Welcome to Colorado 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 Colorado that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in Colorado
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 36 | University of Colorado Acceptance rate: 6.7% MCAT composite score: 10.8 Tuition: Full-time: $29,984 (in-state), Full-time: $55,939 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.70 Total medical school enrollment: 635 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 4.2:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $200.7
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Medical Schools in Colorado
Colorado is known for its beautiful landscapes, thriving medical community, and robust healthcare infrastructure. With a growing population and an increasing demand for healthcare services, Colorado offers excellent opportunities for medical education.
1. University of Colorado School of Medicine
Overview
The University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM) is one of the top medical schools in the western United States, known for its rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and outstanding clinical training. Located on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CUSOM benefits from close proximity to leading hospitals and research institutions. It offers a student-centered curriculum with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and innovation.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program)
- MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
- MD/MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- Master’s and PhD programs in biomedical sciences
- Physician Assistant (PA) Program
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 511
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Prerequisites:
- Biology with lab
- Chemistry (general and organic) with lab
- Biochemistry
- Physics with lab
- Statistics or calculus
- Strong emphasis on healthcare experience (volunteering, shadowing, or clinical work)
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $60,000–$65,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Salaries typically range between $200,000 and $300,000 depending on specialty.
2. Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM)
Overview
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) is a relatively new institution, but it has quickly established itself as a leading osteopathic medical school in the Rocky Mountain region. RVUCOM is committed to training students to become primary care physicians, with an emphasis on rural and underserved areas. The osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole person is central to its curriculum.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS)
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
- Global Medicine Programs (for international clinical experience)
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 505
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Prerequisites:
- Biology with lab
- General and organic chemistry with lab
- Biochemistry
- Physics with lab
- English
- Emphasis on community service, clinical experience, and understanding of osteopathic principles
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $55,000–$60,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Salaries range between $180,000 and $250,000 depending on specialty, with primary care physicians typically earning on the lower end.
3. National Jewish Health/University of Colorado Fellowship Program
Overview
National Jewish Health is a leading respiratory hospital in the United States, and its partnership with the University of Colorado allows for advanced fellowship training in various medical specialties. This program is not a traditional medical school offering an MD or DO degree but is a top choice for post-graduate training in pulmonology, allergy, immunology, and other respiratory-related fields.
Degree Programs
- Fellowship Programs in Pulmonology, Allergy, Immunology, and Critical Care
- Post-doctoral research fellowships in immunology, epidemiology, and respiratory diseases
Admission Requirements
- Prerequisites:
- Completion of an MD, DO, or equivalent degree
- Completion of a residency program in internal medicine or pediatrics
- Strong research background and clinical experience in relevant fields
Starting Salaries
- Fellowship Stipends: $60,000–$70,000
- Post-fellowship Salaries: $220,000–$300,000, depending on the chosen subspecialty and location of practice.
4. Colorado State University (CSU) College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Overview
While CSU does not offer an MD program, its College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is one of the best in the nation for those pursuing careers in veterinary medicine or biomedical research. The university offers a strong emphasis on translational medicine, preparing graduates to work in both human and animal health.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Master’s and PhD programs in Biomedical Sciences
- Professional Science Master’s in Toxicology
- Combined DVM/PhD Program
- Graduate programs in Infectious Disease, Neuroscience, and Cancer Biology
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT (for biomedical programs): 510 (for graduate programs in biomedical sciences)
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Prerequisites:
- Biology
- Chemistry (general and organic)
- Physics
- Advanced mathematics (for biomedical research)
- Strong focus on research experience for PhD programs
Starting Salaries
- Veterinary Salaries: $85,000–$100,000 (for DVM graduates)
- Biomedical Research Salaries: $50,000–$70,000 (postdoctoral fellows), with opportunities for higher salaries in industry or academic positions.
5. University of Northern Colorado (UNC) School of Health Sciences and Human Services
Overview
The University of Northern Colorado offers various health science programs aimed at training healthcare professionals, including programs in nursing, public health, and rehabilitation sciences. While UNC does not have a medical school, its health-related programs provide pathways to advanced degrees in medicine and allied health professions.
Degree Programs
- Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN)
- Master’s in Public Health (MPH)
- Master’s and Doctoral programs in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and Audiology
- Physician Assistant (PA) program
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: N/A (non-MD programs)
- Average GPA: 3.4
- Prerequisites:
- Varies by program; for example, nursing requires biology and chemistry coursework
- Clinical experience in healthcare settings is often required
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $50,000–$65,000 (for BSN graduates)
- Public Health Professionals: $55,000–$80,000, depending on specialization and location
- Physician Assistants: $90,000–$120,000 after graduation
6. Regis University Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions
Overview
Regis University in Denver offers various healthcare programs, including nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy. While not a medical school offering an MD or DO degree, Regis plays an essential role in training healthcare professionals, particularly in nursing and allied health fields.
Degree Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Master’s and Doctoral programs in Physical Therapy
- PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy)
- Master’s programs in Health Informatics
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: N/A (non-MD programs)
- Average GPA: 3.5
- Prerequisites:
- Biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology for nursing programs
- Strong clinical or healthcare experience is highly recommended
- PharmD programs require completion of pre-pharmacy courses in biology, chemistry, and physics
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary for BSN graduates: $55,000–$70,000
- Pharmacists: $110,000–$130,000 depending on location and specialization
- Physical Therapists: $80,000–$95,000 after graduation
7. Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Department of Health Sciences
Overview
Colorado Mesa University offers various programs in health sciences, including nursing, radiologic sciences, and pre-health professions. CMU is known for providing affordable, high-quality education with a focus on practical training and community health.
Degree Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Sciences
- Pre-medical and Pre-dental Tracks
- Allied Health Professional programs (for future medical and dental students)
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: N/A (non-MD programs)
- Average GPA: 3.3
- Prerequisites:
- Biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology are required for nursing and allied health programs
- Experience in clinical settings or healthcare volunteering is recommended
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary for BSN graduates: $55,000–$65,000
- Radiologic Technologists: $50,000–$65,000 after graduation
- Pre-medical students: Typically move on to MD or DO programs with starting salaries in the range of $200,000–$300,000, depending on specialization.
8. Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) Department of Health Professions
Overview
MSU Denver offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, health administration, and other healthcare-related fields. The university is located in the heart of Denver and provides students with access to a variety of clinical training opportunities in local hospitals and healthcare organizations.
Degree Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Master of Health Administration (MHA)
- Public Health and Nutrition Programs
- Pre-med and Pre-dental Tracks
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: N/A (non-MD programs)
- Average GPA: 3.4
- Prerequisites:
- Biology, chemistry, anatomy, and statistics for nursing and health administration programs
- Clinical experience or internships in healthcare settings
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary for BSN graduates: $55,000–$65,000
- Health Administrators: $75,000–$100,000 after graduation, with leadership roles offering higher salaries.