Best Medical Schools in Arizona

Welcome to Arizona 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 Arizona that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.

Best Medical Schools in Arizona

Top Medical Schools in Arizona

National Ranking Best Medical Programs
78 University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)
Acceptance rate: N/A
MCAT composite score: N/A
Tuition: Full-time: $26,690 (in-state), Full-time: $44,532 (out-of-state)
Average undergraduate GPA: N/A
Total medical school enrollment: 657
Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.8:1
NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions):

University of Arizona Medical School

All Medical Schools in Arizona

Arizona is home to several prominent medical schools that offer cutting-edge education, research opportunities, and clinical training for future physicians.

University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson

Overview

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson was established in 1967 and is part of the University of Arizona Health Sciences network. It is a top-tier medical school recognized for its contributions to research, patient care, and medical education. The Tucson campus is known for its interdisciplinary learning environment and offers students a wide range of clinical experiences through its affiliated hospitals and medical centers.

Degree Programs

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD): A traditional 4-year MD program that integrates basic medical sciences with clinical rotations.
  • MD/PhD Program: This dual-degree program is designed for students interested in both clinical medicine and biomedical research.
  • MD/MPH Program: A combined program allowing students to pursue an MD along with a Master’s in Public Health.
  • Residency and Fellowship Programs: Tucson offers numerous residency and fellowship programs in various specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, and surgery.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson is competitive, and the following are the key admission criteria:

  • GPA: The average GPA for accepted students is around 3.7-3.8.
  • MCAT Score: The average MCAT score for admitted students ranges from 508-511.
  • Other Requirements:
    • Completion of a bachelor’s degree with prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
    • Clinical experience (shadowing or volunteering in a healthcare setting).
    • Letters of recommendation.
    • Secondary application and interviews.

Starting Salaries

Graduates from the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson typically go on to complete residencies in various specialties. Starting salaries can vary based on the specialty, but the general figures include:

  • Primary Care: $180,000 – $220,000 per year.
  • Specialty Care: $250,000 – $320,000 per year.

University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix

Overview

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix was established in 2007 as part of an expansion to address the growing healthcare needs of Arizona’s urban population. Located in downtown Phoenix, the college emphasizes a patient-centered curriculum and offers students access to a diverse range of clinical settings. The Phoenix campus also focuses on research and technological advancements in healthcare.

Degree Programs

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD): A 4-year medical program focused on developing clinical and communication skills, with opportunities for early patient interaction.
  • MD/PhD Program: A combined program for students interested in a research-oriented career in medicine.
  • MD/MPH Program: A dual-degree option that integrates medical education with public health training.
  • Residency Programs: The Phoenix campus provides postgraduate training programs in specialties like emergency medicine, psychiatry, and radiology.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix is selective, with the following criteria:

  • GPA: The average GPA for accepted students is approximately 3.7.
  • MCAT Score: The average MCAT score for successful applicants is around 510-512.
  • Other Requirements:
    • Bachelor’s degree with required pre-med coursework (biological sciences, organic chemistry, etc.).
    • Clinical and volunteer experience.
    • Letters of recommendation.
    • Strong performance in interviews and on secondary application essays.

Starting Salaries

Graduates from the Phoenix campus go on to pursue various medical specialties, with average starting salaries as follows:

  • Primary Care: $180,000 – $210,000 per year.
  • Specialty Care: $250,000 – $310,000 per year.

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Arizona Campus

Overview

The Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is a prestigious medical school that expanded to Arizona in 2017, offering its students access to the renowned Mayo Clinic’s healthcare facilities in Scottsdale and Phoenix. The school is well-known for its research opportunities, emphasis on patient care, and small class sizes, allowing for individualized instruction and mentorship.

Degree Programs

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD): A 4-year program that provides a unique curriculum blending basic science education with extensive clinical experience. The program focuses on team-based learning and early clinical exposure.
  • MD/PhD Program: A program for students aiming to pursue careers in academic medicine and research.
  • MD/MBA Program: A combined MD and Master of Business Administration degree, ideal for those interested in healthcare administration.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is extremely competitive, with a focus on academic excellence and leadership potential. Admission requirements include:

  • GPA: The average GPA for accepted students is 3.9.
  • MCAT Score: The average MCAT score for admitted applicants is 518.
  • Other Requirements:
    • Completion of a bachelor’s degree and required pre-med coursework.
    • Demonstrated commitment to service and leadership.
    • Letters of recommendation.
    • Strong secondary essays and performance during interviews.

Starting Salaries

Graduates from the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine typically pursue careers in various specialties, often entering competitive residency programs. Average starting salaries include:

  • Primary Care: $200,000 – $230,000 per year.
  • Specialty Care: $280,000 – $350,000 per year.

A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA)

Overview

A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) is a distinguished osteopathic medical school founded in 2007. Located in Mesa, Arizona, ATSU-SOMA emphasizes a community-based approach to healthcare education. The school is part of the larger A.T. Still University system, which focuses on training osteopathic physicians (DOs) with a holistic approach to patient care.

Degree Programs

  • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): A 4-year program that focuses on primary care and osteopathic manipulative medicine, encouraging students to treat the body as a whole.
  • Postgraduate Training: ATSU-SOMA offers pathways to various residency programs after graduation, with a strong emphasis on family medicine, internal medicine, and rural healthcare.

Admission Requirements

ATSU-SOMA seeks students with a strong commitment to osteopathic principles and patient-centered care. Admission requirements include:

  • GPA: The average GPA for accepted students is 3.5.
  • MCAT Score: The average MCAT score for admitted applicants is approximately 504-506.
  • Other Requirements:
    • Bachelor’s degree with prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
    • Clinical experience, particularly in osteopathic settings.
    • Letters of recommendation, including one from a practicing DO.
    • Personal statement and interviews.

Starting Salaries

Graduates of ATSU-SOMA typically pursue careers in primary care, though some opt for specialty training. Starting salaries generally include:

  • Primary Care (DO): $180,000 – $220,000 per year.
  • Specialty Care: $250,000 – $300,000 per year.

Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM)

Overview

Midwestern University’s Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM), located in Glendale, Arizona, was founded in 1995 and is one of the leading osteopathic medical schools in the region. AZCOM is known for its hands-on clinical training and commitment to producing well-rounded physicians who can practice in both primary care and specialized fields.

Degree Programs

  • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): A 4-year program that combines medical science education with osteopathic principles and clinical rotations.
  • Residency and Fellowship Programs: AZCOM graduates are eligible to apply for various residency programs, particularly in fields like family medicine, internal medicine, and surgery.

Admission Requirements

AZCOM attracts highly qualified applicants who are committed to the osteopathic philosophy of medicine. Admission requirements include:

  • GPA: The average GPA for accepted students is 3.6.
  • MCAT Score: The average MCAT score for accepted applicants is around 505-507.
  • Other Requirements:
    • Bachelor’s degree with pre-medical coursework in the sciences.
    • Experience in healthcare settings, particularly with exposure to osteopathic medicine.
    • Letters of recommendation, with at least one from an osteopathic physician.
    • Strong personal statement and interview performance.

Starting Salaries

AZCOM graduates typically enter primary care fields, although many pursue specialty residencies as well. Starting salaries include:

  • Primary Care (DO): $180,000 – $220,000 per year.
  • Specialty Care: $250,000 – $310,000 per year.