Average Cost of Medical School 2025

Planning for how much is medical school isn’t just about hitting the books—it’s about balancing ambition with a realistic cost of medical school. From application fees to tuition and loan strategies, understanding every dollar you’ll spend can turn uncertainty into confidence.

Below, you’ll find key breakdowns—from application costs to multi-degree timelines and borrowing limits—so you can map your path to a medical career without surprises.

Key takeaways

• Annual tuition averages are $34,550 for public in-state, $58,010 for out-of-state, and $58,000–$60,000 for private schools
• Total four-year costs range from $160,000 to $260,000, including fees and insurance
• Additional expenses like health insurance, living costs, application fees, and books add significantly to the overall cost

How much does medical school tuition cost annually in 2024?

Medical school tuition varies widely depending on the type of institution and whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student.

• Public medical schools (In-state residents): If you're attending a public medical school in your home state, you can expect to pay an average annual tuition of $34,550.
• Public medical schools (Out-of-state students): Out-of-state students face higher tuition, with averages around $58,010 per year.
• Private medical schools: Private institutions generally don't differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students. The average annual tuition here ranges from $58,000 to $60,000.

What is the total cost for four years of medical school?

When planning for medical school, it's crucial to consider the total cost beyond just tuition. Over four years, including fees and health insurance, here's what you might be looking at:

• In-state students at public schools: $159,620 total.
• Out-of-state students at public schools and private schools: $250,000-$260,000 total.

That's a hefty sum, isn't it? But don't let these numbers deter you just yet. On average, doctors in the US can earn more than $350K per year once their training is completed, which could make the tuition investment worth it.

How much does eight years of medical school cost?

When you include a four-year bachelor’s degree followed by four years of medical school, tuition alone can be substantial:

Public in-state path:

• Undergrad (~$35,000 × 4 years) = $140,000
• Med school (~$40,000 × 4 years) = $160,000
• Total ≈ $300,000

Public out-of-state/private path:

• Undergrad (~$55,000 × 4 years) = $220,000
• Med school (~$67,000 × 4 years) = $268,000
• Total ≈ $488,000

These estimates illustrate the total cost of medical school across extended programs. When you add living expenses, health insurance, books, and exam fees, your eight-year investment can climb well past half a million dollars.

Degree type & program length

Not all medical paths carry the same timeline or price tag. Consider these options:

• M.D. (Doctor of Medicine)
  • 4 years classroom + clinical rotations
  • Residency (3–7 years) after graduation
  • Median four-year average cost of medical school: ~$286 K (public) to $391 K (private)
• D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)
  • 4-year program with additional osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) training
  • Often smaller class sizes and holistic admissions
  • Similar medical schools tuition ranges to M.D. programs
• Combined BS/MD programs
  • 6–8 years total (undergraduate + med school)
  • Locks in tuition rates earlier but extends the overall commitment
  • Total cost varies by the undergraduate component

TuitionHero Tip

These breakdowns help you see how much does medical school cost depending on the degree you choose.

What additional expenses should medical students budget for?

Beyond tuition and mandatory fees, several other expenses can add up:

• Health insurance and student fees: Approximately $5,000 to $7,000 per year.
• Living expenses: Housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses vary widely based on location but can significantly impact your overall budget.
• Application costs: Between $800 and $1,100. This includes MCAT fees, primary and secondary application fees, and interview travel expenses.
• Books and supplies: Typically $500 to $2,000 per year.

Breakdown of application costs

Applying to medical school involves more than just the primary application fee. Here’s what to budget for:

• Primary service fees:
  • American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS): $175 for first school + $45 per additional
  • American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS): $196 for first program + $46 per additional
  • Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS): flat $185 for unlimited participating Texas medical, dental, and veterinary schools
• Secondary applications:
  • $30–$250 per school
• Transcripts & recommendations:
  • Transcript fees: $0–$15 each
  • Letters of recommendation: ~$5 each
• Interview expenses:
  • $500–$1,000 per trip for travel, lodging, meals
• Typical total: $800–$1,200 for 16–18 applications

TuitionHero Tip

Be sure to factor in all medical school fees, including secondary application charges.

How have medical school costs changed over time?

You might be wondering if these costs are stable or if they're subject to change.

• Steady increase: Over the past decade, the cost of medical school has increased by roughly 25%.
• Annual rise: Since 2014, there's been an average annual increase of about 2.5% in medical school tuition and fees.

TuitionHero Tip

These trends highlight the importance of financial planning, as costs are likely to continue rising.

Are there special programs or financial aid options available?

Absolutely! While the costs may seem daunting, several programs aim to alleviate the financial burden:

• Tuition-free programs: Schools like the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine offer tuition-free education.
• Significantly reduced tuition: The New York University Grossman School of Medicine provides substantial tuition reductions.
• Scholarships and grants: About two-thirds of medical students receive some form of scholarship or grant aid.

Exploring these options can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

How do costs vary by geographic location and institution?

Location and institutional choices can greatly impact your total cost:

• Affordable public schools: States like Texas boast some of the most affordable public medical schools due to state regulations capping tuition. Texas A&M University and UT Health Science Center at Houston are notable examples.
• Expensive private schools: Top-ranking private institutions like Harvard University, Midwestern University, and Columbia University can have annual tuition costs exceeding $70,000.

Considering both the cost and the quality of education is essential when choosing where to apply.

Compare private student loans now

TuitionHero simplifies your student loan decision, with multiple top loans side-by-side.

[@portabletext/react] Unknown block type "component", specify a component for it in the `components.types` prop

[@portabletext/react] Unknown block type "component", specify a component for it in the `components.types` prop

Compare Rates

What are some key figures and institutions to consider?

Here's a quick rundown of notable schools and their financial offerings:

• Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine: Offers a tuition-free program, potentially saving students over $200,000.
• Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine: Also tuition-free, with the added benefit of a salary and benefits in exchange for military service after graduation.
• New York University Grossman School of Medicine: Provides significantly reduced tuition to alleviate student debt.
• Harvard Medical School: One of the most prestigious and expensive, with a total estimated cost of around $420,000 for four years, including living expenses.

What do the numbers say?: A year-over-year comparison

Understanding the numbers can help you make informed decisions:

• Average annual increase: Medical school costs have been rising by about 2.5% each year since 2014.
• Total four-year cost range: Between $162,000 and $265,000, depending on the school and residency status.
• Average yearly cost: Approximately $59,000 per year, combining tuition and fees.

These figures emphasize the importance of early financial planning.

TuitionHero Tip

Did you know that some medical schools offer completely free tuition? Schools like the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine are changing the game by eliminating tuition costs for certain cohorts, making medical education more accessible.

Dos and don'ts of planning for medical school

Loan types & borrowing limits

Choosing the right loan mix can minimize your interest burden and preserve flexibility:

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans
  • Annual borrowing cap: $20,500
  • Fixed interest rate: 8.08%
  • No need to demonstrate financial need
• Grad PLUS Loans
  • Can cover up to full cost of attendance
  • Fixed interest rate: 9.08%
  • Requires credit check; higher origination fees
• Private student loans
  • Variable rates, credit-based approval
  • Fewer repayment and forgiveness options
  • Useful only after maxing out federal loans

Your choice here influences how much does med school cost in terms of repayment and long-term interest.

Why trust TuitionHero

TuitionHero supports your medical school journey by providing insights into managing costs, including tuition, fees, living expenses, and financial aid options. We help you explore strategies to make medical education more affordable and accessible.

Average cost of medical school per year

A recent analysis by Bold.org shows the average cost of medical school per year in the U.S. is now $58,968, which includes tuition, fees, and health insurance.

This median figure reflects a blend of public and private institutions as well as in-state and out-of-state rates, offering a clear benchmark for prospective students.

When you compare that to the average cost of attendance—which factors in room, board, and supplies and now averages about $68,924—you can see how living expenses can add roughly $10,000 extra per year.

Over the past decade, medical school tuition and fees have climbed by approximately 2.5% annually, highlighting the need for early budgeting and regular review of your financial plan.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How much does medical school tuition cost annually in 2024?

The average annual tuition for public medical schools is approximately $34,550 for in-state students and $58,010 for out-of-state students. Private medical schools typically range from $58,000 to $60,000 per year.

What is the total cost for four years of medical school?

In-state public school students can expect a total cost of around $159,620, while out-of-state and private school students may see totals between $250,000 and $260,000, factoring in fees, health insurance, and living expenses.

What additional expenses should be budgeted for?

Medical students should account for health insurance ($5,000-$7,000 per year), living expenses, application fees ($800-$1,100), and books and supplies ($500-$2,000 annually). Location can heavily impact living costs.

How have medical school costs changed over time?

Medical school costs have risen by approximately 25% over the past decade, with an average annual increase of 2.5% since 2014. Proper financial planning is crucial as these costs continue to rise.

Are there programs to help reduce the cost of medical school?

Yes, options include tuition-free programs at institutions like the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. About two-thirds of medical students receive scholarships or grant aid.

How much does 8 years of medical school cost in the USA?

When you include four years of undergrad plus four years of med school, the combined total cost of medical school education can be substantial.

According to Inspira Advantage, the eight-year cost ranges from approximately $309,232 to $442,384, excluding room, board, books, and other indirect expenses.

What is the cheapest medical school?

A few U.S. schools offer effectively tuition-free MD programs (students still cover minimal fees):

• NYU Grossman School of Medicine
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine
• Uniformed Services University’s F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine

These institutions waive standard tuition, making them the most affordable options nationwide.

Final thoughts

Medical training is an investment in your future—one that pays dividends in both career fulfillment and earning potential.

By breaking down every component—from initial applications to multi-degree tuition and loan options—you gain the clarity needed to make strategic choices and manage your medical school cost effectively.

With the average cost of medical school rising and the average cost of medical school per year increasing by roughly 2.5%, early financial planning is more critical than ever.

Armed with these insights, you can apply, borrow, and budget smarter, turning the dream of becoming a doctor into a financially sustainable reality.

Source

• BestColleges.com: How Much Does Medical School Cost?
• Inspira Advantage: How Much Does Medical School Cost?
• Tutors.com: How Much Does Medical School Cost? (2024 Guide)
• Education Data Initiative: Average Cost of Medical School
• KapTest: Average Doctor Salaries by Speciality