5 Medical Schools in the U.S. Where You Can Become a Doctor Without Paying Tuition

Medical education in the United States is notoriously expensive, often discouraging talented students from pursuing their dreams. However, several U.S. medical schools offer full tuition waivers under specific conditions, allowing students to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree without paying tuition fees.

Unlike India, the U.S. does not offer an MBBS degree. Prospective doctors must first complete a four-year undergraduate program, clear the MCAT entrance exam, and then enroll in a four-year MD program. In 2025, the average tuition for public medical colleges was approximately ₹2.40 crore, while private institutions charged up to ₹3.28 crore.

Here are five U.S. medical schools where tuition is fully waived:

1. F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine (Maryland)
Part of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, this Maryland-based school charges no tuition. The only condition is that graduates must serve in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard for 7–10 years. Students also receive a salary as junior officers, ranging from ₹72.6 lakh to ₹73.8 lakh annually.

2. Case Western Reserve University – Cleveland Clinic Lerner College (Ohio)
This five-year program trains doctors in biomedical research. Only 32 students are admitted each year, and all receive full-tuition scholarships, saving them millions in annual fees.

3. Grossman School of Medicine (New York)
New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine offers full-tuition scholarships to all MD students, saving each student up to ₹53.9 lakh per year. Students are also responsible for their health insurance. Admission is merit-based, requiring consistently high academic performance.

4. Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (Arkansas)
Founded by Walmart heiress Alice Walton, this Arkansas-based medical school has waived full tuition for the first five batches of students. The annual tuition of ₹58 lakh is fully covered, with 48 students enrolled this year benefiting from the scheme.

5. Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine (California)
Located in California, this medical school has waived tuition for its first seven batches, saving students approximately ₹53 lakh per year. In addition to tuition waivers, students also receive financial assistance for housing and have the freedom to specialize in any department of their choice.

With the rising costs of medical education, these tuition-free programs provide a unique opportunity for aspiring doctors to pursue their dreams in the U.S. without the burden of massive student debt.