Welcome to Kansas 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 Kansas that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in Kansas
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 72 | University of Kansas Medical Center (Kansas City, KS) Acceptance rate: 8.9% MCAT composite score: 9.7 Tuition: Full-time: $27,724 (in-state), Full-time: $49,166 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.68 Total medical school enrollment: 743 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.1:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $76.9
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Medical Schools in Kansas
Kansas is home to medical schools that emphasize primary care, rural health, and community service, reflecting the state’s commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of underserved areas. These institutions provide comprehensive medical education, offering a variety of degree programs and research opportunities.
1. University of Kansas School of Medicine
Overview
The University of Kansas School of Medicine (KU School of Medicine) is the only public medical school in the state of Kansas, with campuses in Kansas City, Wichita, and Salina. The school is well-known for its commitment to training physicians who will practice in underserved areas, particularly in rural communities. KU School of Medicine provides a balanced education with a focus on clinical practice, research, and community service, making it a top choice for students pursuing careers in primary care and specialties alike.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program)
- MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
- Graduate programs in biomedical sciences
- Residency and fellowship programs in various specialties
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 509
- Average GPA: 3.75
- Prerequisites:
- One year of biology with lab
- One year of general chemistry with lab
- One year of organic chemistry with lab
- Biochemistry
- One year of physics with lab
- Mathematics (calculus or statistics)
- Strong emphasis on clinical and community service experience, particularly in underserved or rural areas
- Research experience is highly recommended for applicants to the MD/PhD program
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $58,000–$65,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Graduates typically earn between $200,000 and $300,000 depending on their specialty, with primary care physicians generally earning toward the lower end and specialists on the higher end.
University of Kansas School of Medicine Campuses
Kansas City Campus
This campus is the largest and serves as the main hub for medical education and research. It offers a full spectrum of medical education and research opportunities, particularly for students interested in urban healthcare settings.
Wichita Campus
The Wichita campus is particularly focused on community-based medical education, emphasizing training in primary care, rural medicine, and family medicine. Students at this campus work closely with community hospitals and healthcare providers across the state.
Salina Campus
The Salina campus is the smallest four-year medical school in the country, with a strong focus on rural medicine. This campus was designed to address physician shortages in rural Kansas and offers a highly personalized medical education experience.
Admissions Process for the University of Kansas School of Medicine
Application Process
- Primary Application: Submit through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
- Secondary Application: Includes essays that assess the applicant’s commitment to rural medicine, healthcare access, and their ability to serve underserved populations.
- Interviews: Conducted in a traditional format with a focus on interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and ethical decision-making.
Key Qualities
- Strong academic performance with competitive MCAT scores and GPA
- Extensive clinical experience through shadowing, volunteer work, or employment in healthcare settings
- Demonstrated commitment to serving rural and underserved communities
- Research experience for applicants interested in dual-degree programs (MD/PhD)
Residency and Fellowship Programs
The University of Kansas School of Medicine offers a wide variety of residency and fellowship programs that prepare graduates for careers in primary care and medical specialties. These programs are offered across the Kansas City, Wichita, and Salina campuses, providing students with opportunities to train in diverse healthcare environments.
- Primary Care Residencies: Family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics
- Specialty Residencies: Emergency medicine, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry
- Fellowships: Cardiology, oncology, infectious diseases, maternal-fetal medicine, geriatrics
Graduates of the residency and fellowship programs at KU School of Medicine are highly sought after, particularly in Kansas and surrounding states, where there is a high demand for healthcare professionals.
2. Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Kansas City Campus)
Overview
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM) is one of the oldest and largest osteopathic medical schools in the country. With its Kansas City campus located just on the Missouri side of the state line, KCU-COM offers a strong foundation in osteopathic principles and holistic medicine. The school emphasizes preventive care and treating the whole person, with a strong focus on primary care and serving rural communities. KCU-COM has a long history of producing physicians who go on to practice in underserved areas.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Dual degree programs in DO/MPH and DO/MBA
- Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS)
- Graduate programs in bioethics and clinical research
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 507
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Prerequisites:
- One year of biology with lab
- One year of general chemistry with lab
- One year of organic chemistry with lab
- Biochemistry
- Physics with lab
- Anatomy and physiology
- KCU-COM values applicants who demonstrate a commitment to osteopathic principles, preventive medicine, and holistic care
- Clinical experience in healthcare settings and a commitment to community service are strongly encouraged
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $55,000–$65,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Osteopathic graduates typically earn between $180,000 and $250,000 depending on their specialty, with primary care physicians earning toward the lower end and specialists earning higher salaries.
3. Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Joplin Campus)
Overview
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM) also has a campus in Joplin, Missouri, designed to address the physician shortage in rural and underserved areas of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The Joplin campus offers the same curriculum and osteopathic principles as the Kansas City campus but focuses on producing healthcare providers who will serve rural communities.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Dual degree programs in DO/MPH and DO/MBA
- Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS)
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 507
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Prerequisites:
- One year of biology with lab
- One year of chemistry with lab (both general and organic)
- Physics with lab
- Biochemistry
- Anatomy and physiology
- A strong focus on clinical experience and a commitment to working in underserved or rural communities
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $55,000–$65,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Graduates from KCU-COM’s Joplin campus typically earn between $180,000 and $250,000, depending on their chosen specialty and practice location.