Welcome to South Carolina best medical schools. Our rankings are based on alumni reviews, research scores received, peer institution assessment and admissions statistics including averaged MCAT scores, undergraduate GPA as well as acceptance rates. Below we list top medical schools in South Carolina that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in South Carolina
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 58 | Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston, SC) Acceptance rate: 12.8% MCAT composite score: 10.0 Tuition: Full-time: $35,306 (in-state), Full-time: $61,770 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.64 Total medical school enrollment: 695 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.7:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $105.1
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| 88 | University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC) Acceptance rate: 5.9% MCAT composite score: 9.4 Tuition: Full-time: $31,820 (in-state), Full-time: $71,360 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.62 Total medical school enrollment: 346 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 0.7:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $12.1
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All Medical Schools in South Carolina
South Carolina is home to several distinguished medical schools that provide top-notch education, clinical training, and research opportunities for aspiring physicians. These institutions offer a range of degree programs, including specialized tracks in rural health, public health, and biomedical research.
1. Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine (MUSC)
Overview
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Medicine, located in Charleston, is the state’s oldest and most prestigious medical school. Founded in 1824, MUSC has a long-standing commitment to medical education, research, and patient care. MUSC is known for its leadership in clinical research, cutting-edge medical technology, and a comprehensive approach to patient-centered care.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): The MD program at MUSC provides a balanced curriculum that integrates basic science education with clinical training. Students gain early clinical exposure and participate in patient care experiences throughout their education.
- MD/PhD Program: This dual degree is designed for students interested in careers in medical research and academic medicine. It combines medical training with intensive research.
- MD/MPH Program: A joint program that allows students to earn both an MD and a Master of Public Health (MPH), focusing on public health and preventive medicine.
- Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS): For students interested in pursuing a research career in fields such as pharmacology, immunology, or molecular medicine.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): MUSC offers a wide variety of residency and fellowship programs in clinical specialties, preparing graduates for advanced clinical practice.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 512.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.7.
- Prerequisite Courses:
- Biology (with lab)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- Biochemistry (recommended)
- Clinical Experience: Applicants should have significant clinical exposure, such as shadowing physicians, volunteering in healthcare settings, or working in a clinical environment.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required, including one from a science professor and one from a healthcare professional who has observed the applicant in a clinical setting.
- Interview Process: MUSC uses a Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) format, which assesses communication skills, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
Starting Salaries
Graduates from MUSC College of Medicine often pursue a variety of specialties, with competitive starting salaries:
- Primary Care Physicians: $200,000 to $240,000
- Specialists: $260,000 to $330,000, depending on the specialty
2. University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia
Overview
The University of South Carolina (USC) School of Medicine in Columbia is known for its focus on primary care, rural health, and community service. Established in 1977, the school is dedicated to training physicians who are committed to serving South Carolina’s diverse populations, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The school also emphasizes the integration of clinical experience and research in its curriculum.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): The MD program at USC Columbia is designed to produce well-rounded physicians with a strong foundation in both medical science and patient care. The curriculum includes early clinical exposure and hands-on training in a variety of healthcare settings.
- MD/PhD Program: A dual degree for students interested in pursuing careers in medical research and academic medicine.
- MD/MPH Program: A combined MD and Master of Public Health degree that prepares students to address population health challenges and improve healthcare delivery in underserved communities.
- Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences: Master’s and PhD programs in areas such as anatomy, pharmacology, and physiology.
- Physician Assistant Studies (PA): A master’s program that trains physician assistants to provide high-quality, patient-centered care.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 510.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.6.
- Prerequisite Courses:
- Biology (with lab)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- English or Writing Intensive Courses
- Clinical Experience: USC values applicants with extensive clinical exposure, such as shadowing, working in healthcare, or volunteering in medically underserved areas.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, with one from a healthcare professional and one from a professor.
- Interview Process: The admissions process includes traditional interviews that assess the applicant’s clinical experience, academic readiness, and personal qualities such as empathy and resilience.
Starting Salaries
Graduates from USC Columbia School of Medicine often pursue careers in primary care, with starting salaries reflecting the demand for healthcare providers in South Carolina:
- Primary Care Physicians: $190,000 to $230,000
- Specialists: $240,000 to $300,000, depending on the specialty
3. University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
Overview
The University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville is a relatively new medical school, having opened in 2012 in partnership with Prisma Health, the largest healthcare provider in South Carolina. Located on the Prisma Health-Upstate campus, the school offers a unique, integrated curriculum that emphasizes active learning, hands-on clinical training, and interprofessional education. USC Greenville is committed to training physicians who are prepared to meet the healthcare needs of South Carolina’s diverse populations, particularly in primary care and underserved areas.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): The MD program at USC Greenville features a patient-centered curriculum with early and continuous clinical exposure. Students gain hands-on experience from the first year, working alongside healthcare professionals in real-world settings.
- MD/MPH Program: A combined MD and Master of Public Health degree that prepares students to address public health challenges in their medical practice.
- Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences: USC Greenville offers graduate programs that provide advanced training in biomedical sciences and research.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): The school supports a variety of residency and fellowship programs through Prisma Health, offering training in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and more.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 511.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.65.
- Prerequisite Courses:
- Biology (with lab)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- English (or Writing-Intensive Courses)
- Clinical Experience: Significant clinical experience is required, with an emphasis on direct patient care. Volunteering or working in healthcare settings and shadowing physicians is highly recommended.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, with at least one from a healthcare provider.
- Interview Process: USC Greenville uses a Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) format, which evaluates applicants on their problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and ethical decision-making.
Starting Salaries
Graduates from USC School of Medicine Greenville are well-prepared for careers in primary care and specialties, with starting salaries that reflect the demand for healthcare professionals:
- Primary Care Physicians: $190,000 to $240,000
- Specialists: $250,000 to $320,000, depending on the specialty
4. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus (VCOM-Carolinas)
Overview
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) Carolinas Campus, located in Spartanburg, is dedicated to training osteopathic physicians with a focus on primary care and serving rural and medically underserved populations. VCOM-Carolinas emphasizes holistic healthcare, preventive medicine, and community service. The school is part of the VCOM network, which has campuses in multiple states and is known for its commitment to rural health and international outreach.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): The DO program at VCOM-Carolinas prepares students for careers in primary care, with a strong emphasis on osteopathic principles, including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). The curriculum includes early clinical exposure and opportunities to work in rural and underserved areas.
- Dual Degree Programs: VCOM offers dual-degree opportunities, such as DO/MPH and DO/MBA, for students interested in combining medical training with public health or healthcare management.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): VCOM supports residency training in primary care fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, and osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 504.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.5.
- Prerequisite Courses:
- Biology (with lab)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- Biochemistry (recommended)
- Clinical Experience: Applicants should have experience working in healthcare settings, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Shadowing an osteopathic physician (DO) is highly recommended.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required, including one from a practicing osteopathic physician.
- Interview Process: VCOM uses a traditional interview format, evaluating applicants on their understanding of osteopathic principles, commitment to rural health, and clinical experience.
Starting Salaries
VCOM graduates often pursue careers in primary care, with starting salaries reflecting the demand for osteopathic physicians in rural and underserved communities:
- Primary Care Physicians: $180,000 to $220,000
- Specialists: $230,000 to $290,000, depending on specialty and location
Commitment to Rural Health and Underserved Communities
All medical schools in South Carolina are deeply committed to addressing the healthcare needs of rural and underserved populations. This is reflected in the schools’ curricula, clinical training opportunities, and community engagement programs.
Key Rural Health Programs and Initiatives
- Rural Health Clinical Rotations: Many of the medical schools in South Carolina offer clinical rotations in rural settings, giving students hands-on experience in providing healthcare to underserved communities.
- Community-Based Education: Schools like VCOM and USC Columbia place a strong emphasis on community-based education, where students work directly with patients in community health centers, free clinics, and rural hospitals.
- Service-Learning Opportunities: Medical schools in South Carolina encourage students to participate in service-learning projects that address health disparities and promote healthcare access in underserved areas.