How Much Does it Cost to go to Physician Assistant (PA) School?

So you are considering PA school?

👇 Jump straight to the live cost table — current tuition for every US PA program, refreshed on every page load.

Great, now how are you going to pay for it?

With the average undergraduate education debt prior to PA school at $36,300 and the average anticipated debt load from PA school now ranging from $112,500 to $116,773, it's time to ask the next logical question:

How Much Does PA School Cost in 2026?

As with most college and advanced degree programs in the United States, the cost of PA school continues to rise. Based on current tuition data supplied by PA programs, the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), and the most recent NCCPA Statistical Report:

The Most Current Average Costs Across All PA Schools (2025–2026 Data — Most Recently Published)

• The average cost across all PA programs (public and private) for resident tuition for a 27-month physician assistant/associate program is $98,075 (up from $95,165 the prior year)
• The average cost across all PA programs (public and private) for nonresident tuition for a 27-month physician assistant/associate program is $107,288 (up from $103,660 the prior year)

Based on the latest PAEA/AAPA reports:

• The average cost of public resident tuition for a 27-month PA program is closer to $56,718
• The average cost of public non-resident tuition is approximately $88,168
• The average cost of private tuition for a 27-month physician assistant program is $91,639
• The average program length is 27 months
• The average PA graduate debt upon completing PA school is $112,500–$116,773, on top of any undergraduate debt

The Cost of Public vs. Private PA Programs

Of particular interest is the difference between public and private institution tuition and fees.

• The average total tuition for residents and nonresidents was higher for PA programs at private institutions than at public institutions.
• There was a 4% to 7% increase in the average total resident tuition for public and private institutions.
• The average total incidental costs (books, medical equipment, etc.) for public and private institutions increased by 23% and 139%, respectively.
• Today, 62.5% of PA programs are private, while only 35.6% are public.
• Nearly 85% of PA students take out loans to cover their education costs.

Average Costs of PA Program Fees: Public vs. Private

• Physician assistant program fees at public institutions: $5,937
• Physician assistant program fees at private institutions: $4,672

Cost of APPLYING to PA School in 2026

Just when you thought it couldn't get worse, before you enjoy the hefty cost of PA school itself, you have to factor in the cost of applying. Based on my calculations, the total cost of applying could exceed $6,000 in 2026. Here's the breakdown of major application expenses:

• CASPA Application Fee: $184 for your first program + $61 for each additional program. If you apply to 12–15 schools (the average), CASPA fees alone run $784–$949.
• CASPer Test Fee: $85 (includes results sent to 8 programs) + $15 per additional program. A growing number of PA programs now require this test.
• Transcript Entry Service (PTE): $75–$150 depending on the number of transcripts.
• Supplemental fees: Many programs charge $25–$100 or more per secondary application.
• Interview travel costs: Flights, hotels, and transportation for in-person interviews can add hundreds or thousands more.

Note: CASPA fee waivers are available on a first-come, first-served basis for applicants with financial need (covering two programs, valued at $245). Apply early!

For my full breakdown with every cost itemized: Sticker Shock Alert! The Real Cost of Applying to PA School.

Looking for the best programs to apply to? Use my Ultimate PA School Applicant Logbook to track your hours, schools, and costs — all in one place.

Cost of All US Physician Assistant (PA) Programs

The live table below includes every US physician assistant program with published tuition — total resident and nonresident program tuition (not including fees) — pulled directly from each program’s cost pages and continuously verified by our PA School Finder directory. Tuition changes constantly, but this table can’t go stale: it re-checks the data every time you load this page — the “live data” date stamp below the table tells you exactly when the numbers you’re seeing were pulled (that’s today).

Live snapshot (Jul 21, 2026): 334 PA programs publish total resident tuition — median $103,737, ranging from $21,360 to $221,361 (plus the tuition-free military Interservice program).

How Much Did It Cost Me to Go to PA School?

When I was enrolled in the Rutgers University PA program (formerly UMDNJ) in 2001 — yes, that feels like a long time ago — the annual tuition was only $10,000 per year (excluding fees). Since this was a three-year program, my total cost for the PA school education, excluding fees, was approximately $30,000.

I was fortunate to receive a stipend from the National Health Service Corps, which covered my PA school expenses. I strongly recommend looking into this program — especially now that Grad PLUS loans are being phased out; service-based funding is more important than ever.

How Much Would My Same PA Program Cost in 2026?

Here is the breakdown of my school (Rutgers PA program) and the projected cost of tuition and fees for the 3-year program starting in 2026.

Projected Total Cost of Attending the Rutgers Physician Assistant Program in 2026

• The estimated total cost of in-state tuition is approximately $105,374 (2025: ~$101,321; 2024: $97,424; 2023: $93,677; 2012: $69,524)
• The estimated total cost of out-of-state tuition is approximately $158,125 (2025: ~$152,043; 2024: $146,195; 2023: $140,572)

Note: 2026 Rutgers figures are projections based on the ~4% annual increase trend. Verify with the Rutgers School of Health Professions for current figures.

How About the Fees (Estimated for 2026)?

• ~$500 campus fee
• ~$950 technology fee
• ~$475 school fee
• ~$2,650 health insurance fee per year × 3 = $7,950
• ~$500 lab-intensive fee
• ~$195 clinical admin fee
• ~$160 parking/year × 3 = $480

Total in Fees (Estimated): ~$11,050

In a later blog post, I will discuss the cost of books, medical supplies, and general living expenses. Unless you attend PA school part-time, it isn't easy to maintain a job along with a full-time PA school curriculum.

You may also have noticed that Rutgers University has a three-year PA school curriculum. How does this compare with shorter programs? Take a look at my 14-variable Perfect PA Program Picker!

Is PA School Worth the Cost in 2026?

This is the question every pre-PA should be asking, and it deserves a real answer. The short version: for most people, yes — but only if you go in with a plan. And if part of you is still weighing PA against medical school, I’ve run that exact money comparison — tuition, years of lost income, debt, and lifetime earnings — in PA vs. MD: Following the Money.

Here's the math that matters. The national median PA salary in 2026 is approximately $133,000–$134,000, with bonuses pushing total compensation close to $141,500. That is a high income, and demand for PAs continues to grow. Check out the 10 Best Cities for Physician Assistants in 2026 and the PA Salary by Cost of Living comparison to see where your dollar goes the farthest.

However, with average PA school debt now at $112,500–$116,773 — and federal loan access shrinking thanks to the Grad PLUS loan changes — it is more important than ever to choose your program wisely. Attending an in-state public program, utilizing service-based scholarships and loan repayment programs, and minimizing borrowing can make an enormous difference in your long-term financial health.

Also, if you are wondering who gets into PA school and what it takes to put together a winning application, check out my guide: Who Gets Into PA School?

If you are just starting your pre-PA journey, the Ultimate Pre-PA Getting Started Guide is the best place to begin.

Frequently Asked Questions About PA School Costs

How much did your PA school cost? Is it worth it? Drop a comment below — I'd love to hear your story!

— Stephen Pasquini, PA-C

Stephen Pasquini PA-C Physician Assistant

Stephen has been a family practice PA since 2004 and is the creator of The PA Life, Smarty PANCE Board Review, and PASchoolfinder websites. A National Health Service Corps Scholar and a graduate of The University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ (Rutgers) PA Program and the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Stephen's goal is to provide one-of-a-kind online resources for those interested in or practicing in the PA profession, to promote better access to healthcare for all, and to foster universal recognition/awareness of the PA profession. Read more about Stephen.

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