Costs and Financial Resources

The average number of schools that a pre-health student applies to is currently between 12 and 15. Applying to the average 12 to 15 professional schools can easily run from $3000 to $6000. And all of this before you ever relocate and start classes!

Where the costs come from?

• The primary application cost somewhere between $115-$238 for the first school and $32-$80 per school after that.
• Secondary applications can range from $25-$200 per school.
• If you plan on taking a review course for the Professional School Admissions Test (MCAT, DAT, etc.), the cost average from $750-$2000.
• Review books for the Professional School Admissions Tests (MCAT, DAT, etc.) will cost at least $60-$200. Registering for the test ranges from $175-$360.
• When you are invited to interview, you will want to look your best. If you need a new suit and the prices can range from $50-$300.
• If you have in-person interviews, you will need to pay for the travel, food and lodging, easily totaling $500-$1500, depending on the location and length.
• Once you have been accepted, schools will ask for a deposit to save your seat. Some of these will be refundable but you will need to put in $100-$2000 quickly to save your spot.

What can you do?

• Start saving now. Eliminate frivolous spending and pay off debts
• Be strategic in your application plans and thoroughly consider each school
• Research your financial options. Some resources for getting started are below:
  • MSU Office of Financial Aid Loan Resources
  • AAMC FIRST (Financial Information, Services, Resources, and Tools)

Fee Assistance Programs

• • Dental: ADEA AADSAS Fee Assistance Program
    • DAT partial fee waiver
  • Medical:
    • DO: AACOMAS Fee Waiver & Additional Aid
    • MD: AAMC Fee Assistance Program (covers application, MCAT & MSAR)
  • Occupational Therapy: OTCAS Fee Assistance Program
  • Optometry: OAT partial fee waiver
  • Pharmacy: PharmCAS Application Fee Waiver
  • Physical Therapy: PTCAS Fee Assistance Program
  • Physician Assistant: CASPA Fee Assistance Program
  • GRE Fee Reduction Program

Scholarship Information

• Many professional schools have their own scholarships designed for their students. Take the time to find out about these opportunities by researching your desired programs. 
• The websites below can also be helpful resources: 
  • Dental
    • American Student Dental Association
    • Michigan Dental Association 
  • Medical
    • American Medical Association
    • 35+ Top Medical School Scholarships in 2024
  • Occupational Therapy
    • Michigan Occupational Therapy Association
    • American Occupational Therapy Foundation
  • Optometry
    • American Optometric Association
    • Association of Schools & Colleges of Optometry
  • Pharmacy
    • American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
  • Physical Therapy
    • American Physical Therapy Association Michigan
  • Physician Assistant
    • PA Foundation