Top 6 Questions About Medical School Costs: Navigating the Application Process

Choosing the right medical school is a crucial step in your journey toward becoming a doctor. With so many factors to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the costs and application process. To help you navigate this complex decision, we’ve compiled answers to the top six most frequently asked questions about the costs of medical school. 

1. Is applying to medical school more expensive than applying to undergraduate programs?

Applying to undergraduate programs is generally less expensive than applying to medical school. One major factor is that medical school applicants tend to apply to a larger number of schools compared to undergraduate applicants, increasing overall costs. Medical school applications also involve multiple fees.

Using AMCAS to apply to MD (Doctor of Medicine) schools, the first application is $175 and each subsequent application is $46.

Using AACOMAS to apply to DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) schools, the first application is $198 and each subsequent application is $57.

TMDSAS (Used to apply to schools in Texas) uses a flat $200 fee.

The average applicant could apply to 25 – 30+ schools given the competitiveness. 

In addition to application fees, applicants are also responsible for MCAT Exam Costs ($345 before any exam changes), any MCAT prep coursework or materials used (this varies greatly but can range anywhere from around $100 to several thousand), MSAR Database access (optional to show all medical school requirements by school, one year is $28, two years is $36), transcript sending fees.

2. What are some common costs associated with applying to med school that applicants should expect?

MCAT: $345 and exam change fees, if needed, range from $50 to $200 depending on how much notice is given for the date change request.

Secondary application fees vary by school but typically are $25-$150

CASPer and/or AAMC Preview- Casper $85 and $15 per score report after the first 8 (included in the test fee). AAMC PREview $100 flat fee with unlimited score distribution.

3. Are there any ways to reduce some of those costs?

The AAMC Fee Assistance Program helps reduce the financial burden for MCAT examinees and AMCAS applicants who may not be able to afford the costs of taking the MCAT or applying to medical schools. Eligibility is based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ poverty-level guidelines and other requirements. For full details, visit the Fee Assistance Program webpages.

This program significantly lowers application costs by waiving the AMCAS application fee for up to 20 schools, reducing the MCAT registration fee by 50%, and providing free access to valuable resources like the MSAR. Many medical schools also waive secondary application fees for recipients, and PREview and CASPer exams are typically free as well.

The AACOMAS Fee Waiver Program assists applicants applying to osteopathic medical schools by covering the initial application fee of $198. However, applicants are responsible for an additional $50 fee for each school beyond the first.

The TMDSAS offers a limited number of fee waivers to applicants who demonstrate financial need. The TMDSAS Financial Hardship Fee Assistance Program covers the entire TMDSAS application fee. However, it does not cover fees for secondary applications, test fees (such as the MCAT), or other related expenses.

To be eligible, applicants must provide documentation demonstrating financial hardship. Since waivers are limited, they are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Other ways to reduce costs are to limit the number of schools you apply to, applying strategically to those you have the best chance of admissions at. In general, students usually have higher chances of admission to their in-state schools or schools they can demonstrate a significant tie to (family lives there, they used to live there, etc).

4. What are secondary applications, and what is the typical cost involved?

After students submit their primary applications, schools may send a secondary application which is a supplemental application sent to an applicant by a specific medical school. These applications allow the school to gather more detailed information about the applicant and their fit for their program; it is common to be asked about experiences with diversity, challenges overcome, and why this particular school just to name a few topics. The typical cost for a secondary application is around $100 per school, though prices can vary depending on the institution, ranging from $40 to $200. 

5. What should students keep in mind when traveling to a med school campus for an interview or visit?

• Many schools offer second-look or closer-look days, allowing you to save costs by waiting to visit until after receiving an offer or acceptance.
• Many interviews are a full-day experience—plan your travel arrangements accordingly.
• Many admission committees include student members—network with them throughout your interview day to gain valuable insights and get a sense of the school’s culture.

6. What else should students consider when applying to medical school?

Interesting Note (although not directly related to the application process):

Some MD/PhD programs are designated as Medical Scientist Training Programs (MSTPs), which are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These programs not only cover the full cost of medical school tuition but also provide a stipend to students, effectively making medical school tuition-free while also offering a source of income. This can be a significant financial advantage for those pursuing both medical and research careers. However, it’s important to note that not all MD/PhD programs are MSTP-designated. One such MSTP program I am familiar with is the University of North Carolina.