The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) application process involves various fees that can quickly accumulate. Use this calculator to estimate your total financial outlay for the current residency match cycle, covering everything from the AAMC token to application fees and interview travel.
ERAS Residency Application Cost Calculator
Total Estimated Residency Application Cost:
$0.00Detailed Breakdown
ERAS Residency Application Cost Calculator Formula
Where: Program Application Fees = (10 * CostTier1) + (10 * CostTier2) + ((N – 20) * CostTier3)
Formula Sources: AAMC Fee Schedule, Residency Finance Guide
Variables Explained
- AAMC Token Cost: The base fee paid to the AAMC to register for the ERAS service. This is a fixed, non-refundable cost.
- Total Number of Programs Applied To: The total count of residency programs you submit your application to. This drives the tiered fee structure.
- Cost per Program (Tier 1, 2, 3): The application fee per program, which decreases as the number of programs applied to increases. Tiers typically follow 1-10, 11-20, and 21+ programs.
- Estimated Interview Travel/Software Cost: Includes expenses for travel, lodging, meals for in-person interviews, or subscription costs for virtual interview preparation software.
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What is the ERAS Residency Application Cost?
The total cost associated with the ERAS application is a major financial consideration for all aspiring residents. It extends far beyond the initial AAMC token purchase. The primary driver of the cost is the tiered fee schedule for submitting applications to individual programs. This fee structure is designed to incentivize applicants to be selective, as the cost per program decreases significantly after the first ten programs, but the overall cost still rises with every additional program.
Beyond the application submission itself, applicants must budget for secondary costs, which have shifted with the prevalence of virtual interviews. While travel and hotel expenses have decreased for many, the investment in reliable internet, high-quality audio/visual equipment, and interview preparation services (like video platforms) have become essential costs. This calculator provides a comprehensive estimate by combining all these financial components into one total figure.
How to Calculate ERAS Cost (Example)
- Determine Base Fee: Start with the AAMC Token Cost ($145).
- Set Program Count: Suppose you apply to 50 programs.
- Calculate Tier 1 Fees (Programs 1-10): 10 programs * $26/program = $260.
- Calculate Tier 2 Fees (Programs 11-20): 10 programs * $20/program = $200.
- Calculate Tier 3 Fees (Programs 21-50): 30 programs * $15/program = $450.
- Sum Application Fees: $260 + $200 + $450 = $910.
- Add Interview Expenses: Assume $1,500 for estimated travel and software.
- Final Total Cost: $145 (Token) + $910 (Application) + $1,500 (Interview) = $2,555.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the ERAS application fee refundable?
No. All fees paid to the AAMC for the ERAS application, including the initial token and program application fees, are non-refundable, regardless of whether you withdraw your application or not.
What is the typical number of programs residents apply to?
This varies widely by specialty, but the average for most competitive specialties ranges from 60 to 120 programs. Non-competitive fields may average 30-50, but it is highly dependent on the applicant’s profile.
Does this calculator include NRMP Match fees?
No, this calculator focuses only on the ERAS application submission costs. The NRMP (National Residency Matching Program) charges a separate registration fee, which should be budgeted separately.
Can I use an old AAMC token?
AAMC tokens are specific to one application cycle and cannot be reused or carried over from previous years. A new token must be purchased for each cycle.