How much should I take out in loans for medical school?
The average medical school debt is $215,900, excluding premedical undergraduate and other educational debt. The average medical school graduate owes $241,600 in total student loan debt. 76-89% of medical school graduates have educational debt.
How quickly do doctors pay off their student loans?
There’s never any penalty for paying off student loans early, and many doctors choose to aggressively repay their medical school debt. According to a 2019 survey from staffing agency Weatherby Healthcare, 35% of doctors paid off their loans in fewer than five years.

Are med school loans worth it?
The short answer to this question is yes. Medical school is worth it. Financially, going to medical school and becoming a doctor can be profitable, especially if you’re able to save and invest a considerable amount of your income before retirement.
How do I avoid huge loans in medical school?
Here are seven ways that students have been able to cut costs, manage expenses, and repay loans:
- Lowering upfront costs.
- Searching for financial aid.
- Improving financial literacy.
- Entering an income-driven repayment program.
- Considering a loan forgiveness program.
- Sticking with a plan.
- Taking advantage of AAMC resources.
How much do doctors owe in student loans?
The average student loan debt for doctors and other medical school graduates sits at $203,062. Here are some more details about the average debt after medical school: Seventy-three percent of graduates have med school debt. Nearly 1 in 5 medical school graduates have more than $300,000 in student loan debt.

What is the average GPA for med school applicants?
Because of the sheer volume of medical school applications they have to wade through, admissions officers have to make some initial screening decisions based largely on GPA and MCAT scores. The average GPA for medical school matriculants in 2017–2018 was a 3.64 science, a 3.79 non-science, and a 3.71 overall.
How much does the average doctor owe in student loans?
Is it worth going to medical school at 30?
According to medical school admissions specialists, it is certainly possible for someone age 30 or over to be accepted into med school. However, some people may incorrectly tell you that you are too old and that it is too late to apply to med school or you’re at a handicap as an older applicant.
How long does it take to pay off med school debt?
How long does it take to pay off medical school debt?
Repayment Plan | Repayment Term |
---|---|
Consolidation Loan | Up to 30 years |
Extended | Up to 25 years |
Pay as You Earn | 20 years |
Revised Pay as You Earn | 20 or 25 years |
How hard is it to pay off medical school debt?
While medical school graduates generally make six-figure incomes, accruing interest on high student loan balances could lead to a longer repayment time….Average medical school debt by year.
Graduation year | Medical school debt only | Cumulative debt at graduation |
---|---|---|
2019-2020 | $215,900 | $241,600 |
Are most doctors millionaires?
Among nearly 18,000 physician respondents polled by Medscape, the proportion of those reporting a net worth greater than $1 million increased from 50% the previous year to 56% in 2020.
Is a 3.86 GPA good for med school?
Admissions experts advise aspiring medical school students to aim for a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
How do I choose the best loan for medical school?
Interest rates. Since you’re likely borrowing significant sums of money to pay for medical school, your interest rate can make a huge difference in the total amount you pay over the life of your loan. Compare a few lenders in order to find the lowest interest rates you believe you can qualify for. Variable and fixed rates.
Should you use federal or private student loans for medical school?
In general, use federal student loans for medical school first because they have benefits private loans for medical school lack, including access to income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs. The following lenders offer student loans specifically designed for medical students and other graduate-level health professionals.
When should I consider PLUS loans for medical school?
Consider PLUS loans after you’ve exhausted other federal loans for medical school. PLUS loan interest rates are 6.28% for the 2021-22 school year, which may be close to the rate you’d get with a private loan. But PLUS loans come with a 4.228% fee that most private lenders don’t charge.
How many times can you apply for a medical school loan?
You can apply only once and get the money you need for the entire school year. Funds will be sent for each term as requested by your school. Your interest rate can rise or fall as the market index changes, so your Medical School Loan payments may vary over time.