Aspiring physician assistant students should be prepared for the size and scope of the project that is studying for the profession. This includes having a solid knowledge of the standard cost to attend PA school and the requirements that goes with the upcoming application. It’s no secret that the average undergraduate education debt to PA schools is growing each year, but being aware of your options to manage the expenses will help you decide and map out your way more easily.
You may start by gathering all the average costs of a regular PA school both for private and public schools. Interested physician assistant student applicants can weigh the costs of different PA schools. If you’re dedicated enough to find the perfect option, you might encounter organizations and hospitals that provide financial aid or scholarships for deserving PA school applicants.
How much does PA school cost?
In most countries, particularly in the United States, advanced degree programs and colleges that offer Physician Assistant studies and courses have rising curriculum fees in large percentages. PA school cost varies from one institution to another and the value is based on the different learning conditions:
Whether the school you are applying for is public or private
You are a state resident where the PA school is registered
The state PA school you are applying to.
Attending physician assistant school will normally cost you around $75,000 to $80,000 or more. The usual range is mostly applicable for students who are residents in the state where they are acquiring such a degree program. Hence, the costs will vary depending on the residency as in state vs. out of state tuition is different. Over the last year, the program tuition and fees have increased by 9%. This is an alarming stat for those who want to pursue the profession of being a physician assistant.
For PA applicants who are non-residents of the state, the cost can be higher and the standard curriculum fee can start at $95,000. Other states may have different cost brackets. Approach the local institutions or school of medicine that are offering PA degree programs in your area and know the price for each period. Keep in mind that these numbers do not include additional costs that you might need to budget for such as cost of living in the city you are studying at, transportation costs, health insurance, and all other daily living expenses. Therefore, the total cost per academic year or entire program will be higher even if you choose the cheapest physician assistant schools available.
The Average Cost Across PA Schools for 2020
The NCCPA Statistical Report, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Physician Assistant Education Association or PAEA supplied the current data which shows the average cost across PA schools for 2020. The report reflects the three contrasting costs between public resident, public non‐resident, and private tuitions. It also covers the average PA program length and the increasing percentage for both resident and non-resident tuitions.
The average cost for a 27‐month physician assistant program:
Public Resident Tuition - $50,289
Public Non‐Resident Tuition - $88,677
Private Tuition - $91,639
Generally, resident tuition has increased by 5.33% while nonresident tuition grew by 3.5%. The rates are aligned with the average program length of 27 months.
Cost of Private vs. Public PA Programs
One of the big considerations when deciding on a program is Private vs. Public. Both have proven their capacities to produce quality PA professionals, yet each also has distinctive sets and processes in requiring applicants for the necessary preconditions.
PA programs from private institutions have higher tuition fees for resident and nonresident students. Public and private physician assistant schools both raised prices, which climbed to 4% to 7%, specifically for resident tuitions. Aside from the main fees for such a degree program, the costs for incidental aspects like medical equipment, worksheets, books, etc. have also increased the average total. Public and private institutions increased miscellaneous fees by 23% and 139%, respectively.
Today, private institutions that offer PA degree programs remain at a higher value compared to public colleges. Private PA programs land on 62.5%, while the latter sits at 35.6%.
Average Costs of PA School Fees: Private vs. Public
Applicants are required to pay program fees to step into the official phase of enrollment. Private PA program fees have an average cost of $4,672. Public PA institutions, on the other hand, require a fee of $5,937.
Cost of US Physician Assistant Programs
| PA Program | Resident Tuition | Nonresident Tuition |
| A.T. Still University | $86,268 | $86,268 |
| Adventist University of Health Sciences - Orlando | $77,480 | $77,480 |
| Albany Medical College | $66,444 | $118,776 |
| Alderson-Broaddus University | $115,702 | $115,702 |
| Anne Arundel Community College | see website | see website |
| Arcadia University | $90,240 | $90,240 |
| Augsburg College | $87,024 | $87,024 |
| Augusta University | $48,825 | $97,650 |
| Baldwin Wallace University | $78,000 | $78,000 |
| Barry University | $80,000 | $80,000 |
| Bay Path College | $101,400 | $101,400 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | $69,794 | $69,794 |
| Bethel University Minnesota | $86,856 | $86,856 |
| Bethel University Tennessee | $80,500 | $80,500 |
| Boston University | $103,847 | $103,847 |
| Bryant University (one of the best PA schools in Rhode Island) | $94,951 | $94,951 |
| Butler University | $86,000 | $86,000 |
| California Baptist University | $80,000 | $80,000 |
| Campbell University | $75,600 | $75,600 |
| Carroll University | $66,469 | $66,469 |
| Case Western Reserve University | $85,767 | $85,000 |
| Central Michigan University | $110,880 | $141,110 |
| Chapman University (California) | $93,331 | $93,331 |
| Charles R. Drew University | $83,000 | $83,000 |
| Chatham University | $106,571 | $106,571 |
| Christian Brothers University | $79,000 | $79,000 |
| Clarkson University | $104,485 | $104,485 |
| College of Saint Mary | $75,000 | $75,000 |
| College of Saint Scholastica | $88,500 | $88,500 |
| Concordia University | $84,733 | $84,733 |
| Concordia University, Ann Arbor | see website | see website |
| Cornell University | $81,132 | $81,132 |
| Creighton University | $83,132 | $83,132 |
| CUNY Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education | $42,139 | $63,364 |
| CUNY York College | $59,000 | $86,456 |
| D'youville College | $107,550 | $107,550 |
| Daemen College | $93,080 | $93,080 |
| Des Moines University | $68,840 | $68,840 |
| Desales University | $78,300 | $78,300 |
| Dominican University | $88,000 | $88,000 |
| Dominican University of California | $100,785 | $100,785 |
| Drexel University | $79,326 | $79,326 |
| Duke University Medical Center | $92,692 | $92,692 |
| Duquesne University | $112,488 | $112,488 |
| East Carolina University | $43,395 | $89,416 |
| Eastern Michigan University | $70,546 | $121,329 |
| Eastern Virginia Medical School | $72,863 | $83,622 |
| Elon University | $85,680 | $85,680 |
| Emory & Henry College | $78,806 | $78,806 |
| Emory University | $99,799 | $99,799 |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | $55,024 | $138,479 |
| Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine | $62,798 | $83,203 |
| Florida State University | $65,333 | $88,667 |
| Francis Marion University | $67,004 | $134,008 |
| Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University | $100,496 | $100,496 |
| Franklin College | see website | see website |
| Franklin Pierce University | $90,000 | $90,000 |
| Frostburg State University | see website | see website |
| Gannon University (3+2) | $176,240 | $176,240 |
| Gardner Webb University | $78,308 | $78,308 |
| George Washington University | $86,148 | $86,148 |
| Grand Valley State University | $72,696 | $84,872 |
| Hardin-Simmons University | $68,000 | $68,000 |
| Harding University | $86,135 | $86,135 |
| Heritage University | $80,750 | $80,750 |
| High Point University | $114,462 | $114,462 |
| Hofstra University | $97,000 | $97,000 |
| Idaho State University | $73,764 | $118,662 |
| Indiana State University | $40,000 | $80,000 |
| Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences | $58,661 | $84,575 |
| Interservice | see website | see website |
| James Madison University | $40,016 | $86,428 |
| Jefferson College of Health Sciences | $80,295 | $80,295 |
| Johnson & Wales University | $90,000 | $90,000 |
| Kean University | $53,000 | $70,000 |
| Keiser University | $80,468 | $80,468 |
| Kettering College | $81,865 | $81,865 |
| King's College | $82,668 | $82,668 |
| Lake Erie College | $78,400 | $78,400 |
| Le Moyne College | $84,000 | $84,000 |
| Lenoir-Rhyne University | $77,000 | $77,000 |
| Lincoln Memorial | $97,169 | $97,169 |
| Lipscomb University | $92,925 | $92,925 |
| Lock Haven University | $53,736 | $76,874 |
| Loma Linda University | $89,100 | $89,100 |
| Long Island University | $106,000 | $106,000 |
| Louisiana State University - New Orleans | $51,813 | $92,321 |
| Louisiana State University - Shreveport | $61,000 | $93,249 |
| Lynchburg College | $80,092 | $80,092 |
| Marietta College | $78,254 | $78,254 |
| Marist College | $90,900 | $90,900 |
| Marquette University | $114,000 | $114,000 |
| Marshall B. Ketchum University | $97,625 | $97,625 |
| Mary Baldwin College | $82,832 | $82,832 |
| Mary Baldwin University (Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences) | $83,117 | $83,117 |
| Marywood University | $57,275 | $57,275 |
| MCPHS University (Boston) | $137,600 | $137,600 |
| MCPHS University (Manchester/Worcester) | $87,804 | $87,804 |
| MCPHS University (Manchester/Worcester) | $105,522 | $105,522 |
| Medical University of South Carolina | $60,891 | $89,121 |
| Meharry Medical College | $105,000 | $105,000 |
| Mercer University | $72,000 | $72,000 |
| Mercy College | $91,060 | $91,060 |
| Mercyhurst University | $93,614 | $93,614 |
| Methodist University | $88,347 | $88,347 |
| MGH Institute of Health Professions | $119,835 | $119,835 |
| Miami-Dade College | $32,000 | $45,000 |
| Midwestern University (Downers Grove) | $99,032 | $99,032 |
| Midwestern University (Glendale) | $95,193 | $95,193 |
| Milligan College | $81,190 | $81,190 |
| Misericordia University | $84,000 | $84,000 |
| Mississippi College | $73,600 | $73,600 |
| Missouri State University | $46,500 | $68,993 |
| Monmouth University | $112,880 | $112,880 |
| Mount St. Joseph University | $73,150 | $73,150 |
| New York Institute of Technology | $113,190 | $113,190 |
| North Greenville University | $96,000 | $96,000 |
| Northeastern State University - OK | $39,400 | $69,400 |
| Northeastern University | $69,000 | $90,822 |
| Northern Arizona University | $61,928 | $86,624 |
| Northwestern University | $89,500 | $89,500 |
| Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale | $74,655 | $74,655 |
| Nova Southeastern University, Fort Myers | $74,665 | $74,665 |
| Nova Southeastern University, Jacksonville | see website | see website |
| Nova Southeastern University, Orlando | $74,655 | $74,655 |
| Ohio Dominican University | $81,131 | $81,131 |
| Ohio University | $81,131 | $81,131 |
| Oklahoma City University | $75,000 | $75,000 |
| Oregon Health & Science University | $87,162 | $87,162 |
| Our Lady of the Lake College | $92,000 | $92,000 |
| Pace University | $116,515 | $116,515 |
| Pace University, Pleasantville | $105,000 | $105,000 |
| Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital, NYC | $105,000 | $105,000 |
| Pacific University | $92,743 | $92,743 |
| Penn State University | $73,686 | $73,686 |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | $86,745 | $122,474 |
| Pfeiffer University | see website | see website |
| Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine | $88,319 | $88,319 |
| Philadelphia University | $84,990 | $84,990 |
| Presbyterian College | $89,250 | $89,250 |
| Quinnipiac University | $95,000 | $95,000 |
| Red Rocks Community College | $65,256 | $65,256 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | $76,500 | $76,500 |
| Rocky Mountain College | $93,861 | $93,846 |
| Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions | $103,000 | $103,000 |
| Rocky Vista University | $85,000 | $85,000 |
| Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine | $76,058 | $76,058 |
| Rush University | $96,000 | $96,000 |
| Rutgers University | $83,904 | $115,026 |
| Sacred Heart University | $107,040 | $107,040 |
| Saint Catherine University | $73,920 | $73,920 |
| Saint Francis University | $86,900 | $86,900 |
| Saint Louis University | $80,150 | $80,150 |
| Salus University | $77,275 | $77,275 |
| Samuel Merritt University | $98,000 | $98,000 |
| Seton Hall University | $108,960 | $108,960 |
| Seton Hill University | $88,480 | $88,480 |
| Shenandoah University | $76,540 | $86,500 |
| Slippery Rock University | $81,000 | $81,000 |
| South College | $90,900 | $90,900 |
| South University (Georgia) | $75,555 | $75,555 |
| South University (Tampa) | $84,275 | $84,275 |
| South University (West Palm Beach) | $75,555 | $75,555 |
| South University in Savannah | $80,100 | $80,100 |
| South University, Richmond | $84,440 | $84,440 |
| South University, West Palm Beach | $80,100 | $80,100 |
| Southern California University of Health Sciences | $87,344 | $87,344 |
| Southern Illinois University | $83,000 | $149,000 |
| Springfield College | $114,158 | $114,158 |
| St. Ambrose University | $92,960 | $92,960 |
| St. John's University | $72,900 | $72,900 |
| Stanford University | $74,700 | $74,700 |
| Stephens College | $89,375 | $89,375 |
| Stony Brook University | $46,000 | $114,600 |
| Sullivan University | $97,000 | $97,000 |
| SUNY Downstate Medical Center | $39,000 | $77,735 |
| SUNY Upstate Medical Center | $45,440 | $94,449 |
| Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine | $97,597 | $97,597 |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | $38,710 | $87,439 |
| The CUNY School of Medicine | $43,259 | $70,931 |
| Thomas Jefferson University | $78,000 | $78,000 |
| Touro College (Bay Shore) | $101,000 | $101,000 |
| Touro College (Manhattan) | $106,000 | $106,000 |
| Touro University - California | $126,680 | $126,680 |
| Touro University Las Vegas | $98,000 | $98,000 |
| Touro University Nevada | $77,651 | $77,651 |
| Towson University CCBC - Essex | $31,325 | $52,026 |
| Trevecca Nazarene University | $92,300 | $92,300 |
| Trine University | $92,050 | $92,050 |
| Tufts University School of Medicine | $84,306 | $84,306 |
| Union College | $108,160 | $108,160 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | $63,275 | $121,375 |
| University of Arkansas | $53,397 | $84,397 |
| University of Bridgeport | $80,000 | $80,000 |
| University of California-Davis | $123,735 | $123,735 |
| University of Charleston | $80,024 | $80,024 |
| University of Colorado | $49,854 | $107,952 |
| University of Dayton | $77,770 | $77,770 |
| University of Detroit Mercy | $98,622 | $98,622 |
| University of Detroit/Mercy | $93,138 | $93,138 |
| University of Dubuque | $75,000 | $75,000 |
| University of Evansville | $92,000 | $92,000 |
| University of Findlay | $87,562 | $87,562 |
| University of Florida | $55,320 | $122,994 |
| University of Incarnate Word | see website | see website |
| University of Iowa | $40,315 | $84,385 |
| University of Kentucky | $55,420 | $119,000 |
| University of La Verne | $103,747 | $103,747 |
| University of Missouri - Kansas City | $69,556 | $82,678 |
| University of Mount Union | $70,700 | $70,700 |
| University of Nebraska | $44,807 | $116,453 |
| University of Nevada, Reno | $87,625 | $87,625 |
| University of New England | $88,000 | $88,000 |
| University of New Mexico | $51,885 | $77,032 |
| University of North Carolina Chapel Hill | $61,000 | $105,000 |
| University of North Dakota (one of the best PA schools in North Dakota) | $38,095 | $38,095 |
| University of North Texas HS Center Ft Worth | $47,684 | $89,285 |
| University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City | $42,465 | $81,530 |
| University of Oklahoma, Tulsa | $40,958 | $78,682 |
| University of Pittsburgh | $77,288 | $89,553 |
| University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne) | $96,775 | $96,775 |
| University of Saint Joseph | $102,000 | $102,000 |
| University of South Alabama | $62,832 | $116,435 |
| University of South Carolina School of Medicine | $110,472 | $150,267 |
| University of South Dakota ( one of the best PA schools in South Dakota | $44,604 | $86,049 |
| University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine | $101,338 | $182,446 |
| University of Southern California | $171,836 | $171,836 |
| University of St. Francis | $79,343 | $79,343 |
| University of Tampa | $110,465 | $110,465 |
| University of Tennessee Health Science Center | $100,979 | $130,979 |
| University of Texas - HS Center at San Antonio | $36,000 | $88,485 |
| University of Texas - Medical Branch at Galveston | $36,000 | $74,000 |
| University of Texas - Pan American | $68,000 | $96,000 |
| University of Texas - SW School of Health Professions | $36,882 | $77,427 |
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | $25,500 | $60,500 |
| University of the Cumberlands | $81,550 | $81,550 |
| University of the Pacific | $108,770 | $108,770 |
| University of the Sciences of Philadelphia | $96,363 | $96,363 |
| University of Toledo | $43,339 | $73,000 |
| University of Utah | $69,921 | $103,991 |
| University of Washington | $73,861 | $73,861 |
| University of Wisconsin - La Crosse | $50,009 | $87,234 |
| University of Wisconsin - Madison | $32,594 | $72,000 |
| Valparaiso University | $97,239 | $97,239 |
| Wagner College | $93,000 | $93,000 |
| Wake Forest University | $85,000 | $85,000 |
| Wayne State University | $36,000 | $72,902 |
| Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences | $81,132 | $81,132 |
| West Liberty University | $50,400 | $75,600 |
| Western Michigan University | $64,874 | $77,902 |
| Western University of Health Sciences | $71,039 | $71,039 |
| Westfield State University | $75,160 | $75,160 |
| Wichita State University | $39,486 | $75,429 |
| Wingate University | $75,000 | $75,000 |
| Yale University - Online Program | $94,500 | $94,500 |
| Yale University School of Medicine | $83,162 | $83,162 |
Financial Aid for PA School
As not all aspiring physician assistants have the means to afford the rising tuition fees and costs, some organizations offer student loans, scholarships, and service-based debts to help students push through with the degree program under several institutions. In addition, once you graduate, you might be eligible for income based repayment plans or student loan forgiveness to pay your debts or refinance the federal loans.
Loans for PA School
Federal Stafford Student Loan Program
Lending institutions, credit unions, and banks are the usual outlets that offer the Federal Stafford Student Loan Program. Starting at $8,500 per year, the student can apply for a loan and borrow up to $65,000 in total. Applicants must file and provide for financial need, dictated using the CM formula to qualify for the Stafford loan. The Federal Stafford Student Loan Program is solely based on need and not on the worth of the credit.
Federal Perkins Loan Program
Graduate and undergraduate students can apply for a school-based loan program like the Federal Perkins Loan program. This opportunity is only made possible for students who have valid financial needs. In this program, the school is the lender, and debts of any form will be rendered by PA students while studying or after completing the curriculum.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Loans are customarily for eligible professional students, graduates, and undergraduates. However, for direct unsubsidized loans, the students are not mandated to demonstrate any proof of financial need. There may be a few requirements to make the application official, like a student ID, school documents, and other necessary prerequisites to successfully acquire the direct unsubsidized loans.
Direct Subsidized Loans
Unlike unsubsidized loans, the direct subsidized types need a solid demonstration of financial need from the eligible undergraduate students. Direct subsidized loans cover the expenses of career or college schools mainly offering higher education. This program confirms the background of the applicants and chooses the ones who greatly need financial support.
Traineeships & Scholarships for PA Studies
PAs for Latino Health
With $1,000 worth of scholarship grants, the PAs for Latino Health offers an opportunity for enrolled PA students. The PAs for Latino Health requires students to follow application criteria, including:
A statement of purpose as to why an individual deserves to be one of the beneficiaries,
Recommendation letter from a preceptor or instructor,
Unofficial transcripts must be attached to the application containing a minimum GPA of 3.0,
Demonstration of interest in Latino health issues and leadership in the Latino community,
Membership in SAALPA and PALH.
U.S Army Health Care Team
A military-based organization called the U.S Army Health Care Team grants a three-year loan repayment program for PAs who are willing to serve in the army. It is also a recruitment initiative of the army to let the youth use this chance to prepare for the future and serve the country.
United States Navy Health Services Collegiate Program
This program is formed with a mission in mind. The United States Navy Health Services Collegiate Program dedicates the grant to college students who are deserving recipients of financial incentives. The USN HSCP is designated for aspiring health care professionals who want to finish a PA course while completing year-end degree requirements.
Physician Assistant Foundation
The Physician Assistant Foundation opens doors for PA students who are eligible attendees of accredited physician assistant programs, AAPA student members, and those who are currently in the professional level of the program. They usually post their application status and updates online to notify interested PA students.
National Health Service Corps Program
Being a competitive federal scholarship program, the National Health Service Corps program offers a bright future for prospective PA students who show impressive dedication in practicing care in remote communities. The National Health Service Corps Program provides educational scholarships and offers a great loan repayment program.
Students will have to render their service for 2 years to a designated underserved area where healthcare usually falls short. The NHSC receives tons of applications each year, so many students highly compete for the opportunity.
Indian Health Service
The Indian Health Service is a program founded for Alaskan Natives and American Indian students who need financial assistance to finish their PA education. They also have an IHS Loan Repayment Program worth $20,000 per year, where they’ll ask beneficiaries to work for a two-year service obligation in exchange for the grant.
The Indian Health Service only accepts federally recognized applicants enrolled in allied health profession programs and health professions. The Indian Health Service scholarship and loan repayment plans aim to grant the youth financial freedom to reach the students’ career goals.
Americorps
Considered as one of the top financial aid programs, Americorps is a national network that offers grants open for lawful permanent residents, US nationals, and citizens. Because of its accessibility and student-friendly conditions, many have applied to Americorps with their hopes of getting the grant. Students will have to work for the company for at least 2 years.
Conclusion
Physical assistant schools demand a high cost to assure that students will have all the things they need to work towards their dreams of becoming a professional PA. Institutions vary in price — but whether you are in a public or private PA program, every fee is worth it.
