Top 10 Ranking Medical Schools: A Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing the right medical school is one of the most critical decisions for aspiring physicians. Factors such as location, reputation, admissions statistics, tuition, and specializations can significantly impact your educational experience and future career. In this 2025 guide, we’ve provided updated information on the top 10 medical schools across the United States, helping you make a well-informed decision for your medical education journey.

Top 5 Medical Schools in the United States

1. Harvard Medical School

• US News Ranking: #1

• Location: Boston, MA

• Degree: MD

• Established: 1782

• Tuition & Fees: $71,000

• Average GPA: 3.95

• Average MCAT: 521

• Acceptance Rate: 3.2%

• Class Size: 165

Harvard Medical School continues its legacy of innovation and excellence, producing leading healthcare professionals and researchers. Its rigorous admissions process seeks individuals with outstanding academics, research experience, and leadership potential.

2. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

• US News Ranking: #2

• Location: Baltimore, MD

• Degree: MD

• Established: 1893

• Tuition & Fees: $64,500

• Average GPA: 3.94

• Average MCAT: 521

• Acceptance Rate: 6.8%

• Class Size: 121

Johns Hopkins emphasizes diversity, passion, and leadership in medicine. Its rigorous curriculum and robust research opportunities position graduates for success in various medical fields.

3. University of Pennsylvania (Perelman School of Medicine)

• US News Ranking: #3

• Location: Philadelphia, PA

• Degree: MD

• Established: 1765

• Tuition & Fees: $67,500

• Average GPA: 3.93

• Average MCAT: 522

• Acceptance Rate: 3.9%

• Class Size: 150

The Perelman School of Medicine stands out for its leadership in patient care, biomedical research, and medical education. Its highly competitive admissions process reflects its dedication to excellence.

4. Columbia University (Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons)

• US News Ranking: #4

• Location: New York, NY

• Degree: MD

• Established: 1767

• Tuition & Fees: $72,500

• Average GPA: 3.93

• Average MCAT: 521

• Acceptance Rate: 2.0%

• Class Size: 140

Columbia University’s Vagelos College is renowned for its intensive research programs and commitment to innovative patient care. Its selective admissions reflect a search for highly capable and passionate individuals.

5. Stanford University School of Medicine

• US News Ranking: #5

• Location: Stanford, CA

• Degree: MD

• Established: 1908

• Tuition & Fees: $87,000

• Average GPA: 3.90

• Average MCAT: 519

• Acceptance Rate: 2.2%

• Class Size: 90

Stanford Medicine is recognized for groundbreaking research, innovative educational programs, and an extremely selective admissions process designed to find the most dedicated and talented students.

Bonus: 5 More Prestigious Medical Schools (2025)

6. Duke University School of Medicine

• US News Ranking: #6

• Location: Durham, NC

• Degree: MD

• Established: 1930

• Tuition & Fees: $69,000

• Average GPA: 3.91

• Average MCAT: 521

• Acceptance Rate: 10.9%

• Class Size: 105

7. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine

• US News Ranking: #7

• Location: San Francisco, CA

• Degree: MD

• Established: 1864

• Tuition & Fees: $39,500 (In-State), $52,000 (Out-of-State)

• Average GPA: 3.88

• Average MCAT: 517

• Acceptance Rate: 5.5%

• Class Size: 170

8. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

• US News Ranking: #8

• Location: Nashville, TN

• Degree: MD

• Established: 1874

• Tuition & Fees: $68,500

• Average GPA: 3.91

• Average MCAT: 520

• Acceptance Rate: 10.8%

• Class Size: 98

9. Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

• US News Ranking: #9

• Location: St. Louis, MO

• Degree: MD

• Established: 1891

• Tuition & Fees: $68,500

• Average GPA: 3.87

• Average MCAT: 520

• Acceptance Rate: 8.2%

• Class Size: 125

10. New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine

• US News Ranking: #10

• Location: New York, NY

• Degree: MD

• Established: 1841

• Tuition & Fees: Full-tuition scholarships ($4,000 administrative fees)

• Average GPA: 3.93

• Average MCAT: 522

• Acceptance Rate: 2.1%

• Class Size: 106

Key Takeaways for Choosing a Medical School

• Research vs. Clinical Focus: Determine whether you prefer a research-oriented curriculum or one emphasizing clinical practice.

• Location: Consider geographic preferences, community settings, and access to clinical opportunities.

• Admissions: Recognize that top schools have extremely selective admissions criteria; thorough preparation is essential.

• Financial Considerations: Assess tuition, fees, and available scholarships or financial aid.

Selecting the right medical school requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Utilize this guide as a foundational resource, and remember to consider your personal goals, values, and priorities as you make this significant educational decision.

For further assistance and personalized guidance in your medical school application journey, explore more resources at Jack Westin.