10 Medical Schools That Accept a 3.4 GPA

A 3.4 GPA places you in a more competitive position than many applicants targeting medical schools that accept a low GPA, but it still falls below the average GPA at most MD programs. That means your application may need to stand out in other ways, especially at highly selective schools where admitted students often present stronger academic profiles.

Even so, there are medical schools that accept a 3.4 GPA under the right circumstances. Some schools place greater emphasis on mission fit, community service, clinical experience, research, or upward academic trends instead of focusing only on GPA. Below, we’ll look at medical schools where a 3.4 GPA may still be competitive and explain what can help strengthen your chances during the admissions process.

Can You Get Into Medical School With a 3.4 GPA?

Many students with a 3.4 GPA still earn admission to medical school each year. While a 3.4 is below the national average for many MD programs, it is close enough to remain competitive at a range of schools, especially when paired with strong supporting credentials.

For many applicants, the question is less about whether a 3.4 GPA is “good enough” and more about how competitive the rest of the application looks. A strong MCAT score can help demonstrate academic readiness, while meaningful clinical experience, physician shadowing, volunteer work, leadership, and research can help show commitment to medicine.

School selection also matters. Some medical schools focus heavily on serving rural communities, increasing physician diversity, or training doctors for underserved populations. These mission-driven programs may evaluate applicants more holistically and place greater value on life experience, resilience, and service than GPA alone.

Applicants with a 3.4 GPA may also benefit from showing:

• Consistent improvement in science coursework
• Strong letters of recommendation
• Long-term clinical or community involvement
• A clear connection to the school’s mission
• Early application submission during the admissions cycle

A 3.4 GPA does not guarantee acceptance to medical school, but it is within range for many applicants who build a balanced and thoughtful application. The strongest candidates usually combine solid academics with evidence that they understand patient care, work well with others, and are prepared for the demands of medical training.

Medical Schools That Accept a 3.4 GPA

A 3.4 GPA is still below the average at many MD programs, but it may place you within a more competitive range than applicants with lower academic metrics. Schools that use holistic admissions practices may consider factors like MCAT scores, clinical experience, leadership, community service, and mission fit alongside GPA when reviewing applications.

The schools below include programs known for considering applicants with GPAs around the mid-3.0 range, particularly when supported by strong experiences and a well-rounded application. Some also focus heavily on rural medicine, underserved communities, or physician diversity, which can create opportunities for applicants whose GPA falls below national averages. All schools listed are accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).

1. California University of Science and Medicine

California University of Science and Medicine is located in Colton, California, and is one of the newer medical schools on the West Coast. The university is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The school emphasizes community-based medicine, physician shortages, and improving health care access throughout California, particularly in underserved areas.

CUSM has publicly stated that it prefers applicants to have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 science GPA, which may make it more approachable for students with a 3.4 GPA than many traditional MD programs. Even so, admissions remain selective, and successful applicants often pair their GPA with strong MCAT scores, clinical experience, research, or evidence of academic improvement. Students interested in service-oriented medicine and community health may find the school’s mission especially appealing.

2. East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine

East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine is located in Johnson City, Tennessee, and is well known for its focus on rural medicine and primary care throughout Appalachia and the surrounding region. The school has built a strong reputation for preparing physicians to serve medically underserved communities, especially in rural parts of Tennessee and the Southeast.

The James H. Quillen College of Medicine does not publish a strict minimum GPA requirement for admission. While many admitted students still have GPAs above a 3.4, the school’s mission-driven approach may make it more accessible to applicants with strong clinical experience, community involvement, or ties to rural and underserved populations. East Tennessee State University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

3. Howard University College of Medicine

Howard University College of Medicine has a long history of training physicians committed to serving underserved communities and improving health equity. The school places a strong emphasis on community service, leadership, and diversity in medicine, which may appeal to applicants whose strengths extend beyond GPA alone. Howard’s admissions process is known for taking a more holistic approach than some highly research-focused medical schools.

Howard University is located in Washington, D.C., and is one of the most famous HBCUs in the country. The university is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Its College of Medicine publishes a minimum science GPA requirement of 3.0 along with a minimum MCAT score for consideration, though many admitted students still present stronger academic credentials. Applicants with a 3.4 GPA may be more competitive when paired with strong clinical experience, volunteer work, or a demonstrated commitment to underserved populations.

4. Meharry Medical College

Meharry Medical College is known for its mission-driven approach to medical education and its longstanding commitment to serving underserved communities. The school takes a holistic view of applicants and often places significant weight on leadership, resilience, community involvement, and dedication to patient care. Meharry is institutionally accredited by the SACSCOC.

Located in Nashville, Meharry Medical College is another of the medical schools in Tennessee that may be more accessible to applicants with GPAs below national MD averages. The school does not publish a strict minimum GPA requirement, and enrolled students often have somewhat lower average GPAs and MCAT scores than those at many other MD programs. For applicants with a 3.4 GPA, strong mission alignment, meaningful service experience, and a solid MCAT score may help strengthen competitiveness during the admissions process.

5. Mercer University School of Medicine 

Mercer University School of Medicine is located in Macon, Georgia, and is one of the medical schools in Georgia focused heavily on rural medicine and improving access to care across underserved communities in the state. The university is institutionally accredited by SACSCOC. Mercer strongly prioritizes training physicians who plan to practice in Georgia, particularly in rural and medically underserved areas.

The school’s admissions process is heavily mission-based and generally limited to Georgia residents, which is an important factor for applicants to consider. Mercer’s average academic metrics are somewhat lower than those at many highly selective MD programs, which may make a 3.4 GPA more competitive for qualified in-state applicants. Students with strong clinical experience, community involvement, and a demonstrated interest in serving rural populations may align particularly well with the program’s goals.

6. Morehouse School of Medicine

Morehouse School of Medicine is one of the best-known medical schools in Atlanta and has a strong reputation for training physicians committed to health equity, primary care, and underserved communities. The school places significant emphasis on community engagement, physician diversity, and addressing disparities in health care access.

Morehouse School of Medicine is institutionally accredited by the SACSCOC. The school does not publish a formal minimum GPA requirement, though many admitted students typically have GPAs in the mid-3.0 range or higher. Applicants with a 3.4 GPA may still be competitive if they demonstrate strong MCAT performance, meaningful volunteer work, clinical exposure, leadership experience, and alignment with the school’s mission-centered approach to medical education.

7. Ponce Health Sciences University

Ponce Health Sciences University is known for serving diverse patient populations and offering medical education opportunities in both Puerto Rico and the mainland United States. The school may appeal to students interested in bilingual medicine, culturally responsive care, and community-focused training. Ponce also has admissions standards that can be somewhat more accessible than many traditional MD programs, particularly for applicants with strong MCAT scores and meaningful clinical experience.

Ponce Health Sciences University has campuses in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and St. Louis, Missouri, and is institutionally accredited by the MSCHE. The school publishes a minimum cumulative GPA and science GPA requirement below many MD programs, though admitted students often have stronger academic credentials than the minimum standards suggest. A 3.4 GPA may place applicants closer to the school’s typical academic range, especially when combined with strong personal statements, service experience, and a demonstrated commitment to medicine.

8. UC Davis School of Medicine 

The University of California Davis School of Medicine is recognized for its strong focus on primary care, rural health, and serving medically underserved communities throughout California. The school also offers a three year medical program pathway for select students interested in accelerated training in specific specialties. UC Davis is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Located in Sacramento, California, UC Davis School of Medicine is known for using a holistic admissions process and placing significant value on community service, leadership, and mission fit. The school strongly favors California residents and applicants with ties to underserved communities within the state. While admitted students still tend to have competitive academic profiles, UC Davis consistently reports lower average GPAs than many mainland MD programs, which may make it a more realistic option for some applicants with a 3.4 GPA and strong supporting experiences.

9. University of Missouri–Kansas City

The University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine is one of the more well-known medical schools in Missouri and is known for its early clinical training and combined BA/MD pathway. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the university is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The school places a strong emphasis on hands-on patient care, community medicine, and preparing physicians to serve the Midwest region.

UMKC publishes a minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 3.0 along with a 3.0 science GPA requirement for most applicants. However, the school also has strong regional preferences, particularly for students from Missouri and nearby states. While average admitted GPAs are still above a 3.4, applicants in that range may remain competitive with a strong MCAT score, meaningful clinical experience, and a well-rounded application. Out-of-state students outside the school’s preferred region generally face higher admissions expectations.

10. University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

The University of Oklahoma is located in Oklahoma City and is one of the top 50 public universities in the United States. Its College of Medicine is known for its focus on primary care, rural medicine, and improving health care access across Oklahoma and surrounding communities. Students often gain extensive clinical exposure through the university’s affiliated hospitals and statewide training network.

The University of Oklahoma is institutionally accredited by the HLC. The College of Medicine publishes a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 along with a minimum MCAT score requirement, though admitted students generally present stronger academic profiles. Applicants with a 3.4 GPA may still be competitive if they demonstrate strong clinical experience, community involvement, leadership, or an upward academic trend. Oklahoma residents may also benefit from the school’s mission-focused approach to training physicians for the region.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. We also compare:

• Accreditation: We prioritize schools that hold institutional accreditation through recognized regional accrediting agencies such as the HLC, the SACSCOC, or the WSCUC, as well as medical programs accredited by the LCME.
• Admissions requirements: We evaluate published GPA and MCAT minimums, average academic profiles, holistic admissions policies, mission fit, and whether schools emphasize factors beyond GPA alone.
• Online availability: Medical schools require in-person clinical training, so fully online MD programs are not available. However, we consider whether schools offer flexible pathways, distributed clinical campuses, or student support resources that may benefit nontraditional applicants.
• Student outcomes: We review factors such as clinical training opportunities, residency preparation, institutional reputation, and the school’s focus on preparing physicians for underserved, rural, or high-need communities.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Average GPA Do You Need for Medical School?

Most medical schools admit students with GPAs well above a 3.4, especially at highly selective MD programs. Nationally, many incoming medical students report academic averages in the mid-to-high 3.0 range along with competitive MCAT scores. Because of this, admissions committees often evaluate the average GPA and MCAT together when determining whether an applicant appears academically prepared.

Still, averages do not tell the whole story. Some schools prioritize service, leadership, clinical work, or mission alignment alongside academic performance. Programs focused on rural medicine, primary care, or underserved communities may be more willing to consider applicants with slightly lower GPAs if they demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and meaningful health care experience.

Your GPA may also be viewed differently depending on your academic trend. A student who struggled early in college but earned strong grades in advanced science courses later on may appear more competitive than someone whose grades declined over time. Admissions offices often look closely at recent coursework to evaluate readiness for medical school.

Applicants with a 3.4 GPA are often in a stronger position than they may realize, particularly if they apply strategically and build a balanced application. Choosing schools carefully and strengthening other parts of your profile can make a meaningful difference.

Can You Get Financial Aid With a 3.4 GPA?

A 3.4 GPA is generally high enough to qualify for most forms of medical school financial aid. Students accepted into accredited MD programs may apply for federal student loans, institutional scholarships, grants, military scholarships, and service-based repayment programs through the FAFSA and other aid applications.

Many GPA requirements for financial aid are tied to maintaining satisfactory academic progress after enrollment rather than meeting a strict admissions benchmark. In most cases, students simply need to remain in good academic standing throughout medical school to continue receiving aid.

Some merit scholarships may favor applicants with especially high academic statistics, but many schools also award funding based on leadership, community service, research, or financial need. Mission-focused medical schools may additionally offer support for students planning to work in rural areas, underserved communities, or primary care specialties.

Comparing financial aid packages can be just as important as comparing admissions standards. Medical school costs can vary significantly, so students should carefully review scholarships, loan repayment opportunities, and institutional aid before making a final decision.

Tips for Getting Into Medical School With a 3.4 GPA

A 3.4 GPA may not place you at the very top of the applicant pool, but it can still be competitive at many medical schools when paired with strong experiences and a thoughtful application strategy. Applicants in this range often improve their chances by focusing on the overall strength of their application rather than GPA alone.

One of the most effective ways to get into med school with a low GPA is to perform well on the MCAT. A strong score may help reassure admissions committees that you can handle rigorous coursework even if your GPA falls below the school’s average admitted range. Consistency in upper-level science classes can also help strengthen your academic profile.

Clinical exposure matters heavily during the admissions process. Schools want to see evidence that you understand the realities of patient care and have spent time working directly with patients or physicians. Activities such as medical scribing, EMT work, hospital volunteering, shadowing, and community health outreach can all strengthen your application.

Applicants should also research mission-focused programs and medical schools with high acceptance rates compared to similarly ranked institutions. Schools centered on rural medicine, underserved populations, or community health may place greater emphasis on service and life experience than GPA alone.

Additional ways to improve your application include:

• Applying early in the admissions cycle
• Building strong relationships for recommendation letters
• Demonstrating long-term volunteer involvement
• Highlighting leadership and communication skills
• Showing a clear connection to a school’s mission

Medical school admissions can be competitive at every GPA level, but a 3.4 applicant is often much closer to the typical admissions range than they may think. A strong application narrative and strategic school selection can help make that GPA far more competitive.

FAQs About Medical Schools That Accept a 3.4 GPA

A 3.4 GPA places many applicants in a more competitive position than they expect, but medical school admissions can still feel confusing and unpredictable. Below, we’ll answer common questions about applying to medical school with a 3.4 GPA and what schools may look for beyond academics.

Is a 3.4 GPA Competitive for Medical School?

A 3.4 GPA is below the average at many MD programs, but it is still competitive at some medical schools, especially when supported by strong experiences and a solid MCAT score. Applicants in this range often remain viable candidates at mission-focused or holistic-review schools.

Your competitiveness also depends on factors like science GPA, clinical experience, volunteer work, research, and the strength of your personal statement. Strategic school selection can play a major role.

Do Medical Schools Care More About GPA or MCAT?

Most medical schools evaluate both GPA and MCAT scores together rather than prioritizing one over the other. A strong MCAT score may help offset a lower GPA by demonstrating academic readiness for medical school coursework.

Admissions committees also look beyond numbers. Clinical exposure, leadership, communication skills, and service experiences can all influence how an application is reviewed.

Can an Upward Grade Trend Help Your Application?

Many medical schools pay close attention to academic improvement over time. Students who struggled early in college but later performed well in advanced science courses may appear more prepared than their cumulative GPA alone suggests.

An upward trend can become even more valuable when paired with a strong MCAT score and recent academic success in rigorous coursework or post-baccalaureate classes.

Are In-State Applicants More Competitive at Public Medical Schools?

Public medical schools often give preference to in-state residents, especially schools focused on training physicians for rural or underserved regions. Applicants who live in the state or have strong regional ties may receive additional consideration during admissions.

Schools such as Mercer University School of Medicine and East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine place significant emphasis on serving their local communities and regional workforce needs.

Should You Apply to Both MD and DO Programs With a 3.4 GPA?

Many applicants with a 3.4 GPA choose to apply to both MD and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) programs to broaden their opportunities. DO schools may offer somewhat more flexible admissions standards while still leading to full physician licensure.

Applying to both pathways can help students build a more balanced school list. Researching each program carefully is important because admissions expectations, missions, and training approaches can vary significantly between schools.

Discover 3.4 GPA Medical Schools

Find your perfect medical school, even with a 3.4 GPA, by exploring the accessible programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific medical schools to learn more about admissions requirements and application processes.