Welcome to Minnesota 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 Minnesota that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in Minnesota
National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
27 | Mayo Medical School (Rochester, MN) Acceptance rate: 1.9% MCAT composite score: 10.9 Tuition: Full-time: $34,250 Average undergraduate GPA: 3.80 Total medical school enrollment: 191 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 12.9:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $198.3 |
40 | University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN) Acceptance rate: 10.7% MCAT composite score: 10.5 Tuition: Full-time: $35,700 (in-state), Full-time: $46,467 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.71 Total medical school enrollment: 986 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.6:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $156.5 |
Medical Schools in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to some of the leading medical schools in the U.S., offering excellent training in both clinical practice and medical research. These institutions are committed to advancing healthcare while addressing the needs of diverse populations, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
1. University of Minnesota Medical School
Overview
The University of Minnesota Medical School is one of the largest and most respected medical schools in the region, with campuses in both the Twin Cities and Duluth. The school is known for its emphasis on primary care, rural health, and biomedical research. It plays a key role in producing physicians who serve the rural and underserved populations of Minnesota. The Duluth campus specifically focuses on preparing students for careers in rural family medicine, while the Twin Cities campus offers a broader array of specialties and research opportunities.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program)
- MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
- MD/MS (Master of Science in Clinical Research)
- MD/MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- Graduate programs in biomedical sciences
- Residency and fellowship programs in various specialties
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 510
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Prerequisites:
- One year of biology with lab
- One year of general and organic chemistry with lab
- Biochemistry
- One year of physics with lab
- Mathematics (statistics or calculus)
- Humanities and social sciences courses are encouraged
- Clinical experience, community service, and research experience are highly valued
- Applicants to the Duluth campus are encouraged to demonstrate a commitment to rural or Native American healthcare
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $60,000–$70,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Graduates typically earn between $210,000 and $330,000, depending on their specialization, with primary care physicians generally earning toward the lower end and specialists such as surgeons and cardiologists earning on the higher end.
2. Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Overview
The Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, located in Rochester, Minnesota, is one of the most prestigious medical schools in the country. Affiliated with the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, this school offers students an unparalleled opportunity to train with leading medical professionals and researchers. The school is noted for its innovative curriculum, research focus, and commitment to patient-centered care. Mayo’s small class sizes and individualized attention allow students to work closely with faculty and clinicians on cutting-edge medical research and clinical care.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program)
- MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
- MD/MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- MD/MS in Biomedical Informatics
- Graduate programs in biomedical sciences
- Postgraduate residency and fellowship programs
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 520
- Average GPA: 3.9
- Prerequisites:
- One year of biology with lab
- One year of chemistry with lab (general and organic)
- Biochemistry
- Physics with lab
- Mathematics (statistics or calculus)
- Emphasis on research experience, clinical exposure, and leadership in healthcare settings
- Mayo looks for students with a strong commitment to patient care, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively in healthcare teams
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $65,000–$75,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Mayo graduates typically earn between $240,000 and $450,000 depending on their specialization, with surgical specialists and cardiologists on the higher end of the spectrum.
3. University of Minnesota Medical School – Duluth Campus
Overview
The University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth Campus is distinct from the Twin Cities campus due to its strong focus on rural and Native American healthcare. The Duluth campus trains future physicians with a primary focus on family medicine, aiming to address physician shortages in rural areas across Minnesota. The school emphasizes hands-on clinical experience in rural settings, as well as a commitment to serving underserved populations, particularly Native American communities.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Graduate programs in rural health and public health
- Postgraduate residency programs with a focus on family medicine and rural health
Admission Requirements
- Average MCAT: 507
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Prerequisites:
- One year of biology with lab
- One year of chemistry with lab (general and organic)
- Biochemistry
- Physics with lab
- Focus on applicants with a commitment to rural and Native American health
- Clinical experience in rural settings, community service, and leadership in healthcare initiatives are highly valued
Starting Salaries
- Median Starting Salary: $58,000–$65,000 (during residency)
- Post-residency: Graduates focusing on primary care in rural settings typically earn between $180,000 and $250,000, with the potential for higher earnings in specialized rural healthcare roles.