Figuring out how to pay for dental school can seem intimidating, but today’s financing options can help eliminate stress. Most students pay for dental school through a combination of personal savings, gift aid and loans.
Average Dental School Cost of Attendance
Before diving into financing options, it is important to consider average costs of attendance for dental school so you can better understand the full picture. Cost of attendance will differ by several factors including school, dental specialty, location, whether you’re an in-state resident, or out-of-state student.
This chart will give you a good idea of the averages between public and private schools for first year dental students.
Average U.S. Dental School Tuition and Fees, 2024-25
| Type of Enrollment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Public Institution, Resident | $46,865 |
| Public Institution, Non-Resident | $76,060 |
| Private Institution | $87,078 |
Obviously, this is just a snapshot. Your financial aid award letter will give you more specific figures based on your program.
Total Cost for Dental Students
According to the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the Class of 2024 dental school graduates had an average of $312,700 in debt. This amount does not reflect residency and relocation loans.
Paying for Your Dental Education
Several programs exist to help you pay for your dental education. While some of your financial aid may include scholarships, most dental students need to borrow loans to help cover costs.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for any federal loans, you’ll need to start by filing the FAFSA. Dental school is considered a professional program which means you may qualify for higher loan limits in the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan or the Health Professions Student Loan (with demonstrated financial need).
Federal Loans for Dental School
Here is a side by side comparison of federal loans for dental students (i.e. professional students).
| Direct Unsubsidized Loan | Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL) | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Limit | $50,000 | Up to the cost of attendance |
| Aggregate Limit | $200,000 (Does not include amounts borrowed as an undergraduate) | Based on need |
| Interest Rate | 7.94 | 0% in school, 5% during repayment |
| Fees | 1.057 | None |
| Grace Period | 6 months | 12 months |
H.R.1 established new loan limits effective July 1, 2026
Private Loans for Dental School
Private student loans can help bridge the gap when federal loans or scholarships are not enough. Most lenders require that you be enrolled at least half time at an accredited dental school, and that you be pursuing a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine (DMD). Interest rates will vary by lender and by rate type (fixed vs variable). In today’s market, you can expect to find rates from around 3% to 17%.
Best Private Student Loans for Graduate School
Edvisors (Edvisors Network, Inc.
) provides independent advertising-supported platforms for consumers to search compare and apply for private student loans.You can read full Advertiser Disclosure here.
- Competitive APRs starting at 2.89%1
- Coverage up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendance ($1,000 minimum) 2
- Apply online in 3 minutes and get an instant credit decision
College Ave's student loan products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
1All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
2As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
3This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 08/11/2025. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
- Check your eligibility in just 2 minutes
- No fees for origination, disbursement, prepayment, or late payment3
- Skip a payment once per year (once repayment period restarted)4
This information is for graduate and undergraduate students attending Title IV-qualified, not-for-profit, 4-year institutions. Rates offered vary by loan type (undergraduate, graduate, cosigner). Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents if the school is located outside of the United States. Non-U.S. citizen borrowers who reside in the U.S. are eligible with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident) and are required to provide an unexpired government-issued photo ID to verify identity. Applications are subject to a requested minimum loan amount of $1,000. Current credit and other eligibility criteria apply.
Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your financial profile. Fixed annual percentage rates (APR) range from 3.14% to 16.74% (2.89% - 16.49% with auto pay discount). Variable annual percentage rates (APR) range from 5.24% to 17.10% (4.99% - 16.85% with auto pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once a month, but there is no limit on the amount that the rate could increase at one time. Please note, Earnest Private Student Loans are not available in Nevada. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and requires selection of our shortest term offered (5 years), full principal and interest payment while in school, and enrollment in our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account. Enrolling in autopay is not required as a condition for approval.
1You can take advantage of the Auto Pay interest rate reduction by setting up and maintaining active and automatic ACH withdrawal of your loan payment. The interest rate reduction for Auto Pay will be available only while your loan is enrolled in Auto Pay. Interest rate incentives for utilizing Auto Pay may not be combined with certain private student loan repayment programs that also offer an interest rate reduction. For multi-party loans, only one party may enroll in Auto Pay.
2Nine-month grace period is not available for borrowers who choose our Principal and Interest Repayment plan while in school.
3Earnest does not charge fees for origination, late payments, or prepayments. Florida Stamp Tax: For Florida
residents, Florida documentary stamp tax is required by law, calculated as $0.35 for each $100 (or portion thereof) of the principal loan amount, the amount of which is provided in the Final Disclosure. Lender will add the stamp tax to the principal loan amount. The full amount will be paid directly to the Florida Department of Revenue. Certificate of Registration No. 78-8016373916-1.
4Earnest clients may skip one payment every 12 months. Your first request to skip a payment can be made once you’ve made at least 6 months of consecutive on-time payments, and your loan is in good standing. The interest accrued during the skipped month will result in an increase in your remaining minimum payment. The final payoff date on your loan will be extended by the length of the skipped payment periods. Please be aware that a skipped payment does count toward the forbearance limits. Please note that skipping a payment is not guaranteed and is at Earnest’s discretion. Your monthly payment and total loan cost may increase as a result of postponing your payment and extending your term.
1.) Earnest’s Loan Cost Examples: These examples provide estimates based on principal and interest payments beginning immediately upon loan disbursement. Variable annual percentage rate ("APR"): A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $27,511.20. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $27,511.20.
2.) These examples provide estimates based on interest only payments while in school. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% interest rate (16.85% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $35,515.14. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% interest rate (16.85% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $35,515.14. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $140.42 for 57 months.
3.) These examples provide estimates based on fixed $25 payments while in school. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $253.39) and a 16.85% interest rate (14.92% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $47,035.20. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $253.39) and a 16.85% interest rate (14.92% APR)would result in a total estimated payment amount of $47,035.20. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available.The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $25.00.
4.) These examples provide estimates based on deferred payments. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $275.17) and a 16.85% interest rate (14.67% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $49,530.60. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $275.17) and a 16.85% interest rate (14.67% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $49,530.60. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $0.
The information provided on this page is updated as of 08/13/2025. Earnest reserves the right to change, pause, or terminate product offerings at any time without notice.
Earnest Private Student Loans are made by One American Bank, Member FDIC, or FinWise Bank, Member FDIC. One American Bank, 515 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Finwise Bank, 756 East Winchester, Suite 100, Murray, UT 84107.
Earnest loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC, 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 340, Oakland 94612. NMLS #1204917, with support from Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri (MOHELA) (NMLS# 1442770) One American Bank, FinWise Bank, and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries, including Earnest Operations LLC, are not sponsored by agencies of the United States of America.
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- AFFORDABLE fixed rates starting at 2.89% APR with Automatic Debit Discount*
- 1% CASH BACK Graduation Reward*
- COVER UP TO 100% of your tuition and eligible living expenses.
* Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions may apply for Ascent's Terms and Conditions please visit: AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 10/1/2025 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount (ACH). The ACH discount consists of 0.25% on credit-based college student loans submitted prior to 6/1/2025, a 0.5% discount for on credit-based college student loans submitted on or after 6/1/2025 and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions. The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. Variable rates may increase after consummation. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. For details on Ascent borrower benefits, visit AscentFunding.com/BorrowerBenefits. Ascent applicants and borrowers that agree to the AscentUP Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, as well as students associated with an Ascent parent loan application, have access to the AscentUP platform.
The minimum amount is $2,001 except for the state of Massachusetts. Minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001.
- Prequalification: Prequalify to estimate your rate without affecting your credit score
- Online Application Process: Submit online application in minutes
- Flexible Repayment Options: ELFI offers immediate, interest only, partial payment, and fully deferred repayment options
- No Fees: No application fees, origination fees, or prepayment penalties
- Low Rates: Fixed rates from 2.99% to 14.22% and variable rates from 4.88% - 13.97%*
- Award winning Customer Service: Individually paired Student Loan Advisor to guide you through the application process
*ELFI is a nationwide student loan provider offered by Tennessee based SouthEast Bank. ELFI is designed to assist students financially with receiving their education. Subject to credit approval. See Terms & Conditions. Interest rates current as of 10-01-2025. Variable interest rates may increase after closing but will never exceed 18.00%. Interest rates may also differ from the rates shown above. The term of your loan, financial history, and other factors, including your cosigner’s (if any) financial history can affect the interest rate. For example, a 10-year loan with a fixed rate of 7% would have 120 payments of $11.61 per $1,000 borrowed. Rates are subject to change.
Dental School Loans for International Students
Are you an international dental student studying in the U.S.? Unfortunately, you do not qualify for federal student aid. But some private lenders may offer international loans if you apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
Financial Aid Office
Your school’s financial aid office is a great source of help with both free aid (institutional grants, scholarships, fellowships) and loans (federal and private). The financial aid office may even be in touch with local donors whose scholarships are not in a national database.
Grants and Scholarships
Grants and scholarships for dental students are either merit based or need based. Merit based is centered on your academic or extracurricular achievements whereas need based is based on financial need. Here are some options to get you started:
Scholarships for Dental School
Dental Trade Alliance Foundation Scholarship
- Sponsor: The Robert J. Sullivan Family Foundation
- Eligibility: Full time dental students in good academic standing with demonstrated financial need and a strong interest in community service/charitable work.
- Award: Up to $25,000 (starting at $5,000)
ADA Foundation Leadership Award
- Sponsor: The American Dental Association (ADA) Foundation and Crest Oral-B
- Eligibility: Degree candidate enrolled in DDS, DMD, PhD, MPH, MS or equivalent program who is also involved in oral health research in preventive dentistry.
- Award: $5,000
NHSC Scholarship Program
- Sponsor: The National Health Resources and Services Administration (NHSC)
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in an accredited dental program (pursuing a DDS or DDM), with eligibility to serve in the NHSC at an approved employment site.
- Award: Up to cost of full-time enrollment (varies)
ADEA Crest Oral-B Scholarship for Predoctoral Dental Students
- Sponsor: The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and Procter & Gamble Company
- Eligibility: Full time pre-doctoral dental students enrolled at an accredited program in the U.S. or Canada, having completed at least one program year. Show commitment to an academic career in dental education.
- Award: Up to $5,500
ADEA/Haleon Preventive Dentistry Scholarship
- Sponsor: The American Dental Education Association (ADEA)/Haleon
- Eligibility: Full time pre-doctoral dental students enrolled at an accredited program in the U.S. or Canada, having completed at least one program year. Demonstrate a strong interest in preventive dentistry.
- Award: Up to $2,500 (total of 12 scholarships available)
Dental Loan Repayment Programs
There are some unique repayment assistance programs for dental students. However, this should not be confused with repayment plans for your federal and/or private student loans. Here are a couple of loan repayment options to explore:
NHSC Loan Repayment Program
- Sponsor: The National Health Resources and Services Administration (NHSC)
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are fully trained and licensed to practice oral care and are eligible for federal employment. Employed by or have accepted a position at an NHSC approved site.
- Award: Up to $50,000 per year for a 2-year service obligation
Public Health Dentist Loan Repayment Program
- Sponsor: Delta Dental Foundation
- Eligibility: Fully trained and licensed to practice as a DDS or DMD in Michigan, Ohio, or Indiana. Agree to provide services for at least one year at an eligible practice site.
- Award: Up to $25,000 per year which can be renewed annually for 3 years maximum
