Med Student Delaying Graduation to Complete a Research Year. What are my options for securing financial aid?

Hello everyone,

I am currently a fourth-year medical student who is delaying graduation until next year to complete a research year.

According to my school's financial aid office, I do not qualify for any federal loans/financial aid due to the BBB recent legislation rules. The rationale also given was that the research course I will be completing does not count towards a degree requirement. My understanding is that, since I began medical school in the Fall of 2022, I would be grandfathered in to the older rules to be eligible for direct loans.

If I am not eligible for federal loans, are private education loans an option?

Any input or clarification would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks