Medical Schools in California

February 21, 2025

minute read

Standford University

Stanford University School of Medicine

Competitiveness: 8.8/10

Since 1908, Stanford Med has been more than just a private medical school—it’s where medicine meets moonshot thinking. Nestled in the backyard of Silicon Valley, this is the place where future doctors don’t just treat patients, they build the technology, research, and biotech revolutions that will change healthcare forever.

Median GPA

3.92

Median MCAT

519

Location

Stanford

Degree

MD

In-State Tuition

$89,740

Out-of-State Tuition

$89,740

Class Size

90

US News Ranking (Research)

unranked

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

unranked

Total Applicants

8,407

Secondaries Required

8

Interview Rate

5.63%

Interview Format

Hybrid MMI

Address

291 Campus Drive, 94305

Ucsf

University of California San Francisco School of Medicine

Competitiveness: 8.8/10

Founded in 1864, the UCSF School of Medicine is a public powerhouse where medicine meets innovation. Nestled in San Francisco, it’s a top-ranked institution shaping the future of healthcare—pioneering breakthroughs in research, equity, and patient care. Here, white coats aren’t just a uniform—they’re a mindset for changemakers ready to transform medicine.

Median GPA

3.88

Median MCAT

516

Location

San francisco

Degree

MD

In-State Tuition

$50,537

Out-of-State Tuition

$62,782

Class Size

174

US News Ranking (Research)

Tier 1

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

Tier 1

Total Applicants

9,156

Secondaries Required

2 required, 2 if applicable

Interview Rate

5.9%

Interview Format

Two blind interviews

Address

1600 Divisadero St, 94115

Ucla

University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine

Competitiveness: 7.7/10

Founded in 1951, the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is a public leader in medical innovation, research, and care. Located in Los Angeles, it’s where bold ideas, breakthrough science, and next-gen physicians come together to shape the future of healthcare.

Median GPA

3.8

Median MCAT

514

Location

Los Angeles

Degree

MD

In-State Tuition

$51,480

Out-of-State Tuition

$63,725

Class Size

177

US News Ranking (Research)

19

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

13

Total Applicants

13,122

Secondaries Required

6

Interview Rate

6.5%

Interview Format

md, MMi, mstp

Address

10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095

Uc San Diego Logo

UC San Diego School of Medicine*

Competitiveness: 7.7/10

Founded in 1968, the UC San Diego School of Medicine is a public hub for medical innovation, tackling everything from neuroscience to cancer breakthroughs. Located in a biotech powerhouse, it’s where bold research meets real-world impact.

Median GPA

3.87

Median MCAT

516

Location

La Jolla

Degree

MD

In-State Tuition

$44,714

Out-of-State Tuition

$56,959

Class Size

152

US News Ranking (Research)

20

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

32

Total Applicants

8,210

Secondaries Required

2 required, 1 if applicable

Interview Rate

10.5%

Interview Format

The 4-year M.D. program, PRIME-HEq, PRIME-TIDE, GHAC

Address

9500 Gilman Dr, 92093

Keck Medicine Logo

Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Competitiveness: 7.4/10

Founded in 1885, the Keck School of Medicine of USC is a private leader in medical innovation, research, and patient care. Based in Los Angeles, it pushes the boundaries of medicine, from cutting-edge research to hands-on training at top hospitals.

Median GPA

3.81

Median MCAT

517

Location

Los Angeles

Degree

MD

In-State Tuition

$72,662

Out-of-State Tuition

$72,662

Class Size

120

US News Ranking (Research)

28

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

52

Total Applicants

8,919

Secondaries Required

4 required, 2 if applicable

Interview Rate

9.8%

Interview Format

virtual interview

Address

1975 Zonal Ave, 90033

University_Of_California,_Irvine_Logo

University of California Irvine School of Medicine

Competitiveness: 6.0/10

Founded in 1896, the UC Irvine School of Medicine is a public leader in medical innovation, research, and patient care. From breakthrough tech to hands-on training, it’s shaping the future of healthcare in the heart of Southern California.

Median GPA

3.87

Median MCAT

517

Location

Irvine

Degree

MD

In-State Tuition

$49,525

Out-of-State Tuition

$61,770

Class Size

114

US News Ranking (Research)

51

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

61

Total Applicants

6,695

Secondaries Required

2 required, 1 if applicable

Interview Rate

7.02%

Interview Format

Individual interview

Address

1001 Health Sciences Rd, 92617

University-Of-California-Davis-Secondary-Logo

University of California Davis School of Medicine

Competitiveness: 4.8/10

Founded in 1966, the UC Davis School of Medicine is a public leader in research, education, and patient care. Based in Sacramento, it drives innovation in health equity, rural medicine, and biomedical breakthroughs.

Median GPA

3.67

Median MCAT

511

Location

Sacramento

Degree

MD

In-State Tuition

$46,893

Out-of-State Tuition

$59,138

Class Size

139

US News Ranking (Research)

51

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

8

Total Applicants

7,847

Secondaries Required

3

Interview Rate

7.8%

Interview Format

MMI

Address

4610 X St, CA 95817

Kaiser

Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine

Competitiveness: 4.1/10

Founded in 2020, the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine is a private institution redefining medical training. Based in Pasadena, it emphasizes integrated care, health equity, and hands-on learning to shape the future of healthcare.

Median GPA

3.82

Median MCAT

517

Location

Pasadena

Degree

MD

In-State Tuition

$0

Out-of-State Tuition

$0

Class Size

51

US News Ranking (Research)

UNRanked

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

unranked

Total Applicants

8,229

Secondaries Required

4

Interview Rate

6.3%

Interview Format

hybrid

Address

98 S. Los Robles Ave., 91101

Cnu

California Northstate University

Competitiveness: 3.4/10

Founded in 2008, California Northstate University is a private institution shaping future healthcare leaders through innovation, clinical excellence, and community impact.

Median GPA

3.82

Median MCAT

513

Location

Elk Grove

Degree

MD

In-State Tuition

$74,456

Out-of-State Tuition

$74,456

Class Size

118

US News Ranking (Research)

unranked

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

unranked

Total Applicants

4,710

Secondaries Required

6

Interview Rate

7.33%

Interview Format

holistic/traditional/dialogue

Address

9700 W Taron Dr, 95757

Cusm

California University of Science and Medicine

Competitiveness: 3.3/10

Founded in 2015, CUSM is a private medical school in Southern California, dedicated to innovation, hands-on training, and community-focused healthcare.

Median GPA

3.73

Median MCAT

514

Location

Colton

Degree

MD

In-State Tuition

$72,500

Out-of-State Tuition

$72,500

Class Size

130

US News Ranking (Research)

UNRANKED

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

UNRANKED

Total Applicants

5,359

Secondaries Required

6

Interview Rate

13.1%

Interview Format

ONE TO ONE (HOLISTIC)

Address

1501 Violet St, 92324

Loma Linda Uni

Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Competitiveness: 3.2/10

Founded in 1909, Loma Linda University School of Medicine is a private institution dedicated to whole-person care, blending advanced medical training with a mission to serve and heal.

Median GPA

3.9

Median MCAT

511

Location

Loma Linda

Degree

MD

In-State Tuition

$69,436

Out-of-State Tuition

$69,436

Class Size

172

US News Ranking (Research)

unranked

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

unranked

Total Applicants

6,238

Secondaries Required

8

Interview Rate

4.86%

Interview Format

two separate one-on-one interview

Address

11175 Campus St, 92350

Cdu_Logo

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science College of Medicine

Competitiveness: 2.6/10

Founded in 1966, Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine is a private Los Angeles institution driven by health equity, hands-on training, and real-world impact. Here, medicine isn’t just studied—it’s put into action.

Median GPA

3.55

Median MCAT

508

Location

Willowbrook

Degree

MD

In-State Tuition

$69,000

Out-of-State Tuition

$69,000

Class Size

172

US News Ranking (Research)

-

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

-

Total Applicants

unknown

Secondaries Required

5

Interview Rate

N/a

Interview Format

virtual traditional interview

Address

1731 E 120th St Los Angeles, 90059

Uc Riverside

University of California Riverside School of Medicine

Competitiveness: 2.4/10

Founded in 2013, the UC Riverside School of Medicine is a public institution built to serve inland Southern California. With a focus on community care, innovation, and hands-on training, UCR shapes physicians who make a difference where it’s needed most. Here, medicine means impact.

Median GPA

3.68

Median MCAT

509

Location

Riverside

Degree

MD

In-State Tuition

$61,660

Out-of-State Tuition

$77,988

Class Size

87

US News Ranking (Research)

95-124

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

94-124

Total Applicants

6,266

Secondaries Required

4 required, 1 if applicable

Interview Rate

4.8%

Interview Format

mmi

Address

92521 UCR Botanic Gardens Rd, 92507

Western Logo

Western University of Health Sciences

Competitiveness: 1.9/10

Founded in 1977, Western University of Health Sciences is a private institution in Pomona, California. Known for its interprofessional approach, innovation, and commitment to community care, WesternU prepares students to lead with purpose and make an impact in healthcare.

Median GPA

3.65

Median MCAT

508

Location

Pomona

Degree

Do

In-State Tuition

$68,763

Out-of-State Tuition

$68,763

Class Size

228

US News Ranking (Research)

95-124

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

94-124

Total Applicants

11,582

Secondaries Required

5 required, 5 if applicable

Interview Rate

13.54%

Interview Format

traditional and mmi

Address

615 E 3rd St, 91766

Touro_University_California_Seal

Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine-California

Competitiveness: 1.8/10

Founded in 1997, Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine-California is a private institution in Vallejo, California. With a focus on osteopathic principles, hands-on experience, and community care, Touro trains compassionate physicians ready to make a real impact.

Median GPA

3.56

Median MCAT

509

Location

Vallejo

Degree

do

In-State Tuition

$66,600

Out-of-State Tuition

$66,600

Class Size

189

US News Ranking (Research)

95-124

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

94-124

Total Applicants

1,500

Secondaries Required

8

Interview Rate

N/a

Interview Format

one hour panel

Address

1310 Club Dr, 94592

Chs

California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Competitiveness: 1.4/10

Founded in 2012, California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine is a private institution in Clovis, California. Focused on osteopathic care, innovation, and community health, CHSU prepares students to lead with compassion and skill in the ever-evolving healthcare field.

Median GPA

3.5

Median MCAT

507

Location

Clovis

Degree

do

In-State Tuition

$71,420

Out-of-State Tuition

$71,420

Class Size

150

US News Ranking (Research)

unranked

US News Ranking (Primary Care)

unranked

Total Applicants

4,000

Secondaries Required

2

Interview Rate

n/a

Interview Format

virtual interview

Address

2500 Alluvial Avenue, 93611

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