Sonography & Ultrasound Tech Programs with Financial Aid

Explore online sonography and ultrasound tech programs offering financial aid and learn how to maximize your financial support. The three schools profiled show you what to expect in a solid program with ample funding options. Common funding options for sonography and ultrasound students are also included, along with a financial aid eligibility and an application checklist to help you understand the process. You’ll also find valuable resources and links to actual scholarships.

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Author: Kari Scare
Editor: Kimberly Zaski

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Program Profiles: Sonography & Ultrasound Tech Programs with Financial Aid

Sonography programs usually lead to an associate or bachelor’s degree, and there are even accelerated options that only take about a year of study. While online sonography programs offer greater flexibility and can be completed quickly, they can still be costly. Fortunately, many schools offer scholarships, grants, payment plans, and other forms of financial aid to help you pay for your degree. A financial-aid-friendly sonography program makes it as easy as possible to find and apply to financial aid, usually by providing a variety of options through the school’s financial aid office. These programs also typically accept scholarships, loans, and other funding from outside sources like employers and professional organizations. When choosing a sonography and ultrasound program with financial aid, consider the amount of aid the school has available and ease of the application process. Also consider if your program will easily integrate funding you receive from other sources.

Oregon Institute of Technology

For ARDMS-registered sonographers, the 100% online Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from Oregon Tech builds upon existing qualifications and experience, opening the door to management positions and specialization. Students also gain hands-on experience. Oregon Tech provides multiple financial aid opportunities, and online students enrolled in at least six credit hours can receive federal grants, scholarships, and work-study. The Oregon Tech Foundation also awards more than $1,000,000 annually in scholarships to help make education more affordable.

Boise State University

Boise State University’s Bachelor of Science in Advanced Medical Imaging, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Modality prepares you for certification exams and covers sonography physics, instrumentation, abdominal and obstetrics/gynecology procedures, and Doppler techniques. The program offers seven-week courses, local clinicals, and part- and full-time study options. Boise State makes it easy to fund your education and offers several ways to tuition, including scholarships, payment plans, military benefits, and employer reimbursements. Some scholarships are applied automatically.

Louisiana State University of Alexandria

Louisiana State University of Alexandria’s (LSUA) 100% online Bachelor of Science in Health Professions with concentration in Medical Imaging is for individuals wanting to advance their careers in the medical imaging field. It’s ideal for those with associate degrees in radiologic technology. LSUA makes education more affordable with several ways to pay for your education, including pay-as-you-go tuition. Additionally, there are many scholarships, grants, and other financial aid programs to help students with tuition for their degree programs.

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Financial Aid Eligibility & Application Checklist

Each type of financial aid has different eligibility and application requirements, so it’s important you do your research before applying. By following this financial aid application checklist, you’ll increase your chances of receiving the support you need to pursue a career in sonography.

Complete the FAFSA Early

The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early to determine your eligibility for federal grants, scholarships, and student loans. The online form opens in October for the following fall semester. Filing early maximizes your chances of receiving aid and allows schools to consider you for their own financial aid packages.

Review Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

Each financial aid option has different requirements and eligibility criteria. Thoroughly review both for each option you are considering, ensuring it’s the right fit for you, and you have all the details to apply. You can typically find the necessary details on the program website or within the application.

Check Deadlines and Apply Early

Deadlines for financial aid differ, and many grants and scholarships have strict application windows. Missing the application deadline can result in disqualification. Make sure you track key dates and apply early whenever possible to demonstrate your commitment and allow ample time for processing if additional materials are required.

Gather All Necessary Documents

Financial aid applications often ask for additional materials, like an essay, purpose statement, and recommendation letters. These materials take time to complete, so it’s imperative to develop and collect them well in advance of the deadline. Review requirements thoroughly to build your application folder and ensure you have everything needed.

Receive Feedback on Supplemental Materials

If scholarships or grants require essays, letters of intent, or portfolios, seek feedback from a trusted source. Ask your professors, advisors, or career counselors for honest input on your application materials, so you can ensure you’re submitting your best work. Make sure you factor this step into your timeline to meet deadlines.

Review Award Letters

If you’re selected for an award, you’ll receive an award letter outlining the details. Read it carefully to understand the types and amounts of aid being awarded. Compare packages from different schools and programs to determine the most beneficial options. Contact your school’s financial aid office or the organization awarding your funds with questions.

Common Funding Options for Sonography and Ultrasound Tech Students

With so many financial aid options, it can be overwhelming to find the right combination for you. Some of most common financial aid options – federal, institutional, payment plans, scholarships and grants – are outlined below. Each has unique eligibility requirements, so understanding what qualifies is a great first step to funding your path to a sonography/ultrasound tech degree and career.

Federal Student Aid

Private and federal loans require repayment, but many offer flexible repayment options. Federal loans typically come with lower interest rates, and some are based on financial need. Loans add to your overall debt burden, so accept only what you truly need and can comfortably repay as a sonographer or ultrasound technician once you graduate.

Institutional Aid

Institutional aid is offered by most schools with sonography/ultrasound programs, especially those with associate and bachelor’s degree programs. It includes scholarships, grants, tuition discounts, work study, loan forgiveness, and tuition reimbursement. Check with your school’s financial aid office for details on the specific types of aid it offers.

Payment Plans

Most sonography and ultrasound tech programs offer flexible payment plans. Options range from monthly, deferred, and tuition installment plans. Some schools integrate payment plans with the financial aid received from other sources. There are also employer-sponsored payment plans – and even tuition reimbursement plans – as part of some companies’ benefits packages.

Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships and grants are essentially free money awarded based on things like merit, need, or major. Many are for students pursuing healthcare professions and some specifically for sonography and ultrasound students. Scholarships and grants are offered by schools, professional organizations, equipment manufacturers, and even hospitals. Thoroughly review the application requirements and deadlines on each offer since they vary greatly.

Examples:

SDMS Sonography Student Scholarship
  • Amount: $2,500
  • The Sonography Student Scholarship through the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Foundation is for students accepted or enrolled in an accredited sonography educational program and who are SDMS members. The application process includes three short essay questions.
ASRT Foundation Scholarship
  • Amount: $500 to $5,000
  • The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities through various individuals and organizations who understand the importance of highly skilled radiologists. Only one application is needed for the over 20 scholarships.

Find more scholarships for sonography and ultrasound tech students.

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A smiling woman with long blonde hair against a blurred orange and black background. She appears happy and is facing the camera.

Kari Scare AUTHOR

Kari has 15 years of copy editing and writing experience on topics that include allied health, nursing, healthcare, business, education, and engineering. She has also edited eight fiction manuscripts of over 80,000 words, with four published. Kari taught writing and communication as an adjunct professor at the community college level for five years and currently does workforce training in topics like technical and professional writing for computer support technicians and communication skills for manufacturing administrators. Additional writing and editing experience include her work in nonprofits, business services, and manufacturing. Kari’s education strengthens her 30 years of experience in writing, editing, and teaching. She earned a bachelor’s degree in practical writing from Western Michigan University in 1993 and a master’s degree in technical and professional writing from Bowling Green State University in 2020.

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Kim Zaski

Kimberly Zaski EDITOR

Kimberly has worked in higher education for more than 30 years, as a writer, editor and marketing director for lifelong learning and professional studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, and as chief membership officer for the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) in Washington, DC. During her tenure at Nevada, Kim and her team received top national honors for excellence in advertising, print publications and logo design. She began her career as a news reporter and editor in North Lake Tahoe, covering news and political beats from northern California to Reno.

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