A lot, and the number tends to surprise people even after they've heard it. The median 4-year cost of attendance for the class of 2026 is $297,745 at public MD schools and $408,150 at private ones, a figure that includes tuition, fees, insurance, and living expenses (International Medical Aid, citing AAMC data).
A significant change is coming for financing it: for new borrowers starting July 1, 2026, Grad PLUS loans are eliminated. Federal unsubsidized loans will cap at $50,000 a year and $200,000 total, which is well short of many schools' full cost of attendance. Plan for that funding gap early rather than discovering it during your MS1 year.