10 Most Affordable PA Schools in the U.S. (2025) | Low-Cost Accredited Programs

Pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) can be incredibly fulfilling, both professionally and financially, but the cost of PA school is a critical factor for most students. With tuition ranging from $30,000 to over $100,000 depending on the school and residency status, choosing an affordable PA program can make a major difference in reducing future debt.

In this updated 2025 guide, we highlight some of the cheapest accredited PA programs in the United States, share insights into what makes them affordable, and help you weigh the total cost beyond just tuition. Plus, we’ll explain how gaining relevant experience—like participating in a pre-PA internship abroad—can strengthen your application regardless of where you apply.

> Explore Go-Electives Pre-PA and PA Internships Abroad

What’s the Average Cost of a PA School in the US?

According to recent data from the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), the average total cost of PA school is:

In-state students: ~$56,000–$65,000
Out-of-state students: ~$90,000–$110,000

These totals include tuition, fees, and sometimes estimated living expenses over 24–30 months. States like Kansas, Texas, and Arkansas tend to offer lower tuition rates, while states such as California and New York are typically more expensive.

Beyond tuition, don’t forget to factor in:

Housing and meals
Books, lab fees, and uniforms
Health insurance and transportation
Licensing and certification fees

Choosing a lower-cost program can free up resources for relocation, clinical rotations, or global health internships.

Top 10 Cheapest PA Schools in the United States

We’ve compiled a list of the most affordable PA programs based on published in-state and out-of-state tuition costs. All schools listed are ARC-PA accredited.

Wichita State University (KS)

In-State Tuition: $28,642
Out-of-State Tuition: $70,343
Wichita State consistently ranks among the most affordable PA schools. With strong academic offerings and clinical rotations, students can expect a rigorous, cost-effective education in just over two years.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TX)

In-State Tuition: $33,125
Out-of-State Tuition: $84,125
TTUHSC in Lubbock offers robust training and a high licensure pass rate. The school offers federal financial aid, scholarships, and loan forgiveness options for students pursuing primary care in underserved communities.

CUNY York College (NY)

In-State Tuition: $36,655
Out-of-State Tuition: $74,385
Located in Queens, New York, this program blends academic depth with clinical diversity. CUNY also provides strong financial aid support for both in-state and out-of-state applicants.

University of Wisconsin - Madison (WI)

In-State Tuition: $39,565
Out-of-State Tuition: $80,415
UW’s 27-month program emphasizes primary care and community health. Scholarships and rural health tracks offer additional savings and post-grad opportunities.

UT Southwestern Medical Center (TX)

In-State Tuition: $39,648
Out-of-State Tuition: $85,344
UT Southwestern is a nationally ranked medical center with cutting-edge simulation labs and clinical placements across Dallas-Fort Worth.

Indiana State University (IN)

In-State Tuition: $40,734
Out-of-State Tuition: $80,073
Indiana State's PA program features an affordable seven-semester curriculum and small class sizes, ideal for students who value faculty mentorship.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (AR)

In-State Tuition: $46,669
Out-of-State Tuition: $73,500
Located in Little Rock, UAMS emphasizes hands-on, patient-centered education with strong ties to community health systems.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (TX)

In-State Tuition: $47,925
Out-of-State Tuition: $83,269
UTRGV offers an affordable route into the PA profession with bilingual and underserved population training woven into the curriculum.

Missouri State University (MO)

In-State Tuition: $48,767
Out-of-State Tuition: $77,651
MSU provides strong academic support and clinical training with low tuition and high alumni satisfaction.

University of Nebraska Medical Center (NE)

In-State Tuition: $55,545
Out-of-State Tuition: $87,135
UNMC prepares students for a wide range of specialties through immersive clinical experiences and interprofessional learning.

Benefits of Choosing a Low-Cost PA Program

Lower Debt Load

Graduates from affordable schools often enter the workforce with significantly less student debt, allowing for more career flexibility.

More Financial Aid

Many public universities offer state-funded scholarships, work-study opportunities, and flexible payment plans.

Comparable Quality

Accreditation standards ensure that even the most affordable programs meet national benchmarks for clinical training and academic rigor.

Return on Investment

According to the BLS, PAs earn a median salary of $130,020 as of 2023. Choosing a low-cost school enhances your ROI from day one.

How to Strengthen Your Application for Low-Cost PA Programs

These schools may be affordable—but they’re also competitive. Here’s how to increase your chances of acceptance:

Log competitive patient care hours (1,000–2,000 preferred)
Maintain a GPA above 3.4 in science prerequisites
Craft a strong personal statement that reflects your clinical insight and motivation
Secure letters of recommendation from PAs, MDs, or healthcare supervisors
Gain unique clinical exposure through global internships

Want a unique experience to boost your application? Explore Go Elective’s pre-PA internships in Kenya and Tanzania, where you can:

Shadow licensed professionals across diverse departments
Gain direct patient interaction in high-volume hospitals
Build cultural competency and global health awareness

Final Thoughts: Affordable Doesn’t Mean Average

Choosing one of the cheapest PA schools in the U.S. doesn’t mean compromising on education quality. With proper planning, you can find a program that offers the right balance of affordability, academic rigor, and career opportunity.

Whether you’re already applying or just starting your journey, building a standout profile with strong clinical experience—especially abroad—can help you rise to the top of a competitive applicant pool.

Start your clinical journey today with Go Elective’s immersive global PA internships. We’ll help you gain the experience and confidence you need to take the next step toward a successful PA career. Apply here.