Reviewed by:
Luke Hartstein
Former Admissions Committee Member, NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Reviewed: 4/25/24
Pursuing a career as a physician assistant comes with great rewards, but also a major financial investment. This article will cover everything you need to know about the cost of PA schools.
Physician Assistants (PA) are essential to quality healthcare. They take on day-to-day clinical procedures, working closely with physicians and patients to perform physical exams, prescribe medication, diagnose and treat illnesses, and order tests, among many others.
This article explores the entire cost of PA programs, strategies to reduce expenses, and realistically managing debt after graduation. Whether researching public versus private universities or calculating total budget impacts, you’ll get insider perspectives on the dollars and length of time. With this information, you can determine if and how investing in an advanced healthcare career fits your situation.
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Average Cost of PA School
Across all PA programs, both public and private, the average tuition for residents now sits at $95,165 for the entire 27-month program. As aspiring physician assistants prepare their applications for the 2024-2025 cycle, it's important to understand the latest average costs.
- The $95,165 average tuition represents a significant 5.33% annual increase over the last five years.
- For non-residents, it's even pricier at an average of $103,660 in total tuition. While lower than resident tuition hikes, non-resident tuition has still increased by 3.5% per year over the last half-decade.
- Public school residents pay $56,718 on average, while non-residents at public universities fork out $88,168. Private institutions are the most expensive option, with an average tuition of $91,639 regardless of residency status.
While PA remains an attractive career path given the median salary of $115,390 according to 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the continually rising tuition makes financing PA school a challenge. Students should research scholarships, grants, federal loan options, and other ways to fund their investment into this fulfilling and high-growth career.
PAs typically take on about 80-90% of the services that physicians provide. With this said, becoming a PA naturally requires a thorough medical education. Aspiring PAs have to complete a bachelor’s degree prior to PA school and then complete a two-year master’s degree along with a licensing exam to be able to practice.
After completing an undergraduate degree, students will have to submit their application through the Centralized Application for Physician Assistants (CASPA). The initial application costs $184, with each additional program costing $61. You might also incur some additional costs depending on which programs or schools you apply to.
Most schools may also require a seat deposit to secure your spot. Depending on which school you choose, this deposit can range between $150 to $1,000.
As you go through the application process and do your research, you’ll notice that the cost of PA school falls within a large range. With the wide variety of schools and programs available, along with additional costs such as course materials and personal expenses, figuring out how much PA school costs can take a bit of guesswork.
Below we’ll get into the specifics of PA school price ranges and the options you’ll have when it comes to pursuing your education as a PA.
Cost of Private Vs. Public PA Programs
Private PA programs average $91,639 in tuition, compared to $56,718 for in-state public programs. Key factors in the higher private costs include lack of state subsidies, higher operating expenses, and out-of-state premiums at public universities.
- Over the past year, average resident tuition increased 4-7% across the board. However, private PA programs charge significantly more overall.
- Average total tuition and fees at private schools is $96,311 - far higher than the $56,718 public school residents pay. The gap widens even further for non-residents.
- Incidental costs like textbooks and equipment are also far pricier at private universities, rising 139% in 2022 to $4,672. Public school incidentals rose just 23% to $5,937.
- Complicating matters further is the fact that 62.5% of PA programs are now private, while public university capacity continues to lag at only 35.6% of total seats.
- And that's not even including the rising costs just to apply. Applying to PA school costs around $6,000 on average in 2024, between CASPA fees, supplemental applications, campus travel, and more.
| Cost Comparison |
Public PA Programs |
Private PA Programs |
| Average Total Resident Tuition |
$56,718 |
$91,639 |
| Average Total Nonresident Tuition |
$88,168 |
$91,639 |
| Average Incidental Costs (books, equipment, etc.) |
$5,937 (23% increase since 2021) |
$4,672 (139% increase since 2021) |
| Percentage of Total PA Programs |
35.6% |
62.5% |
Students must weigh all these factors carefully when selecting which programs to apply to. Attending private institutions will mean taking on more debt, but may be necessary given limited public university capacity.
As mentioned, the cost of attending PA school falls in a large range. Below are a few considerations you should make as you create your PA school application list:
- Are you a resident or non-resident applicant?
- Are you applying for a public or private PA school?
- What state would you like to study in?
These three primary considerations greatly influence how much your PA education might end up costing you. Generally speaking, average tuition costs are higher for non-residents and private PA schools.
If you’re hoping to attend a private PA school, you can expect to pay an approximate average of $95,000. On the other hand, the cost of public PA programs differs depending on your residency. In-state residents can expect to pay $52,000 on average, while out-of-state residents can expect to pay $94,000 for their PA education.
Keep in mind that these costs continue to increase between 3-5% per year.
Cost of PA Schools in the US
While attending a private or public PA program can impact the cost of your education, geographical location also plays a large part in tuition costs. As we know, there is a stark difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition fees for public PA schools, but these prices can vary depending on the state.
The most expensive states to pursue a PA degree are California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Tennessee, with the average tuition costs ranging between $90,000 to $110,000.
More affordable states to pursue your studies are Kansas, Texas, Alabama, Iowa, and Wisconsin, where the average tuition costs range between $50,000 to $80,000.
As you determine which schools are within your financial reach, it’s also important to consider other costs such as books and supplies, room and board, applications, exams, travel, and other personal costs throughout the duration of your degree.
Given this diverse range, we’ll be providing a list of the most expensive PA schools, the cheapest PA schools, and the top ten PA schools and their respective tuition costs.
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| A.T. Still University (Arizona) |
$108,604 |
$108,604 |
| A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (Central Coast) |
$100,928 |
$100,928 |
| AdventHealth University |
$90,490 |
$90,490 |
| Albany Medical College |
$67,242 |
$67,242 |
| Alderson-Broaddus University |
$105,160 |
$105,160 |
| Arcadia University (Arcadia University-Glenside) |
$98,730 |
$98,730 |
| Arcadia University – Dual Degree: MPH/MMS |
$130,365 |
$130,365 |
| Arcadia University – Delaware Campus |
$98,730 |
$98,730 |
| Arizona School of Health Sciences |
$99,524 |
$99,524 |
| Ashland University |
$92,500 |
$92,500 |
| Assumption University |
$110,000 |
$110,000 |
| Augsburg University |
$99,567 |
$99,567 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Augusta University |
$48,825 |
$97,650 |
| Baldwin Wallace University |
$89,000 |
$89,000 |
| Barry University – St. Petersburg |
$79,646 |
$79,646 |
| Bay Path University |
$112,770 |
$112,770 |
| Baylor College of Medicine |
$112,031 |
$112,031 |
| Bethel University (MN) |
$97,104 |
$97,104 |
| Bethel University (TN) |
$96,250 |
$96,250 |
| Boston University School of Medicine PA Program |
$114,491 |
$114,491 |
| Brenau University |
$95,855 |
$95,855 |
| Bryant University |
$105,717 |
$105,717 |
| Butler University |
$94,100 |
$94,100 |
| California Baptist University |
$97,380 |
$97,380 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| California State University – Monterey Bay |
$108,283 |
$108,283 |
| Campbell University |
$72,595 |
$72,595 |
| Canisius College |
$98,450 |
$98,450 |
| Carlow University |
$96,900 |
$96,900 |
| Carroll University |
$96,695 |
$96,695 |
| Case Western Reserve University |
$103,397 |
$103,397 |
| Central Michigan University |
$93,100 |
$93,100 |
| Chamberlain University |
$103,870 |
$103,870 |
| Chapman University |
$121,472 |
$121,472 |
| Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science |
$111,061 |
$111,061 |
| Charleston Southern University |
$94,665 |
$94,665 |
| Chatham University |
$102,906 |
$102,906 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Christian Brothers University |
$110,800 |
$110,800 |
| Clarkson University |
$108,087 |
$108,087 |
| College of Mount Saint Vincent |
$105,000 |
$105,000 |
| College of Saint Mary |
$84,300 |
$84,300 |
| College of St. Scholastica |
$100,130 |
$100,130 |
| Colorado Mesa University |
$83,850 |
$83,850 |
| Concordia University |
$96,250 |
$96,250 |
| Concordia University-Ann Arbor |
$99,610 |
$99,610 |
| Creighton University – Omaha |
$90,984 |
$90,984 |
| Creighton University – Phoenix |
$94,237 |
$94,237 |
| CUNY York College |
$36,655 |
$74,385 |
| D’Youville University |
$83,032 |
$83,032 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Daemen College |
$103,688 |
$103,688 |
| Delaware Valley University |
$98,300 |
$98,300 |
| Des Moines University |
$88,560 |
$88,560 |
| DeSales University |
$82,500 |
$82,500 |
| Dominican University |
$99,890 |
$99,890 |
| Dominican University of California |
$120,140 |
$120,140 |
| Drexel University |
$95,706 |
$95,706 |
| Duke University Medical Center |
$106,812 |
$106,812 |
| Duquesne University |
$298,324 |
$298,324 |
| East Carolina University |
$46,526 |
$46,526 |
| Eastern Michigan University |
$85,078 |
$85,078 |
| Eastern Virginia Medical School |
$95,529 |
$116,325 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Eastern Virginia Medical School – Early Assurance |
$87,865 |
$108,661 |
| Elizabethtown College |
$111,000 |
$111,000 |
| Elon University |
$101,578 |
$105,134 |
| Emory & Henry College |
$83,608 |
$83,608 |
| Emory University |
$109,594 |
$109,594 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University |
$108,000 |
$108,000 |
| Faulkner University |
$89,250 |
$89,250 |
| Florida Gulf Coast University |
$55,024 |
$138,479 |
| Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine |
$91,172 |
$93,564 |
| Florida State University |
$64,887 |
$74,889 |
| Francis Marion University |
$80,624 |
$148,971 |
| Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University(Our Lady of the Lake College) |
$90,392 |
$90,392 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Franklin College |
$87,500 |
$87,500 |
| Franklin Pierce University |
$81,900 |
$81,900 |
| Frostburg State University |
$61,777 |
$90,090 |
| Gannon University |
$211,935 |
$5,803 |
| Gannon University-Ruskin |
$127,340 |
$127,340 |
| Gardner-Webb University |
$97,122 |
$97,122 |
| George Fox University |
$117,600 |
$117,600 |
| George Washington University |
$145,836 |
$145,836 |
| Grand Valley State University-Grand Rapids |
$79,619 |
$79,619 |
| Grand Valley State University-Traverse City |
$79,619 |
$79,619 |
| Hardin-Simmons University |
$103,400 |
$103,400 |
| Harding University |
$106,244 |
$106,244 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Hawai’i Pacific University |
$51,074 |
$51,074 |
| High Point University |
$112,000 |
$112,000 |
| Hofstra University |
$123,790 |
$123,790 |
| Howard University Physician Assistant Program |
$67,546 |
$67,546 |
| Idaho State University |
$75,863 |
$128,753 |
| Indiana State University |
$39,618 |
$77,841 |
| Indiana University School of Health & Human Sciences Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program (IUPUI) |
$62,160 |
$89,688 |
| Ithaca College |
$108,465 |
$108,465 |
| James Madison University |
$68,495 |
$88,168 |
| Johnson & Wales University |
$101,112 |
$101,112 |
| Kansas State University |
$56,271 |
$113,830 |
| Kean University |
$76,454 |
$98,161 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Keck Graduate Institute |
$117,850 |
$117,850 |
| Kettering College |
$95,046 |
$95,046 |
| King’s College |
$94,350 |
$94,350 |
| Lake Erie College |
$90,160 |
$90,160 |
| Lawrence Technological University |
$106,000 |
$106,000 |
| Le Moyne College |
$95,778 |
$95,778 |
| Lincoln Memorial University |
$95,060 |
$95,060 |
| Lincoln Memorial University-Knoxville |
$95,060 |
$95,060 |
| Lipscomb University |
$119,527 |
$119,527 |
| Lock Haven University |
$61,947 |
$88,157 |
| Loma Linda University |
$107,680 |
$107,680 |
| Long Island University |
$116,100 |
$116,100 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport |
$39,000 |
$66,000 |
| Louisiana State University – New Orleans |
$53,446 |
$105,877 |
| Marietta College |
$80,000 |
$80,000 |
| Marist College |
$101,220 |
$101,220 |
| Marquette University |
$110,277 |
$110,277 |
| Marshall B. Ketchum University |
$125,362 |
$125,362 |
| Marshall University |
$68,642 |
$107,142 |
| Mary Baldwin University (Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences) |
$89,010 |
$89,010 |
| Marywood University |
$91,670 |
$91,670 |
| Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) – Worcester |
$139,125 |
$139,125 |
| Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences |
$99,160 |
$99,160 |
| MCPHS University (Boston) |
$147,075 |
$147,075 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| MCPHS University (Manchester/Worcester) |
$139,125 |
$139,125 |
| Medical University of South Carolina |
$62,818 |
$108,409 |
| Meharry Medical College |
$115,554 |
$115,554 |
| Mercer University |
$85,674 |
$85,674 |
| Mercy College |
$97,560 |
$97,560 |
| Mercy College of Ohio |
$100,800 |
$100,800 |
| Mercyhurst University |
$106,713 |
$106,713 |
| Methodist University |
$102,550 |
$102,550 |
| MGH Institute of Health Professions |
$111,300 |
$111,300 |
| Miami University |
$112,000 |
$112,000 |
| Miami-Dade College |
$31,866 |
$77,347 |
| Michigan State University |
$74,998 |
$85,001 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Middle Tennessee State University |
$65,722 |
$149,380 |
| Midwestern University (Downers Grove) |
$117,874 |
$117,874 |
| Midwestern University (Glendale) |
$127,104 |
$127,104 |
| Milligan University |
$99,420 |
$99,420 |
| Misericordia University |
$105,315 |
$105,315 |
| Mississippi College |
$90,400 |
$90,400 |
| Mississippi State University – Meridian |
$70,000 |
$128,334 |
| Missouri State University (formerly SWMS) |
$49,838 |
$77,678 |
| Monmouth University |
$134,300 |
$134,300 |
| Morehouse School of Medicine |
$80,000 |
$80,000 |
| Mount St. Joseph University |
$92,400 |
$92,400 |
| New York Institute of Technology |
$144,060 |
$144,060 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| North Central College |
$111,549 |
$111,549 |
| North Greenville University |
$111,600 |
$111,600 |
| Northeastern State University |
$39,438 |
$73,223 |
| Northeastern University |
$100,950 |
$100,950 |
| Northeastern University – Dual MS/MPH Program |
$100,950 |
$100,950 |
| Northern Arizona University |
$80,360 |
$111,152 |
| Northwest University School of PA Medicine |
$102,078 |
$102,078 |
| Northwestern College |
$89,570 |
$89,570 |
| Northwestern University |
$102,078 |
$102,078 |
| Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale |
$87,875 |
$87,875 |
| Nova Southeastern University, Fort Myers |
$87,875 |
$87,875 |
| Nova Southeastern University, Jacksonville |
$87,875 |
$87,875 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Nova Southeastern University, Orlando |
$87,875 |
$87,875 |
| Ohio Dominican University |
$86,390 |
$86,390 |
| Ohio University |
$58,956 |
$61,294 |
| Oklahoma City University |
$90,874 |
$90,874 |
| Oklahoma State University |
$41,928 |
$81,928 |
| Oregon Health & Science University |
$93,636 |
$93,636 |
| Pace University – Pleasantville |
$117,000 |
$117,000 |
| Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital, NYC |
$123,622 |
$123,622 |
| Pacific University |
$110,005 |
$110,005 |
| Penn State University |
$80,214 |
$80,214 |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
$58,356 |
$82,800 |
| Pfeiffer University |
$118,310 |
$118,310 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine |
$103,931 |
$103,931 |
| Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Georgia Campus |
$103,931 |
$103,931 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University |
$117,860 |
$117,860 |
| Presbyterian College |
$94,000 |
$94,000 |
| Quinnipiac University |
$104,835 |
$104,835 |
| Radford University |
$80,295 |
$80,295 |
| Red Rocks Community College |
$69,448 |
$79,870 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology |
$251,536 |
$251,536 |
| Rocky Mountain College |
$103,457 |
$103,457 |
| Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions |
$115,938 |
$115,938 |
| Rocky Vista University |
$95,298 |
$95,298 |
| Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine (formerly Finch) |
$98,728 |
$98,728 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Rush University |
$102,360 |
$102,360 |
| Rutgers University |
$91,884 |
$137,826 |
| Sacred Heart University |
$114,405 |
$114,405 |
| Saint Catherine University |
$101,185 |
$101,185 |
| Saint Elizabeth University |
$109,499 |
$109,499 |
| Saint Francis University |
$118,626 |
$118,626 |
| Saint Joseph’s University (Univ. of the Sciences) |
$100,000 |
$100,000 |
| Saint Louis University |
$92,860 |
$92,860 |
| Salus University (formerly Pennsylvania College of Optometry) |
$91,340 |
$91,340 |
| Samford University |
$90,150 |
$90,150 |
| Samuel Merritt University |
$114,644 |
$114,644 |
| San Juan Bautista School of Medicine |
$108,604 |
$108,604 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Seton Hall University |
$129,600 |
$129,600 |
| Seton Hill University |
$113,932 |
$113,932 |
| Shenandoah University |
$100,680 |
$100,680 |
| Slippery Rock University |
$86,472 |
$119,341 |
| South College – Asheville |
$101,250 |
$6,250 |
| South College – Atlanta |
$105,750 |
$105,750 |
| South College – Knoxville |
$105,750 |
$105,750 |
| South College – Nashville |
$105,750 |
$105,750 |
| South University in Savannah |
$98,475 |
$98,475 |
| South University, Richmond |
$99,645 |
$99,645 |
| South University, Tampa |
$99,630 |
$99,630 |
| South University, West Palm Beach |
$99,630 |
$99,630 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Southern California University of Health Sciences |
$108,997 |
$108,997 |
| Southern Illinois University |
$70,000 |
$120,000 |
| Springfield College |
$118,320 |
$118,320 |
| St. Ambrose University |
$106,518 |
$106,518 |
| St. Bonaventure University |
$102,500 |
$102,500 |
| St. John’s University (formerly SVCMC) |
$135,240 |
$135,240 |
| Stanford University |
$162,945 |
$162,945 |
| Stephens College |
$90,230 |
$90,230 |
| Sullivan University |
$109,900 |
$109,900 |
| SUNY Downstate Medical Center |
$56,770 |
$104,930 |
| SUNY Upstate Medical Center |
$56,770 |
$104,930 |
| Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine |
$90,445 |
$94,744 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center |
$44,881 |
$95,881 |
| The CUNY School of Medicine (formerly CCNY Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education) |
$38,815 |
$68,400 |
| The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Southwestern School of Health Professions |
$38,528 |
$85,008 |
| Thiel College |
$110,700 |
$110,700 |
| Thomas Jefferson University – New Jersey Campus |
$97,126 |
$97,126 |
| Thomas Jefferson University, Center City Campus |
$97,126 |
$97,126 |
| Thomas Jefferson University, East Falls Campus |
$99,068 |
$99,068 |
| Touro College (Long Island) |
$135,530 |
$135,530 |
| Touro College (Manhattan) |
$151,630 |
$151,630 |
| Touro College (Middletown) |
$135,350 |
$135,350 |
| Touro University California |
$145,470 |
$145,470 |
| Touro University Nevada |
$104,591 |
$104,591 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| Towson University CCBC – Essex |
$47,236 |
$97,804 |
| Trevecca Nazarene University |
$92,300 |
$92,300 |
| Trine University |
$106,400 |
$106,400 |
| Tufts University |
$106,938 |
$106,938 |
| Union College |
$132,450 |
$132,450 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham |
$65,780 |
$156,745 |
| University of Arkansas |
$66,561 |
$93,392 |
| University of Bridgeport |
$102,655 |
$102,655 |
| University of California-Davis |
$145,683 |
$145,683 |
| University of Charleston |
$87,500 |
$87,500 |
| University of Colorado |
$64,242 |
$139,086 |
| University of Dayton |
$94,482 |
$94,482 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| University of Detroit Mercy |
$106,350 |
$106,350 |
| University of Dubuque |
$96,000 |
$96,000 |
| University of Evansville |
$99,050 |
$99,050 |
| University of Findlay |
$118,643 |
$118,643 |
| University of Florida |
$55,320 |
$122,994 |
| University of Iowa |
$52,573 |
$101,229 |
| University of Kentucky |
$61,816 |
$113,903 |
| University of Kentucky – Morehead |
$52,807 |
$104,895 |
| University Of La Verne |
$110,920 |
$110,920 |
| University of Lynchburg |
$92,372 |
$92,372 |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor |
$133,190 |
$133,190 |
| University of Maryland Baltimore Physician Assistant Program |
$84,796 |
$112,636 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| University of Maryland Eastern Shore |
$68,760 |
$105,390 |
| University of Michigan – Flint |
$104,432 |
$160,832 |
| University of Missouri – Kansas City |
$79,856 |
$95,830 |
| University of Mount Union |
$91,000 |
$91,000 |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center |
$55,110 |
$86,705 |
| University of Nevada, Reno |
$92,730 |
$92,730 |
| University of New England |
$102,430 |
$102,430 |
| University of New Mexico |
$60,702 |
$86,749 |
| University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill |
$63,268 |
$109,414 |
| University of North Dakota |
$50,618 |
$73,570 |
| University of North Texas HS Center Ft Worth |
$36,483 |
$97,671 |
| University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City |
$93,058 |
$93,058 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| University of Oklahoma, Tulsa |
$93,058 |
$93,058 |
| University of Pittsburgh |
$90,936 |
$108,076 |
| University of Pittsburgh – Hybrid Program |
$90,936 |
$108,076 |
| University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne) |
$114,275 |
$114,275 |
| University of South Alabama |
$58,080 |
$135,278 |
| University of Saint Joseph |
$124,094 |
$124,094 |
| University of South Carolina SOM |
$52,815 |
$91,896 |
| University of South Dakota |
$49,291 |
$101,539 |
| University of South Florida |
$68,166 |
$129,066 |
| University of Southern California (LA) |
$174,380 |
$174,380 |
| University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences |
$106,085 |
$106,085 |
| University of St. Francis |
$94,500 |
$94,500 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| University of Tampa |
$107,114 |
$107,114 |
| University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis) |
$49,154 |
$81,518 |
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley |
$100,000 |
$100,000 |
| University of Texas – HS Center at San Antonio |
$40,431 |
$86,534 |
| University of Texas – Medical Branch at Galveston |
$100,000 |
$100,000 |
| University of the Cumberlands |
$83,537 |
$83,537 |
| University of the Cumberlands, Northern Kentucky Campus |
$85,732 |
$85,732 |
| University of the Pacific |
$125,902 |
$125,902 |
| University of Toledo |
$76,902 |
$123,786 |
| University of Toronto |
$107,010 |
$107,010 |
| University of Utah |
$78,120 |
$116,314 |
| University of Washington |
$85,365 |
$85,365 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| University of Wisconsin – Madison |
$53,987 |
$109,571 |
| University of Wisconsin – La Crosse |
$40,188 |
$78,264 |
| Ursuline College |
$105,100 |
$105,100 |
| Utah Valley University |
$79,520 |
$119,520 |
| Valparaiso University |
$105,280 |
$105,280 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| University of Wisconsin – Madison |
$53,987 |
$109,571 |
| University of Wisconsin – La Crosse |
$40,188 |
$78,264 |
| Ursuline College |
$105,100 |
$105,100 |
| Utah Valley University |
$79,520 |
$119,520 |
| Valparaiso University |
$105,280 |
$105,280 |
| Wagner College |
$164,760 |
$164,760 |
| Wake Forest University (Bowman Gray) |
$87,540 |
$87,540 |
| Wayne State University |
$46,718 |
$86,411 |
| Weber State University |
$77,640 |
$112,640 |
| Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences |
$91,260 |
$91,260 |
| West Chester University |
$79,682 |
$103,013 |
| West Coast University – Texas |
$81,426 |
$81,426 |
| PA Program |
Resident tuition |
Nonresident tuition |
| West Coast University – California |
$118,117 |
$117,822 |
| West Liberty University |
$86,991 |
$122,949 |
| West Virginia University |
$81,595 |
$123,588 |
| Western Michigan University |
$66,830 |
$100,245 |
| Western University of Health Sciences |
$88,210 |
$88,210 |
| Westfield State University |
$94,880 |
$94,880 |
| Wichita State University |
$47,628 |
$89,329 |
| Wingate University |
$97,370 |
$97,370 |
| Wingate University-Hendersonville |
$97,370 |
$97,370 |
| Xavier University of Louisiana |
$98,178 |
$98,178 |
| Yale University Physician Assistant Online Program |
$111,167 |
$111,167 |
| Yale University Physician Associate Program |
$115,052 |
$115,052 |
| Yeshiva University |
$107,520 |
$107,520 |
Most Expensive PA Schools
Here is a list of the most expensive PA schools in the US:
| School |
Location |
Tuition
(for 2-3 years of study) |
| Duquesne University |
Pittsburgh, PA |
$309,972 |
| Gannon University |
Erie, PA |
$127,340 |
| University of Southern California |
Los Angeles, CA |
$125,120 |
| Emory University |
Atlanta, GA |
$135,960 |
| Touro University - New York |
New York, NY |
$160,480 |
Many factors can contribute to the cost of PA school. These being on the higher-end, it’s likely that factors such as geographic location, resources, and type of institution can contribute to these high costs.
Cheapest PA Schools
Here is a list of the cheapest PA schools in the US:
| School |
Location |
Tuition
(for 2-3 years of study) |
| Miami-Dade College |
Miami, FL |
In-state: $41,188
Out-of-state: $54,838 |
| University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley |
Edinburg, TX |
In-state: $41,856
Out-of-state: $83,856 |
| University of Texas - HS Center at San Antonio |
San Antonio, TX |
In-state: $48,573
Out-of-state: $99,981 |
| Indiana State University |
Terre Haute, IN |
In-state: $40,734
Out-of-state: $80,073 |
| East Carolina University |
Greenville, NC |
In-state: $54,483
Out-of-state: $100,504 |
As you can see, even the cheapest schools fall under a wide range depending on your status as an applicant. Naturally, the cost of being an out-of-state student presents a stark jump from the cost for in-state students.
Best PA Schools
Here is a list of the top ten PA schools in the US and how much it will cost to attend:
| School |
Location |
Tuition
(for 2-3 years of study) |
| Duke University |
Durham, NC |
$97,902 |
| University of Iowa |
Iowa City, IA |
In-state: $47,427
Out-of-state: $96,084 |
| Baylor College of Medicine |
Houston, TX |
$86,322 |
| University of Utah |
Salt Lake City, UT |
In-state: $82,172
Out-of-state: $ 102,319 |
| Emory University |
Atlanta, GA |
$135,960 |
| George Washington University |
Washington, DC |
$53,070 |
| University of Colorado |
Aurora, CO |
In-state: $64,242
Out-of-state: $139,086 |
| University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center - Dallas |
Dallas, TX |
In-state: $53,182
Out-of-state: $98,908 |
| Wake Forest University |
Winston-Salem, NC |
$133,935 |
| Drexel University |
Philadelphia, PA |
$81,666 |
By now, you’ll have an idea of the general range of PA schools–with its varying costs influenced by location, merit, resource, and student’s resident status. Ensure that you take these into consideration as you choose where you want to pursue your education as a PA.
How to Pay for PA School
Strategies to fund a PA education averaging $95-104K include scholarships, loans, work programs, military options, and payment plans. While there are many federal and state-level loans available to students, there are also other funding options, such as scholarships and grants, that can support some of your tuition costs without the need for repayment.
Below are some scholarships and traineeships that can help you pay for a portion of PA school.
Some programs offer loan repayment programs, such as the Sallie Mae Tuition Pay Plan, The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, and other state loan repayment programs that can make it easier for you to consolidate any debt you might have incurred throughout your education.
In addition to these resources, some schools also offer in-house financial assistance, so make sure you do your research to see what avenues are available to you!
FAQs: How Much Does PA School Cost?
Deciding to go to PA school is a big investment, and paying for it can be an even bigger one depending on your personal circumstances. While we have covered everything you need to know about the cost of PA schools, you might still be left with some lingering questions. We’ll be answering some FAQs below.
1. How Much Does PA School Cost Per Year?
The typical cost of PA school is $56,718 per year for in-state public programs and $91,639 annually for private schools, based on the total 2-3 year master's program expenses. Factoring in additional costs like living, books, transportation, and lost wages, the overall investment to become $95,165.
2. How Much Does PA School Cost in Texas?
PA school tuition and fees in Texas average $81,800 for resident students and $92,150 for non-residents. The most affordable public program is offered by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley at $100,000 total for both resident and non-resident students.
3. Where Is the Cheapest PA Program?
The most affordable PA program in the U.S. is offered by CUNY York College in New York, with an in-state tuition of only $36,655 for the entire master's program.
4. How Much Debt Do PA Students Have?
The average PA student graduates with $112,500 in student loan debt, over double the national average across professions. Nearly 85% of PA students take out loans across over 200 accredited programs.
Final Thoughts
Although the cost of PA school is high, there are options and strategies to make an advanced medical education financially feasible. Public universities, in-state tuition discounts, scholarships, work/study programs, loan repayment assistance, and other cost-saving measures can reduce the burden.
As you chart your journey to become a PA, carefully weigh each program's total value, earning potential, and fit with your budget realities. While easy to fixate on the dollar figures, don't let tuition be the only deciding factor.
With prudent planning, an affordable path to a rewarding PA career is within reach for motivated students. The demand for compassionate, competent PAs is only growing. Now is the time to take a leap toward this bright future!
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