Physician assistants are medical professionals who help diagnose and treat illnesses. This challenging job demands dedication if you are a student or a working professional. PA students looking to avoid any financial burden during their studies should look for the cheapest PA schools.
PA programs have a low general admission rate, making them very competitive. However, if you are still looking into becoming a physician assistant, you should find programs that come with reasonable tuition that won’t break the bank. In this article, we have curated a list of the best and most affordable PA schools where you can pursue the cheapest PA degrees.
What Are the Most Affordable PA Schools in the US?
The most affordable PA schools in the US are Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Wichita State University. The most expensive PA schools have tuition costs ranging from $200,000 to $300,000, so to afford PA school, it is advisable to choose one of these three schools or colleges in a similar price range.
How Much Do the Cheapest PA Schools Cost?
The cheapest PA schools cost between $6,000 and $13,000 per year for in-state students. However, the average total cost depends on different factors, including location, residence, public schools or private institutions, and whether the tuition is paid in-state or out-of-state.
Cheapest PA Schools Costs Breakdown
- University fees. University fees include the cost of using the facilities and equipment provided by the institution. These include library fees, media fees, and student health fees. Most universities charge above $1,000 in university fees.
- Accommodation. Accommodation fees cover the cost of living in a dormitory. A room in a university residence can cost $7,000 or more.
- Books. Students in all academic programs need specific textbooks and study materials. Resident and non-resident students pay the same price for books, which is usually over $1,000.
- Transportation. Whether it is public transport or gasoline, students have to pay a certain amount for transportation regularly. Transportation costs can range between $1,800 to $2,200 during the school year.
- Personal expenses. Personal expense fees can include Internet and telephone bills or clothing costs. These fees are typically between $2,800 and $3,200. Costs may vary from person to person.
Why You Should Attend a PA School
You should attend a PA school because they provide quality education and prepare you for starting your professional practice in the healthcare industry. Instead of studying in the intense setting of a medical school, physician assistant programs allow you to learn the same clinical skills and medical terminology as doctoral students.
Physician assistant programs have become increasingly popular among students, as being a PA doesn’t disrupt your personal life like the medical practice of doctors. Attending a PA school is the best choice for people who want to work in the healthcare profession and have a lower-stress professional life.
Best PA School Career Options
Physician assistant program graduates have a wide range of career paths available to them. Primary care providers are needed in the majority of areas in the healthcare system. They can work in pediatric medicine, osteopathic medicine, emergency medicine, and nursing homes.
Overall, physician assistants perform the same duties as physicians and have similar career opportunities. Since they have quicker and less hectic professional training than physicians, they have become more prevalent in the medical field. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for a PA degree is 31 percent.
PA Salary
The average salary for a PA graduate is $121,530 a year. The highest-earning PAs make more than $164,620 annually. Physician assistants in different areas of health earn different salaries depending on their career path, professional skills, and hours of healthcare experience. For example, PA graduates in holistic patient care earn more than PA graduates in pediatrics.
Can You Attend PA School for Free?
No, you cannot attend a PA school for free. Physician assistant programs are expensive because they are a subfield of doctorate-level degree programs. On average, healthcare professionals pay a higher cost of tuition to get their degrees. Financial aid and scholarships may cover a portion of your tuition costs, but you will still be responsible for paying a considerable amount of money.
Most students should be able to afford physician assistant programs if they attend cheap physician assistant schools. Therefore, choosing an affordable university that fits your budget is critical. While you can’t attend PA school for free, you can definitely save money by attending an affordable PA school.
Cheapest PA Schools That Won’t Break the Bank
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | $6,360 | $16,176 | 92% |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | $7,934 | $16,124 | 82% |
| Wichita State University | $8,294 | $18,165 | 48% |
| Missouri State University | $8,800 | $16,498 | 59% |
| Augusta University | $8,832 | $24,210 | 50% |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | $9,207 | $26,379 | 95% |
| University of South Dakota | $9,432 | $12,942 | 60% |
| Indiana State University | $9,598 | $20,862 | 41% |
| Towson University | $10,464 | $25,516 | 72% |
| James Madison University | $12,638 | $29,564 | 82% |
What Are the Cheapest PA Schools? A Deep Dive
Paying for PA School With Financial Aid
Paying for PA schools with financial aid is possible. Students can apply to a variety of financial aid programs to pay for college and reach their career goals.
Federal Grants
Students can apply for both need-based and non-need-based grants through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Grants don’t have to be repaid. Popular types of grants include Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants.
Federal Loans
FAFSA provides annual loans ranging from $3,500 to $12,500. Federal loans are interest-free during your degree program and have a six-month grace period. They are calculated by subtracting family contributions and other financial aid you’ve been granted. The State Higher Education Agency departments of all states provide financial aid opportunities for resident students as well.
Private Loans
Private loans are a popular option for financial aid, especially for international students. Your credit history determines the amount and interest rate of a private loan, as lenders have different eligibility criteria. A private loan is usually taken from a bank, credit union, and school.
Work-Study
Students can work part time and earn money to cover their living expenses, tuition, and fees under the federal work-study program. Work-study jobs help students in colleges and universities contribute money toward their expenses, but these jobs may be limited. The number of hours you work may not exceed the award amount granted by FAFSA.
Best Schools For Your Area of Study
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How to Apply for Federal Aid to Finance Your PA School Program
Students opting for federal aid are required to apply through the FAFSA. It is a simple process that we have broken down into five steps for your convenience.
- Create an FSA ID. All applicants must create an FSA ID to fill out the financial aid form. It requires your name, date of birth, and social security number. This information will be automatically filled in the form when you log in to your FSA ID.
- Find what documents are required. FAFSA requires specific information that can be submitted in the form of documents. It includes your social security number, driver’s license number, federal tax information, and information about your savings and checking accounts.
- Check the deadlines. The form is accessible beginning October 1 for the next academic year. Each state’s deadline varies, with the earliest being February 1 and the latest being July 1. However, you are strongly advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
- Fill out the form. You can find and fill out the form on the official FAFSA website or the myStudentAid mobile app. Next, take a print-out of the form and mail it to the FAFSA PDF, or you can call them and request a print-out.
- Sign and submit. Sign the form using your FSA ID and click on submit. The confirmation page will indicate that your application has been processed. The email confirmation and form confirmation pages are different, so you may save or print the confirmation page for future reference.
Best PA Scholarships
- Health Resources & Services Administration – Physician Assistant Program | Amount: Not specified. Applicants to this scholarship must be enrolled in an ARC-PA accredited PA program. People from tribal organizations and community-based organizations are eligible. The program offers medical help to underserved populations.
- National Health Service Corps Scholarship (NHSC) – HRSA | Amount: Covers tuition, fees, and educational costs. This scholarship is offered to primary care providers who, in return, provide a minimum of two years of full-time service in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).
- PA Foundation – Timi Agar Barwick Scholarship for Humanism in Medicine | Amount: $1,000. This scholarship is open to underrepresented minorities, economically disadvantaged, and educationally disadvantaged students. Applicants must be enrolled in an ARC-PA-accredited program with a semester or quarter of studies completed.
- Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery (PAOS) | Amount: $5,000. The recipient must be a first- or second-year student of an ARC-PA-approved program and a member of Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery. Two scholarships are given out each year to outstanding students.
- Ron Pace Memorial Scholarship | Amount: $1,000. This scholarship is offered to citizens of Florida who are veterans or are children of veterans. The scholarship is awarded to at least one student each year.
Cheapest Undergraduate PA Schools
The cheapest undergraduate PA schools include the College of the Canyons and Fullerton College. While there are no specific undergraduate programs for physician assistant studies, students can choose from any science-related degree program. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best and cheapest degree programs for becoming a physician assistant.
Most Affordable PA Associate Degree Programs
- College of the Canyons | Associate of Science in Biological Sciences | $46.00/unit (resident), $332/unit (non-resident). This 32-credit-hour program focuses on three major biology areas, including introductory biology, clinical anatomy and physiology, and general microbiology.
- Fullerton College | Chemistry Associate in Science | $46/unit (resident), $331/unit (non-resident). This associate degree has a total of 20 credit hours covering general and organic chemistry. The program prepares students to work in inorganic and organic chemistry and observe scientific procedures.
- Santa Ana College | Associate of Science in Chemistry | $7,608/year. This degree program focuses on the major areas of chemistry, inorganic and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering. This eight-semester program also offers an oral communication course for students.
- Foothill College | Associate of Arts in Psychology | $236/unit. This program has a total of 35 credit hours, out of which 15 units are obtained from core courses and 20 from support courses. The program includes courses in human development, cultural sensitivity, sociology of gender, and much more.
- Scottsdale Community College | Associate in Science (AS), Emphasis in Biochemistry | $85/unit (in state), $326/unit (out of state). This four-semester program covers a total of 60 to 64 credit hours. The program includes courses in chemistry, physics, biology, and calculus.
Most Affordable PA Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- The University of Texas at Austin | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry | $10,858/year. The University of Texas at Austin’s chemistry program offers a variety of focus areas for undergraduate students to choose from. All programs have 120 credit hours and a core curriculum based on chemistry.
- University of Virginia | Bachelor of Science in Biology | $14,878 (resident), $50,348 (non-resident). This bachelor’s degree program offers a foundational education in chemistry, mathematics, and physics. It includes six mandatory hours of biology laboratory work.
- Chatham University | Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry | $42,125. This degree program prepares students specializing in chemistry and biology to pursue a career in biotechnology and molecular biology or apply to physician assistant programs. The courses cover organic and physical chemistry, genetics, and calculus.
- University of South Florida | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | $105.07/credit (resident), $211.19/credit (non-resident). This is an on-campus degree program with a few courses available online. It has two concentrations available, Advanced Research Experience in Psychology and Diversity. Students in this bachelor’s program must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.50.
- Parker University | Bachelor of Science in Human Anatomy | $15,672. This program has a total of 120 credit hours, out of which 52 credits are obtained from clinical anatomy core courses. The rest of the courses are from humanities, computer literacy, social and behavioral science, and other general areas of study.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Cheapest Graduate Schools for PA
We have researched the cheapest graduate PA schools to put together this list of affordable schools that also provide high-quality education. A graduate degree is a major step toward your physician assistant career. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a PA graduate school wisely.
Most Affordable Schools for Master’s Degrees in PA
- Dominican University Of California | Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies | $41,120. This is a 28-month-long degree program that provides students with practical experience through clinical rotations. The Dominican University of California requires a minimum of 500 direct patient care contact hours to score an admission.
- Bethel University | Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies | $48,318. This is an ARC-PA accredited university program that has produced exceptional graduates in the healthcare field. Each year 50 students are enrolled in the MPAS program at Bethel.
- Loma Linda University | Master of Physician Assistant Program | $55,860. This is a 24-month master’s degree program divided into a didactic training phase and a clinical phase. Students must perform clinical rotations in internal medicine, family medicine, and other departments.
- Chapman University | The Master of Medical Sciences (MMS) PA Studies | $63,137. Chapman University has an Accreditation-Continued status by the ARC-PA and prepares students for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). Students must complete nine clinical rotations at locations in Southern California.
- Wayne State University | Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies | $63,137. Students must work on the program prerequisites at Wayne State University with a minimum B grade for admission. The prerequisites include courses in biology, chemistry, psychology, and other related subjects.
Most Affordable PhDs in PA Universities
- Butler University | Doctor of Medical Science | $17,500. This is a fully online, 50-credit-hour PhD program. The courses in this program cover foundational and medical sciences, business and leadership, and healthcare education.
- Lincoln Memorial University | Doctor of Medical Science | $18,630. This program offers an advanced curriculum with core courses in psychiatry, pulmonology, nephrology, cardiology, and other similar subjects. The admission deadline for the fall semester is July 15 and November 30 for the spring semester.
- Wake Forest University | PhD/MMS Sequential Degree Program | $43,770. This is a five- to seven-year program that offers a Master of Medical Science in PA Studies and a PhD in Molecular Medicine and Translational Science. It is designed for students pursuing careers as clinical scientists or physician assistants.
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | Doctor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies | $53,100. This four-semester program covers a total of 24 credit hours. Applicants are required to have a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from an accredited college and state licensure or equivalent.
- Augusta University | Doctor of Applied Health Science | $7,038. This is a four-to-five-year program with a total of 72 credit hours. Students must choose between three tracks in diagnostics, health outcomes, and rehabilitation and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Online PhD Programs
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How to Choose a Good and Affordable PA School
When choosing a school, you should ensure that it offers the academic excellence and necessary facilities for your desired program. Several factors, such as yearly tuition rate and student population, might help you decide which institution is perfect for you. We have created a list of five major factors to assist you in making your decision.
Location
The location of the university determines the time and money spent on transportation. If the school is closer to your residence, you are more likely to spend less time traveling and more hours being productive. Attending a school in a less commercialized neighborhood can save you from noise, crowds, and traffic.
Cost
The cost of average tuition has increased globally, making it difficult for people to finance higher education. Therefore, finding cheap physician assistant schools that aren’t a burden on your pocket is crucial. While private schools do have financial aid and scholarship options, they are typically more expensive.
Reputation of a Program
In physician assistant programs, the curriculum goes beyond textbooks and theoretical concepts. A program should offer relevant clinical training and clinical experiences for your future professional practice as a healthcare professional. Consider the universities that offer top physician assistant programs among the national universities ranking.
Retention Rate
Student satisfaction among first-year undergraduate students is determined by a school’s retention rate. A high retention rate indicates that current students are pleased with the school’s education and services. You may discover more about the university’s retention rate by visiting the website or interacting with its students.
Student-Faculty Ratio
The student-faculty ratio determines the relationship between the teachers and students. If you’re having trouble with a particular subject, your professors may need to pay extra attention to you. However, large classes with many students may prevent the teacher from providing you with that guidance. It’s ideal to enroll in a school with fewer students per professor.
Tips for Saving Money While Attending PA School
- Cook food at home. Preparing your own meals is not only good for your health, but it is also cost-effective. You should plan your meals for the week based on your budget.
- Make a budget. A budget will help you stay on track and manage your expenses smoothly. You don’t have to understand the theoretical concepts of finance, simply recording and identifying your spending patterns can be helpful.
- Buy second-hand learning material. New textbooks can be costly, so used textbooks might save you a lot of money. Thanks to technology, some websites provide free online learning materials in the form of soft copies.
- Use student discounts. There are numerous student-specific discounts available in retail stores, especially for clothing, cosmetics, and gadgets. You should always look for brands offering student discounts before making a purchase.
- Avoid unnecessary shopping. When shopping, it is important to identify whether you really need to buy something. If so, you should shop during Black Friday or off-season sales to save money.
Cheapest Online Schools for PA
The cheapest online schools for PAs can be favorable in a variety of ways, including tuition and fees. We realize that finding the best programs is difficult, which is why we’ve listed the cheapest physician assistant schools below for you.
| School | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota | $498.45/credit | 62% |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | $531/credit | 95% |
| AT Still University | $538/credit | N/A |
| Touro University Worldwide | $700/credit | 57% |
| Pace University | $9,900/12 credits | 59% |
Most Affordable Online PA Bachelor’s Programs
- Metropolitan State University of Denver | Bachelor of Science in Psychology | $370/credit. This degree program provides a broad background in psychology, as well as research and internship opportunities. Currently, it has over 1,200 majors and 25 faculty members.
- Maryville University | Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies | $500/credit. This is a completely online 128-credit program. It is focused on the physical, emotional, and social aspects of humans. The courses include childhood development, adult development, aging, and youth development.
- The University of Arizona | The Bachelor of Science in Biology | $525/credit. This is a fully online degree program with a total of 120 credits. It requires two organic chemistry labs, which must be completed in a hybrid format. The courses include ecology, genetics, biochemistry, and introductory biology.
- Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry | $561–$661/credit. The program has a total of 120 credits and 42 total classes. The required chemistry and biochemistry labs can be completed at the university campus or an approved accredited institution.
- University of North Dakota | Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology | $370.08/credit. This is a fully online degree program with affordable in-state tuition rates. It has a total of 120 credit hours, out of which 47 credits are obtained from kinesiology core courses.
Most Affordable Online PA Master’s Programs
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Master in Physician Assistant Studies Bridge Program (MPAS) | $724.43/credit (resident), $1,132.43/credit (non-resident). This 116-credit-hour physician assistant master degree program prepares students to perform medical patient assessments and address several health concerns.
- University of North Dakota | Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) | $479.28/credit. This program includes courses on pharmacology, diagnostic studies, human physiology and pathophysiology, and clinical medicine. Students have the opportunity to perform clinical rotations focused on primary care medicine.
- Stony Brook School of Health Professions | Physician Assistant Post-Professional Masters Program | $16,220/year. This 30-credit-hour program must be completed in five years. Applicants must have a GPA above 3.0 and submit a photocopy of current NCCPA certification proof.
- Touro University | Master of Science in Physician Assistant Completion Program | $8,670/year. This program has a total of 30 credits across two semesters. Students are required to complete two master’s projects of 15 hours each to prove their analytical skills and competency in the subject.
Will Attending an Online PA School Save Me Money?
Yes, attending an online PA school can save you money as it provides quality education at great prices. It offers a number of advantages, but the fact that there are no transportation or additional costs regarding accommodation stands out. Choosing an online PA program will ease your financial challenges regarding your education.
Benefits of Online PA Programs
- Cost-friendly. Online programs are less expensive, as traditional schools have building-related expenses. Since online students don’t have to relocate, they can save on travel expenses and other similar costs related to university location.
- Flexible. Distance learning offers a more flexible schedule, which allows you to work at your own pace. For students who work full-time or part-time, an online school can make it feasible to balance both your studies and job.
- Self-paced. In an online PA program, you have control over your schedule, so you can plan your week around your priorities. Employers also favor employees who can manage their time well.
- Small class sizes. Some students may need extra help in class or be hesitant to ask questions during lectures. In such cases, they can email their concerns to the teachers and get a clearer understanding of crucial concepts.
- Improvement of critical-thinking skills. Online learning offers educational opportunities through presentations, seminars, and group discussions. Technology promotes critical thinking, as students may have to solve complex problems.
Highest-Paying PA Careers
| PA Job | PA Degree | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalist Physician Assistant | Master’s degree | $127,240 |
| Certified Physician Assistant | Master’s degree | $121,530 |
| Surgical Physician Assistant | Master’s degree | $105,342 |
| Emergency Medicine, Physician Assistant | Master’s degree | $104,055 |
| Pediatric Physician Assistant | Master’s degree | $94,849 |
Best PA Jobs Explained
The best PA jobs offer high salaries, job satisfaction, and an opportunity to serve your community. Most roles are based in hospitals and nursing homes, but primary care providers can also work in private clinics.
PA Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable PA Schools
We chose the most affordable PA colleges based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Additional Reading About PA
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Cheapest PA Schools FAQ
Yes, physician assistant school is hard for some students. Being a physician assistant is demanding, so the coursework and clinical training in university must prepare you for your professional practice. Even if you attend one of the cheapest physician assistant schools, you should still expect a certain level of difficulty.
Yes, physician assistants are in demand and usually have a busy schedule. This role is among the fastest-growing careers in the medical world. As long as humans are exposed to illnesses and any infectious disease, physician assistants will always be in demand. Aside from that, there are plenty of other reasons to get a physician assistant degree.
A cardiovascular surgery physician assistant is the physician assistant specialty that pays the most. Cardiovascular surgery PAs earn some of the highest salaries among the other specializations. The majority of physician assistant specialties pay well in general, especially if you attend professional development courses post-graduation to enhance your skills.
Yes, physician assistant salaries will increase. A PA is one of the best-paying healthcare professions, with salaries projected to rise in the future years. Currently, physician assistants have a good job outlook and high employment opportunities.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
