Trends in expenses, financial assistance, and indebtedness for students studying health professions and the effects of financial considerations on career choice were examined. The objective was to determine financial disincentives to graduates of health professions schools that affect their choice of practice specialty or their decision to practice in an underserved area. Information that is needed to determine whether there are disincentives that affect the achievement of national health goals were also identified. The influence of economic factors on career choices of minority students was considered as well. The following health professions that are eligible for the Health Education Assistance Loan and/or the Health Professions Student Loan program were covered: medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, and public health. Additional loan and scholarship program awards were also considered. Data are provided by profession on the current status and recent trends in educational expenses (e.g., tuition, fees); mechanisms used by students to finance their education; debt levels; and trends in federal and nonfederal financial aid. Numerous tables and five pages of references are included. (SW)