The average dental school debt is $308,200, compared to $250,990 for medical graduates.
Here are four stats to know about the cost and debt associated with dental and medical school:
Note: Data was taken from the American Dental Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Education Data Initiative.
Cost of education
- The average cost of a four-year dental education was $205,019 for public schools and $335,536 for private schools in 2019-20, the last year data was available.
- The average cost of medical school for non-residents in 2022-23 was $64,103 for private schools and $63,718 for public schools. The average cost for residents was $62,570 at private schools and $39,905 at public schools.
Student debt
- Average dental student debt was $58,603 in 1980, adjusted for inflation. The average dental student debt between 2017 and 2022 was $308,200.
- Average medical student debt was $84,300 in 1988, adjusted for inflation. The average medical school graduate currently owes $250,990 in total student loan debt.