A lot of people desire to be a doctor. But often this desire can not be achieved because of the high cost of tuition for medical school. Not to worry. I have good news for you. There are affordable options available! And I am going to let you know the cheapest medical schools in the U.S. you can attend. The admission requirements, average costs, job prospects for graduates, and valuable tips to help you secure a spot.
Why Study Medicine?
A career in medicine can be very fulfilling, both personally and professionally. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that physicians and surgeons earn an average of $208,000 per year (as of May 2022) and the job outlook is expected to grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than average. You need to bring your A-game to study medicine. With commitment, strength, and a substantial financial commitment.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for medical schools, even the most affordable ones, are competitive. Here’s a general overview:
- MCAT Exam: The MCAT, a standardized test, assesses your knowledge and skills, and it’s needed in medical school.
- GPA: Have a good GPA throughout your undergraduate studies.
- Volunteer and Clinical Experience: You will need Volunteer work and clinical experience to show your commitment to the medical field and patient care.
- Personal Statement: A well-written personal statement where you highlight your motivations, experiences, and career goals.
Cost of Attending Medical School in the US
The cost of attending medical school in the U.S depends on your residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state) and whether the school is public or private. In-state students at public medical schools pay an average of $250,116, while out-of-state students pay $333,801. But don’t worry, the schools listed below are an affordable path to your medical degree.
What are the Job Prospects for Graduates of the Cheapest Medical Schools in the US?
If you have a medical degree from a recognized U.S. school. You have access to many career opportunities. Qualified doctors are in high demand, especially in fields like primary care, surgery, and anesthesiology. Graduating from a cheap medical school is not going to limit you as graduates from affordable medical schools have similar job prospects to those from expensive ones, as long as they meet licensing criteria and excel in their residency training.
Cheapest Medical Schools in the U.S
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
- Ranking: Not ranked
- Location: Alburquerque, New Mexico
- GPA: 3.72
- MCAT score: 507
- Faculty-student ratio: 2.2:1
- In-state tuition: $22,692
- Out-of-state tuition: $35,792
- University of Texas Austin Dell Medical School
- Ranking: Not ranked
- Location: Austin, Texas
- GPA: 3.86
- MCAT score: 517.6
- Faculty-student ratio: 1.2:1
- In-state tuition: $22,613
- Out-of-state tuition: $36,933
- Florida State University College of Medicine
- Ranking: Not ranked
- Location: Tallahassee, Florida
- GPA: Not provided
- MCAT score: Not provided
- Faculty-student ratio: Not provided
- In-state tuition: $29,444
- Out-of-state tuition: $63,996
- University of Central Florida Medical School
- Ranking: #103 in Best Medical Schools
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- GPA: Not provided
- MCAT score: 506
- Faculty-student ratio: 1.3:1
- In-state tuition: $32,105
- Out-of-state tuition: $58,979
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine
- Ranking: #4 in Best Medical Schools
- Location: New York, New York
- GPA: 3.93
- MCAT score: 520
- Faculty-student ratio: 2.4:1
- In-state tuition: $10,200
- Out-of-state tuition: $10,200
- Baylor College of Medicine
- Ranking: #22 in Best Medical Schools
- Location: Houston, Texas
- GPA: 3.92
- MCAT score: 518
- Faculty-student ratio: 1.5:1
- In-state tuition: $27,843
- Out-of-state tuition: $40,943
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Ranking: #101-130 in Best Medical Schools
- Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
- GPA: 3.65
- MCAT score: 506
- Faculty-student ratio: 1.8:1
- In-state tuition: $36,570
- Out-of-state tuition: $36,570
- University of Michigan Medical School
- Ranking: #11 in Best Medical Schools
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
- GPA: 3.89
- MCAT score: 517
- Faculty-student ratio: 1.3:1
- In-state tuition: $60,672
- Out-of-state tuition: $67,672
- University of California, Los Angeles (Geffen) School of Medicine
- Ranking: #6 in Best Medical Schools
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- GPA: 3.87
- MCAT score: 518
- Faculty-student ratio: 1.1:1
- In-state tuition: $62,225
- Out-of-state tuition: $77,225
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
- Ranking: #3 in Best Medical Schools
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- GPA: 3.92
- MCAT score: 520
- Faculty-student ratio: 1.2:1
- In-state tuition: $65,810
- Out-of-state tuition: $65,810
- Stanford University School of Medicine
- Ranking: #2 in Best Medical Schools
- Location: Stanford, California
- GPA: 3.93
- MCAT score: 520
- Faculty-student ratio: 1.1:1
- In-state tuition: $66,165
- Out-of-state tuition: $66,165
- Harvard Medical School
- Ranking: #1 in Best Medical Schools
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- GPA: 3.94
- MCAT score: 521
- Faculty-student ratio: 1.1:1
- In-state tuition: $67,684
- Out-of-state tuition: $67,684
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
- Ranking: #5 in Best Medical Schools
- Location: New York, New York
- GPA: 3.92
- MCAT score: 519
- Faculty-student ratio: 1.2:1
- In-state tuition: $68,862
- Out-of-state tuition: $68,862
- University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
- Ranking: #4 in Best Medical Schools
- Location: San Francisco, California
- GPA: 3.88
- MCAT score: 518
- Faculty-student ratio: 1.1:1
- In-state tuition: $69,106
- Out-of-state tuition: $84,106
Conclusion
Going for a budget-friendly medical school is a smart move that will help you ease the financial strain of medical education. Although cost is a significant factor, it shouldn’t be the main deciding factor when you are choosing a medical school. Look at other things like, the quality of education, program fit, location, and student support services with affordability.