School of Dentistry Cost of Attendance by Program
2026 – 2027 Academic Year
“Estimated” Budgets for Financial Aid
(Subject to change)
The following budgets embody what the Office of Financial Aid deems as reasonable costs associated with attending Meharry Medical College’s School of Dentistry. We anticipate that most students will live within the budget amounts set forth. However, those with extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis for a possible cost of attendance increase. Documentation must be submitted and approved before a budget increase.
Doctor of Dental Surgery Program
First Year (12 months)
| Direct Costs (paid to the College) | ||
|---|---|---|
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Tuition | $58,984 | |
| Fees | $18,248 | |
| Indirect Costs (Living Expenses) | ||
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Books & Supplies | $1,216 | |
|
Housing (incl. rent (~$1,800), utilities, water and renter's insurance) |
$2,100 | $25,200 |
| Food (Monthly food allowance) | $550 | $6,600 |
|
Transportation (incl. gas, car maintenance, car insurance, license and registration) |
$575 | $6,900 |
|
Personal (incl. clothing, food away from home, dry cleaning, entertainment, cell phone, and Internet usage) |
$600 | $7,200 |
| Miscellaneous* | $7,000 | |
| 2026 – 2027 COA Totals | ||
| Monthly | Yearly | |
| $3,825 | $131,348 | |
*Miscellaneous expenses include:
$1,500 – Medical and dental incidentals not covered by health insurance
$1,500 – Laptop Allowance (1st years only)
$3,400 – Loan fees: DDS1 – DDS4
$600 – Uniforms
Dependent childcare costs may be added, up to $13,200, per child. Documentation must be presented on the childcare facility letterhead, documenting date of enrollment, dependent’s name, parent name, the cost to attend and document must be signed by the child care facility’s personnel.
PLEASE NOTE: credit cards and automobile payments are NOT, and will not be, included in your cost of attendance. In addition, expenses for spouses or other family members, (including family health insurance premiums) other than childcare expenses, may NOT be included.
Tuition, student instrument, benchmark assessment and the health insurance fees will be split evenly between both fall and spring semesters.
Due to OB3 changes, Class of 2030 admits will be eligible for three years of Grad PLUS borrowing. Year four must be funded through Federal Unsubsidized and/or private loans, if needed.
Second Year (11 Months)
| Direct Costs (paid to the College) | ||
|---|---|---|
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Tuition | $58,984 | |
| Fees | $19,556 | |
| Indirect Costs (Living Expenses) | ||
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Books & Supplies | $1,114 | |
|
Housing (incl. rent (~$1,800), utilities, water and renter's insurance) |
$2,100 | $23,100 |
| Food (Monthly food allowance) | $550 | $6,050 |
|
Transportation (incl. gas, car maintenance, car insurance, license and registration) |
$575 | $5,578 |
|
Personal (incl. clothing, food away from home, dry cleaning, entertainment, cell phone, and Internet usage) |
$600 | $6,600 |
| Miscellaneous* | $5,500 | |
| 2026 – 2027 COA Totals | ||
| Monthly | Yearly | |
| $3,825 | $126,482 | |
*Miscellaneous expenses include:
$1,500 – Medical and dental incidentals not covered by health insurance
$3,400 – Loan fees: DDS1 – DDS4
$600 – Uniforms
Dependent childcare costs may be added, up to $13,200, per child. Documentation must be presented on the childcare facility letterhead, documenting date of enrollment, dependent’s name, parent name, the cost to attend and document must be signed by the child care facility’s personnel.
PLEASE NOTE: credit cards and automobile payments are NOT, and will not be, included in your cost of attendance. In addition, expenses for spouses or other family members, (including family health insurance premiums) other than childcare expenses, may NOT be included.
Tuition, student instrument, benchmark assessment and the health insurance fees will be split evenly between both fall and spring semesters.
Due to OB3 changes, Class of 2030 admits will be eligible for three years of Grad PLUS borrowing. Year four must be funded through Federal Unsubsidized and/or private loans, if needed.
Third Year (11 Months)
| Direct Costs (paid to the College) | ||
|---|---|---|
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Tuition | $58,984 | |
| Fees | $10,574 | |
| Indirect Costs (Living Expenses) | ||
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Books & Supplies | $1,114 | |
|
Housing (incl. rent (~$1,800), utilities, water and renter's insurance) |
$2,100 | $23,100 |
| Food (Monthly food allowance) | $550 | $6,050 |
|
Transportation (incl. gas, car maintenance, car insurance, license and registration) |
$575 | $5,578 |
|
Personal (incl. clothing, food away from home, dry cleaning, entertainment, cell phone, and Internet usage) |
$600 | $6,600 |
| Miscellaneous* | $5,946 | |
| 2026 – 2027 COA Totals | ||
| Monthly | Yearly | |
| $3,825 | $117,946 | |
*Miscellaneous expenses include:
$1,500 – Medical and dental incidentals not covered by health insurance
$3,400 – Loan fees: DDS1 – DDS4
$1,046 – INBDE – Integrated National Board Dental Exam with 90-days access to Q-Bank, included in 3rd year budget.
Dependent childcare costs may be added, up to $13,200, per child. Documentation must be presented on the childcare facility letterhead, documenting date of enrollment, dependent’s name, parent name, the cost to attend and document must be signed by the child care facility’s personnel.
PLEASE NOTE: credit cards and automobile payments are NOT, and will not be, included in your cost of attendance. In addition, expenses for spouses or other family members, (including family health insurance premiums) other than childcare expenses, may NOT be included.
Tuition, student instrument, benchmark assessment and the health insurance fees will be split evenly between both fall and spring semesters.
Due to OB3 changes, Class of 2030 admits will be eligible for three years of Grad PLUS borrowing. Year four must be funded through Federal Unsubsidized and/or private loans, if needed.
Fourth Year (9 months)
| Direct Costs (paid to the College) | ||
|---|---|---|
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Tuition | $58,984 | |
| Fees | $10,604 | |
| Indirect Costs (Living Expenses) | ||
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Books & Supplies | $912 | |
|
Housing (incl. rent (~$1,800), utilities, water and renter's insurance) |
$2,100 | $18,900 |
| Food (Monthly food allowance) | $550 | $4,950 |
|
Transportation (incl. gas, car maintenance, car insurance, license and registration) |
$575 | $4,564 |
|
Personal (incl. clothing, food away from home, dry cleaning, entertainment, cell phone, and Internet usage) |
$600 | $5,400 |
| Miscellaneous* | $10,524 | |
| 2026 – 2027 COA Totals | ||
| Monthly | Yearly | |
| $3,825 | $114,838 | |
*Miscellaneous expenses include:
$1,500 – Medical and dental incidentals not covered by health insurance
$3,400 – Loan fees: DDS1 – DDS4
$600 – Uniforms
$3,786 – ADEX Licensure Exam/OSCE fees- (includes all Board fees), included in 4th year budget.
$300 – Licensure Application Fee – Tennessee, included in 4th year budget.
$ 938 – DEA license application ($888) and Prescriptioning Monitoring Program Fee ($50), included in 4th year
Dependent childcare costs may be added, up to $13,200, per child. Documentation must be presented on the childcare facility letterhead, documenting date of enrollment, dependent’s name, parent name, the cost to attend and document must be signed by the child care facility’s personnel.
PLEASE NOTE: credit cards and automobile payments are NOT, and will not be, included in your cost of attendance. In addition, expenses for spouses or other family members, (including family health insurance premiums) other than childcare expenses, may NOT be included.
Tuition, student instrument, benchmark assessment and the health insurance fees will be split evenly between both fall and spring semesters.
Due to OB3 changes, Class of 2030 admits will be eligible for three years of Grad PLUS borrowing. Year four must be funded through Federal Unsubsidized and/or private loans, if needed.
Post Year 4 (4 months)
| Direct Costs (paid to the College) | ||
|---|---|---|
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Tuition | $29,492 | |
| Fees | $5,924 | |
| Indirect Costs (Living Expenses) | ||
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Books & Supplies | $0 | |
|
Housing (incl. rent (~$1,800), utilities, water and renter's insurance) |
$2,100 | $8,400 |
| Food (Monthly food allowance) | $550 | $2,200 |
|
Transportation (incl. gas, car maintenance, car insurance, license and registration) |
$575 | $2,300 |
|
Personal (incl. clothing, food away from home, dry cleaning, entertainment, cell phone, and Internet usage) |
$600 | $2,400 |
| Miscellaneous* | $2,186 | |
| 2026 – 2027 COA Totals | ||
| Monthly | Yearly | |
| $3,825 | $52,902 | |
*Miscellaneous expenses include:
$750 – Medical and dental incidentals not covered by health insurance
$600 – Uniforms
Dependent childcare costs may be added, up to $13,200, per child. Documentation must be presented on the childcare facility letterhead, documenting date of enrollment, dependent’s name, parent name, the cost to attend and document must be signed by the child care facility’s personnel.
PLEASE NOTE: credit cards and automobile payments are NOT, and will not be, included in your cost of attendance. In addition, expenses for spouses or other family members, (including family health insurance premiums) other than childcare expenses, may NOT be included.
Tuition, student instrument, benchmark assessment and the health insurance fees will be split evenly between both fall and spring semesters.
Due to OB3 changes, Class of 2030 admits will be eligible for three years of Grad PLUS borrowing. Year four must be funded through Federal Unsubsidized and/or private loans, if needed.
Pediatric Dentistry I (12 months)
| Direct Costs (paid to the College) | ||
|---|---|---|
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Tuition | $40,000 | |
| Fees | $9,208 | |
| Indirect Costs (Living Expenses) | ||
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Books & Supplies | $0 | |
|
Housing (incl. rent (~$1,800), utilities, water and renter's insurance) |
$2,100 | $25,200 |
| Food (Monthly food allowance) | $550 | $6,600 |
|
Transportation (incl. gas, car maintenance, car insurance, license and registration) |
$575 | $6,900 |
|
Personal (incl. clothing, food away from home, dry cleaning, entertainment, cell phone, and Internet usage) |
$600 | $7,200 |
| Miscellaneous* | $5,100 | |
| 2026 – 2027 COA Totals | ||
| Monthly | Yearly | |
| $3,825 | $100,208 | |
*Miscellaneous expenses include:
$1,500 – Medical and dental incidentals not covered by health insurance
$600 – Uniforms
$3,000 – Loan fees for Pediatric Dentistry Certificate
Dependent childcare costs may be added, up to $13,200, per child. Documentation must be presented on the childcare facility letterhead, documenting date of enrollment, dependent’s name, parent name, the cost to attend and document must be signed by the child care facility’s personnel.
PLEASE NOTE: credit cards and automobile payments are NOT, and will not be, included in your cost of attendance. In addition, expenses for spouses or other family members, (including family health insurance premiums) other than childcare expenses, may NOT be included.
Tuition, student instrument, benchmark assessment and the health insurance fees will be split evenly between both fall and spring semesters.
Due to OB3 changes, Class of 2030 admits will be eligible for three years of Grad PLUS borrowing. Year four must be funded through Federal Unsubsidized and/or private loans, if needed.
Pediatric Dentistry II (12 months)
| Direct Costs (paid to the College) | ||
|---|---|---|
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Tuition | $40,000 | |
| Fees | $8,948 | |
| Indirect Costs (Living Expenses) | ||
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Books & Supplies | $0 | |
|
Housing (incl. rent (~$1,800), utilities, water and renter's insurance) |
$2,100 | $25,200 |
| Food (Monthly food allowance) | $550 | $6,600 |
|
Transportation (incl. gas, car maintenance, car insurance, license and registration) |
$575 | $6,900 |
|
Personal (incl. clothing, food away from home, dry cleaning, entertainment, cell phone, and Internet usage) |
$600 | $7,200 |
| Miscellaneous* | $5,100 | |
| 2026 – 2027 COA Totals | ||
| Monthly | Yearly | |
| $3,825 | $99,948 | |
*Miscellaneous expenses include:
$1,500 – Medical and dental incidentals not covered by health insurance
$600 – Uniforms
$3,000 – Loan fees for Pediatric Dentistry Certificate
Dependent childcare costs may be added, up to $13,200, per child. Documentation must be presented on the childcare facility letterhead, documenting date of enrollment, dependent’s name, parent name, the cost to attend and document must be signed by the child care facility’s personnel.
PLEASE NOTE: credit cards and automobile payments are NOT, and will not be, included in your cost of attendance. In addition, expenses for spouses or other family members, (including family health insurance premiums) other than childcare expenses, may NOT be included.
Tuition, student instrument, benchmark assessment and the health insurance fees will be split evenly between both fall and spring semesters.
Due to OB3 changes, Class of 2030 admits will be eligible for three years of Grad PLUS borrowing. Year four must be funded through Federal Unsubsidized and/or private loans, if needed.
DDS International Track Program
“Estimated” Budgets for the International Dental (ID) Program 2026-27 Academic Year
Subject to Change
International Dental 3 (12 months)
| Direct Costs (paid to the College) | ||
|---|---|---|
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Tuition | $119,146 | |
| Fees | $30,612 | |
| Indirect Costs (Living Expenses) | ||
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Books & Supplies | $1,216 | |
|
Housing (incl. rent (~$1,800), utilities, water and renter's insurance) |
$2,100 | $25,200 |
| Food (Monthly food allowance) | $550 | $6,600 |
|
Transportation (incl. gas, car maintenance, car insurance, license and registration) |
$575 | $6,900 |
|
Personal (incl. clothing, food away from home, dry cleaning, entertainment, cell phone, and Internet usage) |
$600 | $7,200 |
| Miscellaneous* | $8,100 | |
| 2026 – 2027 COA Totals | ||
| Monthly | Yearly | |
| $3,825 | $204,974 | |
*Miscellaneous expenses include:
$1,500 – Medical and dental incidentals not covered by health insurance
$600 – Uniforms
$6,000 – Loan fees for Pediatric Dentistry Certificate
Dependent childcare costs may be added, up to $13,200, per child. Documentation must be presented on the childcare facility letterhead, documenting date of enrollment, dependent’s name, parent name, the cost to attend and document must be signed by the childcare facility’s personnel.
PLEASE NOTE: credit cards and automobile payments are NOT, and will not be, included in your cost of attendance. In addition, expenses for spouses or other family members, (including family health insurance premiums) other than childcare expenses, may NOT be included.
Tuition and the health insurance fee will be split evenly between both fall and spring semesters.
Due to OB3 changes, Class of 2028 admits will be eligible for three years of Grad PLUS borrowing. Year four must be funded through Federal Unsubsidized and/or private loans, if needed.
International Dental 4 (10 months)
| Direct Costs (paid to the College) | ||
|---|---|---|
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Tuition | $119,146 | |
| Fees | $9,614 | |
| Indirect Costs (Living Expenses) | ||
| COA Components | Monthly | Yearly |
| Books & Supplies | $1,014 | |
|
Housing (incl. rent (~$1,800), utilities, water and renter's insurance) |
$2,100 | $21,100 |
| Food (Monthly food allowance) | $550 | $5,500 |
|
Transportation (incl. gas, car maintenance, car insurance, license and registration) |
$575 | $5,750 |
|
Personal (incl. clothing, food away from home, dry cleaning, entertainment, cell phone, and Internet usage) |
$600 | $6,000 |
| Miscellaneous* | $11,886 | |
| 2026 – 2027 COA Totals | ||
| Monthly | Yearly | |
| $3,825 | $179,910 | |
*Miscellaneous expenses include:
$1,500 – Medical and dental incidentals not covered by health insurance
$600 – Uniforms
$3,786 – ADEX Licensure Exam/OSCE fees- (includes all Board fees), included in year 2 budget
$6,000 – Loan fees for Pediatric Dentistry Certificate
Dependent childcare costs may be added, up to $13,200, per child. Documentation must be presented on the childcare facility letterhead, documenting date of enrollment, dependent’s name, parent name, the cost to attend and document must be signed by the childcare facility’s personnel.
PLEASE NOTE: credit cards and automobile payments are NOT, and will not be, included in your cost of attendance. In addition, expenses for spouses or other family members, (including family health insurance premiums) other than childcare expenses, may NOT be included.
Tuition and the health insurance fee will be split evenly between both fall and spring semesters.
Due to OB3 changes, Class of 2028 admits will be eligible for three years of Grad PLUS borrowing. Year four must be funded through Federal Unsubsidized and/or private loans, if needed.