships specifically geared towards healthcare students. This type of financial aid does not have to be repaid, making it a great option if you have limited income and qualify.
FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
FAFSA is a great place to start for students who are eligible for federal financial aid. Federal grants and loans can be used to cover tuition costs, living expenses, and other educational-related fees associated with attending school. Applying for FAFSA is easy and requires only basic information about your income and assets.
If you do qualify for FAFSA, it is important to verify that your preferred phlebotomy program will accept the funds. Not all schools are FAFSA approved, so it is important to double check before you apply. You can do this by reaching out to the school’s financial aid office.
Learn more about FAFSA on the Federal Student Aid FAFSA page.
Pell Grants
Pell grants are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and typically cover a portion of tuition costs.
Pell Grants can be a great way to help cover the costs of phlebotomy classes, as they are awarded to students based on their financial need. To qualify for a Pell Grant, students must demonstrate that they have limited income and that they will use the grant money to pay for educational expenses. The amount of money awarded depends on several factors, including the student’s financial situation and the cost of tuition. Pell Grants are also only awarded to undergraduate students, so many phlebotomy programs do not qualify.
You can learn more about Pell Grants on the Federal Student Aid Pell Grant page.
Private Scholarships
In addition to grants from the government, there are many private scholarships available for phlebotomy students. These are typically awarded by organizations or companies and can cover a portion of tuition costs. Private scholarships usually have very specific criteria that must be met in order to qualify, so it’s important to read through each one carefully before applying.
Some common criteria for private scholarships include a GPA requirement, an essay or project submission, and proof of enrollment in a phlebotomy program. It’s also important to note that many private scholarship deadlines are well before school starts, so make sure you plan ahead and apply early if you are interested in applying.
Garza & Becan-McBride Phlebotomy Student Scholarships
One of the most well known scholarship option that is specific for phlebotomy students is the ASCP phlebotomy scholarship. The Kathleen Becan McBride and Diana “Didi” Garza, EdD, MLS(ASCP)CM Scholarship is available to phlebotomy students who are members of the ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology). This endowed scholarship provides up to $1,000 in financial aid to students who have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and who have successfully completed at least 50% of their training in an approved program.
The deadline for this application has passed, which was is May 1, 2023, and they have not released an update for when they will be accepting applications for 2024 – stay tuned on their website.
Tylenol Scholarship
The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship has been a well known scholarship for healthcare-focused students for over 30 years. This scholarship, sponsored by Tylenol, nurtures students who are dedicated to caring for others through various healthcare careers, including the often underestimated field of phlebotomy.
Though the 2023 Tylenol Scholarship has closed, the 2024 Scholarship Program offers a new chance for aspiring phlebotomists to gain the support they need. You can visit their website for up to date information about the application deadline and their individual requirements.
You can find other scholarships that are more generalized and are meant for any student pursuing a healthcare education. Some of these scholarships are for students that went to a specific high school, students that come from a certain demographic, or students attending a particular college.
You can also start your search for scholarships by visiting the Federal Student Aid website, which offers a comprehensive list of scholarships and grants for healthcare students. Additionally, you can also use scholarship search websites like Fastweb or College Board to find scholarships that are more tailored to you. You can also reach out to your high school guidance office or college financial aid office to see if they have any other scholarships that you might be eligible for.
Federal Loans
The U.S. Department of Education offers several federal student loan programs to help eligible students pay for the cost of higher education, including the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. This program includes four types of loans: Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Direct Consolidation Loans.
If you qualify for FAFSA you will likely qualify for one of these loans to help pay for the remaining cost of your phlebotomy classes, however eligibility and requirements will vary depending on the type of loan.
It’s a good idea to pursue federal loan options before exploring loan options from a private lender, such as at your local bank. The federal government offers loan forgiveness and income-driven repayment plans that can make student loans more affordable, and their interest rates are typically lower than those from private lenders.
Payment Plans
Many phlebotomy schools offer payment plans that allow you to pay for the cost of tuition over time instead of all at once. This can be a great option if you don’t qualify for scholarships or loans, or if you need some extra time to come up with the funds.
Be sure to ask your school about their payment plans and make sure you understand all of the repayment terms before signing on. It’s also important to note that many schools require a down payment at the time of enrollment, so make sure you plan ahead if this is an option for you. Some schools allow you to pay less upfront, but their terms make you pay more overall.
How much financial aid do I need?
The average cost of a phlebotomy course varies depending on your location and the type of program you choose, but most schools will charge between $1,000 and $2,000 for a comprehensive training program. The cost may go up if you want to become certified or specialize in certain areas such as venipuncture. We’ve put together a resource that does a deeper dive into the cost of phlebotomy classes.
Considering these costs, you should plan to apply for as much financial aid as possible. Consider applying for scholarships, grants, and federal loan programs to cover the cost of your phlebotomy classes in order to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, speak to your school about their payment plans or ask if they offer any tuition discounts to lower the cost.
When looking for financial aid, it’s important to start your search early and be aware of all deadlines. You should also keep in mind that some grants and scholarships may have specific eligibility requirements or require an essay or other application materials. Be sure to read the fine print and check with your school’s financial aid office to make sure you understand all of the requirements.
Finding financial aid for phlebotomy classes can seem daunting, but with a little research it is possible to cover most or all of your tuition costs. Whether you apply for scholarships, grants, federal loans, or other payment plans, there are many options available to help you get the training you need.