Physician Assistant Cost and Aid
Let’s look at the cost of an MSPA at MBU, and some of the ways we work with you to make your education affordable for you and your family.
Academic Year 2026–27
These costs apply to the Fall ’26, Spring ’27, and Summer ’27 semesters.
Direct Costs
| Fall ’26 | Spring ’27 | Summer ’27 | |
| Tuition | $15,288 | $15,288 | $7,644 |
| Annual program fee* | $525 | — | — |
| Credentialing fee | $20 | $20 | $20 |
| Total | $15,833 | $15,308 | $7,664 |
MBU’s MSPA curriculum consists of 47 credit hours and traditionally spans 20 months (5 semesters).
Costs are based on full-time status (9 or more credits per semester, at $900 per credit hour). Tuition and fees are set annually and may be subject to change based upon academic year, continuing student status, Grad PLUS loan eligibility, etc.
To be eligible for federal financial aid, students must be enrolled in 4.5 credit hours per semester.
*The Program Fee attempts to cover required educational and technology resources for students. This fee will reduce the number of resources you are responsible for purchasing out-of-pocket and it can be applied to financial aid costs. For example, the fee covers your electronic textbooks, DynaMed access, and ultrasound tuition.
Indirect Costs
Students should also anticipate additional indirect costs such as books, supplies, travel, housing, and personal items. These expenses are not billed by MBU but are considered when determining financial aid awards.
Estimates for these expenses are included below but may vary by student and semester:
| Semesterly Payments | One-Time Payments | |
| Books and supplies | $550 | — |
| Transportation | $768 | — |
| Health insurance | $525 | — |
| Living | $10,500 | — |
| Loan fees (if federal loans are borrowed) | $72 | — |
| Grad PLUS Loan fees | $916 | — |
| Application fee (CASPA) | — | $45 |
| Total Estimated Indirect Costs | $13,331/semester | $45 |
Living expenses will vary significantly during different phases of the program and according to student preference. During the clinical year, expect an increase in out-of-pocket expenses for travel to and from clinical sites, and, if necessary, local housing.
Additional Information
For accepted students, a nonrefundable $2,000 deposit fee will be levied and applied to tuition upon matriculation.
All students are required to obtain a background check and drug screen prior to matriculation. Certain clinical sites may require an updated background check and drug screen for the clinical year. MDCHS reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission or dismiss a student based on information received during this process. These steps would be at the student’s expense.
All students are required to carry health insurance for the duration of their program. Students are not required to enroll in the MDCHS student health insurance plan, as long as they provide proof of active/comparable insurance through a hard waiver process. This is separate from any professional liability insurance: MDCHS provides a professional liability policy for all student activities. Students are not required to carry separate liability insurance.