Top 5 Affordable Medical Schools in Texas

You know what they say, everything’s bigger in Texas.

But not necessarily medical school tuition. While some programs can still push students into six‑figure debt, Texas is home to several of the most affordable MD programs in the U.S. That matters when medical graduates commonly carry around $200,000 in education debt (median for the Class of 2024), before counting undergrad loans.

Below, you’ll find five Texas medical schools with some of the lowest tuition, side‑by‑side in‑state vs. out‑of‑state numbers. Plus, a quick explainer on why Texas tends to be less expensive and what that means for your budget.

Affordable Medical Schools in Texas (2024–2026 tuition)

Disclaimer: Tuition shown is the annual rate. Required fees and health insurance are separate unless noted. Always confirm on the school site; figures change year to year.

Note: UTRGV runs “Tuition Advantage” for undergraduates (free tuition up to an income threshold). That program does not automatically make the medical school tuition‑free. Check SOM aid pages for MD‑specific awards. 

Why Texas Medical Schools Often Cost Less

Strong state support and resident‑friendly policies. Texas public med schools are heavily state‑subsidized and prioritize in‑state seats.

Texas has also expanded medical education capacity in recent years, adding programs like UT Tyler (launched 2023) and the University of Houston (opened 2020), which help train more physicians in‑state.

Texas also ranks 47th among states in primary care physicians per capita. Growing affordable in‑state options is a strategic lever to increase the physician workforce.

As of 2024–2025, Texas has 16 medical schools (13 MD, 3 DO). More seats, paired with lower resident tuition, keep education accessible and increase the odds that graduates stay to practice.

School‑by‑School Notes

I did the math for you below:

1) Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center — School of Medicine (Lubbock)

TTUHSC has long been a go‑to for value. In recent years, resident tuition of $17,700 with nonresident at $30,800 have kept it among the lowest in the nation for a public MD program.

Even after mandatory fees, TTUHSC’s tuition+fees line typically undercuts many U.S. publics, before you add living costs.

2) McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

Resident tuition is $21,083; nonresident $28,738.

3) Long School of Medicine — UT Health San Antonio

For 2025–26, resident tuition is $21,823 (Y1/Y2), nonresident $37,239.

4) Texas A&M University School of Medicine

AAMC’s MSAR lists $21,760 (resident) and $34,860 (nonresident) for 2024–25. Texas A&M emphasizes a comparatively low COA across its campuses.

5) UTRGV — School of Medicine

Per AAMC, $21,532 (resident) and $34,632 (nonresident) for 2024–25, again placing it among Texas’ most affordable MD options.

Texas: Keeping (and Attracting) Medical Talent

Texas has faced a primary‑care access problem for years, ranking 47th for primary care physicians per 100,000 residents.

The response has included opening/expanding medical schools and keeping tuition comparatively low so more students can train and remain in‑state.

There’s debate about whether to build more schools versus focusing on access to care, but there’s no question that affordable, high‑capacity training is one way Texas is addressing the workforce gap.

How to Stretch Your Texas Med School Budget

• Favor in‑state options. The delta between resident and nonresident tuition in Texas can be five figures per year.
• Use each school’s official COA. Budget from tuition + required fees + insurance + living (not tuition alone).
• Look for Texas‑specific scholarships. Some programs have philanthropic awards (e.g., UT Tyler’s inaugural class full‑tuition scholarships; TCU cohorts received philanthropic tuition support in specific years). These are limited/special‑case, but worth watching.

Medical school debt doesn’t have to be a given in your healthcare practitioner journey. If you’re cost‑conscious and willing to train in Texas, you’ll find several MD programs with tuition in the low‑$20Ks for residents; levels that are increasingly rare elsewhere in the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

(Q) Are Texas med schools really cheaper than most states?

(A) Yes, especially for Texas residents at public schools. In‑state tuition in the low‑$20Ks is common across multiple programs, which is well below many out‑of‑state public and private med schools. 

(Q) Is any Texas med school tuition‑free?

(A) There’s no ongoing, across‑the‑board tuition‑free MD program in Texas. However, some schools have offered one‑time philanthropic tuition coverage for specific cohorts (e.g., UT Tyler inaugural class scholarships; selected TCU cohorts).

(Q) How many medical schools are in Texas?

(A) Texas currently has 16 medical schools (13 MD + 3 DO).