Welcome to Virginia 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 Virginia that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.
Top Medical Schools in Virginia
| National Ranking | Best Medical Programs |
| 25 | University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA) Acceptance rate: 13.8% MCAT composite score: 11.4 Tuition: Full-time: $41,489 (in-state), Full-time: $51,161 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.76 Total medical school enrollment: 601 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.6:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $132.1
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| 71 | Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA) Acceptance rate: 6.5% MCAT composite score: 9.9 Tuition: Full-time: $27,345 (in-state), Full-time: $41,273 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.58 Total medical school enrollment: 790 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.7:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $81.4
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| 92 | Eastern Virginia Medical School (Norfolk, VA) Acceptance rate: 6.7% MCAT composite score: 10.2 Tuition: Full-time: $28,820 (in-state), Full-time: $55,276 (out-of-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.51 Total medical school enrollment: 500 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 0.8:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $4.7
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| 93 | Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Acceptance rate: 12.1% MCAT composite score: 8.5 Tuition: Full-time: $37,080 Average undergraduate GPA: 3.57 Total medical school enrollment: 919 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 0.1:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $0.2
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All Medical Schools in Virginia
Virginia is home to several prestigious medical schools that are known for their strong academic programs, advanced research facilities, and commitment to training physicians to serve diverse populations. These medical schools offer a wide range of degree programs, research opportunities, and clinical training.
1. University of Virginia School of Medicine (UVA SoM)
Overview
The University of Virginia School of Medicine (UVA SoM) in Charlottesville is a nationally recognized institution that combines medical education with advanced research and clinical care. Founded by Thomas Jefferson, UVA SoM has a long history of innovation in medical training and is dedicated to developing physician leaders who improve health through research, education, and patient care. The school is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the country.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): UVA’s MD program is known for its cutting-edge NextGen curriculum, which integrates basic sciences with clinical skills and promotes active learning through early patient interaction.
- MD/PhD Program: A combined degree designed for students interested in careers as physician-scientists.
- MD/MBA Program: A joint program with the Darden School of Business, preparing students for leadership roles in healthcare administration.
- MD/MPH Program: Combines medical training with a Master of Public Health degree, focusing on population health and public health leadership.
- Biomedical Graduate Programs: Offering MS and PhD programs in various biomedical sciences, such as immunology, genetics, and cancer biology.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 517.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.8.
- Prerequisite Courses: Biology, Chemistry (General and Organic), Physics, and Mathematics are required.
- Clinical Experience: Applicants must have significant healthcare exposure, including shadowing, volunteering, or working in medical settings.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least three letters are required, typically from professors and healthcare professionals.
- Interview Process: UVA uses a traditional interview format combined with the Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) system to assess applicants’ problem-solving and communication skills.
Starting Salaries
Graduates from UVA SoM often pursue specialties in various fields, with competitive starting salaries:
- Primary Care Physicians: $200,000 to $250,000
- Specialists: $260,000 to $340,000, depending on the field
2. Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (VCU SoM)
Overview
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (VCU SoM), located in Richmond, is the largest medical school in Virginia and one of the oldest in the country. VCU SoM is known for its commitment to medical education, cutting-edge research, and patient care. The school focuses on providing a comprehensive medical education while emphasizing service to underserved communities in Virginia.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): VCU’s MD program is designed to foster professional development and a deep understanding of both basic sciences and clinical practice. Students have early access to patient care experiences.
- MD/PhD Program: A dual degree aimed at students pursuing careers in biomedical research and academic medicine.
- MD/MPH Program: A joint degree program that integrates medical education with public health training.
- MD/MBA Program: This program is offered in collaboration with VCU’s School of Business for students interested in healthcare administration.
- Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences: MS and PhD programs in areas such as neuroscience, pharmacology, and microbiology.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 512.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.7.
- Prerequisite Courses: Required courses include Biology, Chemistry (Organic and General), Physics, and Social Sciences.
- Clinical Experience: Clinical exposure through shadowing, volunteering, or employment in healthcare settings is highly recommended.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, with at least one from a healthcare provider.
- Interview Process: VCU uses traditional interviews to assess applicants’ clinical and interpersonal skills, as well as their commitment to patient care.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of VCU SoM typically enter various specialties, with competitive salaries:
- Primary Care Physicians: $190,000 to $230,000
- Specialists: $240,000 to $320,000, depending on specialty
3. Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS)
Overview
Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), located in Norfolk, is unique in that it was founded by the local community with a focus on improving healthcare in the region. EVMS is renowned for its emphasis on patient-centered care and community engagement, offering students extensive clinical exposure early in their education. The school is also known for its commitment to training healthcare providers who serve underserved populations.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): The MD program at EVMS features a problem-based learning curriculum with a focus on community health, patient-centered care, and early clinical exposure.
- MD/MPH Program: This dual degree combines medical training with public health education, with an emphasis on preventive medicine and population health.
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs: MS and PhD programs in biomedical sciences, such as reproductive biology, clinical embryology, and biotechnology.
- Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc): A program designed for healthcare professionals seeking leadership roles in healthcare administration and public health.
- Master of Physician Assistant (MPA): A highly competitive program for students pursuing careers as physician assistants.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 511.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.6.
- Prerequisite Courses: Biology, Chemistry (General and Organic), Physics, and Mathematics are required.
- Clinical Experience: EVMS places a strong emphasis on clinical exposure, with applicants expected to have significant experience in healthcare settings.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, with one from a healthcare professional and one from an academic source.
- Interview Process: The admissions committee conducts traditional interviews, evaluating applicants’ commitment to community health and patient-centered care.
Starting Salaries
EVMS graduates often enter primary care or community-based specialties, with starting salaries generally in the following ranges:
- Primary Care Physicians: $180,000 to $220,000
- Specialists: $230,000 to $290,000, depending on specialty
4. Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM)
Overview
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM), located in Lynchburg, is one of the newer medical schools in Virginia, with a focus on osteopathic principles, holistic care, and training physicians to serve in rural and underserved communities. LUCOM emphasizes the integration of body, mind, and spirit in medical care, reflecting the university’s Christian mission. The school is dedicated to preparing students for careers in primary care, particularly in rural areas.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): The DO program at LUCOM trains students in osteopathic principles, with an emphasis on preventive medicine, holistic care, and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
- Dual Degree Programs: LUCOM offers opportunities for students to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) alongside their DO degree.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): The school supports residency programs in primary care fields, including family medicine, internal medicine, and osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 503.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.4.
- Prerequisite Courses: Required courses include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Behavioral Sciences.
- Clinical Experience: Applicants must demonstrate experience in healthcare settings, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Shadowing a DO physician is encouraged.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, with one preferably from an osteopathic physician (DO).
- Interview Process: LUCOM uses a traditional interview format, focusing on applicants’ understanding of osteopathic principles and their commitment to serving underserved communities.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of LUCOM typically pursue careers in primary care, particularly in rural areas. Starting salaries are competitive:
- Primary Care Physicians: $170,000 to $210,000
- Specialists: $220,000 to $270,000, depending on specialty and location
5. Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM)
Overview
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM) in Roanoke is a partnership between Virginia Tech and Carilion Clinic, blending academic excellence with clinical expertise. VTCSOM is known for its focus on research, teamwork, and interprofessional education. The school integrates medical education with biomedical research and healthcare innovation, offering students a unique opportunity to learn from both academic and clinical leaders in the field.
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): The MD program at VTCSOM incorporates research into the curriculum, requiring students to complete a research project during their education. The program emphasizes problem-based learning and early clinical exposure.
- MD/PhD Program: A dual degree program for students interested in careers in academic medicine and medical research.
- Master’s Programs in Biomedical and Health Sciences: Offering MS and PhD programs in collaboration with Virginia Tech.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): VTCSOM offers residency and fellowship programs through Carilion Clinic, with a focus on specialties such as family medicine, surgery, and pediatrics.
Admission Requirements
- MCAT: The average MCAT score for accepted students is 513.
- GPA: The average undergraduate GPA is 3.7.
- Prerequisite Courses: Required courses include Biology, Chemistry (General and Organic), Physics, and Mathematics.
- Clinical Experience: VTCSOM values applicants with clinical exposure, especially those with research experience.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, with one from a healthcare provider and one from a research mentor.
- Interview Process: VTCSOM conducts traditional interviews, evaluating applicants’ problem-solving abilities, teamwork skills, and research potential.
Starting Salaries
VTCSOM graduates are well-prepared for a variety of medical careers, with starting salaries including:
- Primary Care Physicians: $190,000 to $240,000
- Specialists: $250,000 to $320,000, depending on the field