A physician assistant (PA) is a medical professional who handles a variety of key responsibilities, including diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, prescribing medications, and serving as the principal healthcare provider for many patients.
Gaining the skills necessary to take on these medical responsibilities involves a master’s degree level of education, as well as a bachelor’s degree, an average of 3,000+ hours of direct patient contact, and more than 2,000 hours of clinical rotations (beyond classroom instruction).
The cost of a physician assistant program can range from $20,000 to over $100,000 per year, with the average cost of the entire program sitting at just over $98,000. Keep reading to learn more on the cost of PA school and how to pay for it.
Key Points
• PA school tuition can range from $20,000 to over $100,000, with public programs generally being less expensive than private ones.
• Beyond tuition, students should budget for living costs, books, supplies, and other fees, which can add up to several thousand dollars per year.
• PA programs typically last 2-3 years, which is shorter than medical school, helping to reduce overall costs.
• Federal loans, scholarships, and grants are available to help students manage the financial burden of PA school.
• For those who need additional funding, private loans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options can be a viable choice.
PA Program Cost
The Physician Assistant Life collated information from three key resources to arrive at average costs for the 2025-2026 application cycle: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), and a recent NCCPA Statistical Report. Here’s what they found:
• The average cost of a 27-month resident PA program (including public and private) is $98,075.
• The average cost of a 27-month PA program (including public and private) for nonresident students is $107,288.
• The average total resident tuition and nonresident tuition were higher for PA programs from private institutions than for those from public institutions.
• There was a 5.33% increase in the average total resident tuition for public and private institutions, and a 3.5% increase in nonresident tuition over the last five years.
Paying Physician Assistant Program Costs
After making the decision to become a physician assistant, it then becomes time to figure out how to pay for the PA program.
The first step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to be considered for federal student aid. Often (but not always), by the time that someone is ready to fill out the FAFSA for PA school, they will be considered an independent student, someone who no longer needs to include parental financial information in the application.
Federal Student Aid
The results of the FAFSA application will determine eligibility for federal aid, including:
• Federal student loans
• Federal grants
• Federal work-study options
Federal loans can be a popular way to pay physician assistant program costs for several reasons, including the fact that payments:
• Can be deferred until after graduation
• Can sometimes qualify a student for tax deductions
• May come with the potential for loan forgiveness
The types of federal loans available for graduate students are slightly different from those available to undergraduate students. The borrowing ceiling is higher, but interest rates typically are, as well. PA students may qualify for a Grad PLUS Loan if enrolled at least half time without any adverse credit history.
Note that Grad PLUS Loans will no longer be available as of July 1, 2026. Borrowers who already received a Grad PLUS loan before June 30, 2026, can continue borrowing under current terms through the 2028-29 academic year.
Federal Grants and Work Study Programs
Federal grants can provide significant financial relief for PA students. Programs like the Federal Pell Grant and the TEACH Grant are designed to help students with financial need, offering funds that do not need to be repaid. Check StudentAid.gov for more information on federal grants.
PA students may also be eligible for work-study based on the FAFSA. Typically, students need to apply for these jobs, often ones at the university. Besides helping PA students to earn money, these jobs could be in the medical field, which can help students gain valuable experience.
University Help
Students can check to see what grants, scholarships, and/or fellowships their university offers by contacting the financial aid office. Some institutions use the FAFSA information to determine eligibility, while others have their own applications. Awards can range from a small grant to the amount of the full tuition. Check deadlines for school-specific financial aid to meet them successfully.
More About Grants and Scholarships
Scholarships are available through the federal government, as well as through states, non-profit agencies, organizations, companies, and more. In general, these are merit-based and don’t require repayment. (By contrast, grants are typically need-based.)
There are numerous grants and scholarships that are specifically designed to help with PA program costs. As just one example, the Physician Assistant Foundation has provided more than $2.7 million in scholarships to more than 1,600 future PAs. Requirements include:
• Being a student member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
• Attending a PA program that is ARC-PA-accredited
• Completing at least one quarter or semester in PA studies
• Being in good standing, academically
• Being enrolled in a PA program during the application cycle
Grants to cover PA program costs can get more niche, such as Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology’s APAO Student Scholarship. Requirements include:
• Being an APAO member or applicant who is in the last year of an ARC-PA-accredited program
• Being in the clinical phase, having already completed or nearly completed basic science courses
• Not receiving a PA foundation or other specialty organization scholarship
• Having a strong interest in the oncology field; clinical rotation in an oncology speciality is strongly encouraged
• Having a minimum GPA of 3.0
As another example, Physician Assistants Orthopaedic Surgery, Inc. offers the annual Susan Lindahl Memorial Scholarship, providing four $5,000 scholarships each year.
Members of the National Guard may qualify for the Medical Professional Officer Accession Bonus (OAB). To find state scholarships and grants, contact the appropriate state’s Department of Education.
There are also state-specific PA scholarships, such as those offered by the California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA). Student members of CAPA can be eligible for one of five different $2,000 scholarships.
It may help to look for opportunities from where the student’s bachelor’s degree was obtained. For example, if you are a member of a fraternity or sorority, there may be scholarships available to cover PA program costs.
Fellowships
Graduate fellowships usually require that a student study, work, or research in the PA field, which means that they can gain useful experience while also earning money for the physician assistant program costs.
To find opportunities, talk to your university’s financial aid department or reach out to non-profit agencies connected to the PA field. The application process can be rigorous but can also be quite worthwhile.
Additional Funding Ideas to Consider
When determining what PA school will cost, you’ll want to factor in any federal funding options (loans, grants, and scholarships), university help, and other grants, scholarships, and fellowships you may be eligible for. You’ll next need to consider what, if any, gaps in funding are left.
Ways to cover that gap can include employer tuition reimbursement, becoming an in-state resident, becoming a resident advisor (RA), working as a teaching assistant (TA), and private student loans. Here’s a closer look at each.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Some employers reimburse employees for a certain part of their education costs. It can be worth checking what is available, how to apply, and what constraints might exist. A company might, for example, only reimburse funds for certain degrees or they may require that a student receiving reimbursement stay at the company for a predetermined amount of time.
Some employers may provide employees with professional development funding. If so, you may want to find out whether this can be used towards PA program costs.
In-State Resident
You can often save a significant sum of money by attending a public university in the state where you live. Each state determines residency in different ways, so if you’re thinking about relocating to take advantage of in-state residency savings, check to see what residency requirements are. Some states mandate one year of full-time residency, while others may require three.
Resident Advisor
RAs help new students get settled into dorm life and are compensated for their work. This usually includes part, if not all, of their room and board; perhaps a meal plan; and sometimes a reduction in tuition. Plus, RAs typically can get their own room, which can make studying easier (although this job does come with plenty of responsibilities and interruptions). How much an RA is compensated varies by university.
Teacher Assistant
This can involve prep work for teaching, organizing lab work, conducting research, grading papers, and more. Payment can come in the form of reduced tuition or a stipend. Besides helping with PA program costs, being a teaching assistant can provide experience in the field and allow students to network with industry experts.
Private Student Loans
If additional funds are needed, private graduate student loans can help. Private student loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.
Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections that automatically come with federal student loans. But if you are looking for supplemental funding for your PA program, private student loans may be worth looking into.
Recommended: A Complete Guide to Private Student Loans
The Takeaway
PA school costs can vary widely, ranging from $20,000 to over $100,000, depending on the program and institution. Public schools and scholarships can reduce expenses, but students should also consider living costs, books, and supplies.
Financing options like federal loans and private loans with low interest rates are available to help manage the financial burden.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
Is PA school cheaper than medical school?
PA school is generally cheaper than medical school. Tuition for PA programs typically ranges from $20,000 to $100,000, while medical school can cost upwards of $200,000. PA programs are also shorter, usually 2-3 years, compared to four years for medical school.
How expensive is it to become a PA?
Becoming a PA can be costly, with tuition ranging from $30,000 to over $100,000, depending on the program. Additional expenses include books, supplies, and living costs. Financial aid, scholarships, and part-time work can help manage these expenses.
How can you save money on PA school?
To save money on PA school, consider attending a public institution, applying for scholarships and grants, working part-time, and choosing a program with a lower cost of living. Additionally, explore federal and private loans with lower interest rates and flexible repayment options.
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