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Physician Assistant Costs

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Estimated costs for the 2025 - 2026 academic year

Direct Costs

1 Figures are based on published 2025 - 2026 tuition and fees.
Estimated Tuition and FeesPA ResidentNon-PA Resident
First-Year Tuition and Student Fees 1$36,315$50,684
Second-Year Tuition and Student Fees 1$34,236$46,233
Estimated total two years of tuition and fees 1$70,551$96,917

Indirect Costs

1 Figures are based on published 2025-2026 tuition and fees.
2 Affiliated housing at Lock Haven campus only; $9,000 per academic year.
3 14 meals/week fall and spring semesters, Lock Haven campus only; $4,442 per academic year (fall & spring).
4 Off-campus housing available at all program locations. Harrisburg: no on-campus housing or meal plan available. Clearfield: clinical year students only; no new didactic students accepted after May 2025. Cost listed represents the average cost for the typical student.
5 This is the average cost for the typical student.
6 Includes diagnostic equipment (stethoscope, BP cuff, otoscope, etc.), lab coat, and required scrubs. Cost is the average cost for the typical student.
7 Average for the typical student. Will vary depending on specific clinical rotation assignments.
8 Students complete 9 clinical rotations of 4-5 weeks each; some local, some may require temporary relocation. Estimate based on typical student experience. Students should assume at least 2 clinical rotation placements will be outside the state of Pennsylvania. Please see the following information regarding average costs for housing in states outside of Pennsylvania that are used for supervised clinical rotation experiences.
9 Student responsible for all transportation; no institutional transportation provided.
10 Lock Haven and Clearfield: $50/semester, Harrisburg: no fee.
11 Average single-person plan; actual cost varies by plan, state, and subsidies.
12 Only if required by specific out-of-state clinical sites.
13 Off site housing used for calculation of housing costs in this total.
Estimated Additional Expenses (per student)First YearSecond Year
Optional Affiliated Housing - Evergreen Commons (Lock Haven only) 2$9,000$9,000
Optional University 14- Meal Plan (Lock Haven only) 3$4,442$4,442
Off-campus housing and utilities (all locations) 4$15,600$15,600
Required textbooks and electronic resources 5$1,250—
Required medical equipment, lab coat, and scrubs 6$850 —
Laptop computer 5$750 —
Student malpractice insurance$65$65
Physical exam, vaccinations, titers 5$750—
Background checks, clearances, drug screening$250$250
Clinical site onboarding software 7—$70
TYPHON clinical tracking platform$95$95
BLS certification 5$60—
ACLS certification 5$275—
Clinical year housing and travel 8—$7,500
Transportation (vehicle, insurance, gas, maintenance) 5, 9$3,000$3,000
University parking permit 10$150—
Professional dress and miscellaneous expenses 5$750$750
Health insurance (required) 11$5,964$5,964
Out-of-state malpractice insurance 5, 12—$250
Estimate additional expenses 13$29,809$33,544
Estimated total two years of additional expenses $63,353

Note: All costs listed are estimates for planning purposes only. Tuition and fees are subject to change by Commonwealth University and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors. Personal expenses such as housing, transportation, and insurance, may vary.

Additional Information

  • All costs are based on current rates. Rates are reviewed annually by the University and are subject to change.
  • Financial Aid: A variety of financial aid options are available. For more information about financial aid, contact the Financial Aid Office at 570-484-2344 or on the web.
  • Refunds: CU policies regarding refunds can be found on Financial Aid's Refund Policy webpage.
    • Clinical sites may require an administrative fee be paid by the student. An administrative fee of less than $100 is charged by a few clinical sites.
  • Scholarships: From honorariums to tuition waivers, scholarships exist to reward your hard work and dedication to the major. Scholarships for students enrolled in the Physician Assistant Program include:
    • CT Assist Scholarship
    • Lacy Magagnotti Memorial Scholarship
    • Michael Greenberg MD, MBA Physician Assistant Scholarship
    • Stephen and Pamela Poorman Physician Assistant Scholarship
    • The Dr. Larry H. Lytle and Lynn J. Lytle Scholarship
    • The Eleanor Baieroski Harendza Scholarship
    • The TurnKey Electric Physician Assistant Scholarship
    • Victoria J. Romeo, MD Memorial Physician Assistant Scholarship
    • For more information and to apply for PA Program scholarships visit Financial Aid's Scholarships webpage.