Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons International Scholarships

In 2017, the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons announced the launch of a sweeping scholarship program that made it the first medical school in the nation to meet 100 percent of demonstrated financial need with scholarships for all students who qualify as part of their need-based financial aid package.

The scholarship fund is supported by an endowment that was established by Dr. P. Roy and Diana Vagelos. The couple has committed more than $300 million to Columbia, $150 million of which was directed toward the scholarship fund endowment. With this funding from Dr. and Mrs. Vagelos, as well as additional support from other generous alumni, faculty, and friends, the medical school launched the scholarship program for new and continuing eligible MD students, beginning in the 2018-19 year.

“Having a scholarship fund of this magnitude puts our medical school within reach of the most talented students, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Lee Goldman, MD, the Dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine and Chief Executive of Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “In addition, this scholarship program will allow our students to choose a medical specialty based on their true passion and highest calling, rather than on income potential. The extraordinary generosity of Roy and Diana Vagelos in establishing this endowment will change the future for generations of students in our medical school.”

Medical students who submit complete financial aid applications will automatically be considered for a Vagelos Scholarship Program award.