UNMC awards major scholarships to inaugural Kearney medical class
Class begins fall 2026 at Health Science Education Center II
KEARNEY, Neb. — The University of Nebraska Medical Center is offering major scholarships to the first class of medical students training in Kearney.
The scholarships will cover at least half the cost of tuition for all four years for students in the inaugural class, which begins in the fall of 2026 at the new Health Science Education Center II.
The scholarships are funded entirely by private donors and UNMC, with no state money used.
“This gives our students a little bit of security and ensures that pursuing a medical degree in Kearney is worthwhile,” said Andrew Priest, executive director of medical education at UNMC’s Kearney campus.
Priest, a physical therapist and health care administrator with over 20 years of experience, says the scholarships also provide reassurance for students joining a new campus.
"The first group coming through are going to be the leaders. They're going to be the inaugural cohort. We want them to be our ambassadors, we believe this will attract some great students to come out here," said Priest. "The whole purpose of being here is to provide more physicians for greater Nebraska in the decades to come.
UNMC officials hope that by training students in smaller communities, many will return to practice in rural areas after completing residencies.
Currently 66 of Nebraska’s 93 counties are designated as medically underserved, according to UNMC.
The Health Science Education Center II will house a mix of hands-on and lecture-based learning.
About 40% of the curriculum will take place in small groups and labs, while 60% will be broadcast from Omaha, with local physicians helping facilitate local discussions on topics.
UNMC College of Medicine officials are working to secure additional private support to continue scholarships for future classes, with matching funds available for donations of $50,000 or more.
“Providing financial aid is a key part of our mission to improve the health of people across Nebraska,” said Bradley Britigan, MD, dean of the UNMC College of Medicine. “This scholarship program is just one way we’re investing in the next generation of rural physicians."