Best Medical Schools in California: Ranking | Acceptance Rate | Tuition

What are the best medical schools in California? What schools have good medical programs in California? Here’s a list of the best medical schools in CA.

In this post, you will learn more about the top medical schools in CA, and the latest admission statistics, admission requirements, tuition for these medical schools. You can also check out more reviews about the medical schools in the United States by clicking here.

Best Medical Schools in California: Ranking | Acceptance Rate | Tuition

#1 Stanford University School of Medicine

The Stanford University School of Medicine is one of the top medical schools in the country, the Stanford University medical school ranked among the top 5 medical schools in the U.S. Stanford medical school is a leader in the biomedical revolution.

Stanford University School of Medicine has a long tradition of leadership in pioneering research, creative teaching protocols, and effective clinical therapies.

The mission of Stanford University School of Medicine is to develop and mentor the skills and passions of our students so that students become outstanding clinicians who improve the health of the world’s people through research, innovation, and leadership.

Stanford University School of Medicine is close ties to Stanford University and world-class medical centers to provide a training foundation for the next generation of biomedical leaders and pioneers.

Quick Review

Ranking

#4

AMCAS Application

Yes

Application Deadline

Oct. 1

In-state Tuition

$80,312

Out-of-state Tuition

$80,312

Application Fee

$95

AVG MCAT

519

AVG GPA

3.89

Acceptance Rate

2.3%

#1 University of California San Francisco School of Medicine

University of California San Francisco School of Medicine also is one of the best medical schools in California, the UCSF Medical School also ranked among the top 5 medical schools in the U.S. If you want to be one of the 21st-century physician leaders, UCSF Medical School might be one of the best options for you.

At University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, students approach health care challenges with critical thinking and a spirit of inquiry. 

For the 2021-2022 Admissions Cycle, the UCSF Medical School will accept applications without an MCAT score due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The acceptance rate of UCSF School of Medicine is very low.

Quick Review

Ranking

#4

AMCAS Application

Yes

Application Deadline

In-state Tuition

$42,791

Out-of-state Tuition

$55,036

Application Fee

$80

AVG MCAT

518

AVG GPA

3.84

Acceptance Rate

2%

#3 University of California – San Diego School of Medicine

The UC San Diego School of Medicine is one of the best medical schools in California, established in 1968, is the region’s only medical school. The University of California San Diego School of Medicine is dedicated to improving health through innovative research, education, and patient care.

UC San Diego School of Medicine offering 20+ graduate degree programs. Currently, more than 500 medical students, more than 900 residents and fellows, and hundreds of graduate students who have some interaction with School of Medicine labs and programs.

The mission of UC San Diego School of Medicine is to provide cutting-edge resources and education to the students so they may grow into innovative and compassionate physicians, focused on providing superior medical care to the global community.

Quick Review

Ranking

#19

AMCAS Application

Yes

Application Deadline

Oct. 15

In-state Tuition

$36,156

Out-of-state Tuition

$48,401

Application Fee

$120

AVG MCAT

516

AVG GPA

3.7

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Due to the impacts on MCAT testing from the COVID pandemic, for the 2021-22 admissions cycle, UC San Diego School of Medicine will accept applications from individuals who have been unable to take the MCAT.

#4 University of California – Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine

The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine is one of the best medical schools in CA, the UCLA medical school ranked among the top 30 medical schools in the United States.

With only over 60 years of history, David Geffen Medical School at the University of California has become one of the best medical schools in the U.S. Admission to University of California – Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine is highly competitive, the acceptance rate of UCLA David Geffen Medical School is very low.

The mission of UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine is to heal humankind by delivering leading-edge research, education, patient care, and community engagement.

Quick Review

Ranking

#21

AMCAS Application

Yes

Application Deadline

Oct. 1

In-state Tuition

$43,726

Out-of-state Tuition

$55,971

Application Fee

$95

AVG MCAT

517

AVG GPA

3.83

Acceptance Rate

2.4%

#5 University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine

University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine is the oldest school of medicine in Southern California and also is one of the best medical schools in CA. The USC Keck School of Medicine starting as a county-hospital medical school in 1885, nowadays, has evolved as one of the nation’s leading medical institutions.

The USC Keck School of Medicine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and society by promoting health, preventing and treating disease, advancing biomedical research, and educating future physicians and scientists.

Quick Review

Ranking

#29

AMCAS Application

Yes

Application Deadline

Nov. 1

In-state Tuition

$66,150

Out-of-state Tuition

$66,150

Application Fee

$100

AVG MCAT

517

AVG GPA

3.8

Acceptance Rate

4.6%

Currently, the University of Southern California Keck medical school has 1,500+ full-time faculty, 2,400 voluntary faculty physicians, 1,800 staff, and 1,200 students.

University of California–Davis School of Medicine

The University of California Davis School of Medicine is one of the top 10 medical schools in CA, also is one of the top 50 medical schools in the nation. UC Davis School of Medicine was founded in 1966, located in Sacramento, CA. The UC Davis Medical School ranked #4 nationally for diversity.

UC Davis School of Medicine offers the best student-centered educational experiences. Admission to the MD program at UC Davis School of Medicine is highly competitive. The acceptance rate of UC Davis Medical School only is 1.8%.

Quick Review

Ranking

#48

AMCAS Application

Yes

Application Deadline

October 1st

In-state Tuition

$42,648

Out-of-state Tuition

$54,893

Application Fee

$120

AVG MCAT

510

AVG GPA

3.7

Acceptance Rate

1.8

University of California – Irvine School of Medicine

University of California Irvine School of Medicine also is one of the top 50 medical schools in the U.S and one of the top 10 medical schools in California. The UCI School of Medicine is committed to advancing the knowledge and practice of medicine through scholarship, physician education, and the delivery of quality care to patients.

Currently, approximately 400 medical students are enrolled in the UCI School of Medicine, and 100+ students are pursuing graduate degrees in biomedical sciences. In each admission cycle, the University of California Irvine Medical School receives more than 6,500 applications for 104 positions.

Quick Review

Ranking

#48

AMCAS Application

Yes

Application Deadline

Nov. 1

In-state Tuition

$35,220

Out-of-state Tuition

$47,465

Application Fee

$120

AVG MCAT

515

AVG GPA

3.78

Acceptance Rate

4%

Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine

Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine is one of the best medical schools in CA. And Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine is to prepare students to become outstanding osteopathic physicians who adhere to the values, philosophy, and practice of osteopathic medicine and are committed to primary care and the holistic treatment of patients.

Quick Review

Ranking

N/A

AMCAS Application

Yes

Application Deadline

March 15

In-state Tuition

$58,000

Out-of-state Tuition

$58,000

Application Fee

$100

AVG MCAT

507

AVG GPA

3.5

Acceptance Rate

N/A

University of California – Riverside School of Medicine

University of California Riverside School of Medicine is one of the excellent medical schools in California. Admission to UCR School of Medicine is highly competitive, the latest acceptance rate of the UCR medical school only is 1.3%.

Quick Review

Ranking

N/A

AMCAS Application

Yes

Application Deadline

Nov. 1

In-state Tuition

$36,630

Out-of-state Tuition

$48,875

Application Fee

$105

AVG MCAT

509

AVG GPA

3.6

Acceptance Rate

1.3%

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

The Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific is an excellent medical school in CA. Western University of Health Sciences COMP is committed to ushering a new generation of osteopathic physicians who serve their patients with purpose, passion, and proficiency. 

Quick Review

Ranking

N/A

AMCAS Application

Yes

Application Deadline

Feb. 1

In-state Tuition

$59,560

Out-of-state Tuition

$59,560

Application Fee

$65

AVG MCAT

3.68

AVG GPA

510

Acceptance Rate

3%

California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine

The mission of California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine is to graduate exceptional Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine. California Health Sciences University COM is the first program of its kind in the Central Valley.

Quick Review

Ranking

N/A

AACOMAS Application

Yes

Application Deadline

March 1

In-state Tuition

$54,500

Out-of-state Tuition

$54,500

Application Fee

N/A

AVG MCAT

N/A

AVG GPA

N/A

Acceptance Rate

N/A

California Northstate University College of Medicine

California Northstate University College of Medicine is one newer medical schools in CA, which gained preliminary accreditation in June 2015. The mission of California Northstate University College of Medicine is to advance the art and science of medicine through education, service, scholarship, and social accountability.

California Northstate University College of Medicine offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

Quick Review

Ranking

N/A

AMCAS Application

Yes

Application Deadline

Dec. 20

In-state Tuition

$62,648

Out-of-state Tuition

$62,648

Application Fee

$100

AVG MCAT

511

AVG GPA

3.6

Acceptance Rate

6.6%

California University of Science and Medicine

The California University of Science and Medicine School of Medicine celebrated its first class in 2018. California University of Science and Medicine is committed to advancing the art and science of medicine through innovative medical education, research, and compassionate health care delivery in an inclusive environment that promotes critical thinking, creativity, integrity, and professionalism.

Quick Review

Ranking

NR

AMCAS Application

Yes

Application Deadline

Nov. 30

In-state Tuition

$60,000

Out-of-state Tuition

$60,000

Application Fee

$170

AVG MCAT

514

AVG GPA

3.59

Acceptance Rate

2.4%

Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine

Quick Review

Ranking

NR

AMCAS Application

Yes

Application Deadline

Oct. 1

In-state Tuition

$54,719

Out-of-state Tuition

$54,719

Application Fee

$50

AVG MCAT

508

AVG GPA

3.78

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Loma Linda University School of Medicine

The Loma Linda University School of Medicine, founded in 1905, is a church-affiliated medical school that has a strong commitment to Christian values. Since 1909, the LLU School of Medicine has been training future medical experts and researchers to provide innovative and compassionate holistic care.

Quick Review

Ranking

NR

AMCAS Application

Yes

Application Deadline

Nov. 1

In-state Tuition

$57,980

Out-of-state Tuition

$57,980

Application Fee

$85

AVG MCAT

509

AVG GPA

3.9

Acceptance Rate

N/A