MD Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fee Policies

Policies related to tuition and fees are located in the VUSM Catalog. These policies include payment of tuition and fees, refund of tuition, late payment of fees, financial clearance, activities and student services fees, professional liability insurance, disability insurance, student health insurance, student health service fees, verification fees, transcript fees, and financial assistance.

Payment is accepted in person at the Office of Student Accounts Cashier’s window located in the Baker Building. Please refer to the Student Accounts website for other payment methods.

Costs for 2025-2026

The following expenses represent the amounts established by the Vanderbilt University Office of Student Financial Aid as reasonable costs for attending Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. It is expected that most students can live within these costs. Students with extenuating circumstances may reach out to the Office of Enrollment Services with documentation and exceptions. Dependent child daycare costs may be added with documentation. Modest annual increases can be expected. The Board of Trust approved tuition and fees costs in April 2025. Health insurance costs still have not been approved.

Direct Costs Paid to Vanderbilt	1st Year Students (12 months)	2nd Year Students (11 months)	3rd Year Students (12 months)	4th Year Students (10 months)
Tuition	$70,900	$70,900	$70,900	$70,900
Student Services Fee*	$791	$791	$791	$791
Student Health Fee*	$1,012	$1,012	$1,012	$1,012
Year 1 Transcript Fee	$100
Indirect Costs
Books / Supplies	$500	$500	$500	$500
Housing	$21,373	$19,592	$21,373	$17,811
Food	$9,984	$9,152	$9,984	$8,320
Personal Total**	$8,116	$7,439	$8,116	$6,763
Transportation	$2,035	$1,865	$2,035	$1,696
Laptop Allowance	$1,000
Loan Fees***	$1,132	$1,132	$1,132	$1,132
Residency Interviewing Yr 4				$6,058
STEP Fees		$680	$680
Total Cost of Attendance	$116,943	$113,063	$116,523	$114,983

*Personal includes $331/month for health insurance.
** Loan Fees are based on average loan fees incurred by similarly classified borrowers during the previous academic year.

Cost of Attendance for 2024-2025

View the Costs for 2024-2025

Estimated Bill at Vanderbilt

	Yearly	1st Term	2nd Term
Tuition	$70,900	$35,450	$35,450
Student Health Insurance ‡	$4,074	$2,037	$2,037
International or MSTP Student Health Insurance ‡	$4,314	$2,157	$2,157
Student Services Fee ‡	$791	$396	$395
Student Health Fee ‡	$1,012	$506	$506
Transcript ‡ (new students)	$100	$100

Explanation of Fees

Student Health Insurance Fee

Student health insurance premium rates are still subject to state approval. This fee covers the cost of the Student Health Insurance Plan offered through Vanderbilt University. The annual fee is charged to the student’s account in two installments in the first and second terms. This fee may be waived for students who have coverage through a comparable plan. Visit the Student Health Center website to learn more about waiving coverage beginning on June 17, 2025.
Student Services Fee

This fee supports co-curricular interests and events as well as recreational programs administered through the Vanderbilt Recreation and Wellness Center. Additional information can be found in the Vanderbilt University Student Handbook. The annual fee is charged to the student’s account in the first and second terms.
Student Health Fee

This fee provides enhanced support for the University Counseling Center, the Office of Student Health and the Office of Student Care Coordination. The annual fee is charged to the student’s account in the first and second terms.
Transcript Fee

This fee covers lifetime access to electronic transcript and diploma requests from the Office of the University Registrar. The one-time fee is charged to first-time Vanderbilt students at the beginning of the first term of the first year.

Financial Aid Options for MD Students

VUSM resolves to make medical education accessible to admitted MD students through need- and merit-based scholarships. Student loans are also available.

Scholarships

To help make medical education more accessible, students can apply for a range of merit- and need-based scholarships that help offset tuition and related costs. Scholarships provided by Vanderbilt will automatically be renewed by the Office of Financial Aid each year, as long as you are allowed to continue in the program. No additional forms are required after the first year.

$8.8M
scholarship assistance offered to admitted students for the Class of 2028
68%
of the Class of 2028 received either a need-based or merit-based scholarship from Vanderbilt
49%
of most recent graduates did not have medical school debt (20% higher national average)

Merit-Based Scholarships

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine proudly offers merit scholarships to incoming students. A separate application for merit scholarships is not required. The Office of MD Admissions will consider all admitted applicants for merit scholarships.
If awarded a merit scholarship, you will receive the same amount for each of the four years of study toward the MD degree at Vanderbilt. International students are considered for merit-based awards.
In 2025-2026, students will be offered both 75% tuition and full tuition awards.
Need-Based Scholarships

Vanderbilt University also offers need-based scholarships to incoming students. Students who are not awarded merit-based scholarships are encouraged to apply for need-based institutional scholarships.
To be considered for a need-based institutional scholarship, you must complete the CSS Profile at css.collegeboard.org (code 0670) and include parental financial data.
Parental information will be used to determine eligibility, regardless of age or change in marital status. This policy ensures that funds are distributed in the most equitable manner to those students with the greatest real need. International students can complete the CSS Profile and be considered for need-based scholarships. The CSS Profile is completed only once.
In 2025-2026, need-based awards will be awarded up to 45% of a student’s demonstrated need.
Outside Scholarships
When the Office of Student Financial Aid is notified of possible outside scholarships, students are contacted via email and encouraged to apply. Also, students are encouraged to check out the possibility of obtaining financial assistance from the following types of organizations:
- Agencies administering programs for veterans and their children
- Agencies administering vocational rehabilitation programs
- County medical societies and their auxiliaries
- Credit unions
- Employers with scholarship or loan programs for employees and their families
- Fraternal organizations to which you or your parents belong
- High schools and colleges with awards for alumni pursuing post-graduate study
- Local churches
- Local civic organizations
- Local hospitals and their auxiliaries
- Local medical societies
- Sororities and fraternities
- State student assistance agencies
- Unions to which you or your parents belong
Other foundation and miscellaneous donor loan and scholarship programs may be available in your hometown or state and will ordinarily require your personal concentrated research efforts.
International students should see www.edupass.org/finaid (Financial Aid for International Students) for sources of funding.
National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program (NHSC)
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program, an outside scholarship from the Health Resources and Services Administration, provides funding for education for students pursuing a career in primary health care in exchange for practicing in rural, urban and tribal communities with limited access to care. Tuition, required fees, reasonable educational costs and a monthly stipend are paid in exchange for a service obligation. Each year of support incurs a year of service; however, there is a 2-year minimum and a 4-year maximum. Students must be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals. Vanderbilt does not administer this scholarship program.

Loans

Medical school is a major investment, and loans are available to help cover tuition and related costs. Eligible MD students are encouraged to explore these options to support their education and training. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1 to receive student loans each year – the school code is 003535. If you do not require federal loan assistance, there is no need to complete the FAFSA.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

MD students who complete the FAFSA and meet student eligibility requirements are eligible to receive a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. The maximum that an MD student in the first and third years may borrow per academic year is $47,167, the maximum that an MD student in the second year may borrow is $44,945 per academic year, and the maximum that an MD student in the fourth year may borrow per academic year is $42,723. For loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2025, but before July 1, 2026, the interest rate for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans is 7.94%, and is fixed for the life of the loan. For loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2024, but before July 1, 2025, the interest rate for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans is 8.08%, and is fixed for the life of the loan. Interest will accrue during the in-school, grace, and deferment periods. A loan origination fee of 1.057% will be deducted at each disbursement. Repayment begins 6 months after the last date of attendance. The maximum aggregate loan limit is $224,000. The aggregate loan limit includes undergraduate loans.
Students borrowing Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans at Vanderbilt for the first time must complete Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note. Both of these steps need only be completed one time, and students should use the Federal Student Aid ID and password from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Vanderbilt will receive notice when these steps have been completed.
The William D. Ford Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan has a fixed interest rate of 8.08% for disbursements between July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Unsubsidized loans have an origination fee of 1.057% deducted at each disbursement.
The William D. Ford Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan has a fixed interest rate of 9.08% for disbursements between July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Graduate PLUS loans have an origination fee of 4.228% deducted at each disbursement. Credit is checked; the loan may be denied if you have an adverse credit history. The credit check is good for 180 days.
Students are encouraged to borrow as little as possible. Students who want to decrease offered loan amounts should email medfinaid@vanderbilt.edu for assistance.
Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loans

Students utilizing all of their Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility may need to borrow additional funds for educational expenses. The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is available to students who pass a credit check and meet student eligibility requirements. The maximum amount that a student may borrow per academic year is the cost of attendance less any other financial aid.
For loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2025, but before July 1, 2026, the interest rate for Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans is 8.94%, and is fixed for the life of the loan. For loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2024, but before July 1, 2025, the interest rate for Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans is 9.08%, and is fixed for the life of the loan. Interest accrues from the time the funds are disbursed. Repayment begins six months after the last date of attendance. A loan origination fee of 4.228% will be deducted at each disbursement. If you have an adverse credit history, the loan may be denied. If you are denied, you may reapply with a credit-worthy co-signer.
Students borrowing Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans at Vanderbilt for the first time must complete the Master Promissory Note. Students should use the Federal Student Aid ID and password from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Vanderbilt will receive notice when this step has been completed. The credit check process is required every year the student wants a loan.
Students are encouraged to borrow as little as possible. Students who want to decrease offered loan amounts should email medfinaid@vanderbilt.edu for assistance.
Private Alternative Loans

Examine all other options, including the federal student loans, before pursuing private loan options, as these loans may be more expensive than other options. The interest rates listed for private loans are either variable or fixed, and monthly payments are extended over several years. Interest will accrue from the time the funds are disbursed. Private loans are credit-based and may require a cosigner. Vanderbilt University provides a historical list of previous private lenders, FASTChoice, which is a tool for comparing private loan lenders through which our students have borrowed during the past three award years. The lenders are listed in random order, and the information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge. You may choose to borrow through any lender, including lenders not on this list. If you choose to borrow through a lender that is not on this list, we will process your application and certify your eligibility with that lender. If you are an international student, please review the list; some lenders allow international students to borrow with a U.S. co-signer. Some private loans allow international students in their four years of medical school to apply for a loan without a co-signer.
The AAMC offers unbiased guidance on Federal vs. Private Loans to help you make an informed decision. The maximum amount a student may borrow is the cost of attendance less any other financial aid.
Residency & Relocation Loans

Fourth year students may find it necessary to borrow additional loans for residency relocation and travel expenses. Residency Relocation loans are available to fourth year medical students to borrow 180 days before or up to 180 days after graduation and do not have to be certified by the financial aid office.
There are many different loan programs and options from which to choose. You should, however, pay close attention to the terms of each loan, as some loans have variable interest rates and different repayment terms.
Contact medfinaid@vanderbilt.edu for more information.

Review the Financial Aid Timeline

View financial aid application opening, deadline, notification and disbursement dates.

Learn How to Apply

Review the processes for applying for different types of financial aid for your MD education.

Financial Aid Opportunities for Veterans and Armed Forces

Bass Military Scholars Program

Launched in 2018, the Bass Military Scholars Program awards $25K per year to talented veterans pursuing graduate degrees at Vanderbilt, including the MD.

Learn More

Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program

The HPSP offers 2–4 year military scholarships covering medical school tuition, fees, stipend, and bonus. Offered by the Air Force, Army, and Navy.

Learn More

Educational Benefits for Veterans

There are many veteran benefits available to Vanderbilt students. Questions regarding VA educational benefits should be directed to the VA School Certifying Official in the Office of the University Registrar at VASCO@vanderbilt.edu.

Learn More

Financial Aid Resource

Review the FFA-SAP Policy

Review federal aid standards, eligibility, and progress requirements.

Request for Reconsideration

Special circumstances or unique financial situations that may qualify a student for aid adjustments.

Connect with the Office of Student Financial Aid

Office of Student Financial Aid

Eskind Biomedical Library and Learning Center
2209 Garland Avenue
Suite 226
Nashville, TN 37240-7712
(615) 322-1792 | (615) 343-2312 fax
medfinaid@vanderbilt.edu

Mail Scholarship Checks to This Address:

PMB 407810
2309 West End Ave.
Nashville, TN 37240-7810
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday
Questions About Financial Aid? Email us at medfinaid@vanderbilt.edu.

Heather H. Boutell, Ed.D.
Director of Student Financial Aid
(615) 322-1792

Jessica Yarbrough, M.Ed.
Senior Administrative Specialist
(615) 322-2145