Dental school cost in 2026
Dental school costs $46,845 to $90,090 per year in 2026, and most people pay about $68,468.
What moves the price
- Public or private school changes the price the most.
- State residents pay less at public schools.
- Out-of-state students at public schools pay much more.
- Dental tools and supplies are extra in the first years.
- Living costs add to the total.
- Where you live. Prices in big cities usually run higher than in small towns.
What is included
The range is per year, first year tuition and fees. The tuition number covers classes and required school fees. Instruments, supplies, board exam fees, housing and food are extra. Leland puts the four year tuition total at about $160,000 to $450,000 or more.
Average first year tuition and fees (ADA data, 2025 to 2026)
| School type | Per year |
|---|---|
| Public, in-state | $46,845 |
| Public, out-of-state | $79,168 |
| Private | $90,090 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: ELFI.
Four year tuition totals (Leland, 2026)
| School type | Four year total |
|---|---|
| Public, in-state | $160,000 to $220,000 |
| Public, out-of-state | $240,000 to $300,000 |
| Private | $300,000 to $450,000 or more |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: ELFI.
Ways to pay less
- Look at public schools in the home state, where in-state tuition is lower.
- Ask about scholarships and military or service programs.
- Plan for instrument and supply costs in year one, which can be $5,000 to $10,000.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- ELFI: Planning for the Cost of Dental School
- Leland (via University at Buffalo): How Much Does It Cost to Go to Dental School (2026)
- Bankrate: Average Dental School Debt
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Dental school costs $46,845 to $90,090 per year in 2026, and most people pay about $68,468. Most people pay about $68,468 per year. The low end is $46,845 and the high end is $90,090.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: Public or private school changes the price the most; State residents pay less at public schools; Out-of-state students at public schools pay much more.
How can I pay less?
Look at public schools in the home state, where in-state tuition is lower. Ask about scholarships and military or service programs. Plan for instrument and supply costs in year one, which can be $5,000 to $10,000.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 3 named price guides: ELFI, Leland (via University at Buffalo), Bankrate. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
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