10 Most Expensive Medical Schools in the United States (2025)

Medical schools cost a pretty penny. If you plan on becoming a doctor, be aware that medicine is one of the most expensive fields of study. It’s not uncommon for medical school debt to run into six figures. Remember, you aren’t just paying for medical school tuition. You have to factor in the cost of books, food, housing, and other incidentals. According to recent data, the most expensive U.S. medical schools charge between $72,000 and $83,000 per year in tuition and fees.

There are many prestigious medical schools in the United States. Getting guidance from a medical school admissions consulting program provides the services needed to make an informed decision. Whether you’re an undergraduate or a returning student, knowing what you could be facing financially is wise.

While medical school is wildly expensive, graduates who go on to become physicians tend to earn high salaries. In that sense, the investment can pay off over time. The U.S. News “Short List” is a useful resource to explore what the most expensive medical schools offer in terms of programs and outcomes. It provides data to help make your decision easier.

Students should also remember that private medical schools are significantly more expensive than public schools. According to AAMC data from recent years, the median total cost of attendance at a private medical school was about $330,000 (vs. ~$250,000 at a public school), and tuition has been rising ~3–4% annually. In 2025, the average four-year cost of just tuition and fees is around $272,000 at private schools, compared to $215,000 at public schools (not including living expenses). Clearly, the financial burden is higher if you attend a private institution.

Most Expensive Medical Schools in the US (2025)

Medical school tuition and fees have continued to rise. Below is an updated list of the top 10 most expensive medical schools in the country (all are private programs). For reference, the average annual cost of tuition alone across U.S. med schools is about $60,000, but these institutions far exceed that:

1. Midwestern University – Illinois (Downers Grove Campus) – $83,153 per year. This is a private osteopathic medical school (D.O. program) known for producing many primary care physicians. It’s ranked among the top schools for graduates entering primary care fields, reflecting its strong focus on community and family medicine.
   
2. Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (New Jersey) – $83,031 per year. A newer private medical school (opened in 2015), Hackensack Meridian is the first private med school in NJ in decades. It has a small class size and a favorable faculty-to-student ratio (about 2.6:1). The school emphasizes primary care and community health, with students training across a network of hospitals. (Note: Hackensack’s high sticker price is offset for some by scholarships; it remains unranked in U.S. News due to its recent founding.)
   
3. Weill Cornell Medicine (New York) – $82,294 per year. Cornell’s medical college in NYC is an Ivy League program with a reputation for research and academic excellence. It is one of the institutions now offering debt-free financial aid packages to qualifying students, meaning those with demonstrated need can attend with minimal loans. Despite its high tuition, Cornell’s commitment to aid can substantially reduce costs for many students.
   
4. Tufts University School of Medicine (Massachusetts) – $82,148 per year. Tufts is a private medical school in Boston known for its large class size and diverse programs (including a Maine Track for rural medicine). It is one of the nation’s oldest med schools and has a strong reputation in areas like public health and research. Tufts students have opportunities for community service and dual degrees (such as the MD/MPH), aligning with the school’s emphasis on public health leadership.
   
5. Midwestern University – Arizona (Glendale Campus) – $80,656 per year. This is the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern’s other campus, also with a D.O. program. Like its Illinois counterpart, it commands a very high tuition. The program boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio (around 15:1) for personalized training. Students benefit from modern facilities and a curriculum that integrates research and clinical experience, although the school is unranked in traditional research metrics due to its osteopathic focus.
   
6. Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (New York) – $80,644 per year. Columbia is an Ivy League medical school in New York City that consistently ranks among the top medical research institutions. (In past rankings it was tied in the top 5 for both research and primary care.) Columbia has world-class clinical and research opportunities. Notably, it also launched a program to eliminate loans for students with financial need – eligible students can receive grants covering full tuition. This makes Columbia’s premier education more accessible despite the steep listed price.
   
7. Tulane University School of Medicine (Louisiana) – $79,824 per year. Tulane, located in New Orleans, is one of the oldest medical schools in the Deep South (founded 1834). It has a storied history in public health and tropical medicine – over 30% of Tulane med students pursue a combined MD/MPH degree. The school is known for its strong focus on community healthcare and its resilience and service during crises (for example, in Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath). Students at Tulane benefit from a robust clinical training network across the city’s hospitals and clinics.
   
8. Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Illinois) – $79,706 per year. Feinberg is a highly ranked research medical school located in downtown Chicago. It is known for academic excellence and high-performance specialty programs – for instance, its obstetrics and gynecology and other departments are often nationally ranked. Northwestern provides an urban clinical experience and abundant research opportunities. The campus’s proximity to top hospitals (like Northwestern Memorial) gives students hands-on training in diverse medical specialties.
   
9. Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania) – $78,897 per year. UPenn’s medical school (the nation’s first medical school, founded in 1765) is an Ivy League institution renowned for both research and primary care training. Perelman is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the country and is known for innovations in medical education. Students here have access to cutting-edge research (Penn Medicine is often in the top five for NIH funding) and a wide array of clinical rotations through the large Penn Health System. Admission is highly competitive, but graduates enjoy elite residency placements and leadership opportunities in medicine.
   
10. Duke University School of Medicine (North Carolina) – $78,311 per year. Duke is a top-tier medical school that excels in research – it’s frequently listed in the top 5–10 nationwide for research output and faculty quality. The Duke curriculum is distinctive (with a one-year research experience built into the third year). Students benefit from Duke’s strong hospital system (including the renowned Duke University Hospital) and an environment that encourages innovation. Despite its high cost, Duke offers significant scholarship support and has a relatively low student debt level among graduates, thanks to both institutional aid and successful outcomes (many grads enter high-paying specialties or academia).
    

Interested students should visit each school’s official website to find detailed information on application requirements, faculty, special programs, campus life, and local cost of living. Keep in mind that the cost of living varies by region – housing, utilities, and transportation can dramatically affect your total expenses. For example, big city schools (New York, Chicago, etc.) may involve higher living costs than those in smaller towns. When considering an expensive school, factor in the financial consequences down the road. It might be the perfect school for you, but you should have a plan for managing the debt that comes with it.

Most Expensive Medical Schools in the US in 2022

Medical schools cost a pretty penny. Here is a list of the top 10 most expensive medical schools in the country. They are all private and the average cost of tuition for the 2021-2022 school year is about $59,000: 

1. Midwestern University in Illinois https://www.midwestern.edu/campus-life/downers-grove-il-campus- $74,035. It’s ranked on the top 100 list of Best Medical Schools. The Primary Care discipline is said to be among the best.

2. Midwestern University in Arizona https://www.midwestern.edu/campus-life/glendale-az-campus- $71,833. This school has a good faculty-to-student ratio. It also has a high ranking in research.

3. Columbia University https://medicalaid.org/how-to-get-into-columbia-medical-school-the-definitive-guide/- $71,107. It ties for #4 on the list in primary care and research.

4. Brown University https://medicalaid.org/how-to-get-into-brown-medical-school-strategies-and-requirements/- $70,425. Brown has a lot to offer. Students can pursue their interest in study as early as the first year. Pricy, but well worth it.

5. Case Western Reserve University https://case.edu/medicine/- $70,339. Three different tracks are available to get your MD. Students also get lots of hands-on experience.

6. Northwestern University https://case.edu/medicine/- $70,254. The Feinberg School of Medicine is right in the heart of Chicago. High rankings in obstetrics and gynecology.

7. Dartmouth College https://geiselmed.dartmouth.edu- $69,768. One of the most diverse medical schools in the U.S. It is also the fourth oldest in the country. Many graduates practice in underserved areas.

8. The University of Southern California https://medicalaid.org/how-to-get-into-usc-keck-school-of-medicine-the-definitive-guide/- $69,237. This school has a very good faculty-to-student ratio. It also has a high ranking in primary care.

9. Washington University in St. Louis https://medicalaid.org/how-to-get-into-washington-university-school-of-medicine-the-definitive-guide/- $68,480. Students get a lot of hands-on care experience. They also get the opportunity to experience research projects in their first year of study.

10. Georgetown University https://medicalaid.org/how-to-get-into-georgetown-university-school-of-medicine-the-definitive-guide/- $67,875. Located around the D.C. area, Georgetown is one of the better primary care schools in the nation. It’s very diverse and has many graduates working in rural care.

Interested students can go to the particular school’s website to find out more information like application fees, faculty information, historical data, areas of interest, things to do in the areas, and more. 

When thinking of medical school, remember the cost of living. Not every geographical area is the same cost-wise. Housing, utilities, and transportation can vary wildly from coast to coast. And there are schools that are simply too high to attend. But if you decide this is a school that you simply can’t pass up, keep in mind the financial consequences down the road.  

How to Pay for Medical School

“How much is medical school going to cost?” is usually the first question that comes to mind when exploring options. A very small segment of students can pay out-of-pocket, but most have to find other ways to foot the bill.

Most students rely on scholarships, grants, and loans to mitigate costs. Unfortunately, over 70% of medical school graduates leave saddled with student debt. For the MD Class of 2023, the median medical school debt was about $200,000. (Nearly a quarter of those graduates had debt between $200K and $300K!) If you need to take loans, try to find the best options with the lowest interest rates. Federal loans are generally preferable to private loans due to income-driven repayment and forgiveness options. Be sure to reach out to a medical school admissions consulting advisor if you need guidance on financing your education.

Common federal loans for med students include Direct Unsubsidized Loans (also known as “Stafford” loans) and Direct PLUS Loans (Grad PLUS). These can be used to cover tuition and basic living expenses. If those don’t cover everything, some students then consider private student loans – but shop carefully, as private loans usually carry higher interest and fewer flexible repayment options.

Serving in the military also has its perks for aspiring doctors. If you serve or plan to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, there are programs that can cover a significant portion of tuition and fees. For example, the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) can pay full medical school tuition (plus a stipend) in exchange for a commitment to serve as a military physician after residency. Even those already in the National Guard or Army Reserve can receive assistance – often covering tuition, books, and providing a monthly stipend during school – in return for part-time service. These programs effectively pay you to attend, but they do come with a service obligation after graduation.

Practicing in underserved areas can also help ease the financial burden. Doctors who work in high-need regions (such as rural Appalachia or the Mississippi Delta) may qualify for loan forgiveness or repayment programs, as well as tax incentives. For instance, the National Health Service Corps offers loan repayment to physicians working in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Some states have their own loan forgiveness programs for doctors in underserved communities. While salaries in these areas might be lower than in big cities, these programs can significantly chip away at your student debt.

Always explore scholarships – this is essentially free money that you never have to pay back. Scholarships come in all sizes (from a few hundred dollars to full rides) and from many sources (schools, nonprofits, corporations, specialty organizations, etc.). Cast a wide net: look nationally, regionally, and at your specific institutions. Even if each individual award is small, they can add up and offset a lot of costs. There are several websites and databases that aggregate available scholarships for medical students.

Below, we highlight the top 10 medical school scholarships to give you a starting point.

Top 10 Medical School Scholarships

Here are the top medical school scholarships:

• Physicians of Tomorrow Awards https://amafoundation.org/announcing-the-2021-physicians-of-tomorrow-scholarship-recipients/– Applicants can receive up to $10,000.

• Tylenol Future Care Scholarship https://www.tylenol.com/news/scholarship- Recipients can receive anywhere from $5,000 and $10,000

• Diverse Medical Scholars Program https://nmfonline.org/about-our-scholarships-and-awards/service-learning-programs/united-health-foundationnmf-diverse-medical-scholars-program/ – This $7,000 scholarship is awarded to 29 students. They must first complete 200 hours in community health service.

• National Health Services Corps Scholarship Program https://nmfonline.org/about-our-scholarships-and-awards/service-learning-programs/united-health-foundationnmf-diverse-medical-scholars-program/- Recipients receive a stipend and 2 years of paid medical school tuition for working in underserved communities.

• Herbert W. Nickens Student Scholarship https://www.aamc.org/what-we-do/aamc-awards/nickens-medical-student-scholarships- This $5,000 scholarship is for third-year students who work in minority communities.

• Chesapeake Urology Associates Scholarship https://www.chesapeakeurology.com/about-us/community-commitment/community-education-scholarships/- Recipients receive up to $5,000 based on need.

• HRSA Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/overview- Based on need. You will need to contact your school directly to get the eligibility information.

• James “Rhio” O’Connor Memorial Scholarship Fund https://ccrf.uchicago.edu/opportunity/james-rhio-oconnor-memorial-scholarship-fund- This is a $1,000 scholarship for students wanting to go into the cancer research field.

• National Hispanic Health Foundation Scholarship https://www.nhmafoundation.org/the-hispanic-health-professional-student-scholarship – This is for students who have achieved academic excellence and a commitment to the Hispanic community. You can receive up to $10,000.

• Gates Millennium Scholars Program https://gmsp.org- This $12,000 grant is for African American students pursuing a career in medicine.

Good luck on your medical school journey! Remember, while the costs are high, you have options and resources to help manage them. Careful planning, applying to a range of scholarships, and considering service programs or other financial strategies can make medical school more affordable. If you have any questions or need personalized guidance along the way, International Medical Aid (IMA) is here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help you achieve your medical career dreams.