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A physician assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional who performs a variety of responsibilities, including diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, and prescribing medications. PAs work collaboratively with physicians and other members of a healthcare team and may serve as a patient’s primary healthcare provider, depending on the setting.
Becoming a PA generally requires a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s-level PA program that combines classroom instruction with extensive clinical education. PA programs typically take about 27 months to complete, though program length can vary.
The cost of PA school depends on the institution, whether it is public or private, and, for public programs, whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. Here’s what you need to know about the expenses involved and ways to help pay for your education.
Key Points
• Physician assistant program costs can differ significantly depending on the type of school and your residency status.
• Average tuition for a full 27-month PA program is approximately $98,075 for resident students and $107,288 for nonresident students.
• Beyond tuition, students should factor in additional expenses for required fees, books, supplies, housing, and travel for clinical rotations.
• You can finance your education using a combination of federal and private student loans, scholarships, institutional grants, and employer assistance.
• Carefully comparing the total cost of attendance across programs and researching all available funding options early can help you make more informed financial decisions.
PA Program Cost
The cost of a PA program varies widely from one school to another. The latest available data compiled by the Physician Assistant Life from the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) provides a useful starting point for estimating tuition costs.
For the 2025-26 application cycle:
• The average tuition for a 27-month PA program was $98,075 for resident students.
• The average tuition for a 27-month PA program was $107,288 for nonresident students.
• Average tuition was generally higher at private institutions than at public institutions.
• Resident tuition increased 5.33% over the previous five years, while nonresident tuition increased 3.5%.
Based on these trends, The Physician Assistant Life projects that average tuition could reach $103,300 for resident students and $111,000 for nonresident students for the 2026–27 cycle.
Average PA School Cost by Program Type
The cost of PA school can differ substantially depending on whether you attend a public or private institution and, at public schools, whether you qualify for in-state tuition.
Here’s a look at general tuitions ranges:
• Public school, in state: $20,000 to $30,000
• Public school, out-of-state: $40,000 to $60,000
• Private school: $45,000 to $70,000
These are annual estimates, and PA programs typically take two to three years to complete, making tuition totals significantly higher.
Public schools may offer lower tuition to students who qualify for in-state rates, while private schools generally charge the same tuition regardless of residency. Out-of-state tuition at public schools can sometimes approach or exceed the cost of attending a private program, so it’s worth comparing the total program cost rather than assuming that a public school will always be less expensive.
Additional Costs Beyond Tuition
Tuition is only part of the total cost of attending PA school. When comparing programs, be sure to consider the school’s estimated total cost of attendance, which may include:
• Required fees: Programs may charge fees for clinical education, technology, laboratory use, student services, and other requirements. On average, these fees can run around $7,000.
• Application fees: The Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) charges $185 for the first program designation and $65 for each additional designation for the 2026-27 application cycle. Some schools may also charge supplemental application fees.
• Books and supplies: Textbooks, medical equipment, uniforms, technology, and other required supplies can add to your expenses. Over the full program, these costs can add up to roughly $4,600.
• Housing and living expenses: Rent, food, transportation, health insurance, and other living expenses can represent a significant portion of the overall cost, particularly because PA programs are intensive and may leave students with limited time to work.
• Clinical rotation expenses: Depending on the program, you may need to travel or temporarily relocate for clinical rotations, potentially adding transportation, lodging, and other costs.
Paying Physician Assistant Program Costs
Once you’ve estimated the total cost of PA school, you can start looking at ways to pay for your graduate education. Depending on your circumstances, you may use a combination of savings, scholarships, grants, employer assistance, federal student loans, and private student loans.
A good first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Graduate and professional students are generally considered independent for federal student aid purposes, so parental financial information typically isn’t required.
Your school uses information from the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal and institutional aid. Because PA school can be expensive, it’s worth researching all available sources of funding before deciding how much to borrow.
Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans can be an important source of funding for PA school, but federal borrowing rules changed beginning July 1, 2026.
Grad PLUS Loans are no longer available to new graduate and professional student borrowers, except for students who qualify for a limited exception based on their enrollment and prior borrowing. Direct Unsubsidized Loans remain available to eligible graduate and professional students, but new annual and aggregate limits apply.
As of August 2026, PA programs are being treated as professional-degree programs for purposes of the federal loan limits under an interim designation resulting from ongoing litigation. This currently allows eligible PA students to access the higher professional-student limits of up to $50,000 per year and $200,000 in aggregate federal student loans. The Department of Education has stated that this treatment could change depending on the outcome of the litigation.
Because the rules and program classifications are subject to change, it’s a good idea to confirm your federal loan eligibility with your school’s financial aid office before enrolling.
Recommended: PA School Debt Repayment Strategies
Institutional Grants and Work-Study Programs
Some universities offer grants and scholarships to help reduce the cost of PA school. These may be based on financial need, academic performance, or other criteria. Some awards may be automatic based on your application, while others require a separate application.
PA students may also qualify for Federal Work-Study if they meet the eligibility requirements and attend a participating school. However, PA programs can be demanding, and students may have limited time available for employment. If you’re considering work-study, ask your school about the types of positions available and consider whether the expected earnings would substantially offset your education costs.
External Funding Opportunities
You don’t have to limit your scholarship search to your university. External scholarships and grants may be available through PA organizations, healthcare associations, foundations, community organizations, and state or federal programs.
For example, you can research opportunities through organizations such as the Physician Assistant Foundation and specialty PA associations. You can also look for healthcare workforce programs that provide scholarships or other financial assistance in exchange for a service commitment.
Check your PA program’s website and financial aid office for scholarship resources. You can also use reputable scholarship search tools to find additional opportunities. The PAEA notes that specialized scholarships, traineeships, and loan programs may also be available to PA students.
Fellowships and Assistantships
Some PA schools offer graduate assistant positions that provide a stipend, tuition assistance, or other benefits in exchange for work such as assisting with research, teaching, or administrative responsibilities. Availability and eligibility requirements vary by school, so ask your program whether these opportunities are available to PA students.
Fellowships can also provide financial support or professional development opportunities. However, many are designed for students or PAs pursuing specific areas of research, education, leadership, or clinical practice rather than general tuition assistance. For example, the PAEA offers fellowships for PA students focused on areas such as health policy and medical education.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
If you’re already working in healthcare, check whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement or professional development assistance. An employer may cover some of your education costs, although programs often have eligibility requirements and limits.
For example, an employer might only reimburse tuition for certain degree programs or require you to remain with the company for a specified period after completing your education. Before relying on employer assistance, find out how much the employer will contribute, which expenses qualify, and whether you would have to repay the benefit if you leave the company.
Private Student Loans
If other sources of funding aren’t enough to cover your PA school costs, private student loans may help fill the gap. Private student loans are available from banks, credit unions, and online lenders, and rates and terms vary by lender. Some lenders also offer specialized health professions loans for graduate students.
Your credit history and income can affect the interest rate and terms you’re offered. Students who don’t meet a lender’s credit requirements may need a creditworthy cosigner.
Private student loans can provide supplemental funding, but they generally don’t offer all of the borrower protections available with federal student loans. Before taking out a private loan, compare interest rates, fees, and repayment terms across lenders, and consider how the additional debt could affect your budget after graduation.
Recommended: A Complete Guide to Private Student Loans
The Takeaway
PA school can cost tens of thousands of dollars in tuition, with recent estimates putting the average total tuition at about $98,075 for resident students and $107,288 for nonresident students. Required fees, equipment and supplies, and living expenses can push the all-in cost considerably higher.
If you’re considering PA school, it’s important to compare the full cost of each program rather than tuition alone and explore scholarships, grants, employer assistance, and other sources of funding before borrowing. Federal student loans can help cover eligible expenses, but the elimination of Grad PLUS loans mean some students may need additional funding. If you still have a funding gap after considering federal aid and other options, private student loans may be one way to help cover the remaining cost.
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?
Yes, physician assistant (PA) school is generally less expensive overall than medical school, primarily because PA programs are shorter. PA programs typically take about 27 months, while medical school generally takes four years. The total cost varies by school, but the Association of American Medical Colleges reports a median four-year cost of attendance of around $298,000 at public medical schools and approximately $408,000 at private medical schools for the class of 2026.
How expensive is it to become a PA?
The cost of becoming a physician assistant (PA) varies by program, but tuition for a 27-month program averages about $98,000 for resident students and $107,999 for nonreisdent students. In addition to tuition, students may need to pay for fees, books and supplies, housing, transportation, and other living expenses. Consider the full cost of attendance when comparing PA programs.
How can you save money on PA school?
To reduce the cost of physician assistant (PA) school, compare the total cost of different programs, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. If you’re eligible, choosing an in-state public program may lower tuition. You can also look for scholarships, grants, assistantships, and employer tuition assistance. The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) recommends considering expenses such as books, supplies, professional memberships, and travel and lodging for clinical rotations when comparing programs.
What is the average cost of PA school for public vs. private programs?
Physician assistant (PA) school costs vary by program. According to data compiled by the Physician Assistant Life, the average total tuition is $56,718 for in-state students at public programs, $88,168 for out-of-state students at public programs, and $96,960 for private programs. These figures cover the full PA program and exclude fees. Your actual cost may be higher after adding required fees and living expenses.
Is PA school worth the cost?
Whether physician assistant (PA) school is worth the cost depends on your career goals, expected earnings, and the amount of debt you’ll need to take on. Becoming a PA can provide a path to a healthcare career with a shorter graduate education period than becoming a physician. Before enrolling, compare program costs, consider your potential borrowing needs and research employment opportunities in the areas of medicine you’re interested in.
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