Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

Tuition and Fees for the MSGC Program

The MSGC program switched to flat-fee billing for the class matriculating in fall 2026. The total cost of tuition and fees is split into five billing cycles for the five semesters of the program.  Students will receive bills for the fall and spring of each academic year as well as for the intermediate summer semester.

The cost for tuition, as well for the general, clinical, and technology fees, can be found on the Student Registration and Financial Services website for Penn's Medical Master's Programs. Scroll down and click on "Genetic Counseling" to see the cost per semester. Note that the bill for the summer semester will be slightly lower since some fees are not charged.

Living Expenses

In addition to tuition and fees, students also have living expenses while attending the program.  Costs for housing, transportation, food, and other day to day expenses vary depending on a student's circumstances, of course, but each year the University calculates estimated living expenses for graduate students to aid them in budget planning. These estimates are also important if a student needs to borrow money for living expenses. They are listed under tuition and fees on the Student Registration and Financial Services website.

Students attending the University are required to have and show proof of adequate health insurance. Student health insurance is set up on an opt-out basis. Students who have private insurance must provide policy information and request a waiver through Penn student health services by the set deadline each year (Usually August 31). Students who need the insurance can purchase the Penn Student Insurance Plan (PSIP) for $5,018 per year (2026-27 rate). Any full-time student who does not complete the Penn Insurance Waiver will be enrolled in and charged for the PSIP plan.

Additional Program-Specific Costs

When reviewing the estimated costs to attend the UPenn MSGC program, please note that certain expenses may vary from year one to year two and depending on students' living arrangments and circumstances.

Background checks and clearances required for clinical rotations

Most are completed before the start of the first year

Textbooks

Required textbooks are available electronically and on reserve through the Penn Library system. Print copies are available for use in the program offices.

Some students choose to purchase books for their convenience or for future study.

Transportation to clinical training sites

Most clinical sites are accessible by public transportation, and most students in the program do not have a car. Many clinical sites are located on campus at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, but students should expect to have at least one placement that requires additional travel time during their two years in the program as we have excellent clinical placements at sites in northern Delaware, central New Jersey, and in suburban Philadelphia. 

A laptop or tablet is highly recommended.

 

 

The program typically can cover the following costs: 

  • Support for thesis research, including statistical analysis and participant recruitment expenses
  • Travel stipends for students who are presenting at local and national conferences
  • Student membership in the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) for second year students
  • Registration for the NSGC annual conference for second year students
  • Purchase of the ABGC practice certification examination for second year students

Financing Graduate Studies at Penn

It’s never too early to make a plan for financing your education. It is recommended that you start researching your eligibility and loan options as soon as possible. Visit the following resources on Penn websites and federal websites to guide you through the process. 

Penn’s Student Financial Services office is available to prospective and current students for financial aid inquiries.

Federal Student Loans & the FAFSA form

 Click here for information specific to medical master's program, including:

  • Contact information for the Student Financial Services office
  • Timeline / deadlines to apply for federal student loans
  • Federal load eligibility requirements and limits
  • Link to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) page on the Department of Education's website

Anyone interested in receiving federal education loans should complete the FAFSA form as early as possible.  Currently, eligible students attending graduate school or professional school full time can borrow up to $20,500 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

Private Alternative Loans: UPenn's Preferred Lender Arrangements

Penn-created options for when federal loans are not enough.

Private education loans are non-federal, credit-based loans offered by banks, credit unions, state agencies, and private education loan providers. These loans can help cover educational expenses that may remain after all other forms of financial aid have been applied not to exceed your Cost of Attendance.

Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) has implemented Preferred Lender Arrangements in response to recent changes in federal loan program regulations that take effect on July 1, 2026.  These regulatory changes have created a need for private loan funding options that will ensure that Penn students and their families can continue to access needed financial resources.  

from the Student Financial Services website: https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid/loans/private-alternative

Visit the website to learn about the lenders, options and terms.

 

Work Study Positions

A wide variety of part-time positions are available at the University for students who qualify for the federal Work Study program. In addition, an active community job board is open to all students. 

Many students also find part time positions at the Penn and CHOP hospitals during their time in the program. Most students find that they can manage a part-time job working a maximum of 8-10 hours per week while completing the program.

Graduate Student Assistantships

While not guaranteed, some GA positions are available through the program and the University.

Billing Procedures

Bursar bills are mailed by the Office of Student Financial Services usually within 4-6 weeks after the registration has been processed. Bills are delivered electronically on a monthly basis. For both incoming AND continuing students, notification emails are sent each month informing them that a new monthly billing statement is available via the online bill system, Penn.Pay, accessible through the Penn Portal. Students can check Penn.Pay at any time to see if new items have been posted since the last billing statement.

There are a variety of payment methods available, including in-person, by mail, through wire transfer, or online through Penn.Pay.

Billing questions should be addressed to Student Financial Services, 215-898-1988.