2026- 2027 Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students (SDS)

The School of Dentistry at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has been awarded a grant from The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for students pursuing a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. This scholarship program aims to increase the number of graduates practicing primary care, the enrollment and retention of full-time students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and the number of graduates working in medically under-served communities.

The application will close November 30th, 2026

What is SDS?
This scholarship program, funded by Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), provides for scholarships to full-time, financially needy health professions students from economically or environmentally vulnerable backgrounds. The program’s goal is to increase the number of students in health professions to provide care to under-served areas and rural populations following completion of the student’s degree.
Who is eligible to apply?
Students enrolled full-time in academic year 2026-2027, who are eligible to submit a FAFSA, have financial need, are meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards and not on probationary status,and come from either an Economically or Educationally/Geographically Vulnerable background* are eligible to apply for this scholarship. The deadline to submit a complete application is November 30th, 2026.

Economically Vulnerable Background: defined as one who comes from a family with an annual income below the poverty levels shown below:

2025 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE
48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Persons in family/household Poverty
guideline
1 …………………………………….. $15,650
2 …………………………………….. 21,150
3 …………………………………….. 26,650
4 …………………………………….. 32,150
5 …………………………………….. 37,650
6 …………………………………….. 43,150
7 …………………………………….. 48,650
8 …………………………………….. 54,150
For families/households with more
than 8 persons, add $5,500 for each
additional person.

Educationally/Geographically Vulnerable Background

Defined as one who has the abilities needed to succeed in a health career but comes from a background and educationally vulnerable environment that has made it difficult to reach and fully demonstrate one’s academic potential:
- Graduated from or last attended a high school with either a
  - Low percentage of seniors receiving a high school diploma, or
  - Low percentage of graduates who attend college during the first year after graduation.
- Graduated from or last attended a high school with low per capita funding
- Graduated from or last attended a high school where many of the enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches (as reported on your TDMSAS).
- First generation student (parents never attended college as reported on your FAFSA
When do I apply for SDS?
The application cycle for 2026-2027 will be from November 2nd to November 30th, 2026. Submit your completed application and required income and asset information to VSFA@UTHSCSA.EDU.
How are the funds awarded?
Applications received by the deadline are considered by the School of Dentistry Scholarship Committee. SDS funding is limited and will be awarded until funds are exhausted and not all applicants will receive an award. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that prior recipients of this scholarship will be awarded this year.

For students that have received loans up to the total cost of attendance, the scholarship will replace a portion of those loan funds in order to prevent an over-award of financial aid because regulations state a student’s total financial aid award(s) cannot exceed their cost of attendance budget. Reduced loan funds are returned to your lender and will reduce your balance with the lender.
If I receive a full tuition waiver/exemption am I eligible to apply for SDS?
No because this award is intended to assist students with paying their tuition and fees.