Missouri State University

Program Expenses

ESTIMATED PROGRAM EXPENSES

The PA program makes every effort to keep costs reasonable for students. However, because the Program runs continuously for twenty-four months, applicants must review their financial resources carefully and anticipate expenses realistically. Due to the rigorous nature of the curriculum, students should not expect to be employed during the Program. Should a student decide to work despite this recommendation, work hours must not interfere with class attendance, clinical rotation schedules, and required Program events, or this may result in unexcused absence(s), which may be grounds for academic penalties and/or dismissal from the Program.  Classes may be held in evenings and/or Saturdays if necessary, and during the Clinical Year, all students will, at times, be assigned to clinical sites outside of the immediate Springfield area. The student is responsible for the costs related to out-of-area travel and housing if applicable.

Policies and procedures for refunds of tuition and fees

ESTIMATED TUITION EXPENSES FOR THE 24-MONTH PROGRAM (updated 2011)

It is anticipated that there will be a slight increase in tuition and fees on a yearly basis.

MISSOURI RESIDENTS

Didactic Year Tuition: 42 credits @ $267 per credit hour = $11,214

Clinical Year Tuition: 41 credits @ $267 per credit hour = $10,947

NON-RESIDENTS**

Didactic Year Tuition: 42 credits @ $509 per credit hour = $21,378

Clinical Year Tuition: 41 credits @ $509 per credit hour = $20,869 

Note:  There is also a Student Services Fee assessed to all students for campus services.  This fee will be approximately $389 for Fall and Spring semesters and $209 for the following Summer Semester.
2. There are also Departmental Course Fees which currently total $440 per year for both in-state and out-of-state resident students. This occurs in both the Didactic and Clinical years.

** Residents of Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota and Nebraska who are accepted into the program are eligible for the Midwest Student Exchange Scholarship Program. Fees for MSEP students will be assessed at a rate less than the regular non-resident fee.  For more information, please call the Financial Aid Office, (417) 836-5262 or (800) 283-4243.

OTHER EXPENSES

Recommended subscription to MD CONSULT (an Internet Reference Library) during both the didactic and clinical years.  Provides access to numerous major medical texts, journals and other resources. Contact consumer service for pricing 1-800-401-9962.

  1. Books - estimated at approximately $1500 for the two years.
  2. Medical Equipment - all students will be required to purchase medical equipment in the didactic year including a stethoscope, reflex hammer, tuning forks, thermometer, tape measure, vision screening card, blood pressure cuff, and oto-ophthalmoscope diagnostic set. The total cost for all equipment is approximately $1050.
  3. Health insurance that includes hospitalization for both years of the Program. The cost varies by insurance company and policy. All applicants should review their current or anticipated policies.
  4. Professional liability insurance for both years of the Program. The current cost is approximately $160* per year.  *Class A is available to AAPA members only.
  5. All students are expected to have a computer at home with access to the Internet since the curriculum will incorporate computer-assisted instruction. The computer must have the capability to interface with the Missouri State University e-mail system and additionally, have the capacity to download program instructional materials from the Program's web page on the Internet. Specifications for the computer requirements will be distributed during orientation.
  6. Room and board - estimated at $2500-$3000 per semester for off-campus single students.
  7. Assessment exam x 2 (PACKRAT) - $40 each year. National certifying examination fee - $475 after graduation.
  8. Transportation related expenses - auto, maintenance, insurance, gas, etc. 
  9. Clothing: Professional attire is expected, therefore these expenses should be taken into account.  Students will be expected to purchase two (2) short white lab coats to be worn in clinical settings, approximately $80.
  10. Other miscellaneous expenses - Child care, and any other personal expenses you may have.
  11. Membership in the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) for both years of the Program. The current cost is $75 per year.
  12. Parking Permits - approximately $160 per year.
  13. Graduate Fee - approximately $40 - several weeks prior to graduation.
  14. Confirmation Deposit - Students who are offered admission to the Physician Assistant Studies Program are required to pay a $500.00 non-refundable confirmation deposit to hold their place in the program.  This deposit is to be paid by the deadline indicated in the Program's acceptance letter. The confirmation deposit will be applied to tuition, fees, or any other student financial obligation during the student's first term of enrollment following the end of the first week of that semester.  Failure to pay the confirmation deposit by the deadline stated in the Program's acceptance letter forfeits the student's position in the program.
  15. Distant Rotations: All students should anticipate a minimum of two clinical rotations outside of the Springfield area that will require living in "off-campus" housing (e.g., Tahlequah and Grove, OK, Rolla, Poplar Bluff). Unless the student can provide their own housing (e.g., with family or friends) for these "distant" rotations, the Clinical Coordinator will arrange for housing through AHEC if possible, or other sources. However, all housing expenses are the responsibility of the student regardless of whether the student or Program makes the arrangements. 
    Off-Campus housing for one six-week period ranges from $500-$800. 
  16. Commuting:  All students should anticipate having several clinical rotations that will require commuting. For safety reasons, students will typically not be asked to commute more than 50 miles (one way) to a clinical site and this is NOT considered a distance rotation. Please note that commuting distances are calculated from the Missouri State campus rather than the student's home.