Key facts
- ERAS charges per program application, and the per-program price is tiered by how many programs you apply to in a specialty.
- A USMLE transcript fee is charged once per season, and the ERAS token is an additional ECFMG fee for IMGs.
- The NRMP charges separately, and its applicant fees are stated to be non-refundable.
- Program count is the main lever you control, so decide it early using your program list.
ERAS and NRMP are the two big charges of application season, and both depend on your choices. ERAS charges for each program you apply to, with a lower price for the first group of programs in a specialty and a higher price after that, according to the AAMC's 2027 fee page. The NRMP charges a registration fee that covers a base number of programs, plus extra charges in some situations. This page explains how each works and how to budget. The ECFMG side (token, certification) is in ECFMG fees.
ERAS: what is charged #
| Fee | How it works | Scales with |
|---|---|---|
| Program application fee | Charged per program. The AAMC's 2027 page describes a lower per-program price up to a stated number of programs and a higher price beyond it. Pricing is per specialty. | Number of programs and specialties |
| USMLE transcript | A transcript fee assessed once per season, according to the AAMC | Fixed per season |
| ERAS token (IMGs) | Paid to ECFMG when you request it. See the token guide | Once per season |
| Program signals | Available in the 2027 season for participating programs. We could not confirm a signal price. Check the AAMC page, and see signaling explained | Number of signals |
| Document services | Your school or other offices may charge to prepare letters, transcripts and the MSPE | Per document |
The AAMC's worked example on its fee page shows the same applicant applying to programs in two specialties and how the total is computed. It also shows a lower total for applicants approved for its Fee Assistance Program. For IMGs, check the AAMC page to see whether the program applies to you.
Applying in more than one specialty #
Pricing resets for each additional specialty, so a dual strategy can be costly. See applying to more than one specialty before you commit.
NRMP: what is charged #
The NRMP page describes these elements:
- Registration for the Main Residency Match, covering up to a stated number of program codes on your list.
- Late registration after the registration deadline, so register early.
- Couples fees for each partner if you match as a couple.
- Extra ranks beyond the base number, with additional charges for very long rank lists.
- Non-refundable fees. The NRMP states all applicant fees are non-refundable.
- Unpaid fees. The NRMP says applicants with outstanding fees cannot enter rank lists and can lose access to SOAP.
Details and timing are in NRMP registration and fees.
How to budget #
- Fix a program count first. Decide a range using how many programs to apply to, then compute ERAS costs from the AAMC calculator.
- Add ECFMG-side costs. Token and any certification-related services, see ECFMG fees.
- Add NRMP costs. Registration and, if relevant, couples and extra ranks.
- Add document costs. Letters, translations, courier and MSPE issues.
- Add conversion costs. Card fees and exchange rates for payment in US dollars.
- Keep a reserve. A reapplication or a late change of specialty means paying a second time.
Commonly missed costs #
- Overapplying out of anxiety, since the per-program price rises beyond a threshold.
- Applying in a second specialty late in the season without budgeting for it.
- Late NRMP registration.
- Paying twice because a payment failed or a card was declined. Unpaid fees can block participation.
- Interview and relocation costs after the application, which usually dwarf the fees. See total cost of matching.
What is different for IMGs #
IMGs pay ECFMG for the token on top of the AAMC charges, may have document-translation and courier costs, and pay in US dollars from abroad. Timing is in the ERAS timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to apply through ERAS?
It depends mostly on how many programs and specialties you apply to. Use the AAMC's current fee page or the fee calculator in MyERAS for your own number.
Do I pay ERAS fees all at once?
Fees are due as you submit, and the amount depends on the programs you choose. Check the AAMC page for current payment rules.
Are ERAS and NRMP fees refundable?
NRMP states that applicant fees are non-refundable. For ERAS, read the AAMC's current fee page before submitting.
Is there help paying fees?
The AAMC has a Fee Assistance Program for ERAS. We could not verify who qualifies or whether IMGs are eligible, so check the AAMC page.
Sources
- AAMC: Fees for the 2027 ERAS season
- AAMC: Fees for ERAS residency applications
- NRMP: Match fees
- ECFMG / Intealth: fees
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