Program expenses

Please be advised that students accepted into the SIU School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program incur higher tuition rates than other SIU graduate students.

Tuition rates are established by the SIU Board of Trustees and are competitive with other physician assistant programs. Students accepted into the PA Program will have expenses in addition to the university’s tuition and fees.

To determine tuition and fees, use the tuition and fees calculator for the MSPA Program here:  http://tuition.siuc.edu/tuition_est/tuition4_mspa.html

Border state students do not receive a tuition decrease, and, therefore, pay a higher tuition rate. Application to establish residency to receive the Illinois-resident tuition rate can be completed after six months.  Please refer to the Graduate School Registrar’s Office.

Physician Assistant students incur other expenses, beyond tuition and fees.  Some of these expenses are:

  • Intern jackets 
Photo of Physician Assistant students learning about the body
  • Diagnostic kit
  • Stethoscope
  • Reflex hammer and tuning fork
  • Professional association/organization fees and dues (state and national)
  • Textbooks
  • Housing and transportation
  • National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)                                      
  • Examination fee
  • Vaccinations

Each academic year a new estimated budget for PA students is calculated by the Financial Aid Office reflecting changes in tuition and fees according to the Board of Trustee actions.  Contact the fao@siu.edu for the latest estimated budget figures.

Relocation information

MSPA students’ first year, Phase I, takes place at the SIU Carbondale.  During the second year, Phase II, students complete clinical rotations at hubsite locations.  Phase II students are required to live at the hubsite location.  Applicants must be aware that they may be required to relocate during Phase II, based upon hubsite assignment.  Current hubsite information is available by contacting the Program.  Phase III is an 8-week preceptorship that is arranged individually, in conjunction with the Program Hubsite Coordinator.

Withdrawal from courses and the University

Withdrawal from the University is a serious decision.  Students in the PA Program contemplating withdrawal should review the https://gradcatalog.siu.edu/index.php, especially pages 28-30.  Information regarding timelines and university policies regarding refund of tuition/fees can be found there.