Tuition / Fees
March 30, 2023 2026-05-08 21:20Tuition & Financial Aid
An Investment in Your Education and Your Future
Choosing a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program is a major financial decision. At Rocky Mountain College, we see it as an investment in a career that is both meaningful and in high demand—especially in rural and underserved communities.
Our graduates:
97%
Achieve strong first-time PANCE pass rates comparable to national averages (approximately 97% over the most recent five-year period)
100%
Move into positions in primary care, emergency care, orthopedic, surgical, and specialty roles across Montana and neighboring states with a 100% career placement rate
60%
60% of graduates accept positions at sites where they completed supervised clinical experiences, smoothing the transition from student to practicing PA
$90,000 or More
Students enjoy minimum starting salaries of $90,000 or more in our local area
Preceptors and alumni repeatedly emphasize that the preparation students receive at Rocky is worth the investment.
“This Rocky student is a tribute to the rigorous education received at Rocky Mountain College and will always shine brightly as a member of our team. I would recommend her for any job, anywhere when she becomes a licensed physician assistant.”
— Preceptor, Dermatology – Helena, MT
“Rocky gave me exactly what I needed to step into orthopedics right after graduation. The academics were rigorous and my professors genuinely wanted us to be better providers. Now I’m assisting with everything from joint replacements to sports-related surgeries, and I feel well-prepared for each day.”
— Trinity, MPAS ’24 – Orthopedic PA, Montana
Financial Aid: How Students Pay for the MPAS Program
Most MPAS students use a combination of federal aid, private loans, scholarships, and personal resources to finance their education. Our Financial Aid Office works with you to build a plan that fits your situation.
Federal Student Aid
Eligible U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens may qualify for:
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (Graduate)
- Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans (only available for students attending MPAS classes prior to July 1st, 2026)
To be considered for federal aid:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- List Rocky Mountain College (School code: 002534) as one of your school choices.
For current federal aid limits and details, visit the official FAFSA / Federal Student Aid website.
Institutional and External Scholarships
MPAS students may be able to access:
- External scholarships from professional organizations, community foundations, or employers
We encourage you to:
- Contact the Rocky Mountain College Financial Aid Office for any MPAS-specific scholarship information
- Explore scholarships from PA organizations (AAPA, MTAPA, WAPA-) and local healthcare partners
Support for Serving Rural and Underserved Communities
Because Rocky’s MPAS program emphasizes rural and underserved care, many graduates are strong candidates for loan repayment and incentive programs once they are in practice.
Examples to explore include:
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayment for PAs serving in Health Professional Shortage Areas
Indian Health Services (IHS) loan repayment program for PAs interested in serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities
State loan repayment programs for clinicians practicing in rural and underserved regions (including Montana and neighboring states)
Employer-based incentives, such as loan assistance, sign-on bonuses, or retention bonuses for hard-to-fill positions
These programs are not administered by Rocky Mountain College, but our graduates often find them helpful in managing educational debt while serving in high-need communities.
Why Students and Preceptors Say It’s Worth It
When alumni and preceptors talk about the value of the program, they point to:
- A rigorous academic experience that prepares graduates for complex medical roles
- Supervised clinical experiences that often lead directly to first jobs
- A small-college environment that fosters close relationships with faculty and focused support
“Even before I started PA school at Rocky, I kept hearing from people in the medical community who had hosted students or employed alumni that the program produces professional, experienced, educated, and passionate PA graduates. That reputation—and the skills and confidence I gained—has made a big difference in my career.”
— Lauren, MPAS ’23 – Physician Assistant, Montana
“This Rocky student was a joy to precept from start to finish. She quickly evolved into an independent PA… Her knowledge base was far superior to that of her peers and rotating medical students… She is ready to practice medicine now… I only offer an elective transplant experience to the top students. Only three so far. She is one of them.”
— Preceptor, Surgery – Bozeman, MT
This combination of a 30 year reputation, outcomes, and real responsibilities in supervised clinical experiences is a key part of the return on your educational investment.
MPAS Tuition & Required Fees
Tuition and fees are set by Rocky Mountain College and may be adjusted periodically. The MPAS program is a full-time, 26-month program.
The total, direct cost of the 26-month RMC MPAS education is $126,141; please reference the included tuition and fee schedule for more detail. For the most current tuition and fee information, please contact admissions or our business office.
To review our Return of Title IV Funds Policy plus more specifics on policies and procedures, click here.
| Semester | Tuition | Student Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Summer Term | $8,967 | $0 | $8,967 |
| Fall Semester | $19,006 | $523 | $19,529 |
| Spring Semester | $19,006 | $523 | $19,529 |
| Summer Semester | $19,006 | $523 | $19,529 |
| Fall Clinical Semester | $19,006 | $523 | $19,529 |
| Spring Clinical Semester | $19,006 | $523 | $19,529 |
| Summer Clinical Semester | $19,006 | $523 | $19,529 |
(Please note: There is a $45 application processing fee for the CASPA application. No supplemental application is required.)
Estimated Cost of Attendance
To understand the full investment, it’s important to look beyond tuition alone. The cost of attendance includes both direct charges from the college and estimated living expenses. For more detailed information, click here for a full cost of attendance letter to future MPAS students.
Typical cost-of-attendance categories:
- Housing and utilities
- Food
- Books and supplies
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Personal expenses
Get Personalized Financial Aid Guidance
Financing graduate education is personal. Our Financial Aid staff can help you:
- Review your estimated cost of attendance
- Understand your financial aid offer and loan options
- Explore scholarships and potential loan repayment programs
- Plan for repayment after graduation, especially if you aim to work in rural or underserved communities
Contact Financial Aid
Rocky Mountain College Financial Aid Office
Phone: 406.657.1031
Email: finaid@rocky.edu
Financial Aid Page
Next Steps
To move forward:
Explore how Rocky’s MPAS program aligns with your goals and the communities you hope to serve
