Stanford Medical School Tuition: Complete Breakdown of Costs for 2024-2025
Discover the comprehensive breakdown of tuition and fees at Stanford School of Medicine, and gain insight into the costs and financial considerations associated with pursuing a medical education at this prestigious institution.
Posted March 6, 2025
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Stanford School of Medicine is one of the most prestigious medical schools in the world. Its academic medicine program, cutting-edge research opportunities, and well-regarded Stanford Medicine Discovery Curriculum make it a highly sought-after destination for aspiring medical professionals. However, understanding the cost of attendance and the financial support available is crucial to any prospective student’s decision-making process.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the tuition rates, additional fees, and financial aid options for students interested in pursuing an MD at Stanford School of Medicine. Additionally, it is important to understand the financial aspects of medical school applications, including various associated costs beyond tuition.
Stanford School of Medicine Tuition Overview
Total Cost of Attendance
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition for Stanford Medical School is $67,000. This figure reflects the quarterly tuition rates and covers only the academic costs associated with attending the MD program. Keep in mind that Stanford medical school tuition can increase each year, so it’s essential to anticipate annual tuition hikes as part of your long-term budgeting.
Comparing Stanford Medical School tuition to other top prestigious medical schools, such as Harvard or Johns Hopkins, reveals similar price points. However, it’s important to note that Stanford's living expenses in San Francisco and San Jose can drive up the overall cost of attendance. Living in these areas comes with a high price tag due to the region's competitive housing market and general cost of living.
Visit: Stanford School of Medicine Tuition & Fees
Annual Tuition Rates for MD Program
Stanford charges MD students quarterly tuition of $22,235. Over the course of the academic year, this amounts to the annual tuition rate of $67,305. For students enrolled in research or joint degree programs like the MD/PhD or MD/MBA, tuition may differ depending on the specific requirements of the program.
- Full Tuition: $22,235 per quarter, totaling $67,305 for the academic year.
- Reduced Tuition for Research (MED Research): If you’re a student engaged in full-time research, you can expect a reduced tuition rate of $3,728 per quarter, totaling $11,184 for the academic year.
Read: Medical School Cost Breakdown: How Much Does It Actually Cost?
Additional Fees & Expenses
Mandatory Fees
Aside from tuition, there are additional mandatory fees that all students must pay. These include:
- Document Fee: A one-time fee for processing your records.
- Student Activity Fee: Covers the costs associated with student organizations and activities.
- Health Service Fee: All students are required to have medical insurance as part of their enrollment. This fee is approximately $2,540 per quarter.
Living Expenses
Living in San Francisco or San Jose adds a significant cost to your medical education. Here’s a breakdown of estimated living expenses for students living on campus:
- Rent: $6,210 per quarter, totaling $24,840 for the academic year.
- Food: $2,405 per quarter, totaling $9,620 for the academic year.
- Personal Expenses: $2,885 per quarter, totaling $11,540 for the academic year.
- Total Living Expenses (Rent, Food, and Personal): $11,500 per quarter, totaling $46,000 for the year.
Additional Costs
In addition to rent and food, students will incur other costs for transportation, medical insurance, and books. These additional expenses typically amount to:
- Transportation: $610 per quarter.
- Books and Supplies: $500 per quarter.
- Medical Insurance: $2,540 per quarter.
Total Estimated Expenses
For On-Campus Students:
| Category | Per Quarter | Per Academic Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $22,235 | $67,305 |
| Living Expenses (Rent, Food, Personal) | $11,500 | $46,000 |
| Other Fees (Medical Insurance, etc.) | $3,951 | $15,864 |
| Total (On-Campus) | $37,886 | $151,424 |
For Off-Campus Students:
| Category | Per Quarter | Per Academic Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $22,235 | $67,305 |
| Living Expenses (Rent, Food, Personal) | $12,690 | $50,760 |
| Other Fees (Medical Insurance, etc.) | $4,656 | $18,504 |
| Total (On-Campus) | $39,781 | $159,004 |
Financial Aid at Stanford School of Medicine
Types of Financial Aid Available
Understanding the financial aid options is key to managing the cost of attending Stanford Medical School. Here are the primary financial aid sources:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, MCAT scores, and your overall application. As a highly competitive school, Stanford School of Medicine offers merit-based scholarships for students with exceptional academic records.
- Need-Based Financial Aid: Stanford provides need-based aid to students from low-income backgrounds. The amount awarded is determined by your family’s financial situation, as submitted to the financial aid office.
- Student Loans: While Stanford offers significant financial aid, many students also rely on federal and private loans to cover the remaining costs.
Financial Aid Application Process
The financial aid process is separate from the medical school application process. You will need to submit financial documents (including tax returns and income statements) to the Stanford Financial Aid Office. Be mindful of the deadlines for both your AMCAS application and financial aid application to avoid delays in processing.
The admissions committee considers financial need when making decisions, ensuring that students from a range of educational and family backgrounds can access Stanford’s medical education.
Read: Stanford University School of Medicine: Admission Requirements and Application Process
Managing Medical School Costs
Managing costs effectively during your medical school journey is key. Here are a few strategies:
- Explore external scholarships and fellowships to reduce reliance on loans.
- Carefully budget for living expenses, particularly in areas like San Francisco, where housing costs are high.
- Be aware of additional fees related to clinical practice settings and medical research.
Comparison with Other Medical Schools
Tuition Comparison
Stanford’s tuition rates are competitive but similar to other top schools. Below is a comparison of tuition at several well-known medical schools:
| School | Annual Tuition | Estimated Annual Living Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford School of Medicine | $67,305 | $46,000 |
| Harvard Medical School | $68,000 | $45,000 |
| Johns Hopkins School of Medicine | $60,000 | $35,000 |
As shown in the table, Stanford’s tuition is on par with other prestigious institutions like Harvard and Johns Hopkins, though the cost of living in San Francisco is higher than in cities like Baltimore or Boston.
Cost of Living in Major Medical School Cities
Living in major cities like San Francisco and San Jose is expensive. Here’s a breakdown of estimated living expenses for medical students in different locations:
| City | Monthly Rent | Monthly Food & Transportation Costs |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $2,500 - $3,000 | $500 - $700 |
| Boston (Harvard) | $2,000 - $2,500 | $400 - $600 |
| Baltimore (Johns Hopkins) | $1,500 - $2,000 | $300 - $500 |
As expected, living in San Francisco is more costly than in Baltimore or Boston, so Stanford students need to budget accordingly for personal expenses and housing.
Scholarships & Financial Aid Packages
Merit-Based Scholarships
Stanford offers merit-based scholarships to exceptional students. These scholarships are highly competitive, and the admissions committee evaluates academic performance, MCAT scores, and your overall application. To improve your chances, be sure to submit a strong personal statement and demonstrate your academic capabilities.
Need-Based Aid and Support
For students from lower-income backgrounds, need-based financial aid is available. Stanford’s financial aid package typically covers a significant portion of the costs associated with tuition, medical insurance, and living expenses. The amount of financial aid you receive will depend on your family’s financial profile.
Read: Stanford School of Medicine Financial Aid
Stanford School of Medicine's Supportive Environment
Academic Support and Resources
Stanford provides numerous resources to help students succeed academically. These include access to research labs, libraries, and specialized programs. The pre-clerkship curriculum is rigorous, but students are supported by faculty and peers to help them navigate their studies.
Visit: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Wellness Programs
Maintaining well-being is crucial for medical students. Stanford offers a range of wellness programs, including mental health resources, counseling, fitness programs, and more. These resources help students manage the stress of medical school while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Bottom Line
Understanding the costs associated with the Stanford School of Medicine is essential. The tuition rates, living expenses, and additional fees can add up quickly, but Stanford provides a robust financial aid package to help students manage these costs. Careful planning for living expenses in San Francisco and awareness of financial aid options will make the medical school journey smoother. Stanford’s commitment to academic medicine and providing students with exceptional training opportunities makes it one of the top choices for those pursuing a career in medical research or clinical practice.
Work with a Medical School Admissions Coach
Getting into a top medical school requires strategic planning, a strong application, and a compelling personal statement. A medical school admissions coach can provide personalized guidance to help you stand out.
Top Coaches
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- The Best 50+ Free Resources for the MCAT Exam
- How to Write a Powerful Personal Statement for Medical School
- What GPA Do You Need to Get Into Medical School?
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FAQs
How much does it cost to go to Stanford for 4 years?
- The estimated total cost of attending Stanford School of Medicine for 4 years, including tuition, living expenses, and additional fees, is approximately $450,000 to $475,000. This includes the $67,305 per year tuition for MD students, living expenses of around $46,000 annually, and other fees like medical insurance, books, and supplies. Costs will vary depending on your living situation and personal spending habits, but this estimate covers the majority of the expenses for all 4 years.
What is the MCAT score for Stanford?
- Stanford Medical School does not set a strict minimum MCAT score for admission, but competitive applicants generally have an average MCAT score around 520. This score is well above the average for medical school applicants nationwide. Keep in mind that Stanford’s admissions committee looks at your entire application, including your academic background, personal statement, research experience, clinical practice, and extracurricular activities, so a strong MCAT score is only one component of your application.
Is Stanford or Harvard better for medical school?
- Both Stanford Medical School and Harvard Medical School are ranked among the top medical schools in the world, offering exceptional medical education and research opportunities. The decision between the two largely depends on your career goals and interests. Stanford is known for its emphasis on innovative medical research, academic medicine, and its proximity to Silicon Valley, which fosters a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Harvard, on the other hand, is renowned for its extensive network of medical professionals and its leadership in clinical practice and public health. Both schools provide excellent training, but your decision may come down to specific programs, faculty, and resources that align with your future career goals in medical research or clinical practice.
How much does UCLA Med School cost?
- The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine has a slightly lower tuition than Stanford. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the annual tuition for in-state students is around $45,000, and for out-of-state students, it's approximately $55,000. In addition to tuition, living expenses in Los Angeles are also significant, with students typically spending around $25,000 to $30,000 annually on housing, food, and personal expenses. This brings the total estimated cost of attendance for UCLA Med School to around $70,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on residency status and living choices.
