Medical school can be expensive. When including tuition, other required fees, living expenses, and health insurance, the total cost of attending a medical school adds up quickly.
Securing student loans may be a good option, but an even better one may be to find a cheaper medical school.
The less you spend on medical school, the less you’ll have to spend paying off student loan debt after graduation.
If you’re looking for a cheap medical school, then you’re in luck.
Here, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the least expensive medical schools in the US.
This post covers the cheapest public and private schools, both for in-state and out-of-state medical students.
You’ll also find a list of the cheapest osteopathic medical schools.
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Key Takeaway
- Public medical schools generally offer more affordable tuition than private institutions.
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine offers the lowest tuition at $3,950 annually.
- Texas hosts multiple low-cost medical schools for both in-state and out-of-state students.
- Osteopathic schools like Kentucky College offer affordable tuition with a focus on holistic medicine.
The 5 Cheapest Public Medical Schools in the US
Most medical schools are expensive. However, public schools are generally cheaper than private medical schools.
If you’d rather attend a public medical school, check out this list of affordable schools to consider.
| Public Medical School | State | In-State Tuition | Out-of-state tuition |
| The University of Texas Austin Dell Medical School | Texas | $24, 525 | $38,844. |
| University of Central Florida Medical School | Florida | $33,000 | $59,874 |
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine | Texas | $24,049 | $37,149 |
| Florida State University College of Medicine | Florida | $32,309 | $71,941 |
| University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine | Puerto Rico | $19,586 | $37,086 |
1. University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School
The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School is one of the most affordable medical schools in the United States.
Their medical program is extensive, hands-on, and practical; thanks to their partnership with the Seton Healthcare Family network of hospitals.
Tuition is assessed annually and maintained throughout the four years of med school.
Resident medical students are charged about $33,000, while non-residents pay $38,844.
2. University of Central Florida Medical School
The University of Central Florida Medical School is also one of the cheapest public medical schools in the country.
They offer a fresh method of teaching by introducing patient interaction early on and keeping it frequent.
They also boast world-renowned faculty members specializing in genomic medicine, neurosurgery, and infectious diseases.
Their annual tuition and fees are roughly $29,680 for in-state students and $59,874 for out-of-state students.
3. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine is arguably the cheapest public medical school in the United States. Their tuition and fees cost $24,049.
Their affordability doesn’t take away from the uniqueness and quality of their curriculum.
They boast of an exciting learning experience that integrates basic science knowledge with clinical practice training.
This way, their students are exposed to the real-world experience they need to become competent medical professionals.
4. Florida State University College of Medicine
Florida State University Medical School offers an extensive medical program at a very affordable price.
Their tuition and fees for in-state students come up to $32,309 only, while out-of-state students pay $71,941 for tuition and fees.
5. University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
The University of Puerto Rico has a very affordable medical school program.
Their yearly tuition is $19,586 for in-state students and $37,086 for out-of-state students.
The Cheapest Private Medical Schools in the US
On some rare occasions, private medical schools may be more affordable than public medical schools.
See some of the most affordable private medical schools in the U.S.
| Private Medical School | State | In-State Tuition | Out-of-state tuition |
| New York University Grossman School of Medicine | New York | $3,950 | $3,950 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | Texas | $28,465 | $41,565 |
1. The New York University Grossman School of Medicine
The New York University Grossman School of Medicine offers top-grade medical education.
Its students have access to world-class facilities, resources, and research opportunities.
The school also boasts some of the best researchers, clinicians, and educators.
NYU Medical School tuition costs an average of $3,950 for both residents and non-residents.
This is the cheapest medical school tuition in the United States. So, you can achieve your dream of attending medical school at a reduced cost.
2. Baylor College of Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine was established in 1903.
The school offers 12-degree programs across five colleges and is one of Texas’ leading institutions for medicine and biomedical science studies.
Their tuition fees differ for residents and non-resident students.
In-state students pay $28,465 for their first-year tuition, while out-of-state students pay $41,565 for their first-year tuition.
The 7 Cheapest Medical Schools for In-State Students
Check out this breakdown of the cheapest medical schools for students who are residents of the same state that the school is in.
| State | Location | In-State Tuition |
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine | Texas | $23,000 |
| Louisiana State University School of Medicine | Louisiana | $37,149 |
| East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine | North Carolina | $27,999 |
| Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of Southern Alabama | Alabama | $38,143 |
| University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio | Texas | $23,730 |
| The University of New Mexico School of Medicine | New Mexico | $23,790 |
| Florida State University College of Medicine | Florida | $32,309 |
1. University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine is also very affordable for in-state students.
Their in-state tuition costs roughly $23,000 for medical school.
2. Louisiana State University School of Medicine
Louisiana State University is one of the best low-cost medical schools and is popular for its cutting-edge research and excellent learning curriculum.
Their medical school program is also very affordable, with in-state tuition at $37,149.
3. East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine
East Carolina University is another very affordable medical school for in-state students.
They’ve been ranked highly for their research programs and have a comprehensive curriculum that prioritizes hands-on experience.
Their in-state tuition is $27,999.
4. Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of Southern Alabama
If you stay around South Alabama, then you should consider the University of Southern Alabama College of Medicine.
Resident students can access their cutting-edge facilities and top-notch faculty at an affordable tuition of $38,143.
5. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
The University of Texas Health Science Center is one of the most prestigious medical schools in the country.
Its stellar faculty and strong focus on research make it one of the most competitive schools to get into.
What’s more to add? Their in-state tuition is very affordable, at $25,730.
6. The University of New Mexico School of Medicine
The University of New Mexico isn’t just one of the best schools for primary care programs.
It’s also one of the cheapest medical schools for in-state students.
Its yearly in-state tuition costs $23,790 as opposed to $52,027 for residents of other states.
7. Florida State University College of Medicine
Florida State University is known for its diverse student body and focus on primary health care.
Its tuition is also very affordable for in-state students. An academic year costs $32,309.
The 8 Cheapest Medical Schools for Out-of-State Students
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the average cost of out-of-state tuition for medical school is $60,000 annually.
Take a look at some of the medical schools with the cheapest out-of-state tuition, all below the projected average.
| School | State | Out-of-state tuition |
| University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School | Texas | $38,844 |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Texas | $39,681 |
| The University of New Mexico School of Medicine | New Mexico | $52.027 |
| Texas A&M School of Medicine | Texas | $34,860 |
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine | Texas | $37,149 |
| Howard University College of Medicine | Washington DC | $59,623 |
| Baylor School of Medicine | Texas | $41,565 |
| University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center | Texas | $39,643 |
1. The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School
The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School offers a robust medical school program.
It is also one of the most affordable medical schools for non-residents.
Their out-of-state tuition is $38,844.
2. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public university located in Lubbock, Texas.
It offers excellent education and has several clinical training opportunities.
It also has one of the cheapest out-of-state medical school tuitions in the United States.
Out-of-state students can expect to pay $39,681 for medical school tuition.
3. The University of New Mexico School of Medicine
The University of New Mexico School of Medicine’s price is a little on the high side for its MD program (Doctor of Medicine).
But they compensate for this with their highly-ranked graduate programs.
These graduate programs have been known to open doors to diverse opportunities for career growth post-graduation.
If you’re looking to further your career growth immediately after graduation, this is the best place to attend medical school at.
Their out-of-state tuition costs $52,027.
4. Texas A&M School of Medicine
The Texas A&M School of Medicine is popular for its wide range of unique disciplines, like nursing informatics and leadership management.
It’s also one of the best low-cost medical schools for non-resident students.
Their tuition for out-of-state students is $34,860 (for full-time medical school).
5. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine stands out once again in the list of medical schools with the cheapest tuition for out-of-state students.
The out-of-state tuition fee is only $37,149 a year.
6. Howard University College of Medicine
As one of the best universities in America, Howard University of Medicine boasts 169 years in the game and affordable tuition rates.
Their medical school program focuses on equipping students to be competent, adaptable doctors who can work in any cultural environment they find themselves in.
Their out-of-state tuition is $59,623.
7. Baylor School of Medicine
Also located in Texas, Baylor School of Medicine is another med school with affordable tuition for out-of-state students.
It’s known worldwide for producing students who are adept at patient care and research.
Out-of-state students can expect to pay an average of $41,565.
8. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Located in Dallas, Texas, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center has been offering quality medical education since 1949.
It’s one of the most prestigious universities and is an excellent choice for out-of-state students looking for cheap medical education.
Their out-of-state tuition costs $39,643 for full-time.
The 4 Cheapest Osteopathic Medical Schools
The difference in tuition costs between osteopathic medicine and MD schools isn’t very significant.
Here’s a list of the cheapest schools that can get you certified as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, D.O.
| Osteopathic Medical School | Location | Tuition |
| Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine | Virginia | $51,800 |
| Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine | Pennsylvania | $39,655 |
| Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine | Kentucky | $24,700 |
| William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine | Mississippi | $46,000 |
1. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine has a remarkable yet affordable medical program for Doctors of Osteopathic Education in the country.
According to US News and World Report, it is the fifth most affordable private medical school.
They offer both master’s and doctorate degrees in disciplines such as:
- Surgery
- Gynecology
- Family Medicine
- internal medicine
- Primary care
- Psychiatry etc.
Their tuition for the 2024–2025 academic year is roughly $51,800.
However, they have several financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, for students who can’t afford full medical school costs.
2. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is another excellent choice for students looking to attend a private med school on a budget.
It claims to have the number one lowest tuition among private nonprofit osteopathic medical colleges.
Its tuition fees for the 2024–2025 academic year start at $39,655 for Pennsylvania residents.
3. Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine is one of the most renowned private medical schools in America.
Its faculty members are dedicated to developing world-class, holistic medical professionals via innovative technology that capitalizes on simulation techniques.
Their D.O. medical school is widely recognized for its excellence in family healthcare and rural medicine.
The tuition fee alone for the 2024–2025 academic year is $24,700, but there are other expenses like supplies, living expenses, and student activity fees.
4. William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
William Carey University is dedicated to providing excellent yet affordable training to aspiring medical health professionals.
US News ranked WCUCOM fourth in primary care.
Their tuition is budget-friendly at only $46,000 for the 2023–2024 academic year.
Let’s Help You Achieve Your Med School Dreams
Paying for a medical school education doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
With the right guidance, you can make the most of your medical school education, whether you’re going to an expensive or cheaper medical school.
Physicians Thrive can help you manage and plan your finances so that your dreams of becoming a medical professional can come true. Get started today.
