Top 10 Medical Universities in USA: Courses, Fees & Requirements

The USA houses some of the world's most prestigious medical schools and universities, acclaimed for their forefront research, brilliant faculty, and superb infrastructure. Those looking at medical universities in USA  for 2025, can consider these 10 best universities for admission. The information details the unique features, admission criteria, and scholarships available at each university to help you navigate your path to becoming a leader in the healthcare field.

The United States is the Mecca of advanced medical education and research. Studying in the USA, particularly in its medical courses, enhances one's academic excellence, attracting a highly competitive group of applicants to its medical universities. For anyone who desires to enter one of these medical universities in 2025, it is essential to be familiar with the landscape of these institutions. An exhaustive list of the top 10 medical universities in the USA, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Medicine, finds its way in this article. Apart from the rankings, we will inform you about key considerations when selecting the ideal medical university for yourself, including accreditation, academic stats, crucial experiences, and financial considerations, equipping you with the knowledge to make an informed decision for your medical journey.

Top 10 Medical Universities in USA 2025

Here is a list of the top 10 medical universities in USA for those applying in 2025: 

Although MIT has also been ranked (at #11), since it does not officially have a medical school, we will not be discussing it in this article. 

How to Choose the Best Medical University in USA?

Trying to get into medical schools in the USA can be daunting for prospective international students, as numerous factors must come into play for a successful application. Let's take a look at what you need to do to choose the best medical university in USA for studying.

1. Accreditation and Recognition: 

The LCME is a recognised authority, so your college must be recognised by it and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). This is crucial, as your degree will be recognised for practice and residency in the USA; it may also become valid for practice in India once the local requirements are met.

2. Good Academic Profile & Strong MCAT Score: 

Medical schools in the USA have very competitive admissions, especially for international students; you will need to have strong grades during your undergraduate degree (preferably a 3.7+ GPA on a 4.0 scale in a science-heavy curriculum) and display equally strong MCAT scores (a score of 510+ is usually considered very strong).

3. Clinical and Research Experience: 

Beyond the academic side of things, you can prove your genuine interest in the area of medicine by undergoing adequate clinical shadowing, volunteering in some form of medical setting, and doing some research work. This will help you further lose a little weight in terms of commitment and understanding of what medicine is all about.

4. Financial Considerations and Aid: 

The US medical education is costly. Inquire about tuition and living costs, as well as scholarships or grants specifically available to international students. Be prepared with proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your education. Check out the Scholarships for USA. 

Based on these parameters, applicants can choose those medical universities in USA which fit their criteria. 

Best Medical Universities in USA

Let us closely look at some of the best medical universities in USA, what they offer, basic admission requirements, score range, tuition fee and financial aid. Review the details and shortlist the universities according to your preferences. 

1. Harvard University

Ranked #1 globally for offering high-research-based medical courses, Harvard Medical School (HMS) is a global leader. Harvard is one of the popular medical universities in USA known for its high-quality education, research, and patient care. It offers 72% of its medical students financial aid. Acceptance rates at Harvard are low, resulting in intense competition. With around 12,000 faculty members, HMS is an ideal choice for Indian students seeking a world-class medical education in USA. Here are some key highlights for the Harvard Medical School below:

Applicants can also choose from preferred pathways or suggested prerequisite subjects, such as Behavioural Sciences, Biology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Physics, Maths, and others when applying for MD at HMS. 

2. Stanford University 

At Stanford University School of Medicine, students can pursue a unique MD degree with a flexible curriculum that allows them to tailor their learning tracks to their individual needs. The road remains open for clinical and leadership opportunities in Stanford's renowned medical facilities and beyond. Another option is the extensive dual degree opportunities that can be leveraged to further one's knowledge base and are available for study within the medical school as well as other Stanford University schools.

Stanford Medical School offers a stipend for dual-degree programs to those pursuing their PhD, thereby encouraging advanced research. Beyond academics, a strong sense of community is fostered by intimate cohorts of 90-100 students. The MD course at Stanford is one of the most popular courses, in turn making Stanford one of the best medical universities in USA.

3. Johns Hopkins University

With access to 710 labs and 120 core facilities, Johns Hopkins University has hundreds of researchers who work in these labs and facilities. Johns Hopkins Medicine is home to six academic-community hospitals and four suburban health care and surgery centres. This is why it is one of the best medical universities in USA for international students to learn, gain practical knowledge and implement in real-life situations. Check out the key details of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine below:

Renowned for biomedical research, intense clinical training, and emphasis on patient care, MD at JHU is a preferred university for studying among applicants.

4. University of California, San Francisco

Consistently ranked among the nation’s top medical schools, the UCSF School of Medicine stands out for its distinguished faculty, including six Nobel laureates, 114 National Academy of Medicine members, 73 from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 55 from the National Academy of Sciences, and 22 Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators. Founded in 1864 as Toland Medical College, it became part of the University of California in 1873 and moved to the Parnassus Heights campus in 1898. Its hospitals, including Moffitt-Long, Benioff Children’s, and Mount Zion, form UCSF Medical Center. In 2024, it ranked Tier 1 in both research and primary care.

Thus, this is also one of the most popular medical universities in USA which applicants can consider applying to for admissions. 

5. Yale University

Yale School of Medicine, founded in 1810 and the sixth-oldest US medical school, is globally recognised for excellence in biomedical research, clinical care, and education. Ranked 3rd in NIH funding and 10th in NIH dollars per faculty member, it emphasises independent study through the Yale System of Medical Education. Over 1,700 physicians serve patients regionally and globally. Since 1814, it has awarded 9,599 MD degrees. Alumni include 5,744 MDs, 5,981 MPHs, 1,613 Physician Associate Program graduates (PA-C/MMSc), and 223 from the PA Online Program. 

This Ivy League school is also a popular choice among applicants seeking admission to medical universities in the USA. 

6. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA (David Geffen School of Medicine) thrives in the dynamic, diverse city of Los Angeles, offering unmatched learning, clinical, research, and cultural opportunities just steps from campus turn0search6. Its collaborative “Cultural North Star” emphasises ethical care, innovation, kindness, equity, and lifelong learning within a supportive community turn0search5. With pass/fail grading, ample faculty-backed research, dual-degree and global health programs, and clinical rotations in top-tier hospitals, students gain a robust combination of academic and practical experience. UCLA Health’s nationally ranked hospital system further enhances exposure to cutting-edge patient care and biomedical discovery.

Since, there are ample opportunities for student at UCLA, this is also one of the good options for medical universities in USA. 

7. University of Pennsylvania

The Perelman School of Medicine is one of the oldest medical schools in the US. This medical school boasts a robust academic and medical community, with over 2,900 full-time faculty members supporting 761 medical students. It also trains more than 1,900 residents and fellows, along with 842 PhD students, 222 MD-PhD students, and 843 post-doctoral fellows. The institution employs over 6,800 individuals and is affiliated with a network of leading hospitals, including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, Chester County Hospital, Lancaster General Hospital, and Penn Medicine Princeton Health.

Being one of the oldest universities in USA, UPenn's medical school has become popular over time. Applicants can consider applying to this medical university in USA because of its popularity, excellence and hands-on learning at its hospital. 

8. Duke University 

Duke University School of Medicine is a top-tier institution in health professions education, clinical care, and biomedical research. It includes over 2,700 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 2,200 students across various programs, and over 6,200 staff members. Founded in 1925 through a $4 million bequest from James B. Duke, the school opened in 1930 and quickly ranked in the top quarter of U.S. medical schools. It is part of Duke Health, alongside entities such as the Duke Global Health Institute, the Duke-Margolis Institute, and the Duke-NUS Medical School. Over nearly 100 years, it has earned a global reputation for academic and research excellence.

Duke is also one of the oldest medical universities in USA and has garnered emmense popularity over time. Thus, international students can also consider this university to study medicine. 

9. Columbia University

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S), part of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, is among the most research-intensive and top-ranked U.S. medical schools. Founded in 1928 alongside NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, it offers a curriculum that blends science, ethics, and clinical practice. VP&S educates physicians, scientists, and physician-scientists with strong MCAT scores and GPAs, forming one of the nation’s most diverse student bodies.

Another Ivy League school on this list, Columbia University is also at par with other medical universities in USA. And applicants can consider applying here for admissions. 

10. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan Medical School, founded in 1850, educates approximately 785 medical students, supported by 4,365 faculty and 4,624 staff, alongside postdoctoral fellows. Research expenditures include $483 million in NIH awards, $838 million in sponsored projects, and $150 million in industry funding, supporting 1,885 active clinical trials and generating 253 invention reports. Michigan Medicine’s facilities include 15 medical school buildings and 29 research buildings.

Admission Process for Medical Universities in USA

The admission process at medical universities in USA is simple. Applicants have to submit the following documents to get through the process:

• Academic transcripts
• Admission essay(s)
• MCAT scores
• Letters of recommendation to be submitted to AMCAS
• Extracurricular activity details
• Experiences in the field of health, research or any relevant community work

The journey to becoming a medical doctor in the USA is undeniably challenging, requiring exceptional academic prowess, significant extracurricular engagement, and substantial financial planning. However, the unparalleled quality of education, research opportunities, and clinical training offered by the top medical universities in the USA make it a highly sought-after destination for aspiring physicians. 

By carefully considering factors such as accreditation, academic requirements, clinical experience, and financial aid options, prospective students can strategically identify the institutions that best align with their goals and aspirations. While the path may be arduous, the reward of contributing to global health through a world-class medical education from one of these esteemed universities is truly profound.