Out-of-State Friendly Medical Schools
Student bodies at medical schools are often primarily comprised of in-state students, making it difficult for out-of-state students to gain admission. There are several schools, however, that are welcoming to candidates coming from a different state.
Admissions Requirements for Medical School
Applying to medical schools as an out-of-state candidate may normally put you at a disadvantage, as the majority of state schools have a significant portion of students coming from within the state. If your state does not have a satisfactory program, or if you are looking to relocate, you'll need to know which schools are most accepting of applicants from a different state so you can have the best odds of acceptance.
Before choosing a school, it's imperative to understand application requirements. Applicants typically need to provide the following items when applying:
- Transcripts from previously attended institutions
- Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) scores
- Letters of Recommendation
- Resume
- Prior patient-facing experience (volunteer clinical is acceptable)
- Interview
<h2 id="section---GeorgeWashingtonUniversity">George Washington University</h2><p>Located in Washington, D.C., George Washington University is extremely welcoming to out-of-state students and offers programs at the master's, MD, and Ph.D. levels. Candidates who prefer a Ph.D. over an MD can choose to study cancer biology, neuroscience, translational health sciences, pharmacology and physiology, genomics and bioinformatics, and microbiology and immunology.
</p><h2 id="section---TulaneUniversity">Tulane University</h2><p>Tulane University offers a full slate of medical programs, including hybrid degrees such as the MD/MBA, MD/MPH, and TAP-TP programs, all of which prepare graduates for roles as public health professionals, physicians, and biomedical scientists. Students interested in a master's degree can pursue the graduate program in biomedical science.
</p><h2 id="section---UniversityOfTexasHealthScienceCenterHouston">University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston</h2><p>If cost is a major consideration, the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas-Houston is routinely ranked as one of the most cost-effective options. Students at UT-Houston can earn their MD or opt for a Master of Science in Clinical Research.
</p><h2 id="section---OhioStateUniversity">Ohio State University</h2><p>The College of Medicine at Ohio State University touts an impressive MD program that is best known for its innovative LSI (Lead, Serve, Inspire) curriculum, which features a blend of classroom lectures and hands-on clinical experience. Students not interested in an MD can pursue a wide range of doctoral, professional, and even undergraduate degrees in majors such as anatomy, respiratory therapy, and even athletic training.
</p><h2 id="section---ColumbiaUniversity">Columbia University</h2><p>Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons offers an MD program with a specific track for students looking to focus on health care management. Students also have the ability to pair their MD with a master's degree in biomedical sciences, public health, or business administration.
</p><h2 id="section---TheUniversityOfWisconsinMadison">The University of Wisconsin-Madison</h2><p>The School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin's flagship campus offers MD, DPT, and master's degrees to prepare graduates for any number of career opportunities. The school also provides graduate/Ph.D. combination programs in population health and biomedical sciences, among other majors.
</p><h2 id="section---StanfordUniversity">Stanford University</h2><p>Stanford's flexible MD program offers several different tracks that allow students to focus on the specialization of their choosing. Scientifically inclined students can pursue a dual MD/MS or MD/MPH degree program that combines medical training with scientific fields such as bioengineering, epidemiology, or biomedical investigation.
</p><h2 id="section---UniversityOfCentralFlorida">University of Central Florida</h2><p>The UCF College of Medicine M.D. program features a community-oriented approach that aims to expose students to real-world learning opportunities. In addition to collaborating with community preceptors, students in this program are expected to complete an inquiry and research project that is comprised of a blend of case studies and research.
</p><h2 id="section---VanderbiltUniversity">Vanderbilt University</h2><p>Vanderbilt's MD program features a rigorous curriculum in which students spend the first year building a fundamental understanding of key concepts such as microbiology, homeostasis, and immunology. The second year of the program features elective opportunities and allows candidates to take on clerkships in medicine, neurology, and other related disciplines.
</p><h2 id="section---CaseWesternReserveUniversity">Case Western Reserve University</h2><p>Case Western features multiple tracks of various lengths, making it an excellent fit for students of all backgrounds. The University Program lasts four years and is the school's most popular option, while the five-year MD offers a research-driven curriculum and particularly motivated students can opt for the eight-year MD/Ph.D. dual degree.
</p><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th> School Name </th><th> Degree Levels Offered </th><th> Average Graduate Student Tuition (2019-20)*</th></tr>
<tr><td> George Washington University </td><td> MD, Ph.D., Master's </td><td>$31,770</td></tr>
<tr><td> Tulane University </td><td> MD, Master's </td><td> $54,918</td></tr>
<tr><td>University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston</td><td> MD, MS </td><td>$7,729 (in-state) $30,787 (out-of-state)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Ohio State University</td><td> MD, Ph.D., Master's, Bachelor's </td><td> $11,560 (in-state) $35,144 (out-of-state)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Columbia University </td><td> MD, Ph.D., Master's, </td><td> $47,600</td></tr>
<tr><td> The University of Wisconsin-Madison </td><td> MD, DPT, Master's </td><td>$10,728 (in-state), $24,054 (out-of-state)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Stanford University </td><td> MD, Ph.D., Master's, </td><td> $52,479</td></tr>
<tr><td> University of Central Florida </td><td> MD, GME, Bachelor's, Master's </td><td> $6,916 (in-state) $25,759 (out-of-state)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Vanderbilt University </td><td> MD, Ph.D., Master's </td><td> $48,624</td></tr>
<tr><td> Case Western Reserve University </td><td> MD, Ph.D., Master's </td><td> $46,524</td></tr>
</table><p><i>*Source: NCES</i>
</p><p>Applying to out-of-state medical schools might seem daunting, but with proper research and attention to detail, it can be done. There are several schools across the country that are welcoming to out-of-state students.</p>