Medical School Finance

How to Pay for Medical School in 2026 Without Grad PLUS

Medical school costs $60,000-$100,000+ per year. With Grad PLUS eliminated, you need a new plan. Here's how to fund every year of your medical education.

The Medical School Funding Gap

$100K

Avg. Annual Cost

$50,000

Federal Loans (professional cap)

$50,000

Gap Before Scholarships

Building Your Medical School Funding Stack

Without Grad PLUS, medical students need to layer multiple funding sources. Start with federal loans under the professional-student cap ($50,000/year, $200,000 lifetime under OBBBA), then add scholarships, institutional aid, and private loans.

LoanAmerica®'s Graduate & Professional Loan covers up to $100,000/year toward tuition and required institutional fees.

Why Program-Based Underwriting Matters for Med Students

Medical schools have some of the highest graduation rates and employment outcomes in higher education. Our Credential Score model factors this in, meaning medical students at accredited programs get favorable underwriting treatment regardless of current income (because they don't have one yet).

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost
Tuition & FeesPrivate medical school average	$65,000/yr
Living Expenses (not covered by LoanAmerica®)	$25,000/yr
Books & Equipment (not covered by LoanAmerica®)	$5,000/yr
Total Annual Cost	$95,000/yr
Federal Loans (professional cap)	-$50,000
Scholarships (avg.)	-$10,000
Remaining GapLoanAmerica® covers up to $100K	$35,000