Dental school debt vs. medical school debt: 4 stats

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Here are four statistics comparing the cost and debt associated with dental and medical school in 2026:

Note: Data was taken from the American Dental Association and the Education Data Initiative.

Cost of education

  • The average cost of a four-year dental education was $242,353 for residents and $320,325 for non-residents in 2025. 
  • The average cost of a medical school degree is $234,792 as of 2025.

Student debt

  • Average dental student debt was $280,300 in 2025. 
  • Average medical school debt was $216,659 in 2025.

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