How this list was made
U.S. News shifted to a four-tier system for 2025, naming 16 Tier 1 medical schools for research and a separate set of Tier 1 schools for primary care, listed alphabetically within tiers rather than numerically ranked. The U.S. has a broad training landscape with 158 accredited MD-granting schools and 37 DO-granting schools, providing national capacity for both research-intensive and primary care-focused education. NIH funding leadership is separately tracked each year by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR), which aligns with research intensity and informs perceptions of institutional research strength across departments and schools.
Top 20 medical schools
- Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX) — Recognized as Tier 1 for research in 2025 under U.S. News’ tiered system, highlighting elite performance across research productivity and faculty metrics. Tier 1 status signals institutions propelled by funding, cutting-edge technology, and active student–faculty discovery culture.
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (Cleveland, OH) — Named Tier 1 for research in 2025, reflecting strong research output and scholarly environment. The Tier 1 label denotes schools a step ahead through resources and discovery-driven training.
- Emory University School of Medicine (Atlanta, GA) — Earned Tier 1 research recognition for 2025, underscoring its high research activity and faculty strength. Tier 1 programs are characterized by robust funding and advanced technologies supporting innovation.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell (Hempstead, NY) — Listed as Tier 1 for research in 2025, indicating a high-performing research ecosystem. U.S. News describes top-tier research schools as propelled by funding, technology, and impactful investigation.
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (Rochester, MN) — Achieved Tier 1 research status in 2025, reflecting national leadership in biomedical research and training. Tier 1 denotes top schools positioned for discovery with strong infrastructure and faculty scholarship.
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine (Columbus, OH) — Recognized as Tier 1 for research in the 2025 framework, evidencing strong research productivity. This status reflects schools that lead via funding, technology, and student–faculty research engagement.
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (Los Angeles, CA) — Named Tier 1 for research in 2025, highlighting its competitive research profile. Tier 1 designation signals advanced resources and discovery-driven education.
- UC San Diego School of Medicine (La Jolla, CA) — Listed among Tier 1 research schools for 2025, affirming a strong research culture and output. Tier 1 institutions are identified as being propelled by research funding and cutting-edge facilities.
- UCSF School of Medicine (San Francisco, CA) — Recognized as Tier 1 for research in 2025, reflecting sustained excellence at the nexus of science and clinical innovation. U.S. News characterizes Tier 1 research programs as leaders in funding, technology, and student–faculty discovery.
- UNC School of Medicine (Chapel Hill, NC) — Earned Tier 1 research status in 2025, underscoring a nationally prominent research environment. The Tier 1 label indicates strong support for discovery and advanced training infrastructure.
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (Pittsburgh, PA) — Named Tier 1 for research in 2025, evidencing high research activity and faculty impact. Tier 1 denotes leadership supported by funding, technology, and active research by learners and faculty.
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (Rochester, NY) — Added to the 2025 Tier 1 research list, marking recognized strength in research productivity. Tier 1 programs are identified by U.S. News as being at the forefront of discovery and innovation.
- USF Health Morsani College of Medicine (Tampa, FL) — Included in the 2025 Tier 1 research cohort, reflecting growth and competitiveness in research. The Tier 1 designation highlights funding, technology, and discovery as defining attributes.
- UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas, TX) — Named Tier 1 for research in 2025, signaling a powerhouse environment for biomedical investigation. Tier 1 schools are described as one step ahead due to resources and discovery output.
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (Nashville, TN) — Recognized as Tier 1 for research in 2025, affirming sustained excellence in research and training. Tier 1 indicates leadership propelled by funding, technology, and student–faculty research.
- Yale School of Medicine (New Haven, CT) — Listed as Tier 1 for research in 2025, reflecting a high-impact scholarly ecosystem. The Tier 1 label denotes a discovery-forward environment supported by advanced infrastructure.
- UMass Chan Medical School (Worcester, MA) — Recognized as Tier 1 for primary care in 2025, highlighting excellence in educating and preparing frontline physicians. Tier 1 primary care standing reflects leadership under U.S. News’ primary care training measures.
- University of Minnesota Medical School (Minneapolis, MN) — Listed as Tier 1 for primary care in 2025, evidencing strength in patient-centered training and community impact. This designation signals top performance in primary care-focused educational outcomes.
- University of New Mexico School of Medicine (Albuquerque, NM) — Named Tier 1 for primary care in 2025, underscoring a mission-driven focus on primary care readiness. Tier 1 primary care schools are recognized for excellence across U.S. News’ primary care metrics.
- UC Davis School of Medicine (Sacramento, CA) — Recognized as Tier 1 for primary care in 2025, reflecting leadership in training physicians for community and primary care roles. Tier 1 indicates high performance on U.S. News’ measures of primary care capacity and outcomes.
Notes for applicants
Because 2025 rankings use tiers and list schools alphabetically within each tier, there is no single numeric “#1–#20” order; this list curates Tier 1 research leaders and adds Tier 1 primary care standouts to reach 20 widely recognized programs. U.S. News also notes that about 20% of the top 100 medical schools declined to participate or lacked key data and were labeled “unranked,” so some renowned institutions may not appear in the 2025 tier lists despite strong reputations. For broader context on U.S. medical education capacity and degree types, see the national inventory of MD and DO schools and accreditation pathways.
FAQ’s:
What makes a medical school “top”?
Rankings weigh research environment and quality, teaching, international outlook, and industry engagement, while U.S. medical school lists also segment strengths in research vs. primary care. NIH funding snapshots further signal research intensity but should be considered alongside curriculum, clinical network, and outcomes.
Do rankings matter for choosing schools?
Rankings highlight resources and research reputation, but curriculum fit, mentorship, clinical sites, and your career goals should drive the shortlist more than prestige alone. Use ranking tiers and subject strengths as directional input, not a final decision tool.
What GPA and MCAT do I need?
Targets vary by school and state residency, so benchmark against each program’s published medians and ranges before applying. Many competitive applicants aim for strong academics paired with research, clinical exposure, and service to demonstrate readiness.
Which prerequisites are commonly required?
Most programs expect biology, general and organic chemistry, physics with labs, plus biochemistry and English/writing, though exact mixes vary by school. Always confirm school‑specific expectations and technical standards before submitting.
When should I submit my primary application?
Aim to submit in June to capitalize on rolling admissions and earlier review, then return secondaries within about two weeks where feasible. Some applicants file with at least one school to enter the verification queue and add others after verification without losing place.
What are AMCAS, AACOMAS, and TMDSAS?
AMCAS is the centralized application for most MD programs, AACOMAS serves DO programs, and TMDSAS covers many Texas schools. Policies across these services differ on timelines, fees, and components, so read each guide carefully before filing.
How many schools should I apply to?
Most applicants build balanced lists spanning reach, target, and safety programs based on their stats, state residency, and mission fit. Use the official school requirements resource to align your list with prerequisites, policies, and median metrics.
How important are extracurriculars and clinical exposure?
Sustained clinical exposure, service, research, and leadership demonstrate commitment and help validate your choice of medicine beyond grades and scores. Admissions value depth, impact, and reflection in activities more than sheer quantity alone.
Do I need CASPer or AAMC PREview?
Some schools require situational judgment assessments like CASPer or PREview, while others consider them optional or do not use them at all. Check each target’s testing policy early so you can schedule and report on time.
What do secondary applications involve?
Secondaries are school‑specific essays that assess mission alignment, values, and fit beyond the primary application’s general profile. Returning secondaries promptly can keep you competitive in rolling admissions cycles.
When will I hear back from schools?
The earliest MD programs may issue acceptances is typically mid‑October, with decisions continuing on a rolling basis thereafter. Timelines vary by school, and waitlists often move through late spring and early summer.
What do interviews look like now?
Interviews may be traditional, multiple mini interviews (MMI), or hybrid formats, and many schools retain virtual options post‑pandemic. Being overseas is possible with careful planning because most steps are now online, including interviews at many schools.
Can international applicants apply to U.S. medical schools?
Policies vary widely on eligibility, financial aid, and required coursework, so verify each program’s stance before applying. Some schools accept limited numbers of international candidates or require proof of funding for all years of study.
How much does it cost to apply?
Expect primary, secondary, and test fees to total into the thousands across a typical multi‑school list, so budget accordingly and consider fee assistance if eligible. Application services and deadlines are strict, and late submissions typically are not refunded.
What’s the ideal overall timeline?
Plan MCAT completion by spring, submit primaries in June, turn secondaries quickly, and interview through fall and winter to remain competitive in rolling admissions. Build in time for letters, transcripts, and any situational assessments to avoid last‑minute delays.
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