What Is the Cost of Medical School? Tuition & Costs for a Medical Degree on Average
Medical School Costs
Choosing to pursue a career in medicine is a life-altering decision. It’s a dedication to making a difference in other people’s lives and contributing to the greater good. However, it does not come without a price. If you want to be a doctor, surgeon, or any of the other dozens of medical professions, you’ve undoubtedly already thought about how much medical school costs—and what that implies for your future. And you’re not alone! Many students start their research early so they’re prepared for all of the associated costs of med school. Resources and requirements vary among institutions, so explore the list below to get a better understanding of what to expect.
What Is the Cost of Medical School? Tuition & Costs for a Medical Degree on Average
Requirements for Medical School
You must have a bachelor’s degree in a related topic such as biology, medicine, or physical science to be admitted into most medical school programs. Pre-medical advising is available in some undergraduate programs to ensure that students are on the right track for medical school. This includes studying for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which is required in addition to transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. Read The Effects of Blood Sugar Levels on the Human Body
Once approved, you can choose between two medical degrees in the United States: Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O. ), both of which require four years of medical school. The first year consists of a mix of classroom and preclinical mentoring, as well as laboratory time. Second-year students begin rotations in medicine, surgery, anesthesia, and other fields to gain experience in their chosen fields. Medical students in their third and fourth years begin taking the license examinations that are required to graduate. Following graduation from medical school, graduates enter a residency program at a hospital or clinic under the supervision of a physician, where they will work for another three to seven years. Longer residency training is usually required in more specialized areas. What Is the Cost of Medical School? Tuition & Costs for a Medical Degree on Average
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Residents can then apply for an unrestricted medical license to practice without supervision or complete a one or two-year fellowship in a specialty area. Board certifications are also available for physicians and surgeons in their specialty, earned by passing another exam. With so many requirements, the ultimate med school cost can change depending on the school, programs, and specialty you choose.
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Private and Public Medical School Tuition
The cost of medical school will vary depending on whether you go to an in-state or out-of-state school and if the institution is private or public. And as many students already know, attending college includes more costs than just tuition. That means your budget must also include fees, books, food, housing, and supplies, plus a cost-of-living adjustment in your city of choice.
Here is a breakdown of average tuition and fees by institution type in the 2021-2022 school year, as reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
Average Private School Costs
Resident (In-State)
$56,634 Tuition
+$3,681 Health Insurance
+$1,925 Fees
= $62,240 Total
Non-Resident (Out-of-State)
$58,038 Tuition
+$3,701 Health Insurance
+$1,953 Fees
= $63,692 Total
Average Public School Costs
Resident (In-State)
$33,489 Tuition
+$2,905 Health Insurance
+$2,876 Fees
= $39,270 Total
Non-Resident (Out-of-State)
$56,351 Tuition
+$2,940 Health Insurance
+$3,704 Fees
= $62,995 Total
You’ll notice that attending an in-state public school has a more than $24,000 price difference compared to out-of-state private school costs, which over 4 years adds up to about $98,000 in savings! It’s a difference that partially explains why it’s so difficult to generalize about the cost of medical school. On the other hand, average non-resident costs are nearly the same across public and private institutions, so don’t limit your options to public if you’re looking out-of-state. Overall, the cost of med school adds up quickly and requires smart planning and budgeting along the way.
Total Cost of Medical School
Over four years, a medical student can expect to pay anywhere from $157,080 (in-state, public school) to $254,768 (out-of-state, private school) and up. These can be daunting numbers, especially when moving from undergrad directly to medical school. Thankfully, medical professions have some of the highest salaries in the country, with a median salary of at least $208,000. Be sure to explore the many options for paying for med school including specialized loans, grants, scholarships, and exchange programs.
Understanding the cost of medical school is just one step in a long career path. Make sure you use the right tools and available research to make smart choices and set yourself up for the future.