Cost is one of the biggest factors in choosing an Advanced Standing program, yet it is also one of the most confusing. Schools publish costs in different formats. Some list annual tuition. Some list a full “cost of attendance” that includes rent and food. Some divide the year into terms. Comparing them without care can lead to serious planning mistakes.
This guide explains how to read Advanced Standing dental program cost information and shares 2026–27 figures published by several schools on their official websites. It does not rank programs, and it does not cover every school.
Costs change frequently. Confirm current tuition and fees directly with each university. The figures below are estimates published by the schools and are not exact future obligations.
Information reviewed October 2026.
Understanding the Different Types of Costs
Before comparing numbers, separate them into categories:
- Tuition: The charge for instruction, usually listed per academic year.
- University and program fees: Technology, health services, student activities, sterilization, and similar fees.
- Instruments and equipment: Dental kits, instrument management fees, and loupes. These are often highest in the first year.
- Health insurance: Required by many schools, either through the school plan or proof of other coverage.
- Estimated living expenses: Housing, food, transportation, and personal costs. These are estimates, not bills.
- Application costs: ADEA CAAPID fees, supplemental fees, interview or testing fees, and enrollment deposits.
Also note the time period. An “annual” figure for a 12-month year is different from a 10-month academic year, and a program lasting 29 months spans parts of three calendar years.
2026–27 Published Costs at Selected Schools
The examples below come from official school or university financial-aid pages. Program lengths are from the ADEA CAAPID Program Finder.
University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry (IDS, about 24 months)
Pacific’s cost of attendance page lists, for 2026–27:
- Annual tuition: $135,700 in each of the two years
- Direct costs (tuition, fees, kit, insurance, and related charges): $163,748 in Year 1 and $149,882 in Year 2
- Living-expense allowance: $42,564 per year
Year 1 includes a dental kit listed at $14,736, which is one reason first-year costs are higher.
UCLA School of Dentistry (PPID, about 25 months)
UCLA’s PPID tuition and costs page lists an annual program fee of $120,968 for the Class of 2028 (academic year 2026–27). UCLA also publishes projected budgets by year and by summer term, which include housing, supplies, and personal expenses. UCLA notes that fees are subject to change.
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (PASS, about 29 months)
Penn’s DMD-PASS cost of attendance for 2026–27 lists:
- Tuition: $97,848 per year
- General fee: $4,268
- Instrument management service fee: varies by year, from $10,864 to $15,258
- Health insurance: $5,018
- Total estimated annual cost of attendance (including living): roughly $151,700 to $162,300, depending on the year
Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine (Advanced Standing, about 24 months)
BU’s Advanced Standing cost of attendance for 2026–27 lists:
- Tuition: $101,676 per year
- Instruments: $19,298 in the first year
- Total estimated cost of attendance: $170,235 for the first year and $154,932 for the second year
BU notes that health insurance is not initially included in its estimate, although Massachusetts requires coverage for many students.
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (DIS, about 29 months)
Tufts’ cost of attendance page lists, for 2026–27:
- Tuition: $60,954 in the first (partial) year and $121,908 in each later year
- Total cost of education (including living estimates): $113,708 in Year 1, $185,946 in Year 2, and $172,535 in Year 3
Side-by-Side Summary
| School | Tuition (2026–27) | What the figure represents |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific (IDS) | $135,700 | Annual tuition, each of 2 years |
| UCLA (PPID) | $120,968 | Annual program fee, Class of 2028 |
| Penn (PASS) | $97,848 | Annual tuition |
| Boston University (AS) | $101,676 | Annual tuition |
| Tufts (DIS) | $121,908 | Annual tuition after the first partial year |
Do not compare these numbers alone. A lower tuition figure does not always mean a lower total cost. Program length, first-year equipment costs, living costs in each city, and insurance requirements can change the total significantly.
Application and Enrollment Costs
Costs begin before you are admitted:
- ADEA CAAPID fees (2026–27): $264 for the first program and $115 for each additional program, according to ADEA.
- Credential evaluation: ECE lists its course-by-course report for ADEA CAAPID at $199.
- Supplemental, interview, or testing fees: These vary. For example, UCLA lists a $300 interview/testing fee for invited applicants, and USC lists a $150 processing fee.
- Enrollment deposits: These can be substantial. Penn lists a $5,000 tuition deposit after acceptance, and Tufts lists a $10,000 admitted-student deposit.
Applicants who need a student visa may also need to show proof of funds. Tufts, for example, lists $220,000 in required financial proof for non-citizen applicants.
Tips for Building a Realistic Budget
- Use the most recent official cost page for each school.
- Separate tuition, fees, equipment, insurance, and living costs in your own spreadsheet.
- Add up the full program length, not just one year.
- Add a buffer for exam fees, licensing exams, travel, and unexpected expenses.
- Research financing options early, because international applicants may have limited loan options.
Questions to ask each financial aid office
- Is this figure annual tuition, a full cost of attendance, or a full-program total?
- Which months does each “year” cover?
- Are instruments, loupes, and health insurance included?
- When is tuition due, and is any part due before the program starts?
Key Takeaways
- Advanced Standing programs commonly cost well over $100,000 per year once all expenses are included.
- Annual tuition, cost of attendance, and full-program totals are different numbers.
- First-year costs are usually higher because of instruments and equipment.
- Costs change every year, so always confirm directly with each university.
For more background on how these programs are structured, see What Is an Advanced Standing Dental Program? and the ASTRA Advanced Standing Program Guide. For timing, the ASTRA Application Timeline Guide can help you plan.
A Note on Preparation
If you’re preparing for an Advanced Standing bench examination and want to learn more about simulation-based practice and exam-style preparation, you can explore ASTRA Test Prep’s resources and preparation options in Pasadena.
