If you are considering your future in dental medicine, it is important to have a full view of the costs and benefits of your chosen program before you make any decisions. Learn more about what the predoctoral programs offer and be sure to carefully review the known and estimated costs below so you can make an informed decision about your next step.
For students pursuing a dental degree, funding their education involves two primary categories of expenses:
- The direct (billed) costs that are paid to the university (tuition and fees), and
- The indirect costs including living expenses (housing, food, transportation, etc.), books, supplies and other allowances are expenses that students are expected to incur while enrolled in the program but are not directly billed by the university.
Together, these costs make up the cost of attendance. It is important to anticipate both kinds of costs as you plan your finances. The following table shows the billed costs established by Tufts University and the Board of Trustees. Expect tuition and fees to increase annually (usually between 4-6% each year). The table also estimates the indirect costs and the combination of both types of costs so that you can anticipate the total funds you will need each year.
| Cost Name | First Year | Second Year | Third Year | Fourth Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $102,426 | $102,426 | $102,426 | $102,426 |
| Dental Kit | $6,010 | $7,948 | $1,308 | $919 |
| Sterilization Charge | $3,508 | $3,508 | $3,508 | $3,508 |
| Preclinical Supplies | $1,976 | $1,872 | $728 | $728 |
| Fixed Prostho Lab Kit | $0 | $680 | $0 | $0 |
| Technology Fee | $2,250 | $2,250 | $2,250 | $2,250 |
| Activity Fee | $284 | $284 | $284 | $284 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Disability Insurance Fee | $55 | $51 | $51 | $51 |
| Clinic Gown Fee | $0 | $998 | $998 | $998 |
| Total Billed Costs* | $117,709 | $121,217 | $112,753 | $112,364 |
| Books, Course Materials and Supplies | $1,700 | $2,500 | $1,530 | $800 |
| Integrated NBDE Allowance | $0 | $0 | $890 | $0 |
| Rotation Transportation Allowance | $0 | $0 | $200 | $200 |
| Professional Licensure Exam Allowance | $0 | $0 | $3,545 | $0 |
| Off-Campus Living Expenses† | $41,975 | $43,800 | $43,800 | $34,675 |
| Average Federal Loan Origination Fees‡ | $454 | $4,538 | $4,445 | $4,121 |
| Total Cost of Education | $161,838 | $172,055 | $167,163 | $152,160 |
*Please note that the 2026-27 billed costs listed are subject to change. Expect tuition and fees to increase annually (usually between 4-6% each year).
†Living expense budget shown based on off-campus housing allowance of $3,650/month for the 2026-27 academic year. View more information regarding budgets for students living off-campus and students living with their parents.
‡Average Loan Origination Fees charged by US Dept. of Education for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and/or Grad PLUS Loan borrowers are included in cost of attendance for federal financial aid applicants only and based on eligibility. Note Grad PLUS fees not applicable for new borrowers.
*** For students in the DMD program, costs associated with the required Community Service Learning Experience will be added to their financial aid budget for the year incurred once site selection is complete. If applicable, allowable expenses include reasonable transportation and housing based on the site location. The average 2026-27 externship allowance was $4,400.
Note: All students must be covered by health insurance through either the school or through a provider of their choice. Students may apply for additional financial aid to cover their cost of health insurance.
| Cost Name | First Year | Second Year | Third Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $60,954 | $121,908 | $121,908 |
| Dental Kit | $14,876 | $1,308 | $919 |
| Sterilization Charge | $3,508 | $3,508 | $3,508 |
| Preclinical Supplies | $3,778 | $728 | $728 |
| Fixed Prostho Lab Kit | $680 | $0 | $0 |
| Technology Fee | $2,250 | $2,250 | $2,250 |
| Activity Fee | $142 | $284 | $284 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $600 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Disability Insurance Fee | $34 | $51 | $51 |
| Clinic Gown Fee | $499 | $998 | $998 |
| Total Billed Costs | $87,321 | $132,235 | $131,846 |
| Books, Course Materials and Supplies | $625 | $930 | $800 |
| Rotation Transportation Allowance | $0 | $200 | $200 |
| Professional Licensure Exam Allowance | $0 | $3,545 | $0 |
| Average Federal Loan Origination Fees‡ | $212 | $5,236 | $5,014 |
| Off-Campus Living Expenses† | $25,550 | $43,800 | $34,675 |
| Total Cost of Education*** | $113,708 | $185,946 | $172,535 |
*Please note that the 2026-27 billed costs listed are subject to change. Expect tuition and fees to increase annually (usually between 4-6% each year).
†Living expense budget shown based on off-campus housing allowance of $3,650/month for the 2026-27 academic year. View more information regarding budgets for students living off-campus and students living with their parents.
‡Average Loan Origination Fees charged by US Dept. of Education for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and/or Grad PLUS Loan borrowers are included in cost of attendance for federal financial aid applicants only and based on eligibility. Note Grad PLUS fees not applicable for new borrowers.
***For students in the DIS program, costs associated with the required Community Service Learning Experience will be added to their financial aid budget for the year incurred once site selection is complete. If applicable, allowable expenses include reasonable transportation and housing based on the site location. The average 2026-27 externship allowance was $4,400.
Note: All students must be covered by health insurance through either the school or through a provider of their choice. Students may apply for additional financial aid to cover their cost of health insurance.
To me, Tufts has been a second home, and I get pure joy in giving care to my patients based on what I’ve learned from my professors and my faculty […] the education is one of dreams.
