How Much Does PA School Cost in 2025? Tuition, Fees & Funding Options

Pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) is rewarding, but it comes with a significant financial investment. Before enrolling in a program, it’s important to understand the true cost of PA school, including tuition, fees, living expenses, and application costs.

In this guide, we’ll break down the average cost of PA school, compare public versus private tuition, highlight the most and least expensive programs, and explore strategies to pay for your degree.

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Average Cost of PA School

The average cost of PA programs in the United States continues to rise. As of 2025:

• Overall average tuition (27-month program): $95,165 for residents
• Non-resident tuition: $103,660 on average
• Public program residents: $56,718
• Public program non-residents: $88,168
• Private institutions: $91,639 regardless of residency

Tuition has increased by 5.3% annually over the past five years. These numbers don’t include application fees, seat deposits, textbooks, medical equipment, housing, or lost wages from full-time study.

Despite the cost, PA remains an attractive career path. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for PAs is $115,390, with strong job growth projected over the next decade.

Cost of Private vs. Public PA Programs

Private PA programs are significantly more expensive than public programs:

Other factors like seat deposits (ranging $150–$1,000), application fees (CASPA charges $184 plus $61 for each additional school), and travel for interviews further raise the price tag.

PA School Costs by State

Location matters. Tuition varies widely across states:

• Most expensive states: California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Tennessee ($90,000–$110,000 average)
• More affordable states: Kansas, Texas, Alabama, Iowa, Wisconsin ($50,000–$80,000 average)

Even within the same state, resident vs. non-resident tuition can nearly double the cost.

Most Expensive PA Programs

Some of the costliest programs in the U.S. include:

1. Duquesne University (PA): $309,972
2. Touro College – New York: $160,480
3. University of Southern California: $125,120
4. Emory University (GA): $135,960
5. Stanford University (CA): $162,945

Cheapest PA Programs

On the other end of the spectrum, the most affordable PA schools include:

1. CUNY York College (NY): $36,655 in-state
2. Indiana State University: $40,734 in-state
3. Miami-Dade College (FL): $41,188 in-state
4. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: $41,856 in-state
5. East Carolina University (NC): $54,483 in-state

Best PA Programs and Their Costs

Here are some of the top-ranked PA schools with their tuition costs:

1. Duke University (NC): $97,902
2. Baylor College of Medicine (TX): $86,322
3. University of Iowa (IA): $47,427 in-state | $96,084 out-of-state
4. Emory University (GA): $135,960
5. George Washington University (DC): $53,070
6. University of Utah (UT): $82,172 in-state | $102,319 out-of-state

How to Pay for PA School

Funding a PA degree requires careful planning. Common strategies include:

I. Scholarships & Grants

Offered through organizations like the PA Foundation, state associations, and diversity caucuses.

II. Federal Loans

Direct unsubsidized loans and Grad PLUS loans.

III. Loan Repayment Programs

National Health Service Corps, Indian Health Service, and military service options.

IV. Military Scholarships

Navy, Air Force, and Army programs provide full tuition and stipends in exchange for service.

V. Work Programs & AmeriCorps

Opportunities to earn stipends or partial loan forgiveness.

On average, PA students graduate with $112,500 in student debt, making scholarships and repayment options essential.

FAQs: Cost of PA School

#1. How much does PA school cost per year?

On average, $56,718 per year for public in-state programs and $91,639 per year for private programs.

#2. What’s the cheapest PA program in the U.S.?

CUNY York College in New York, with tuition at $36,655 for in-state students.

#3. How much debt do PA students graduate with?

The average PA graduate leaves school with about $112,500 in student loan debt.

#4. Do Texas PA schools cost less?

Yes. Texas residents pay around $81,800 on average, while non-residents pay closer to $92,000.

#5. Is PA school worth the cost?

Yes. With median salaries above $115,000 and growing demand for PAs, most graduates find that the return on investment is strong—especially if they manage debt strategically.

Final Thoughts

PA school is a major investment, with tuition ranging from $40,000 to over $160,000 depending on where you study. While costs are rising, scholarships, loan repayment programs, and careful program selection can make a PA education more affordable.

At Go Elective, we help future PAs build their resumes with pre-PA internships and physician assistant internships abroad. These programs not only count toward patient care experience but also give you unique global exposure that strengthens your PA school application.

By weighing costs carefully and planning ahead, you can take confident steps toward a rewarding PA career.

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Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 19, 2025