Tuition and Financial Aid
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This program qualifies for the Mayo Clinic Education for Employment Agreement, offering tuition-free enrollment in exchange for a 24-month employment commitment after graduation. This agreement will be offered upon program enrollment and must be signed prior to the official program start date. Accepted students will receive communication directly from the Education for Employment team.
Reference our frequently asked questions for more information.
Cost of attendance
Estimated first-year student expenses (12 months) for the 2024-2025 calendar year (Jan. 6, 2025-Dec. 12, 2025) of the Surgical First Assistant Program:
Direct expenses (paid to Mayo Clinic)
| Items | Semesters 1-2 costs | Semesters 3-4 costs^ | Semesters 1-4 total costs |
| Tuition | $10,080 | $8,960 | $19,040 |
| Program fee | $500 | $0 | $500 |
| Technology fee | $225 | $0 | $225 |
| Total estimated cost for direct expenses | $10,805 | $8,960 | $19,765 |
Indirect expenses (not paid to Mayo Clinic)
| Items | Semesters 1-2 costs | Semesters 3-4 costs^ | Semesters 1-4 total costs |
| Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment | $285 | $0 | $285 |
| Membership dues | $70 | $0 | $70 |
| National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Exam | $0 | $490 | $490 |
| Housing and food ($2,020/month) | $12,120 | $11,110 | $23,230 |
| Home internet ($55/month, plus $50 one-time install fee) | $380 | $353 | $733 |
| Personal and miscellaneous ($530/month) | $3,390 | $2,915 | $6,305 |
| Transportation ($319/month) | $2,100 | $1,755 | $3,855 |
| Federal student loan fee (average) | $62 | $62 | $124 |
| Total estimated cost for indirect expenses | $18,407 | $16,685^ | $35,092 |
Total net cost of attendance
| Total estimated single student budget (direct + indirect expenses) | $54,857 |
^Note: Budget items and amounts are subject to change on or after July 1, 2024.
Budget information
Estimated budget information is provided to allow you to completely prepare for your education. The estimated budget is the estimated cost of education-related expenses.
- Personal and miscellaneous expenses include clothing, laundry and cleaning, personal hygiene and grooming, recreation, renter's insurance, student health insurance, and disability insurance.
- Transportation expenses include gas, oil, maintenance, and insurance.
- Federal student loan fee is the average amount based on prior year borrowers and are a percentage of the total loan amount.
- Dependent care and other expenses may be added to the budget on a case-by-case basis with supporting documentation. Contact Mayo Clinic's Financial Aid Office for further information.
Withdrawal and tuition refund
Students who find it necessary to withdraw from the program may be eligible to receive a refund of tuition depending upon the date of withdrawal. See the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science withdrawal and tuition refund policy.
Financial aid
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences offers financial incentives for students to participate in many of its health sciences training programs. Scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans may be available for those who demonstrate financial need.
The Office of Student Financial Aid and Registrar can provide more details about financial aid.