Medical student debt relief advocacy

Black female resident studying.

The Academy advocates for measures to mitigate the cost of medical school for students to lower the barrier of entry into the profession.

The median annual tuition for medical students in the United States is about $42,000 for in-state public schools and $70,000 for private schools. The increase in student debt is a major roadblock for those who want to enter primary care as a family physician.

  • Public service loan forgiveness and primary care

    Sixty-eight percent of AAFP members surveyed reported participation in a loan repayment program. Of those respondents, 75 percent utilize the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

    Explore survey findings

How the AAFP is advocating for students and residents

Medical student debt continues to increase, with many physicians owing tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars upon graduation.

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The AAFP calls for the following measures to tackle the medical student debt crisis:

  • An expansion of federal funding for loan and scholarship programs that target family medicine and primary care

  • Deferment of interest and principal payments on medical student loans until after the completion of postgraduate training

  • Federal tax-deductible interest on all medical student debt interest

The AAFP continues to support the National Health Service Corps​, an organization that offers scholarships or loan repayment as incentives for physicians to work in primary care settings in rural and underserved areas.

Recent AAFP communications

Joint communications with other organizations