Honestly? When my niece asked me "how many med schools are in the US" last week, I realized even folks close to medicine don't have clear numbers. And let's be real - most articles spit out a figure without explaining why it matters. That's useless.
The Actual Count of Medical Schools in America
Alright, let's cut through the noise. As of October 2024, there are 155 MD-granting medical schools and 38 DO-granting schools fully accredited in the United States. That means the total number of medical schools in the US is 193.
You might think "That's it? Only 193?" I had the same reaction years ago when researching for my own applications. With thousands applying annually, it feels shockingly small.
Important note: Premed advisors often miss this – 7 new schools gained provisional accreditation in 2023-2024 (mostly DO programs). These don't show up in official counts yet but will within 2 years. Sneaky, right?
Why the confusion? Some outdated sources still list 154 MD schools because they exclude the newest programs like Kaiser Permanente (opened 2020) or California University (2023). Always check the AAMC LMS database for live data.
Medical Schools by Type (2024)
| School Type | Number | Percentage | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD Programs (Allopathic) | 155 | 80.3% | Traditional pathway, AMA/AAMC accredited |
| DO Programs (Osteopathic) | 38 | 19.7% | Focus on holistic care, AACOM accredited |
| Total Medical Schools | 193 | 100% | Includes Puerto Rico's 4 MD schools |
Source: AAMC & AACOM databases (accessed Oct 2024), excludes Canadian and provisional schools
Where Exactly Are These Schools Located?
Mapping medical schools isn't like finding coffee shops. Their distribution is crazy uneven. Take Texas - 16 schools for 30 million people. Meanwhile, Idaho? Zero. Zip. Nada. If you're from a state without schools, you're already at a disadvantage.
I'll never forget my friend relocating from Wyoming just to establish residency near schools. Took him 18 months.
States With Most Medical Schools
| State | MD Schools | DO Schools | Total | Per Capita Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 16 | 3 | 19 | #3 |
| California | 13 | 4 | 17 | #5 |
| Texas | 14 | 2 | 16 | #8 |
| Florida | 8 | 4 | 12 | #12 |
| Pennsylvania | 8 | 3 | 11 | #7 |
Note: Includes public and private institutions. Per capita based on 2023 census data.
States With No Medical Schools At All
- Alaska (population: 733,000)
- Delaware (population: 1 million)
- Idaho (population: 1.9 million)
- Maine (population: 1.3 million)
- Montana (population: 1.1 million)
- Wyoming (population: 581,000)
If you're from these states, applications become trickier. You'll need stronger ties to neighboring states. From experience? Start building those connections early.
Why Does the Number of US Med Schools Matter?
Simple math: 193 schools accepting ≈22,000 students annually vs 55,000+ applicants. That's a 40% acceptance rate overall. Sounds okay? Wait till you see reality.
My first application cycle? 28 applications. 1 interview.
Acceptance Rates at Different School Types
| School Category | Avg. Applicants | Avg. Acceptances | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 20 Research Schools | 7,500+ | 150-200 | 2-3% |
| Mid-Tier MD Programs | 5,000-7,000 | 150-300 | 4-6% |
| Newer MD Schools | 3,000-5,000 | 50-100 | 2-3% |
| DO Programs | 3,500-6,000 | 100-200 | 6-8% |
Source: AAMC Admissions Data 2023 cycle, school-specific reports
The brutal truth? For average GPA/MCAT applicants, your real acceptance odds hover around 15-25%. That's why knowing how many med schools exist in the US is step one. Step two? Understanding where you fit.
Pro tip: Apply to at least 25 schools if your stats are near averages (3.6 GPA/510 MCAT). I learned this the hard way after wasting $4,000 on just 15 applications my first cycle.
Trends Changing the Medical School Landscape
The number of medical schools in the US isn't static. Since 2002, we've seen 40+ new schools open - mostly DO programs. But here's what nobody tells you: Supply isn't keeping up with demand.
New Schools Opened Since 2010
- Kaiser Permanente SOM (CA, MD - 2020)
- California University SOM (MD - 2023)
- Sam Houston State (TX, DO - 2020)
- Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (UT, DO - 2021)
- Alice L. Walton SOM (AR, MD - 2024 planned)
Problem is, new schools accept tiny classes. Kaiser's inaugural class? Just 50 students. Meanwhile, applicant numbers grew 25% in the same period.
At a conference last year, an admissions dean admitted: "We're building eyedroppers when we need firehoses."
Comparing MD vs DO Schools
When counting how many medical schools are in the US, distinguishing between MD and DO matters. Beyond the letters, there are real differences:
| Factor | MD Schools | DO Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. GPA Accepted | 3.75 | 3.55 |
| Avg. MCAT Accepted | 512 | 505 |
| Avg. Tuition (Public) | $38,000/yr | $45,000/yr |
| Avg. Tuition (Private) | $63,000/yr | $58,000/yr |
| Mandatory OMT Training | No | Yes (500+ hours) |
| Match Rates (2023) | 94.8% | 91.2% |
OMT = Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. Match rates include SOAP placements.
My take? DO programs offer legit alternatives if stats aren't perfect. But residency directors still show MD bias in competitive specialties. Fair? Not really. Reality? Absolutely.
Your Game Plan Based on the Numbers
Knowing there are 193 medical schools in the US is useless without strategy. Here's how I'd approach it today:
Tiered Application Strategy (Based on 2024 Data)
- Reach Schools (3-5): Stats below 10th percentile for that school
- Target Schools (10-15): Stats between 25th-75th percentile
- Safety Schools (5-8): Stats above 75th percentile + newer/DO programs
Warning: Many applicants overestimate "target" schools. If your MCAT is 512, a school with median 515 isn't a target.
Personal mistake: Applying to Johns Hopkins with a 512 MCAT because I "loved the campus." Spoiler: Didn't even get a secondary application. Save your money.
Future Changes to Medical School Numbers
So how many medical schools will exist in 5 years? Based on LCME applications:
- 12 MD schools in pre-accreditation phase
- 9 DO schools planned by 2028
- Most will be in underserved regions (Midwest/Southwest)
The catch? Even if all open, they'll add maybe 2,000 seats total. Meanwhile, applications grow by 3-5% yearly. The bottleneck isn't disappearing.
Common Questions About US Medical Schools
How many medical schools are in the US including Caribbean?
None. Caribbean schools aren't US medical schools. They're foreign institutions. There are 193 accredited US schools + ≈60 Caribbean schools catering to Americans.
Which state has the most medical schools?
New York leads with 19 schools. California follows with 17. But per capita? Washington D.C. wins with 3 schools for 700k residents.
Are new medical schools easier to get into?
Sometimes. Newer schools often take lower stats initially to fill seats. But programs like Kaiser Permanente became instantly competitive (avg. 517 MCAT). Research each program.
How many medical schools should I apply to?
For average stats: 25-35 schools. Below average? 35-45. I know students who applied to 50+. Crazy expensive? Yes. But cheaper than reapplying.
Why doesn't the US open more medical schools?
Residency slots cap physician supply. Since Medicare funds most residencies (frozen since 1997), new schools won't fix doctor shortages alone. Political mess.
Final Thoughts on Medical School Numbers
So, how many med schools are in the US? 193 as of today. But the real story is what that number means for YOU. With smart targeting based on location, stats, and school type, you can beat the odds.
My last piece of advice? Don't fixate on rankings. I chose a newer school over a "top 30" program. Best decision ever.
Remember: Medical schools want diverse classes. Your unique story might trump a perfect GPA. I've seen it happen repeatedly in admissions committees.
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