Cost is a relative factor, and so this question is not so easy to dispose of.

You might think that studying in another country, say Mexico or the Caribbean, would be a less expensive option than a top notch U.S. school. But that’s not necessarily the case. In fact, studying at an international medical school can often bring even higher costs.

One way to look at this is by comparing the average debt assumed. A 2010 study by the federal government pegs average student debt for foreign medical students at $235,000; U.S. medical students accrue an average of $158,000.

But here’s where apples are not oranges. If you graduate with $250,000 in debt and are unable to get into a residency program, your medical school education will not only be expensive, but basically useless. Even if the education were cheaper, it may be the most expensive mistake you’ll ever make.

This is not to say foreign medical schools aren’t the perfect option for many medical students. Just make sure you attend a school with ECFMC certification, and with an excellent reputation for not only training doctors, but obtaining residencies.