The 16 Best Medical Schools in California 2023-24

If you’re considering medical schools in California, you’re in for a diverse range of options. From vibrant urban settings to picturesque landscapes, the state hosts several renowned institutions, each with its own unique programs and research opportunities. In this article, we provide you with an overview of California’s medical schools, including their locations, class sizes, program offerings, curricula, and distinctive features. Whether you’re a prospective medical student or simply curious about California’s medical education scene, this guide will help you navigate your options.

The 16 Best Medical Schools in California

Please note that these schools are ordered by acceptance rate, from lowest to highest. The number is not indicative of one school being “better” than another. All schools on this list are fantastic world-class medical schools from which you can launch a successful medical career.

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1) Kaiser Permanente Tyson School of Medicine

Matriculating its inaugural class of 50 students in 2020, the Kaiser Permanente Tyson School of Medicine stands out for its innovative curriculum that integrates classroom learning with extensive clinical practice. It is located in sunny Pasadena, California, and has six clinical training sites for students to gain hands-on experience starting in their first year. Moreover, its unique curriculum emphasizes early and frequent patient interactions, providing students with practical skills and a deep understanding of patient-centered care. This approach ensures graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for medical practice, setting it apart in medical education.

• Location: Pasadena
• Acceptance Rate: 1%
• Average GPA: 3.76
• Average MCAT: 516
• Degree: MD

2) Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

Founded in 1966, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, located in Los Angeles, California, maintains a selective annual class size, typically admitting around 30 students. It offers programs in medicine, nursing, and allied health, with a unique focus on addressing healthcare disparities and fostering diversity within the healthcare workforce. With the school’s location in southern Los Angeles, students have the unique opportunity to provide for the health needs of homeless youth, adults, and families.

• Location: Los Angeles
• Acceptance Rate: 1.2%
• Average GPA: 3.42
• Average MCAT: N/A
• Degree: MD

3) UC Riverside School of Medicine

UC Riverside School of Medicine offers an intimate learning environment in Riverside, California with a small annual class size, typically around 100 students. It provides comprehensive MD and MD/PhD programs, emphasizing primary care and underserved communities. Specifically, students can specialize in concentrations such as Global Health or Biomedical Sciences. In addition, the school boasts extensive research opportunities, collaborating with cutting-edge labs and healthcare facilities, making it an ideal choice for those passionate about both clinical practice and innovative research.

• Location: Riverside
• Acceptance Rate: 1.27%
• Average GPA: 3.68
• Average MCAT: 509
• Degree: MD

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4) UC Davis School of Medicine

Located northeast of the Bay Area in Sacramento, UC Davis School of Medicine provides a dynamic learning environment with an annual class size of 120 students. Students have the opportunity to choose from MD, MD/PhD, and MD/MPH degrees. In addition, the school places significant focus on addressing healthcare needs in underserved populations. Prior to their clerkship, students gain substantial practical experience, often by working in one of seven student-run clinics located in inner-city communities.

• Location: Sacramento, California
• Acceptance Rate: 1.36%
• Average GPA: 3.58
• Average MCAT: 509
• Degree: MD

5) Stanford University School of Medicine

Considered a leader in the biomedical revolution, Stanford School of Medicine is ranked fifth in the nation for best medical school. About 90 students are selected each year to join a close-knit cohort passionate about pioneering research, creative teaching protocols, and effective clinical therapies. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive array of programs, such as MD, MD/PhD, and MD/MBA degrees. Students benefit from an exceptionally rich research environment, with opportunities to engage in groundbreaking studies spanning areas like biotechnology, genomics, and artificial intelligence, thanks to its strategic location in the heart of Silicon Valley.

• Location: Stanford
• Acceptance Rate: 1.4%
• Average GPA: 3.89
• Average MCAT: 518
• Degree: MD

6) California Northstate University College of Medicine

California Northstate University College of Medicine, situated in Elk Grove, California, provides a distinctive medical education environment. Its relatively small class size promotes close-knit learning communities. The college offers MD and MD/MBA programs, focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare. Additionally, students have the option to specialize in concentrations like Medical Humanities or Research. Moreover, the institution’s Center for Translational Medicine offers extensive research opportunities, enabling students to engage in cutting-edge projects and contribute to medical advancements.

• Location: Elk Grove
• Acceptance Rate: 1.85%
• Average GPA: 3.7
• Average MCAT: 513
• Degree: MD

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7) UC Irvine School of Medicine

Ranked as one of the top 50 medical schools for research, UCI School of Medicine is located in Orange County between Los Angeles and San Diego. The school has 24 departments, covering basic research to clinical specialties, and strong affiliations with nearby teaching hospitals. The MD program curriculum incorporates an approach known as iTEACH (Technology-Enhanced, Activity-Coordinated, Humanistic). It allows students to engage in coordinated simulation, ultrasound, and clinical skills modules with the aim of further increasing clinical correlation with the basic sciences.

• Location: Los Angeles
• Acceptance Rate: 1.95%
• Average GPA: 3.79
• Average MCAT: 517
• Degree: MD

8) Keck School of Medicine of USC

USC’s Keck School of Medicine, based in Los Angeles, California, provides a diverse and collaborative learning environment with an average class size of 186 students. In particular, it offers a range of programs, including MD, MD/PhD, and master’s degrees. Keck is renowned for its extensive research opportunities, conducting groundbreaking studies in cancer, neuroscience, and genomic research. The school’s mission is to advance healthcare through education, research, clinical care, and community engagement, with a strong emphasis on innovation and patient-centered care.

• Location: Los Angeles
• Acceptance Rate: 1.95%
• Average GPA: 3.79
• Average MCAT: 517
• Degree: MD

9) California University of Science and Medicine

Founded in 2015, California University of Science and Medicine, situated in Colton, California, is a trailblazer in healthcare education. Its commitment to small class sizes, with around 60 students per cohort, fosters personalized learning. CUSM offers MD and MD/MBA programs, emphasizing community-based healthcare. Students can specialize in areas such as Clinical and Translational Research, aligning their education with the evolving demands of the medical field and the mission to serve underserved communities.

• Location: Colton
• Acceptance Rate: 2.1%
• Average GPA: 3.61
• Average MCAT: 513
• Degree: MD

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10) David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, located in West Los Angeles, admits about 175 students each year. This institution is unique in the variety of programs it offers including a traditional MD degree, dual master’s programs, and partnerships with Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and the UCLA School of Dentistry. Furthermore, the Global Health Program provides students diverse experiential learning opportunities that improve their knowledge, skills, and competency around health equity.

• Location: Los Angeles
• Acceptance Rate: 2.2%
• Average GPA: 3.81
• Average MCAT: 516
• Degree: MD

11) Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Loma Linda University School of Medicine, nestled in Loma Linda, California, offers an exceptional medical education. With a relatively small class size of 176, it encourages close faculty-student interactions. LLU School of Medicine provides MD and MD/PhD programs, emphasizing holistic patient care. It is also closely affiliated with the Social Action Community Health System, dedicated to serving underserved populations. Also, students can engage in global healthcare through organizations like Students for International Mission Service, enhancing their understanding of healthcare on a global scale.

• Location: Loma Linda
• Acceptance Rate: 2.56%
• Average GPA: 3.83
• Average MCAT: 509
• Degree: MD

12) UCSF School of Medicine

Located on the Parnassus Heights campus in San Francisco, California, UCSF School of Medicine is renowned for its cutting-edge medical education and research opportunities. With an annual class size of approximately 150 students, it offers various degrees, including MD and PhD programs. Situated within the vibrant hub of biomedical innovation, UCSF provides unparalleled research prospects in areas such as genomics, neuroscience, and precision medicine, making it a prime destination for aspiring healthcare leaders and scholars.

• Location: Stanford
• Acceptance Rate: 2.6%
• Average GPA: 3.87
• Average MCAT: 517
• Degree: MD

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13) UC San Diego School of Medicine

Students attending UC San Diego School of Medicine can pursue their goals right alongside the beach in La Jolla, California. It also boasts a diverse and dynamic learning environment with an annual class size of approximately 140 students. In fact, the “Integrated Scientific Curriculum” is research-intensive, emphasizing hands-on learning and clinical experience. Further, students are required to complete an independent study project under the direction of a faculty member in the School of Medicine.

• Location: La Jolla
• Acceptance Rate: 3%
• Average GPA: 3.77
• Average MCAT Score: 515
• Degree: MD

14) California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Located in Clovis, California, CHSU-COM prioritizes intimate class sizes for a personalized education. Dedicated to diversity and addressing healthcare disparities, the institution offers a comprehensive Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program that emphasizes holistic care and community engagement. Additionally, students can take classes in osteopathic manipulative treatment, anatomy, and clinical skills that employ team-based learning, simulation, and other active learning strategies, preparing them for well-rounded healthcare practice.

• Location: Clovis
• Acceptance Rate: 3.93%
• Average GPA: 3.48
• Average MCAT: 507
• Degree: DO

15) Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine

Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine, situated in Vallejo, California, boasts a moderate class size of 135, fostering close faculty-student interactions. Further, the college offers a dual DO/MPH program and two unique certificates in global health and diabetes. Specifically, their curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care and includes classes in osteopathic manipulative treatment. Additionally, in their second year, students can apply for fellowships in osteopathic manipulative medicine and primary care. Notably, the school boasts a 100% residency match rate since 2017.

• Location: Vallejo
• Acceptance Rate: 5%
• Average GPA: 3.56
• Average MCAT: 509
• Degree: DO

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 16) Western University of Health Sciences – College of Osteopathic Medicine

Nestled in Pomona, California, the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences offers an engaging educational environment. With a moderate class size of 335, it prioritizes meaningful faculty-student interactions. Furthermore, the college offers programs in DO and MS, advocating for a comprehensive healthcare perspective. For those seeking specialization, students can delve into areas such as Sports Medicine or Health Policy. Moreover, diverse research opportunities abound, providing students with the chance to partake in pioneering projects and contribute significantly to the progress of osteopathic medicine.

• Location: Pomona
• Acceptance Rate: 8%
• Average GPA: 3.67
• Average MCAT: 508
• Degree: DO

In-State vs. Out-of-State Applicants Applying to California Medical Schools

When it comes to applying to California medical schools, the distinction between in-state and out-of-state applicants holds significant weight. In-state applicants often benefit from lower tuition costs and, in some cases, preferential acceptance rates due to state-funded institutions prioritizing residents. They may also have a competitive edge when it comes to demonstrating a commitment to serving local communities.

On the other hand, out-of-state applicants face stiffer competition for limited spots, and tuition fees can be considerably higher. However, their diverse backgrounds and perspectives can contribute positively to the school’s diversity, which many institutions highly value. Regardless of residency status, applicants should showcase their dedication to medicine and the specific qualities that make them valuable additions to California’s medical education landscape.

Choosing a Medical School in California

In conclusion, California boasts a vibrant and diverse landscape of medical schools, each with its unique strengths and opportunities. From the research-focused giants to community-oriented institutions, the best medical schools in California offer a wide range of options for aspiring physicians. Whether you’re an in-state resident looking for affordability or an out-of-state candidate seeking to contribute your unique perspective, these institutions provide a rich tapestry of medical education experiences.

Lastly, if you’re a high school student just looking ahead at the many steps to become a doctor, check out BS/MD programs, the top feeders into medical school, the best schools for pre-med students, and early assurance medical programs. In the end, the best medical school for you will align with your goals, values, and aspirations, ensuring a fulfilling journey toward a career in medicine in the Golden State.