News: New Florida med school awarding full scholarships to first class

Although it has yet to hold its first class, the University of Central Florida's College of Medicine is already among the most sought-after and selective medical schools in the country. The Orlando school, which commences in the fall 2009, is awarding scholarships-an estimated cost of $51,825 for an out-of-state student per year-to its first student class of 40.

With the average medical student carrying $175,000 of educational debt upon graduation, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, it's not surprising that the school has received 3,300 applications for the open spots as of early October.

"I was hoping we would get more applicants than any other medical school," says Deborah German, MD, founding dean of the college. "It's much easier to select from the best and brightest to put together an excellent class."