Cheapest Pre-med Schools
Looking for the cheapest pre-med schools? The University of Florida offers an average net price of $13,692 with a Medical Honors Program, while Southern Oregon University at $10,187 provides a biology pre-med track, and the University of Texas at El Paso at $9,000 features a robust Pre-Health Professions program.
Find Your Pre-med School in 5 Minutes or Less
Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!
Looking for affordable pre-med schools to kickstart your medical career? This guide ranks the top 20 cost-effective undergraduate colleges with strong pre-med programs, based on average net price (what students pay after financial aid), academic quality, and career outcomes. Discover schools offering robust pre-med advising, MCAT prep, and research opportunities at a fraction of the cost.
What Are Pre-Med Schools?
Pre-med schools are undergraduate institutions offering courses and advising to prepare students for medical school admission. Unlike medical schools, which grant MD or DO degrees, pre-med programs focus on bachelor’s degrees with tracks in biology, chemistry, or related fields. This article highlights affordable colleges with proven pre-med success.
Methodology
We rank schools using data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and College Navigator.
Key metrics include:
- Salary After Attending: Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment.
- Average Net Price: Cost after financial aid (2023-2024 data, latest available).
- Retention Rate: Percentage of students returning after the first year.
- Graduation Rate: Percentage completing their degree.
Top 20 Cheapest Pre-Med Schools
Below are the top 20 affordable colleges with strong pre-med programs, verified with 2023-2024 average net prices. Each offers dedicated pre-med tracks to prepare students for medical school.
- University of Florida
- Average Net Price: $13,692
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Salary After Attending: $64,463
- Pre-Med Features: Offers a Medical Honors Program (7-year B.S./M.D.), a dedicated Pre-Health Advising Office, and extensive research opportunities with UF Health.
- Snow College
- Average Net Price: $7,258
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Salary After Attending: $37,439
- Pre-Med Features: Affordable tuition, small class sizes, and partnerships with local hospitals for shadowing and volunteering.
- Southern Oregon University
- Average Net Price: $10,187
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Salary After Attending: $43,741
- Pre-Med Features: Bachelor of Science in Biology with a pre-med track, access to research labs, and MCAT prep resources.
- University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
- Average Net Price: $20,050
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Salary After Attending: $60,711
- Pre-Med Features: Pre-Medical Advising Program, research-focused College of Nursing & Health Sciences, and clinical partnerships.
- University of Michigan-Dearborn
- Average Net Price: $12,855
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Salary After Attending: $56,525
- Pre-Med Features: Pre-Health Advising, biology major with pre-med focus, and proximity to Detroit medical centers.
- University of Utah
- Average Net Price: $13,572
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Salary After Attending: $60,590
- Pre-Med Features: Pre-Medical Advising Office, Bachelor of Science in Biology with pre-med emphasis, and strong research programs.
- University of Holy Cross
- Average Net Price: $13,671
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Salary After Attending: $49,594
- Pre-Med Features: Bachelor of Science in Biology with pre-med tracks for medicine, dentistry, and more.
- University of New Mexico
- Average Net Price: $14,446
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Salary After Attending: $70,863
- Pre-Med Features: BA/MD program for pre-med students, strong advising, and research opportunities.
- Ball State University
- Average Net Price: $14,765
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Salary After Attending: $45,934
- Pre-Med Features: Pre-Medical Preparation Program, partnerships with regional health systems, and MCAT support.
- Bethel University - Tennessee
- Average Net Price: $15,717
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Salary After Attending: $40,767
- Pre-Med Features: Bachelor of Science in Biology with pre-med focus, small class sizes, and advising support.
- Central Washington University
- Average Net Price: $16,514
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Salary After Attending: $55,685
- Pre-Med Features: Pre-Medicine Track, research opportunities, and MCAT prep courses.
- Grand Valley State University
- Average Net Price: $17,356
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Salary After Attending: $50,273
- Pre-Med Features: Pre-Medical Studies program, clinical partnerships, and advising for medical school applications.
- Southern Wesleyan University
- Average Net Price: $17,722
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Salary After Attending: $41,792
- Pre-Med Features: Bachelor of Science in Biology with pre-med track, small classes, and research opportunities.
- University of Akron
- Average Net Price: $17,945
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Salary After Attending: $43,796
- Pre-Med Features: Pre-Med Track in biology, hospital partnerships for shadowing, and MCAT prep.
- University of Maryland - College Park
- Average Net Price: $18,048
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Salary After Attending: $71,837
- Pre-Med Features: Reed-Yorke Health Professions Advising Office, robust research programs, and high med school acceptance rates.
- Manchester University
- Average Net Price: $18,064
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Salary After Attending: $46,704
- Pre-Med Features: Biology-Chemistry major with MD track, research-focused curriculum, and advising support.
- Tarleton State University
- Average Net Price: $20,307
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Salary After Attending: $46,642
- Pre-Med Features: Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science with pre-med option, clinical partnerships.
- Cornerstone University
- Average Net Price: $20,397
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Salary After Attending: $42,833
- Pre-Med Features: Pre-medical program, small class sizes, and advising for medical school.
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania
- Average Net Price: $21,484
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Salary After Attending: $53,418
- Pre-Med Features: Pre-Medical Bachelor’s program, flexible major options, and research opportunities.
- University of Texas at El Paso
- Average Net Price: $9,000
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Salary After Attending: $43,000
- Pre-Med Features: Pre-Health Professions program, research labs, and MCAT prep support.
Note: Average net prices are from 2023-2024, the latest available data, sourced from US News and College Navigator. Costs may vary based on financial aid and residency.
Pre-med Schools Comparison Table
| School | Average Net Price | Retention Rate | Graduation Rate | Salary After Attending | Key Pre-Med Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | $13,692 | 97% | 88% | $64,463 | Medical Honors Program |
| Snow College | $7,258 | 67% | 45% | $37,439 | Hospital partnerships |
| Southern Oregon University | $10,187 | 69% | 47% | $43,741 | Pre-med track |
| University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | $20,050 | 71% | 53% | $60,711 | Research-focused |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | $12,855 | 82% | 55% | $56,525 | Pre-Health Advising |
| University of Utah | $13,572 | 89% | 70% | $60,590 | Pre-Medical Advising |
| University of Holy Cross | $13,671 | 69% | 40% | $49,594 | Pre-med tracks |
| University of New Mexico | $14,446 | 75% | 50% | $70,863 | BA/MD program |
| Ball State University | $14,765 | 78% | 61% | $45,934 | Pre-Medical Program |
| Bethel University - Tennessee | $15,717 | 62% | 44% | $40,767 | Small class sizes |
| Central Washington University | $16,514 | 71% | 62% | $55,685 | Pre-Medicine Track |
| Grand Valley State University | $17,356 | 84% | 65% | $50,273 | Clinical partnerships |
| Southern Wesleyan University | $17,722 | 72% | 54% | $41,792 | Pre-med track |
| University of Akron | $17,945 | 73% | 40% | $43,796 | Hospital partnerships |
| University of Maryland College Park | $18,048 | 95% | 83% | $71,837 | Health Professions Advising |
| Manchester University | $18,064 | 69% | 53% | $46,704 | MD track |
| Tarleton State University | $20,307 | 67% | 57% | $46,642 | Biomedical Science |
| Cornerstone University | $20,397 | 82% | 64% | $42,833 | Pre-Medical program |
| West Chester University | $21,484 | 85% | 74% | $53,418 | Flexible majors |
| University of Texas at El Paso | $9,000 | 75% | 47% | $43,000 | Pre-Health Professions |
How to Choose the Right Pre-Med School
When selecting a pre-med school, consider:
- Location: Proximity to hospitals for shadowing and volunteering.
- Pre-Med Advising: Dedicated offices for MCAT prep and application support.
- Research Opportunities: Access to labs and clinical experiences.
- Financial Aid: Availability of scholarships and grants to lower costs.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Maximize affordability with these tips:
- Apply for FAFSA: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to access federal grants and loans.
- Seek Scholarships: Look for pre-med-specific scholarships through organizations like the American Medical Association.
- Explore Institutional Aid: Many schools offer merit-based or need-based aid to reduce the net price.
FAQ: Cheapest Pre-Med Schools
1. What are the cheapest pre-med schools in the U.S.?
The University of Texas at El Paso ($9,000 net price) and Southern Oregon University ($10,187 net price) are among the cheapest, offering strong pre-med tracks with advising and research opportunities. The University of Florida ($13,692) provides an affordable Medical Honors Program.
2. How much does a pre-med program cost on average?
Average net prices for pre-med programs at affordable schools range from $7,258 (Snow College) to $21,484 (West Chester University), based on 2023-2024 data. Costs vary depending on financial aid, scholarships.
3. Do affordable pre-med schools offer quality preparation for medical school?
Yes, schools like the University of Utah ($13,572 net price) and the University of Maryland ($18,048) have high retention rates (89–95%) and strong pre-med advising, ensuring competitive MCAT prep and medical school placement.
4. What should I look for in a pre-med program?
Look for dedicated pre-med advising, research opportunities, and proximity to hospitals for shadowing opportunities. For example, the University of Michigan-Dearborn ($12,855) offers pre-health advising and Detroit Medical Center access.
5. How can I reduce pre-med school costs?
Apply for FAFSA, seek pre-med scholarships through organizations like the American Medical Association, and explore institutional aid. Schools like Ball State University ($14,765) offer merit-based aid to lower costs.
Conclusion
These 20 affordable pre-med schools offer strong preparation for medical school without breaking the bank. Use this guide to find a cost-effective program that aligns with your academic and career goals. Start your pre-med journey today with confidence.
References
- University of Florida Cost of Attendance
- Snow College Tuition and Fees
- Southern Oregon University Cost of Attendance
- University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Tuition and Fees
- University of Michigan-Dearborn Cost of Attendance
- University of Utah Cost of Attendance
- University of Holy Cross Tuition and Fees
- University of New Mexico Cost of Attendance
- Ball State University Tuition and Fees
- Bethel University - Tennessee Tuition and Fees
- Central Washington University Cost of Attendance
- Grand Valley State University Cost of Attendance
- Southern Wesleyan University Tuition and Costs
- University of Akron Cost of Attendance
- University of Maryland - College Park Cost of Attendance
- Manchester University Cost and Financial Aid
- Tarleton State University Undergraduate Cost of Attendance
- Cornerstone University Tuition and Financial Aid
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania Estimated Cost Calculator
- University of Texas at El Paso Cost of Attendance
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard
- U.S. Department of Education College Navigator
