Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
WashU School of Medicine consistently ranks among the lowest-debt private medical schools, driven by a large endowment and generous scholarship programs.
$91K
Avg graduate debt
AAMC class of 2024
-$121K
vs. national avg
National avg $212K
88%
Grad with debt
of the class
$1,300
10-yr payoff /mo
post-residency est.
Repayment Scenarios for WashU Graduates
Based on $90,880 average debt · 3-year residency at $65K · then Internal Medicine attending at $310K. Use the calculator for your exact specialty.
Aggressive 10-year
$1,259/mo
Total paid: $151,113
✓ Debt-free fastest. Best long-term net worth.
✗ Highest monthly payments early in career.
PSLF (nonprofit/govt)
$2,395/mo
Residency: $353/mo
Total paid: $213,888 + balance forgiven
✓ Lowest total cash paid for high-debt borrowers at nonprofits.
✗ Requires 10 years qualifying employment. Tax-free forgiveness.
Income-Driven (IDR)
$2,395/mo
Payoff timeline: ~5 years
✓ Lowest monthly payment. Best cash flow during residency.
✗ Longer payoff than aggressive.
Model your exact situation
Pre-loaded with WashU's $90,880 average debt. Change specialty, salary, and strategy.
How WashU's Debt Compares
WashU graduates leave medical school with an average of $90,880 in education debt — 57% below the national average of $212,341 for the class of 2024. This figure comes from the AAMC Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) database and reflects only graduates who borrowed — students who received full scholarships are excluded.
The private school national average for the class of 2024 was $227,839. WashU sits below that benchmark.
Roughly 12% of WashU graduates finished with no debt — through scholarships, family support, or in-state cost advantages. For the 88%who do borrow, loan strategy becomes one of the most consequential financial decisions of their career. The difference between choosing PSLF vs. aggressive payoff can easily be six figures over a physician's career.
Loan Strategy for WashU Graduates
If you plan to work at a nonprofit or academic medical center — which includes most major teaching hospitals — PSLF is worth modeling seriously. At $90,880 average debt, graduates pursuing PSLF would pay approximately $213,888 over 10 years before the remaining balance is forgiven tax-free. Compare that to $151,113 under aggressive payoff.
If you plan private practice or a high-income specialty without PSLF-qualifying employment, aggressive payoff or refinancing typically wins. Post-residency payments of ~$1,259/month for 10 years leaves you debt-free and maximizes long-term net worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average medical school debt at WashU?
According to AAMC data for the class of 2024, the average graduate indebtedness at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine was $90,880 among those who borrowed. This is 57% below the national average of $212,341.
What will my monthly student loan payment be after WashU?
On aggressive 10-year repayment with $90,880 in debt at 7.05% interest, you'd pay approximately $1,259/month post-residency. On an income-driven plan at an Internal Medicine salary, payments would be approximately $2,395/month. Use the MedDebt calculator to model your specific specialty.
Should WashU graduates pursue PSLF?
PSLF makes the most sense for WashU graduates who plan to work at nonprofit hospitals, academic medical centers, or government employers. At $90,880 average debt, PSLF can save approximately $0 compared to aggressive payoff — but requires 10 years of qualifying employment.
How does the 2026 federal loan cap affect WashU students?
WashU's average graduate debt of $90,880 is below the new $200K federal cap effective July 1, 2026. Most students should still be able to finance their education entirely with federal loans and retain access to PSLF and IDR programs.
Debt data sourced from AAMC MSAR, class of 2024. Repayment estimates based on average debt, 3-year IM residency, $310K attending salary. Individual results vary. Not financial advice.
Student-reported data
What did WashU graduates actually borrow?
AAMC official avg
$91K
Student-reported
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