Understanding the Cost of Medical School at the University of Arizona

The University of Arizona, a large public institution in Tucson, Arizona, founded in 1885, offers a wide array of undergraduate degrees across 439 majors. For those aspiring to join the medical profession, understanding the financial implications of attending medical school is crucial. This article provides a detailed overview of the tuition costs associated with the University of Arizona's medical programs, along with other financial considerations.

Overview of University of Arizona Medical Programs

The University of Arizona boasts two prominent medical colleges:

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson
University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

These colleges offer Doctor of Medicine (MD) programs.

Tuition Costs for MD Programs

The tuition costs for these programs vary between in-state and out-of-state residents. Here’s a breakdown:

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson

In-State Tuition: \$68,737
Out-of-State Tuition: \$87,931

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

In-State Tuition: \$70,223
Out-of-State Tuition: \$89,417

These figures represent a significant investment for aspiring medical professionals.

Comparison with Other Arizona Medical Schools

To provide a broader context, let's compare the tuition costs of the University of Arizona's medical schools with other medical schools in Arizona:

A.T. Still University (Mesa, AZ): \$62,526 (In-State and Out-of-State) - DO Program
Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (Glendale, AZ): \$73,814 (In-State), \$74,516 (Out-of-State) - DO Program

The University of Arizona's MD programs are positioned in the higher end of the tuition range compared to other options in the state.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond tuition, prospective medical students should also consider other significant expenses:

Living Expenses: Including room and board, transportation, and personal expenses.
Application Fees: Applying to medical school involves fees for the AMCAS (allopathic) or AACOMAS (osteopathic) applications.
Entrance Exams: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) incurs costs.
Licensing and Residency: Costs associated with licensing and residency interviews for new graduates.

Estimated Expenses for Dual-Degree MD/MS Students at ASU

Arizona State University's (ASU) John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering offers dual-degree MD/MS programs. The estimated educational expenses for first-year students are based on 45 weeks of attendance across the fall, spring, and summer terms. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Arizona Resident

Tuition and Program Fee: \$48,164
Student-Initiated Fees: \$807
Graduate Student Support Fee: \$300
Room and Board: \$28,755
Books, Course Materials, and Supplies: \$2,088
Transportation: \$5,040
Personal: \$6,525
Loan Fee: \$529
Insurance: \$3,019
Total: \$95,227

Non-Resident

Tuition and Program Fee: \$80,979
Student-Initiated Fees: \$807
Graduate Student Support Fee: \$300
Room and Board: \$28,755
Books, Course Materials, and Supplies: \$2,088
Transportation: \$5,040
Personal: \$6,525
Loan Fee: \$529
Insurance: \$3,019
Total: \$128,042

Note that these tuition estimates are subject to change pending approval by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR).

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Financial Aid and Scholarships

University of Arizona Primary Care Scholarship

The University of Arizona offers the Primary Care Scholarship to encourage medical students to enter primary care and other critical access specialties.

Eligible Specialties: Family physicians, general internists, general pediatricians, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, and geriatric medicine.
Application Deadline: Typically in April, communicated by the Office of Financial Aid.
Notification: New student awardees are notified in April.
Disbursement: The scholarship is disbursed to the student's Bursar's account for the fall and spring semesters.
Conditions:
- Must maintain continuous full-time enrollment as a medical student.
- Must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- If enrollment ceases, the scholarship converts to an interest-bearing loan requiring reimbursement.

The Primary Care Scholarship, in combination with other aid, cannot exceed the cost of attendance.

General Scholarship Information

Scholarships are a valuable resource for covering education costs as they don't require repayment. The application deadline for newly admitted students is typically in April, with details communicated by the Office of Financial Aid. New student awardees will be notified in April. The scholarship will be awarded in conjunction with any other offered financial aid for the Academic Year (AY) and disbursed to the student Bursar's account for the fall and spring semesters. If a student has accepted other financial aid in excess of the Primary Care Scholarship, and the total aid disbursed exceeds charges, a refund will generate based on the selected Bursar's refund options. The Primary Care Scholarship, in combination of other aid, cannot be offered in excess of the cost of attendance and will not generate a supplemental refund. By accepting this scholarship, students are required to maintain continuous enrollment as a full-time medical student in the University, and they must also maintain satisfactory academic progress. These standards are described in the University catalog. If a student ceases to be enrolled as a medical student at the University of Arizona, the scholarship will convert to a personal, interest-bearing loan, and the student will be required to reimburse the University for the total scholarship amount received.

Understanding Tuition and Fees

The University of Arizona reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice, upon approval by ABOR or as otherwise consistent with Board policy. Such modifications can apply to both current and incoming students. For the most precise information, students should use the tuition and fee calculator provided by the U of A Bursar’s Office. The Tuition and Fees amount listed are based on expected rates. This is not a bill but merely an estimate.

Strategies to Manage Medical School Costs

Apply for Scholarships: Explore and apply for various scholarships, including the University of Arizona's Primary Care Scholarship and external opportunities.
Consider In-State Residency: If possible, establish residency in Arizona to qualify for lower in-state tuition rates.
Create a Budget: Develop a detailed budget that includes tuition, fees, living expenses, and other costs to manage your finances effectively.
Explore Loan Options: Research and compare different loan options to find the most favorable terms and interest rates.
Seek Financial Counseling: Consult with financial aid advisors to understand available resources and develop a repayment plan.

Acceptance Rate and Competitiveness

Arizona has a higher acceptance rate for in-state residents, at about 7%, versus out-of-state residents who drop to just over 1% acceptance. The University of Arizona is the most competitive medical school in Arizona.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

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