Tuition and Fees
The University sets each matriculating cohort a flat rate semester tuition, meaning each cohort's tuition costs per semester is the same for the duration of the program. Tuition is determined for the incoming cohort in the spring prior to their start date. After receiving the tuition rate, the program costs are updated on the website and communicated with accepted students.
These documents provide the Class of 2025 Projected Costs (pdf) and the Class of 2024 Projected Costs (pdf). The program tuition covers lab supplies, malpractice insurance, BLS updated, ACLS training, and professional dues (ARAPA & AAPA). In addition to the tuition and University fees, the student will be responsible for*:
- Required textbooks or electronic database subscription
- Electronic management platform service fees
- Personal laptop and smartphone
- Required medical equipment
- Clinical attire (scrubs, white coat)
- Maintenance of personal health insurance and auto insurance
*Upon matriculation, additional information regarding equipment requirements will be supplied.
Other student costs may include: room and board, costs associated with clinical rotation such as travel, food, lodging (if required) and any other requirements of the program or clinical site(s).
Policies and procedures for withdrawals and refunds of tuition and for processing student grievances are published in the Graduate Catalog. Withdrawals and refund information is found under the Registration link and Student grievance information is found under the Academic Grievances link.
Learn more about the Federal Financial Aid Cost of Attendance and find a comprehensive listing of expenses that may be associated with enrollment. The tuition listed on the financial aid page is the median tuition for all cohorts enrolled in the fall semester. The living expenses are estimates adapted by the College Board. Therefore, the tuition rate shown may differ from the cohort tuition for which a student is enrolled. See the documents at the top of this page for the specific tuition and program-required expenses by cohort and semester.
Anticipated Cost of Living
While living in Arkansas, students enrolled in Harding's PA Program enjoy the benefits of a lower cost of living while maintaining access to quality housing readily available near the University. Students can anticipate housing and transportation costs that fall consistently below the national average.
Financial Aid
At Harding, our graduate financial counselors understand the needs of the PA Program students and work to ensure students receive adequate financial aid to cover program costs and living expenses. Federal aid is available to qualified applicants. Federal financial aid (including Direct Unsubsidized and Grad Plus) can cover the entire cost associated with attendance in the Physician Assistant Program. Each student will need to complete a FAFSA (www.studentaid.gov) to determine eligibility for Direct loans. This can be done prior to acceptance into the program. Learn more about Financial Aid at Harding. Once accepted into the Program, you will be given access to Harding's Pipeline where you will have direct access to your financial aid awards. Access this PA Financial Aid Budget Sheet pdf for more information on financial aid for PA students. The Federal government has a loan and a loan repayment program for non-profit employees in health care.
Scholarship Opportunities
Applicants are encouraged to seek assistance from other sources (scholarships, grants, etc.). Information and application forms should be requrested from clubs, organizations, foundations, and agencies as soon as possible after applying for admission to the Program. Free scholarship searches are provided by websites like fastweb.com, salliemae.com, and finaid.org. The Physician Assistant national organization, AAPA, offers some scholarships.
HUPA Veteran's Endowed Scholarship: The scholarship is awarded to a student entering their clinical year (second year) of the HUPA program. Recipients must show scholarship, leadership, diligence, capability and financial need. While any applicant will be considered, preference will be given to veterans of the armed services and to those with immediate family members who are veterans or who are currently serving.
Diversity Scholarship: Matriculated students can apply for this scholarship in the spring of their first year. Recipients must meet a characteristic that diversifies the Harding PA cohort and the PA profession. Examples include being a first-generation college student, a student from an economically disadvantaged background, an ethnic minority, or an underrepresented age (30 years or older at the time of scholarship application). Applicants must be in good academic standing with the University and must not have another scholarship that provides for complete tuition expenses. Applicants submit application materials describing their commitment to healthcare and to supporting diversity in healthcare. Recipients are selected by the PA scholarship committee.
