Welcome to Illinois 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 Illinois that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in Illinois
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 10 | University of Chicago (Pritzker) (Chicago, IL) Acceptance rate: 4.9% MCAT composite score: 12.0 Tuition: Full-time: $42,294 Average undergraduate GPA: 3.80 Total medical school enrollment: 377 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 2.3:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $289.7
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| 19 | Northwestern University (Feinberg) (Chicago, IL) Acceptance rate: 7.1% MCAT composite score: 11.6 Tuition: Full-time: $46,258 Average undergraduate GPA: 3.76 Total medical school enrollment: 710 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 2.5:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $253.7
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| 62 | Rush University (Chicago, IL) Acceptance rate: 5.6% MCAT composite score: 10.2 Tuition: Full-time: $46,812 Average undergraduate GPA: 3.65 Total medical school enrollment: 549 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.1:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $61.5
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| 65 | University of Illinois (Chicago, IL) Acceptance rate: 12.9% MCAT composite score: 10.2 Tuition: Full-time: $33,000 (in-state), Full-time: $70,472 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.59 Total medical school enrollment: 1,402 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 0.6:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $85.2
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| 104 | Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (North Chicago, IL) Acceptance rate: N/A MCAT composite score: 9.5 Tuition: Full-time: $46,873 Average undergraduate GPA: 3.55 Total medical school enrollment: 753 Full-time faculty-student ratio: N/A NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions):
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All Medical Schools in Illinois
Illinois is home to some of the most prestigious medical schools in the United States. With a variety of programs that emphasize both clinical practice and research, these schools train future healthcare professionals to meet the demands of a diverse and ever-evolving field.
1. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Overview
The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine is one of the most highly regarded medical schools in the country. Located in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, Pritzker is renowned for its focus on research, patient care, and medical education. The school offers a curriculum that integrates basic science and clinical medicine while providing ample opportunities for research and community service.
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
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 519
- Average GPA: 3.9
- Prerequisites:
- One year of biology with lab
- One year of chemistry with lab (both general and organic)
- Physics with lab
- Biochemistry
- Strong focus on research experience, leadership, and community service
- Emphasis on a well-rounded application with significant clinical and volunteer experience
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $65,000–$75,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Graduates typically earn between $240,000 and $320,000, depending on specialty and location.
2. Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Overview
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, located in downtown Chicago, is a top-tier medical school known for its innovative curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and focus on research. Feinberg provides a robust education that emphasizes clinical skills, medical humanities, and the latest biomedical research. The school is affiliated with Northwestern Memorial Hospital, one of the country’s leading hospitals.
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
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 520
- Average GPA: 3.9
- Prerequisites:
- One year of biology with lab
- General and organic chemistry with lab
- Biochemistry
- Physics with lab
- Clinical experience and community service are crucial
- Strong research background is highly recommended
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $65,000–$75,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Depending on specialty, graduates can expect to earn between $240,000 and $310,000.
3. University of Illinois College of Medicine
Overview
The University of Illinois College of Medicine (UIC) is the largest medical school in the state, with campuses in Chicago, Peoria, Rockford, and Urbana. UIC focuses on providing a diverse and inclusive environment that fosters learning and leadership. With a strong emphasis on community healthcare, particularly for underserved populations, UIC prepares physicians for a variety of specialties, especially primary care and family medicine.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program)
- MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
- MD/MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- Graduate programs in biomedical sciences
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 511
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Prerequisites:
- One year of biology with lab
- One year of general and organic chemistry with lab
- Biochemistry
- Physics with lab
- UIC values applicants with a strong commitment to serving diverse communities, leadership experience, and a demonstrated passion for public health.
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $60,000–$70,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Graduates typically earn between $210,000 and $300,000 depending on specialization.
4. Rush Medical College of Rush University
Overview
Rush Medical College is part of Rush University Medical Center, located in Chicago’s Illinois Medical District. Rush Medical College has a long history of medical education, dating back to 1837. The school emphasizes clinical practice, research, and patient-centered care. Students benefit from an integrated curriculum that pairs traditional coursework with early exposure to clinical practice through its affiliation with Rush University Medical Center.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program)
- MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
- Graduate programs in biomedical sciences
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 511
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Prerequisites:
- Biology with lab
- Chemistry with lab (general and organic)
- Biochemistry
- Physics with lab
- Rush values applicants with significant healthcare experience, clinical shadowing, and community service. The school also looks for students who are passionate about patient-centered care and healthcare advocacy.
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $60,000–$70,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Salaries range from $210,000 to $300,000 depending on specialty, with Rush graduates being highly competitive in primary care and specialty practices.
5. Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Overview
The Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, located in Maywood, is a Jesuit institution committed to educating medical professionals who are dedicated to service, ethics, and social justice. The school places a strong emphasis on holistic medicine, preventive care, and community service. Stritch offers a supportive environment where students are encouraged to integrate compassion with technical expertise.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program)
- MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
- Master’s and PhD programs in biomedical sciences
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 511
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Prerequisites:
- Biology with lab
- General and organic chemistry with lab
- Physics with lab
- Biochemistry
- Stritch looks for applicants who are dedicated to patient care, community involvement, and leadership. The school values students who demonstrate empathy and ethical decision-making in healthcare settings.
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $60,000–$70,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Graduates can expect to earn between $200,000 and $290,000 depending on their specialty.
6. Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Overview
The Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (SIU SOM), located in Springfield, is known for its focus on primary care and rural medicine. SIU SOM is committed to training physicians who will serve the healthcare needs of downstate Illinois, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The school emphasizes hands-on, practical learning and offers a problem-based learning curriculum that allows students to work closely with patients early in their education.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
- Graduate programs in biomedical sciences
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 508
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Prerequisites:
- Biology with lab
- Chemistry with lab (general and organic)
- Physics with lab
- Biochemistry
- SIU SOM looks for applicants with a passion for primary care, rural health, and serving underserved populations. The school also values community service and leadership experience in healthcare settings.
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $55,000–$65,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Graduates typically earn between $190,000 and $260,000, with a focus on primary care fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
7. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Chicago Medical School
Overview
Rosalind Franklin University’s Chicago Medical School, located in North Chicago, has a strong commitment to interprofessional education, preparing students to work collaboratively in diverse healthcare settings. The school focuses on blending clinical practice with biomedical research and healthcare policy. With a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, Chicago Medical School offers students ample opportunities for clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics across the Chicagoland area.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program)
- MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
- Graduate programs in biomedical sciences
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 509
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Prerequisites:
- Biology with lab
- General and organic chemistry with lab
- Biochemistry
- Physics with lab
- Rosalind Franklin University places a strong emphasis on leadership, ethics, and community service, with applicants encouraged to have substantial healthcare experience.
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $58,000–$65,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Salaries typically range from $210,000 to $300,000, depending on specialty.