
The medical profession is highly regarded as noble, personally fulfilling, stable, and financially rewarding, so it’s no wonder that aspiring students diligently pursue a medical career even if the annual cost of tuition fees is daunting, ranging from $18,228 – $74,035 and competition for slots is at an all-time high.
This article will help you find the cheapest medical schools in US. without sacrificing the quality of education and more – so you can focus on your studies without being distracted by financial challenges.
Here are some cost-cutting measures to consider.
- Choose Your School Wisely: Consider Direct and Indirect Costs
Direct costs are fees you’ll pay directly to the school, while indirect costs are some expenses you’ll incur outside the school. It’s important to factor in these costs when deciding which school to attend. Here’s what you can expect when studying at public and private medical schools:
Public vs. Private Medical School Expenses: Public medical schools are typically more affordable than private medical schools. For public in-state medical schools, the average tuition fee for 2022-2023 is $34,297 for residents and $57,565 for non-residents, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The cost of going to a private medical school is typically higher, with tuition fees averaging around $56,680 per year for in-state students and $58,166 for non-residents.
Other Expenses: It’s important to note that there are additional costs to consider when choosing a medical school, like health insurance, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenditures. It’s, therefore, essential to research specific institutions and consider the cost of living in the local area when calculating the total expense of pursuing a medical career.
Direct costs, such as tuition and fees, are easy to calculate. Indirect costs, such as housing and transportation, can vary depending on your circumstances.
- Explore Financial Aid Options, Scholarships, and Subsidies
Start researching scholarships and financial aid options early in your application process and apply for them regularly. Many students don’t apply for scholarships available to them, so you’ll have better odds if you do.
Financial aid is a broad umbrella term that includes various sources such as federal aid, institutional aid, private scholarships, merit scholarships, state scholarships, and subsidies. Here’s a closer look at each of these.
- Federal Aid
Federal aid is assistance the U.S. government provides to help students pay for their education. This can come through grants, work-study funds, or loans such as the Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans.
- Institutional Aid
Institutional aid is financial assistance offered directly by the medical school. These aids can be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and tuition waivers. They’re often competitive and require separate applications.
- Private Scholarships
Private scholarships are funds from non-profit organizations, companies, or individuals to students who meet their criteria. They can be based on academic achievement, community service, or specific career interests. Websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com can be useful resources for finding these opportunities.
- Merit Scholarships
Merit scholarships are awards based on a student’s academic, artistic, athletic, or other abilities and don’t necessarily require demonstrating financial need. Federal, state, or private entities or medical schools can offer these. These scholarships reward high-achieving students and are typically competitive.
- State Scholarships
State scholarships are funds individual states provide to residents attending an in-state school. These can be merit-based, need-based, or tied to certain fields of study, like primary care. Check with your state’s higher education agency for information on these scholarships.
- Subsidies
In medical education, subsidies typically refer to funds provided by the government to help reduce the cost of education. These are common in public medical schools where state subsidies help lower tuition costs, especially for in-state students. Some states offer loan repayment assistance programs for doctors who commit to serving in underserved areas after graduation.
- Fee Assistance Program
Did you know that the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has a fee assistance program for eligible candidates with no financial resources to take the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®)? Assistance to apply for entry to medical schools using the AMCAS® application is available.
Each of these plays a distinct role in funding medical education. Understanding what each one offers and how to access it can significantly decrease your overall expenses and make your medical career journey more financially feasible.
- Utilize Free Online Resources
Instead of buying physical textbooks, free e-books, video lectures, and online articles reduce costs significantly. Furthermore, several sites offer practice tests or accredited certification programs that align with state exams that are more affordable than traditional degrees.
Some free or affordable options that medical students can leverage to supplement their education to:
- Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers an extensive library of free courses and resources for aspiring medical professionals. It’s particularly known for its MCAT preparation resources, which comprehensively review subjects tested on the exam.
- Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
MOOCs are another option. Websites like Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn offer various free medical online programs from reputable universities. Some MOOCs offer a “verified certificate” for a small fee, which can benefit resume building.
- Osmosis
Osmosis offers resources tailored to medical students, including videos, study schedules, flashcards, and more. While the site operates on a subscription model, some of its resources are free on its YouTube channel.
- OnlineMedEd
OnlineMedEd provides free access to video lessons specifically designed for medical students. These videos cover various topics, from internal medicine to pediatrics and surgery. There’s also a premium subscription offering additional resources. You may also explore MSC medical sales college if you are aiming for a career in medical device sales. They offer 8 and 12-week programs, with affordable tuition options.
- Medscape
Medscape is a free resource providing the latest medical news, expert perspectives, and continuing medical education (CME) activities. It also offers Medscape Reference, a comprehensive drug, disease, and procedure clinical reference.
It’s important to note that while these resources can enhance learning, they should not replace the comprehensive medical education provided by accredited medical schools.
Final Thoughts
Reducing medical education expenses is achievable. Choosing your school’s location, taking advantage of financial aid options, and using online resources to supplement books and lectures are effective ways to cut costs while maintaining the quality of education.