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UNLV School of Medicine Graduate Home Loan Pipeline

Program figures verified July 2026 — details change; confirm your scenario with us.

By Mike Certo, Cornerstone First Mortgage · NMLS #260555 ·



The 60-second answer

If you're graduating from the University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Medicine (UNLV SOM), you have direct pathways to physician loan benefits as you transition from M4 → residency → attending position.

UNLV SOM is the newer (founded 2017) of Nevada's two MD programs (the other being UNR Med in Reno). UNLV SOM grads typically match to UMC, Sunrise Health System, Valley Health System, or out-of-state residencies.

For UNLV SOM graduates in Las Vegas (or returning):

  • $0 down up to $1.5M (680+ FICO) or $2M (720+ FICO)
  • No PMI
  • DTI up to 50%
  • IBR/PAYE student loan treatment
  • Multiple LV neighborhoods to consider for residency + attending

UNLV School of Medicine at a glance

  • Location: Las Vegas, NV (UNLV main campus area)
  • Type: Public state medical school
  • Program: MD
  • Founded: 2017 (newer school)
  • Graduating class: ~60-80 MDs per year (growing)
  • Affiliated: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
  • Residency partnerships: UMC (primary), Sunrise Health, Valley Health, Phoenix Children's, others

Where UNLV SOM grads match

Las Vegas residencies (most common)

  • UMC of Southern Nevada — primary academic medical center for UNLV SOM
  • Sunrise Health System — multiple Sunrise hospitals
  • Valley Health System — Valley + Centennial Hills + Summerlin + Spring Valley

Phoenix Children's (pediatric)

  • Phoenix Children's has UNLV SOM affiliation for peds residencies
  • Some UNLV SOM grads match Phoenix Children's

Out-of-state matches

  • UNLV SOM grads also match nationally
  • Various out-of-state residencies

UNLV SOM graduate timing scenarios

Scenario 1: M4 matching to UMC IM residency

  • UNLV SOM M4, matched UMC IM PGY-1
  • Resident salary: $66K
  • Student loans: $185K on IBR (lower than private school grads)
  • Wants: $415K home in Henderson border or central Vegas
  • Path: 100% LTV physician loan using signed match + resident salary
  • Outcome: Pre-residency move-in

Scenario 2: PGY-3 transitioning to Sunrise attending

  • PGY-3 IM resident at UMC
  • Resident salary: $72K → attending offer Sunrise hospitalist: $295K
  • Wants: $625K home in Centennial Hills or Henderson
  • Path: Use signed attending contract for qualifying
  • Outcome: Strong qualifying for premium home

Scenario 3: Couples Match — UNLV SOM + spouse

  • Both matched to LV residencies
  • Combined: $130K resident income
  • Wants: $525K Henderson family home
  • Path: Two-income physician loan
  • Outcome: Strong qualifying

Scenario 4: UNLV SOM grad returning from out-of-state fellowship

  • 3 years residency + 2 years specialty fellowship out of state
  • Returning to LV for specialty attending
  • Income: $485K specialty attending
  • Wants: $1.2M Henderson Anthem home
  • Path: Specialty attending contract + 100% LTV physician loan
  • Outcome: Specialty attending + premium home

UNLV SOM-specific considerations

Newer medical school dynamics

  • UNLV SOM founded 2017
  • Younger alumni network than established schools
  • Growing residency placement relationships
  • More UNLV SOM-specific affiliations developing

Community medicine focus

  • UNLV SOM emphasizes community medicine
  • Many grads stay in NV for community practice
  • Strong family medicine + primary care placements

LV-specific clinical rotations

  • UNLV M3 + M4 rotate at LV hospitals
  • Familiarity with LV practice environment
  • Specific UMC + Sunrise + Valley relationships

Where UNLV SOM grads actually buy

Central Vegas (close to UMC, Sunrise, Valley)

  • Westridge, John S. Park, Scotch 80s ($385K-$700K)
  • Arcadia + Madison ($600K-$1.2M)
  • Distance to most LV hospitals: 5-15 min

Henderson (premier family + commute)

  • Inspirada + Cadence ($475K-$1M)
  • Anthem CC + Lake Las Vegas ($725K-$2M)
  • Distance to LV hospitals: 25-40 min

Summerlin (premium + amenities)

  • Multiple villages ($550K-$15M+)
  • Distance to most LV hospitals: 15-30 min

Centennial Hills + NLV Aliante (family-focused)

  • $475K-$725K
  • Distance to most LV hospitals: 15-30 min

Mountain's Edge (south LV)

  • $475K-$725K
  • Distance to most LV hospitals: 15-30 min

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between UNLV SOM and UNR Med?

Both NV public MD programs. UNLV SOM in Las Vegas (founded 2017); UNR Med in Reno (older established). Same MD degree; eligibility for physician loan identical.

Does UNLV SOM have its own residency programs?

Limited residency programs of its own. Most residency placements at UMC, Sunrise, Valley + community partners. Growing as school matures.

Can I use my UNLV SOM match for home purchase before starting?

Yes — physician loan accepts match results within 60-90 days of start. Common pre-residency purchase path.

What about out-of-state residencies for UNLV SOM grads?

Same process — use signed out-of-state residency contract for qualifying.

What about UNLV SOM + spouse from MD program?

Both eligible for physician loan; combined household qualifying. Common dual-physician scenario.

Can I refi after attending income kicks in?

Yes — resident-to-attending refi common path.

What's the UNLV SOM student loan typical range?

$185K-$285K typical (lower than private school grads given UNLV's NV in-state tuition). Specific by individual scholarship/funding.

How does IBR/PAYE help UNLV SOM grad qualifying?

Actual IBR/PAYE payment counts vs 1% of balance phantom. Significant qualifying difference for $185-$285K balance.

Can I match to UMC if I'm UNLV SOM grad?

UMC is primary UNLV SOM affiliated training site. Many UNLV SOM grads match UMC residency. Standard match process.

What about UNLV SOM specialty residencies?

UNLV SOM has growing specialty residency placements. Some specialties at UMC, others at out-of-state programs.

Talk to Mike about your UNLV SOM scenario

Free 30-minute call. Bring your UNLV SOM year, residency status, target LV neighborhood, student loan status.

Talk to Mike about your physician loan

(480) 296-6513 · Mike Certo, NMLS #260555 · Cornerstone First Mortgage NMLS #173855


Sources

  • UNLV School of Medicine
  • Redwood Residential Acquisition Corporation — Sequoia Medical Professionals Program Eligibility Guide v1.1

Mike Certo · NMLS #260555 · Cornerstone First Mortgage NMLS #173855 · Equal Housing Lender. Not affiliated with UNLV School of Medicine. Educational content, not a loan commitment. Loans subject to buyer and property qualification.