Tuition and Financial Aid

Laptop Computer Expenses

Students who must purchase a new laptop computer for their coursework may request an increase in student aid up to $1,200. Requests higher than that require additional documentation to be submitted to Student Aid.

Clinical Rotation Travel

Most clinical sites are located within a daily round-trip commuting distance (less than 50 miles) of the Hershey/Harrisburg region. However, some sites may be outside the daily commuting range and could be located beyond 50 miles from campus, these sites are considered away rotations.

Students may be required by the program to complete up to three (3) away rotations that could require additional travel and temporary housing expenses. These rotations are within the state of Pennsylvania, but exceed 50 miles from campus. The College of Medicine will cover the cost of housing for program-required away rotations, while students will be responsible for the cost of travel to and from the rotation site. The program does not provide reimbursement for travel, parking, or other related expenses.

Based on current per diem rates from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the estimated additional cost for these rotations may be approximately $4,800 added to the student’s Cost of Attendance. This estimate is calculated using the FY26 GSA Per Diem Rates for the state of Pennsylvania.

Students requesting away rotations in preferred locations, or at preferred elective sites less than 50 miles from campus will be responsible for housing, travel, parking, and other related expenses. These expenses could range from $2,000 to $6,000 depending on location. Students receiving financial aid may request additional funding to help cover these expenses.

The following estimates represent typical annual expenses beyond tuition and required program fees:

Estimated total for non-tuition/fees expenses for the 24-month program: $85,606

These estimates are provided for informational purposes and may vary based on individual student circumstances, housing choices, travel requirements, and personal spending.

Additional estimated living expenses can be found through the Student Aid Office or online at the Tuition and College Cost Estimator.

A one-time, non-refundable, $2,500 fee is assessed during the Fall semester of the students Didactic Year and includes access to online textbooks and course preparation materials, experiential learning fees for simulation and sonosim training, student memberships to PSPA and AAPA, clinical year onboarding fees, standardized assessment software for didactic and clinical year assessments, student test banks, and participation in a live board review course.

The program provides students with online access to all required program textbooks through Access Medicine, as well as additional electronic resources available through the Harrell Health Sciences Library. Students should budget approximately $1,200 if they choose to purchase hard-copy versions of the remaining program textbooks for personal use.

The only required hard-copy textbook is Grant's Dissector, which students must purchase separately for approximately $80, and is included in the total cost of tuition and fees outlined above.

• Stethoscope: Provided by the Office of Alumni Relations

  • If students choose to utilize a different stethoscope than the one provided, it must include a separate bell & diaphragm.

• Short White Coat: Provided

• Tromner Reflex Hammer: Included in program fee

• Medical Penlight: Included in program fee

• Suture Practice Kit: Included in program fee

  • Practice Suture: approximately $25 - recommended

• Knot Tying Practice Kit: Included in program fee

• Flexible Ruler (2): Included in program fee

• EKG Calipers: Included in program fee

• Tuning Forks: Included in program fee

• Hand-held/Pocket Eye Chart: Included in program fee

• Flexible Tape Measure: Included in program fee

• Sphygmomanometer (Blood Pressure Cuff): Students should purchase an adult cuff with sphygmomanometer (approximately $25)

• Watch: Stop-watch or wristwatch with a second hand (approximately $25-100)

The cost of practice suture, sphygmomanometer, and a watch is included in the total cost of tuition and fees outlined above.

The Physician Assistant Program follows Penn State's tuition refund policy in the event of student withdrawal from the program.

All PA students are required to have health insurance coverage. Documentation of coverage is required in order to waive the Penn State student health insurance plan. Penn State offers a health insurance plan for students and their dependents through First Student. Expenses for health insurance costs are included in the Estimated Non-Tuition/Fees (Non-billable) Student Expenses section above.

All students enrolled in the PA Program are required to complete the background checks, clearances, and other compliance requirements necessary for participation in clinical education. These requirements are coordinated through CastleBranch. The estimated cost to complete the required background checks and clearances is approximately $60 and is included in the total cost of tuition and fees outlined above.