Understanding the Costs of Attending LECOM School of Dental Medicine
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) School of Dental Medicine, located in Bradenton, FL, is a private, non-profit institution offering a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree. With a class size of 100 students, LECOM emphasizes a commitment to quality education at an affordable cost, aiming to prepare dentists who can deliver the best healthcare outcomes. This article delves into the various costs associated with attending LECOM School of Dental Medicine, providing a comprehensive overview for prospective students.
LECOM School of Dental Medicine: An Overview
LECOM School of Dental Medicine operates on a 19-24 week Semester term system. The basic science faculty is composed of Dental school faculty only. Notably, this dental school does not accept transfer students. The school seeks applicants with a strong performance in science courses and a well-rounded academic record, with successful applicants typically having a science GPA and an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Cost of Attendance: A Detailed Breakdown
Understanding the cost of attendance is crucial for prospective students. The following sections break down the expenses for the 2023-2024 academic year, based on available data. Please note that costs can change and it is important to consult the school’s financial aid office for the most accurate and up-to-date estimates.
Tuition, Fees, and Other Costs
The following table outlines the cost of attendance for D1 students at LECOM School of Dental Medicine for the 2023-2024 academic year, excluding living expenses:
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| D1 Tuition | $58,505 | $58,505 |
| D1 Fees | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| D1 Other Costs | $19,179 | $19,179 |
| D1 Total | $78,884 | $78,884 |
It's important to note that these figures do not include living expenses, which can significantly impact the overall cost of attendance.
Read also: LECOM Early Acceptance Programs
Estimated Costs for the 2025 Entering Class
For students starting in the Fall of 2025, LECOM provides financial estimations that include tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses:
| Year | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Additional Fees | Estimated Living Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | $61,465 | $61,465 | $7,837 | $48,699 |
| D2 | $61,465 | $61,465 | $7,837 | $46,423 |
| D3 | $61,465 | $61,465 | $7,837 | $40,859 |
| D4 | $61,465 | $61,465 | $7,837 | $37,561 |
These estimates provide a more complete picture of the financial commitment required to attend LECOM School of Dental Medicine.
Mandatory Fees
In addition to tuition, dental schools charge mandatory fees to cover costs such as pre-clinic and clinical fees, instrument/sterilization fees, books/supplies, and uniform costs. These fees do not include any living costs such as housing, food, or transportation.
Cost of Education (COE)
The Cost of Education (COE) is the amount it will cost a student to go to school. The COE budget is calculated to show the total cost for the school year (i.e. the fall and spring terms).
Financial Aid and Loan Options
LECOM's Financial Aid Team provides counseling and assistance to accepted students in securing funds to help finance their education. A student’s funding from federal, private, institutional, and other sources is intended to cover the Cost of Education (COE) for the academic year (i.e. tuition, fees, and living expenses).
Read also: Tuition at LECOM Erie
Federal Loans
The primary source of loans in Dental School are Federal Loans. Dental School students are able to take out Federal Loans that cover the entire Cost of Attendance (C.O.A.). The 2 main types of Federal Loans are Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (more favorable) and Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loans (less favorable).
Unsubsidized Loans have more favorable terms and are always maximized prior to taking out Graduate Plus Loans. The annual limit on Unsubsidized Loans is about $45K a year. The remainder can be borrowed each year from the less favorable Graduate Plus Loans.
The 2 main differences between these 2 loans are origination fee and interest rate. Unsubsidized Loans have an origination fee of 1.057%, while Graduate Plus Loans have an origination fee 4X higher (4.228%). Secondly, the interest rates on Graduate Plus Loans are set to be 1% higher than Unsubsidized Loans.
Loan Repayment
Many students will enter a repayment plan of between 5 and 20 years. Interest will continue to accumulate on those Federal Loans (6.54% for Unsubsidized Loans, 7.54% for Graduate Plus Loans). Many students will choose to refinance their Federal Loans with a private lender. Private lenders offer lower interest rates that can significantly lower monthly payments.
LECOM's Commitment to Affordability
LECOM is committed to offering quality education at an affordable cost. The school is determined to prepare dentists who can deliver the best healthcare outcomes while keeping tuition and fees affordable. LECOM offers one of the lowest tuition rates for private medical colleges in the country while also maintaining the highest quality of educational standards for academic programs.
Read also: Student Doctor Network LECOM Interview
Admission Requirements and Considerations
Applicants are required to have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university by the time of enrollment. Each candidate must submit their most recent Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores through the American Dental Education Association application service (ADEA AADSAS).
Additional consideration will be given to candidates who have taken courses in anatomy (3 hours), physiology (4 hours), microbiology (4 hours), and physics (4 hours). Students should consider additional courses in cell biology, histology, immunology, and molecular/genetic biology.
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