Dental school debt vs. medical school debt: 4 stats to know

The average debt for a dental student was $292,169 in 2019 while medical students owed about $215,900 in 2018, the last year data was available. 

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 yearly cost of medical school for non-residents in 2019-20 was $61,620 for public schools and $60,305 for private schools. 

Student debt

  • Average dental student debt was $58,603 in 1980, adjusted for inflation, and $292,169 in 2019, the last year data was available.  
  • Average medical student debt was $84,300 in 1988, adjusted for inflation, and $215,900 in 2018, the last year data was available.

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