MD Program
Tuition and Financial Aid
In This Section
The Office of Student Aid at the College of Medicine is here to assist you. We can help you understand your options, apply for financial assistance and make well-informed choices about financing your education.
Contact Us
If you have questions about financial aid, please contact the Office of Student Aid at 717-531-7052 or StudentAid@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Tuition and Expenses
The College of Medicine has transitioned to a differentiated tuition structure with separate in-state and out-of-state medical student rates, which began in the 2024-25 academic year. In 2024-25, tuition increased 4% for Pennsylvania resident medical students, to $30,017 per semester, and 14% for all nonresident medical students, to $32,903 per semester.
Living expenses are estimated at the off-campus rate and will be updated once costs have been finalized based on living circumstances.
Tuition and fees are based on actual costs for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change based on approval from the Penn State Board of Trustees.
Disability insurance is required and the amount is based on the actual 2024-2025 academic year. This charge will be applied in full in the fall semester.
USMLE costs were estimated at the time the costs were determined. Changes in curriculum can alter the academic year in which a student will incur these costs.
Registered students are required to carry medical insurance. This can be purchased through the University (SHIP) for $4,005 for first-year students, or $3,665 for second- through fourth-year students for 2024-2025. These amounts will be included in the total cost of attendance in addition to the above outlined costs. Students have the option to purchase medical insurance on their own as long as it meets University requirements.
Applying for Financial Aid
Penn State College of Medicine Office of Student Aid offers a variety of resources for students to assist with debt management and encourage smart borrowing.
Students may make an appointment with the Office of Student Aid at any time. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For walk-in appointments, it is recommended that students set up a time with the Office of Student aid at one of the options below.
Phone: 717-531-7052
Email: StudentAid@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
Schedule a meeting: Office of Student Aid Bookings via Bookings
Helpful Links
Additional information on budgeting and loan management can be found on the American Association of Medical Colleges website. including resources related to managing finances during med school
AAMC’s Financial Information, Resources, Services and Tools (FIRST)
Penn State's Student Aid website is a good place to get an overview.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Receive your award notice from the College of Medicine.
Complete loan entrance counseling at StudentAid.gov for incoming students
Sign the Master Promissory Notes for Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans as necessary.
If an enrolled medical student who is faced with personal difficulties or emergency circumstances that will inhibit their ability to remain enrolled, they may apply for emergency funding. There are two sources in which students can request emergency funds.
If a student submits a Penn State Basic Needs Request Form, an advocate from Student Affairs will be assigned the case for review. The student will be contacted by the case manager and be notified of their status. If a student submits a College of Medicine Student Emergency Fund request, the College of Medicine Student Emergency Committee will review the request. The student will be contacted by the chair of the committee and notified of their status. It is up to the medical student to choose which emergency fund to submit their request. Medical students cannot request emergency funds from both resources for the same emergency.
Penn State College of Medicine has both merit and need-based scholarships. In 2023-2024, 75% of our MD students received some type of scholarship or award that did not require a service commitment, and 2% received scholarships tied to a service commitment (Health Professions Scholarships and National Health Service Corps).
Scholarships with a Service Commitment
These scholarships usually cover complete tuition, fees, educational expenses and a living allowance. Each program is slightly different and should be researched completely before making a commitment.
Health Professions Scholarships: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard
National Health Service Corps
Scholarships from Outside Sources
Scholarships are available from private sources, but you must take the initiative to research availability and follow through with the application process. The following are suggestions for finding potential assistance opportunities:
Internet databases
Cultural and Diversity Scholarship Fund
Local medical societies and chapters of AMA
Charitable foundations
Service clubs such as Lions, Rotary, etc.
Scholarship information from outside sources received by the Office of Student Aid are shared monthly via email.