How Much Does It Cost to Get a Medical Degree?
While figures vary, the average debt for graduates in 2009 was $156,546, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The majority of graduates – 79% — had debt that equaled or exceeded $100,000. Graduates that had at least $150,000 equaled 58%. Most medical grads – 87% — graduate from medical school with outstanding loans. According to the AAMC, the increasing cost of tuition as well as the interest accrued on student loan debt is another contributing factor. The tuition for private medical schools has increased by 50 percent between the years 1984-2000. The average cost to attend private medical schools ranges from about $48,006 (Pennsylvania) to $54,222 (Tufts). These fees are for first-year residents and include both tuition and fees. The average costs for public schools range from approximately $31,353 (Indiana) to $38,684 (Oregon). Just How Long is the Road from Start to Finish? Pre-med students must first earn a bachelor’s degree, which takes about four year
