Choosing a medical school for your higher studies is a strenuous job to accomplish. It isn’t just about sorting out the best ones but also the ones which meet your requirements and eligibility. 

The US comes under the category of the countries offering the best medical education. It has top-notch progressive medical universities and if you’re planning to apply in the United States for your medical education, you’re doing just the right thing!

Why Choose the US for Medical Education?

The United States of America comes under the most progressive and developed countries in the whole world. Just how highly rich their economy is, they leave no space for compromising on the quality of education. The medical institutions in the US are globally renowned and fall into the list of the best medical universities around the globe. 

Along with the many positives of studying in the US, there are some stumbling blocks that could set an obstacle for you. 

Below are the pros and cons of studying Medicine in the United States:

4 Pros of Studying Medicine in the United States

1. Best Quality of Education:

The US is internationally known for producing the best medical professionals because of its unique curriculum and finest, well-educated professors. Alongside education, they provide a vast opportunity for researching and clinical training in the hands of the best mentors. 

As the standard of education is very high, the level of education is hard too but if you’re determined, you can give your utmost and no one can stop you from achieving success!

2. Career Opportunities: 

After completing your 4 years of undergraduate studies from Med School and then three to seven years of residency, the door for a great number of career opportunities shall open for you. The average base salary of healthcare professionals is from $44k to $133k which is a great deal considering the pay grade of medical professionals in different parts of the world. 

According to Statista, the salaries of primary care physicians in 2019 in the US is $258k for males and $207k for females, which is the highest among the other mentioned countries. 

However, for practicing medicine in the US you need to qualify for USMLE. Get to know more about USMLE at the end of our article. 

3. Diverse Environment: 

Studying in the US means meeting students from all around the world and experiencing distinct cultures and values whilst availing of top-notch education. 

How does cultural diversity influence your education? Multicultural environments amongst students as well as the staff at educational institutions surface diverse ideas, experiences, and customs. The students grow more confident and interactive which directly puts a positive impact later on in their lives. 

4. Medical tech and facilities:

The USA is popular among the world for being very technologically advanced with the best medical infrastructure and equipment. This gives the students the exposure to acquiring education in an innovative background. 

3 Cons of Studying Medicine in the US:

1. High Tuition Fee:

I’m sure you’re extremely intrigued and excited by now to apply to Medical universities in the US but I hate to break it to you, most of the medical schools in the US are awfully expensive. Many students back out when they view the fee structures but I would advise you to apply for financial aid or scholarship and keep your fingers crossed for the best!

2. High Cost of Living:

The US comes under those regions that have a high standard of living which eventually means the cost of living is really high. Apart from paying a high tuition fee, you’d have to have the means for covering your daily expenses otherwise your survival could get harsh. 

3. Acceptance of Visa:

One of the major drawbacks of applying to medical schools in the US is that sometimes the student visa gets denied for certain reasons. Just thoroughly go through all the demands, be sure that you’re meeting all the requirements, and submit the visa application on time. 

Moving Forward, below are the 15 Best Medical Universities in the United States:

No.	University’s Name	Location	Fees	Acceptance Rate	Requirement of MCAT and Score	Availability of Financial Aid or Scholarship
1	Harvard University	Boston, Massachusetts	$64,984	5%	Yes,>519	Yes
2	John Hopkins University	Baltimore, Maryland	$58,000	11.1%	Yes,>521	Yes
3	University of Pennsylvania	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$93,352- $102,265	9%	Yes,>516	Yes
4	NYU School of Medicine	NYC, New York	$58,226	2.45%	Yes, >522	Yes
5	Duke University School of Medicine	Durham, North Carolina	$62,503	7.7%	Yes, >519	Yes
6	University of California	San Bernardino, CA	$63,800	3.17%	Yes, >513	Yes
7	Stanford University School of Medicine	Stanford, California	$21,249	2.3%	Yes,>519	Yes
8	University of Washington	Seattle, Washington	$65,927 upto $86,198	4.3%	Yes,>510	Yes
9	Yale School of Medicine	New Haven, Connecticut	$72,148	6.2%	Yes, >519	Yes
10	David Geffen Medical School	Los Angeles, California	$83,182 upto $81,402	3.9%	Yes,>512	Yes
11	Mayo Clinic School of Medicine	Rochester, Minnesota	$60,700	3%	Yes,>520	Yes
12	Vanderbilt University School of Medicine:	Nashville, Tennessee	$100,937 and upto $101,482	6.1%	Yes, >520	Yes
13	Columbia University	NYC, New York	$42,875	4%	Yes,>520	Yes
14	Baylor College of Medicine	Houston, Texas	$16,800	5.3%	Yes,>518	Yes
15	Boston University School of Medicine	Boston, Manchessterus	$91,870 to $99,800	3.7%	Yes, No minimum requirement	Yes

1. Harvard University:

Why Choose Harvard University Faculty of Medicine?

Getting admission into Harvard Medical School is a dream shared amongst numerous medical students. The prestigious institution is ranked #1 of the U.S. News Medical School Compass for research. 

This is due to the excellent quality of education they deliver; with their curriculum adapting the dynamics of modern medicine, providing great clinical and researching opportunities. 

Fees at Harvard University Faculty of Medicine:

The tuition fee for an academic year at Harvard Medical School would cost you around $64,984 and the total cost of attendance from Year 1 to 5 varies from $44,436 to $103,340. You can view the itemized budget here. 

Requirements for Admission at Harvard Medical School:

1. Academic records with outstanding marks and exceptional MCAT scores so that the success of the candidate can be predicted.
2. Applicant’s essays and letter of evaluation 
3. Extra Curricular activities, experience in the health field.
4. No TOEFL or IELTS is required but fluency in English is highly expected. 
5. Education should be supplemented with at least one year of college or university training either done in the US or Canada. International students without a baccalaureate or advanced degree from any institution in the US or Canada will not be accepted for admission. 

2.   John Hopkins University:

Why Choose John Hopkins University: 

The John Hopkins University, School of Medicine and Nursing have been among the best in the whole US. It is the pivot of numerous medical evolution such as the introduction of rubber gloves which is one of the best sterile methods to perform surgeries. 

Fees at John Hopkins University School of Medicine: 

The fee for the School of Medicine is $58,000 and the fee for the School of Nursing is $33,534 for a full-time DNP and $42,426 for a full-time Ph.D. 

Requirements for Admission at John Hopkins University School of Medicine: 

1. A great score in MCAT
2. A Bachelor of Science OR a Bachelor of Arts degree is required from any accredited institution
3. Excellent academic work is needed from any accredited institution 
4. Good communication and teamwork skills
5. Letter of recommendation from your previous institution’s mentor or advisor 

To view the elaborated requirements, click here. 

3. University of Pennsylvania 

Why choose the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine? 

The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine is the most ancient and respectable Medical School in the US. It is internationally recognized as an institution that inculcates innovation from leadership training to global healthcare. 

The university takes dignity in acknowledging the leaders of the future in medical education, patient care, and biomedical research. 

Fee of University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine: 

The tuition fee is $61,586 and the cost of attendance from year 1 to 4 is between $93,352 to $102,265. 

View the whole breakdown of the cost of attendance here. 

Requirements for Admission at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine:

1. Fluent English Speaking and Communication skills are required. Apprehension of other languages is also encouraged for clinical practice. 
2. Outstanding marks in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. 
3. The candidate would be judged on the basis of their behavioral discipline as well. 
4. Candidates with degrees obtained from foreign institutions have to complete a year of work in sciences at any university in the US. 
5. Compulsory MCAT result. 

Get a comprehensive look of their admission requirements over here. 

4. NYU Grossman School of Medicine: 

Why Choose NYU Grossman School of Medicine?

New York University Grossman School is ranked on #2 in Best Medical Schools: Research by the US News. NYU focuses on congregating students from diverse cultures together. Their flexible curriculum intrigues students to explore different fields in medicine, creating space for more clinical and research experience.

Fees at NYU Grossman School of Medicine:

The estimated tuition fee for the four year MD Program is $58,226. View the whole fee structure here. 

Requirements for Admission at NYU Grossman School of Medicine:

1. The Candidate has to be a US permanent resident OR have a DACA status. 
2. International or Local students should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in the US or Canada.
3. Compulsory requirement of MCAT

5. Duke University School of Medicine:

Why Choose Duke University School of Medicine?

Duke University School of Medicine has been ranked on #3 on the Best Medical Schools for Research by the US News. The university has incorporated national approval of health education, various certifications, training and biomedical programs. The school is proud of its well experienced staff, great learning techniques, clinicians and producing the next best health care providers and biomedical scientists. 

Fees at the Duke University School of Medicine:

The tuition fee for an academic year at Duke University School of Medicine is around $62,503.

1. MCAT score
2. Strong performance in Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Statistics, Physics, Sociology And Psychology in previous academic record. 

6. University of California:

Why Choose California University of Science and Medicine?

University of California is ranked on #4 of the Best Medical Schools by the US News. At University of California, multidisciplinary cooperation is motivated whether in the science curriculum or other departments of the University of California. 

Fee of University of California Science and Medicine:

The tuition and fees is $63,800. 

Requirements for Admission at the University of California:

1. International or Local students should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in the US or Canada.
2. The Candidate has to be a US permanent resident OR have a DACA status. 
3. 3 Letters of Recommendation from the American Medical College Application System. 
4. A GPA of 3.0 or above in undergrad studies
5. Compulsory submission of MCAT score. 

7. Stanford University School of Medicine:

Why choose Stanford University School of Medicine?

Stanford Medical School provides a unique environment for the education and training of students in medicine. They have flexible MD courses with numerous paths towards learning. They offer various leadership and clinical opportunities on huge platforms even outside the university. 

Fees at Stanford University School of Medicine:

The Full tuition fee is $21,249. You can view the fee structure for other expenses here. 

Requirements of Admission at Stanford University School of Medicine:

1. The Candidate has to be a US permanent resident OR have a DACA status. 
2. International Students education should be supplemented with at least one year of college or university training either done in the US or Canada.
3. Submission of MCAT results is compulsory.

8. University of Washington School of Medicine:

Why choose the University of Washington School of Medicine?

University of Washington School of Medicine is ranked on #7 of the Best Medical Schools for Primary Care by the US News. The university is constantly recognised for being among the countries’ top medical schools for training and leading in research. The Medical Program in the university focuses on customizing medical knowledge and giving a great apprehension on professionalism and clinical skills. 

Fees at University of Washington School of Medicine:

From Year 1, the total cost of attendance is $65,927 upto $86,198. 

Requirements for Admission at the University of Washington School of Medicine:

1. MCAT score
2. Current Casper Test Score is required for admission.
3. Application through the American Medical College Application Service. 
4. Even your letters of recommendation should be first submitted to AMCAS. 

9. Yale School of Medicine:

Why choose Yale School of Medicine?

Yale University School of Medicine is ranked on #10 in the list of Best Medical Schools for Research by the US News. Students of Yale School of Medicine get the opportunity to educate themselves from some of the best medical professors throughout the country with the best facilities and equipment. Extensive investigation training and research facilities are provided to the students. 

Fees at the Yale School of Medicine:

The cost of attendance is $72,148. View the breakdown here. 

Requirements for Admission at the Yale School of Medicine:

1. MCAT score
2. Apply to the university through the American Medical College Application Service
3. Submission of Letters of Recommendation

10. David Geffen Medical School at University of California:

Why Choose David Geffen Medical School?

David Geffen Medical School at UCLA is ranked on #7 in the Best Accredited Medical Schools of the USA for Primary Care according to the US News and World Reports 2016. The university is brimming with great medical professors, exceptional facilities and has a leading enterprise in clinical endeavors. Teamwork, collaborations, discovery through research and so on are encouraged to be acquired by the students. 

Fees at David Geffen Medical School at UCLA: 

The cost of attendance from Year 1 is $83,182 upto $81,402. 

Requirements for Admission at David Geffen Medical School: 

1. Attainment of knowledge in Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Humanities and Physiology. 
2. Attainment of communication and writing skills as well as clinical and interpersonal experience.

11. Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine: 

Why Choose Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine? 

Mayo Clinic has been ranked on #11 in the Best Medical Schools for Research by the US News and World Reports. Unlike many universities, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is just one national medical school with a consolidated authority and similar curriculum throughout all campuses. 

They give students the opportunity to avail a variety of dual degree options which can open numerous doors of opportunities when the students step in the professional world. 

Fees at the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine: 

The tuition fee for 2021-22 is $60,700 and the total cost of attendance is $97,296. 

Requirements for Admission at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine: 

1. Academic performance of previous academic records
2. MCAT score of > 508
3. Experience in the science field, community service, leadership
4. Personal Statement 
5. Letter of recommendation 

12. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine:

Why Choose Vanderbilt University School of Medicine?

Vanderbilt Med School has been ranked on #13 in the list of nation’s elite programs by the US News and World Reports. The university has internationally created a reputation for being an innovative leader in the field of medical education, patient care and biomedical research. 

It diligently promotes good ethics, safety, effectiveness and thorough assistance of students throughout their course. 

Fees at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine:

Vanderbilt Med School is one the most expensive med schools in the US. The total cost of attendance for Year 1 is $100,937 and upto $101,482.

Requirements for Admission at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine:

1. MCAT is required. 
2. Strong performance in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Social Sciences and Communication in previous academic record. 
3. Graduates from accredited schools in the US or Canada before matriculation. 

13. Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons :

Why Choose Columbia University?

Columbia Med School is one the research intensive institutions. It provides global leadership in educating scientists, physicians and researchers. It captivates students with its visionary ethics and motivating aspirations for success. 

Fees at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons:

The tuition fee per year is $42,875. 

Requirements for Admission at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons:

1. 3 full academic years at any accredited college in the US or Canada.
2. Bachelor degree before matriculation
3. One year of English or any different language writing course
4. One year of Biology and Physics labs

14. Baylor College of Medicine:

Why Choose Baylor College of Medicine?

Baylor College of Medicine is ranked on #22 in Best Medical Schools for Research by the US News. It is recognised for offering great medical education at a very affordable fee even after being a private institution. The university educates the students to improve the health standards through science, innovation and modern tech. 

Fees at Baylor College of Medicine:

The tuition fee for local students of Texas is $16,800 and for Non Texas Residents is $29,900.

Requirements for Admission at Baylor College of Medicine:

1. MCAT score
2. The coursework for acceptance at Baylor should include Mathematics, Expository Writing, Humanities, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biology. 
3. Apprehension of speaking and writing Spanish

15. Boston University School of Medicine:

Why Choose Boston University School of Medicine?

Boston University School of Medicine has been ranked on #33 in the Best Medical Schools for Research by the US News. The University provides a diverse environment and clinical training which would give them the opportunity to view different disorders, challenges, patients as a part of their learning experience. Comprehensive courses are tailored and group discussions, problem based seminars are hosted for better learning. 

Fees at Boston University School of Medicine:

The Total Cost of Attendance varies from $91,870 to $99,800.

Requirements for Admission at Boston University School of Medicine:

1. MCAT score
2. 3 Letters of Recommendation
3. Casper Test Score

Acceptance rate

3 Important Things To Remember When Applying For Education in the US:

1. MCAT:

Getting the perfect score on your MCAT is the first and foremost thing you need to work on. Most of the Medical Schools in the US require an MCAT score from candidates to evaluate their eligibility in their respective institutions. 

For that, the higher your MCAT score is, the more shots you have in the best medical universities of the United States. 

If you’ve given MCAT and couldn’t secure a good score, you could always apply to institutions which do not require MCAT for acceptance. 

Below are some of the medical schools in the US that do not ask for MCAT: 

1. University of Florida College of Medicine 
2. University of Albany 
3. University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry 
4. Northwestern University 
5. California Northstate College of Medicine 
6. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine 
7. University of Alabama School of Medicine

 2) Extra Curricular Activities: 

Admissions in universities isn’t always on the basis of how capable and outstanding you are in your studies but the extra curricular activities that you’ve participated in throughout your High School are also acknowledged and taken into account. 

Whether you were in the football team or basketball, participated in various competitions or took part in talent shows, everything is considered by the Admission Committees at universities. So, don’t forget to have some recreational fun whilst focusing on your studies. 

3) USMLE:

The United States Medical Licensing Examination involves three steps towards attaining medical licensure in the US. You need to prepare and pass each Step to proceed to the next. The passing percentage is >60%. 

Takeaway:

These 15 Medical Universities in the US are the finest institutions that you’d find, providing quality education as well as training and a great learning experience. All you need to do is;

• Thoroughly check all the requirements before applying to any medical university or school in the US so that you have a smooth application process.
• Definitely avail the availability of scholarships or financial aid
• And lastly, you could be the next medical graduate from a Medical School in the US, so give your absolute best!