Updated February 2023
Becoming a Physician Assistant can be Expensive!
With many programs costing over $200,000 including cost of living, it may seem like attending a PA program is out of reach. It doesn’t have to be – in this article we give you the 10 least expensive programs based on our research. A few are very reasonable, especially for residents of the state they are located in.
What Expenses can I Expect to Incur at PA School?
When looking into attending PA school, the costs can be hard to determine and not very transparent. Your costs may include:
- Tuition
- School Fees such as Student Activity Fees
- Health Insurance (if you don't have it through a spouse or parent)
- Uniforms, Lab Fees, etc.
- Transportation, especially if commuting
- Housing
- Utilities
- Food and other living expenses
- Travel "Home" if you are attending school away from family and friends
- Entertainment and leisure activities
In compiling this list, we’ve attempted to estimate the total cost of attending each PA program. Note that your actual costs may vary significantly so make sure you do your own research and calculations for your specific circumstance.
If you are thinking of working while in school: it can be difficult or impossible, although some programs offer part-time schedules. Make sure you check to see if working is possible for the schools you are interested in.
Another thing to keep in mind is the length of the program – shorter programs will allow you to get out into the workforce sooner even if the total cost is a bit higher. You may want to take that into consideration.
Ten Least Expensive PA Programs
Based on our research, the 10 least expensive programs are as follows. For state schools, we use resident tuition in the ranking, although these schools tend to be some of the least expensive for non-residents too. Click the program name for more details.
Some Affordable Programs for Non-Residents
Although many of the top 10 shown above are inexpensive for both in-state and out-of-state residents, these five schools should also be considered if you aren’t a resident of one of the states of the public schools above:
Special Mention - U.S. Army Interservice Physician Assistant Program
The U.S. Army Interservice Physician Assistant Program is available only to active duty and reserve members of the U.S. military branches. It is an excellent, and zero cost, opportunity for eligible candidates to become physician assistants.
Search PA Schools by Cost
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Not all data is available or applicable for every program. While we review and update each program’s information annually, there may be errors and schools may make changes at any time. PreHealthAdmit is not affiliated with any school or application service.
