Which med school is worth the debt?
The debt difference between two schools compounds through 4 years of medical school and 3+ years of residency. See how much it costs in real dollars — and how it affects your net worth at year 10 as an attending.
School A
Avg debt: $149,735
Public · Ann Arbor, MI
School B
Avg debt: $67,572
Private · New York City, NY
Target Specialty
Salary: $280,000
3yr residency · Marit Health 2026
Bottom line
NYU Grossman saves $130K vs University of Michigan
$82K less debt at graduation + $48K less interest over 10 years of repayment. That gap means $209K more net worth by year 10 as an attending Internal Medicine if invested at 7%.
School A
University of Michigan
Debt at graduation
$149,735
Debt after 3yr residency
Interest accrues during training
$188,885
Total interest (10yr payoff)
$86,718
Est. net worth at yr 10
Investable savings at 7% return
$1.0M
School B
NYU Grossman
Debt at graduation
$67,572
Debt after 3yr residency
Interest accrues during training
$85,240
Total interest (10yr payoff)
$39,134
Est. net worth at yr 10
Investable savings at 7% return
$1.2M
How this is calculated
Debt at graduation uses AAMC 2024 average debt for indebted graduates. Residency interest accrual assumes the 2026–27 Grad PLUS rate (8.05%). Post-residency, 10-year standard repayment is modeled at the same rate. Net worth assumes a 7-year path to attending, 35% effective tax rate, $80K annual living expenses, and 7% annual investment return on surplus income. Actual results vary by financial aid, scholarship, and repayment choices.
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