Financing Health Professional School

Financial planning, smart budgeting and fee assistance are important things to consider when determining how to finance your medical school education.

Health professional programs are an investment in your future. While these programs are expensive, practitioners make good salaries, and are able to pay off debt. Still, financial planning should be an important part of your post-graduate education decisions.

The cost of applying to health professional programs can vary significantly. Most centralized application services charge a fee to submit a primary application to one program, with additional fees required to add more schools. Many programs also require secondary or supplemental applications, which often include additional fees that vary by institution.

The table below outlines anticipated costs for program applications based on the number of schools our office recommends applying to. 

ProgramRecommended Number of Programs to Apply toAnticipated Cost (approximate, actual cost may vary)
Veterinary6-9 programs$1600-$2000
Physician Assistant/Associate10-15 programs$1400-$2000
Osteopathic Medicine (DO)15-25 programs$2100-$3500
Allopathic Medicine (MD)15-25 programs$3000-$5000
Dental8-10 programs$2100-$2800
Optometry6-9 programs$1000-$1400
TMDSAS Schools8-14 programs (depending on profession)$1160-$2000

Because application fees and policies are updated regularly, we encourage you to review the most current pricing information through the appropriate centralized application service. Links to these resources are provided below.

Many health profession application services offer fee assistance or fee waiver programs for eligible applicants. Benefits, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and funding availability vary by profession and may change from year to year.

We strongly encourage applicants to review the most current information directly through their centralized application service. Because many fee assistance programs operate on a limited funding basis and may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, applicants should research options early as you begin to prepare for the application cycle.

Learn More About Fee Assistance Programs

In addition to application fee assistance, some professions offer financial support for admissions tests (e.g., MCAT, PA-CAT) or application preparation resources. Consult the official application service websites for the most up-to-date information.

Visit the AAMC Financial Aid Application Process Website

  • While the process of applying for financial aid varies by medical school, here are some universal steps to help you get started. Always check with the financial aid office at your medical school for specific instructions

Download the FREE AAMC Education Debt Manager for Matriculating and Graduating Medical School Students

  • This comprehensive financial guide helps professionals at all levels of the medical education continuum navigate the complexities of financing medical school by borrowing wisely and repaying student loan debt responsibly.

Visit the AAMC Financial Wellness Website

  • Access free financial calculators, articles, and videos to help you create a budget, track your spending, create financial goals, and enhance your financial knowledge about credit, financial planning, money management, and more!

Use the MedLoans® Organizer and Calculator (MLOC)

  • The MedLoans® Organizer and Calculator was developed to assist medical students and residents with managing their education debt. The MLOC provides a secure location to organize and track student loans while also displaying possible repayment plans and costs based on the borrower’s student l
  • If you need loans to cover cost of tuition, consider borrowing federal student loans. The Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Direct PLUS Loan are federal loans. These are both unsubsidized loans, meaning the borrower is responsible for the interest that accrues on the loans; however, they have some of the best terms and conditions.
  • Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in applying for financial aid. Check the school’s requirements for FAFSA filing dates. Note: Applying for a loan requires completing a Master Promissory Note (MPN). This is separate from the FAFSA.
  • Parental information may be required by medical schools for students who wish to be considered for institutional financial aid (aid given by the medical school) even though an applicant is considered independent for purposes of federal loans. Check with the medical school’s financial aid office to verify their requirements.
  • To ensure the results of your FAFSA are sent to the schools you are applying to, be sure to list the medical school’s federal school code on the FAFSA. If you do not know the school code, you can search for it on the Federal Student Aid website.

Contact the health professional school’s financial aid office to determine available sources of financial aid. Be proactive; explore additional resources for scholarships and grants. You can search for scholarships and grants in several places.