Cost and Financial Aid
Financial planning for applicants and students should include estimated tuition, university fees, equipment, supplies and living expenses. Tuition, fees and financial aid for all PA students are coordinated via the respective UMKC offices regardless of the campus where the student attends.
Total Estimated Program Cost (Based on 2025-2026 Rates)
Total estimated program cost is inclusive of university tuition based on current tuition rates, university fees based on current fee rates, and additional program-related expenses. Additional information related to tuition, fees, and additional expenses are provided in subsequent sections.
- Resident student, Kansas City campus — $118,611.20
- Resident student, Columbia campus — $119,595.20
- Non-resident student, Kansas City campus — $136,073.70
- Non-resident student, Columbia campus — $ 137,057.70
PA Program Tuition Rates
PA program tuition rates are assessed each semester and are based on a flat-rate tuition model. Students at the Kansas City campus and the Columbia campus will pay the same tuition rate based on their residency status. All rates are approximate and do not include additional university fees or program expenses. Explore official graduate and professional program tuition rates for this academic year.
University Fees
Students in the PA Program are required to pay the UMKC Student Life Fee and the School of Medicine Medical Simulation Fee. These fees are assessed each semester and are based on the program’s flat-rate tuition model. Students at the Kansas City campus and Columbia campus will pay the same university fees.
The UMKC Student Life Fee provides access to many on-campus resources, such as Roo Wellness, campus transportation shuttles and campus recreation. Students attending the Columbia campus will pay the UMKC Student Life Fee, but will have access to equivalent on-campus resources provided by MU.
Learn more about university and program fees for this academic year.
Additional Program-Related Expenses
In addition to tuition and university fees, students should anticipate required program-related expenses to cover necessary equipment, supplies and curricular activities. Some expenses vary based on differences in the cost of services at each campus. Students at the Columbia campus will have additional transportation expenses to attend required program activities in Kansas City. Other expenses may vary by campus are are outlined in the Program Expenses Document.
Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance is the combination of a student’s direct costs (tuition and university fees) and indirect costs incurred while attending UMKC as an individual student. It is the estimate, or “budget,” that UMKC gives a student to budget with each semester.
The cost of attendance budget categories are divided into room and board, transportation, equipment, books, personal expenses, loan fees and tuition. The cost of attendance is the same for all students attending the PA program at the same campus, varying only by residency status (in-state or out-of-state) and whether you live on-campus, off-campus (as an individual), or off-campus as a dependent (e.g., at home with parents).
The cost of attendance is also the ceiling at which a student will be offered aid. All loans, scholarships, grants, etc., must fit under this cost of attendance ceiling amount.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The UMKC Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships can provide additional information regarding financial aid programs, including federal and state grant and loan programs, as well as the types of expenses and assistance that might be available to you.
In general, students interested in merit- or need-based financial aid may be eligible for various loans, grants and/or other financial aid programs. To be considered for such programs, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available through the UMKC Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships or online at the Federal Student Aid website. The priority date for filing the FAFSA is Feb.1.
Learn more about additional scholarship opportunities that may be of interest to you.