Best Medical Schools in Texas in 2024
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If you're considering attending medical school in Texas, look no further! The Lone Star State is home to some of the best and most affordable medical education programs in the country. Top Texas medical schools offer prospective doctors superb clinical training experiences across the diverse communities that call Texas home.
With 16 medical schools located in the state, it can be confusing to determine which medical schools are truly the best and worth your investment in the rigorous medical school application process. In this article, we have compiled a list of the 10 best medical schools in Texas to help you narrow down your top schools.
When ranking the schools that we selected, we took into consideration factors like the medical curriculum for first-year and second-year medical students, clinical training opportunities, and schools' investment in giving back to local communities.
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Create Free ProfileHow to Choose Which Medical Schools to Apply To
With so many medical programs to choose from, the process of deciding which medical schools to apply to can be overwhelming. But don't worry, we've got you covered with a simple list of the four most important factors you should consider!
1. Cost
It's no secret that medical school is very expensive! The American Association of Medical Colleges found that the median cost of a four-year medical degree in 2020 was $255,000 to $337,000. Keep in mind that private medical schools will be more expensive than tuition rates offered by public universities, especially for residents.
Have more questions about the average cost of medical school and the components which make it so expensive? Look no further than our blog on the cost of medical school!
2. Curriculum
Every Texas medical school's philosophy behind their medical curriculum differs, depending on the age of the school, the teaching hospitals they are affiliated with, and the history of the school. Consider how the first two years of pre-clinical curriculum are structured and the kinds of courses you'll be taking to prepare for the latter half of medical school, during which you'll be involved with clinical training.
3. Clinical Training Opportunities
Perhaps one of the most distinguishing factors between different Texas medical schools are the clinical training opportunities they provide to their third-year and fourth-year medical students. Medical students typically rotate between clinical specialties in order to gain exposure to various kinds of medical practice.
4. Location
The location of Texas medical schools vary, from bustling, up-and-coming cities like Austin to rural communities on the outskirts of the state. Consider where you want to spend your four years of medical education, your lifestyle, and the cost of living in various cities. It's important to make sure that your location will add on to, rather than detract from, your medical school experience.
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Top 10 Medical Schools in Texas in 2023
#10 University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center - Dallas, TX
At number 10 on the list, we have the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School located in Dallas, Texas. UT Southwestern is affiliated with the prestigious University of Texas System and offers M.D. candidates extensive mentorship opportunities and early clinical exposure.
UT Southwestern is highly regarded for both research and primary care, ranking in Tier 1 and Tier 2 respectively on the U.S. News and World Report. Consequently, admissions to this school are highly selective, generally hovering around 5%, and accepted candidates often score in the tenth percentile of the MCAT.
#9 University of Texas Long School of Medicine - San Antonio, TX
The Long School of Medicine in San Antonio, Texas is the largest training center for physicians in South Texas and has a deep-rooted connection with the region. Students at the Long School undergo clinical rotations at the University Hospital, the third largest public health system in Texas, as well as the South Texas Veterans Health Care System.
Medical students at the Long School of Medicine also participate in cutting-edge medical research at the Johnson Center for Surgical Innovation, a massive simulation surgery training center, and the Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Aging Studies, which conducts research on age-related diseases.
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#8 University of Texas McGovern Medical School - Houston, TX
The University of Texas McGovern Medical School is the largest medical school in Texas and the sixth largest medical school in the United States. We've ranked McGovern at number 8 in our roundup of the best Texas medical schools for its diverse research opportunities and full-course menu of clinical training.
McGovern Medical School is affiliated with the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex, in addition to the Lyndon Baines Johnson General Hospital and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. As a result, medical students at McGovern have extensive clinical training opportunities, including clinical rotations in highly specialized medical fields that they wouldn't be able to access anywhere else.
#7 University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School - Austin, TX
The University of Texas Austin Dell Medical School, another medical school affiliated with the UT system, is one of the newest medical schools in Texas. Its progressive compressed science curriculum shortens the pre-clinical classwork from two years down to one year, opening up an additional year for medical students at Dell to engage in research, an independent project, or additional clinical training.
As a brand new medical school, Dell is at the forefront of innovative healthcare curriculum and models of healthcare delivery. While research and clinical opportunities aren't yet as established as some of the older schools, the unique structure of coursework and the school's location in Austin opens the door to a highly rewarding four years for its students.
Before applying to medical school, you want to make sure you have a solid undergraduate degree. Check out what the best majors for medical schools are in this detailed blog!
#6 University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine - Galveston, TX
The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine is the oldest medical school in Texas. As a result of their long history, they've developed a unique curriculum that puts their students first. Students at UT Medical Branch take classes pass/fail for the first two years, easing the stress of pre-clinical studies.
Then, in their latter two years, medical students have many unique opportunities to gain clinical experience, including caring for incarcerated populations and working in aerospace medicine through a partnership with NASA. During clinical training, students rotate at various medical sites within Galveston as well as other locations throughout the lone star state.
#5 University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth - Fort Worth, TX
At number 5, we have the University of North Texas Health Science Center, one of the best medical school in the nation to earn a D.O.. University of North Texas is also highly ranked for primary care and is the oldest and most established Texas school of osteopathic medicine.
Sixty percent of UNT graduates go into primary care following graduation, so if you're looking to follow in their footsteps, University of North Texas might just be the school for you! The school also specializes in treating underserved populations and rural medicine and boasts numerous innovative community health programs, including the Hispanic Wellness Fair and Cowton Marathon.
If you're expanding your search outside of Texas, our blog on the best medical school in the US is perfect for you!
#4 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine - Lubbok, TX
One of Texas Tech University's two top-notch medical schools, the Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Lubbok provides a community-oriented medical education to M.D. candidates that is centered around humanistic primary care and inter-professional collaboration with other health professions.
The medical school also has deep ties to West Texas, with satellite campuses located throughout the region where students can opt to spend their final two years in clinical training. A unique feature of the school of medicine is its mission to decrease health disparities among medically underserved rural and minority communities in West Texas. As a result, this school is the perfect home for M.D. candidates with a passion for community health and social justice.
#3 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine - El Paso, TX
Texas Tech University's second medical school at the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine is similarly dedicated to working with medically underserved populations. In particular, the school's location in El Paso at the U.S.-Mexico border offers M.D. candidates the opportunity to understand the medical needs of immigrant communities.
The Paul L. Foster School of Medicine is the only medical school in Texas that requires its students to learn Spanish language skills. For the first two semesters, M.D. candidates take pre-clinical courses pass/fail. Public health education is also a central part of the school's medical curriculum, as students are required to take "Society, Community, and Individual" courses to learn about public health topics.
If you're a hispanic student looking to make an impact, you'll want to check out these scholarships for hispanic students to fund your higher education!
#2 Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine - Bryan, TX
Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine is one of the most prestigious medical schools in the state of Texas, and we've ranked it at number two in our Texas medical school roundup. True to its roots as an agricultural school, Texas A&M emphasizes rural and population health in both its pre-clinical coursework and clinical rotations, seen through its top ranking in most graduates practicing in rural areas.
Medical students at Texas A&M have the opportunity to undergo clinical training at the main campus in Bryan or throughout its various satellite campuses in Dallas, Houston, Round Rock, and Temple. Students can also participate in interdisciplinary coursework through tracks in military health and the EnMed track that integrates medical curriculum with engineering.
#1 Baylor College of Medicine - Houston, TX
Finally, we arrive at our number one pick for the best medical schools in Texas: the Baylor College of Medicine. It is renowned as a research powerhouse, ranking among the best medical schools for research in the country. Those in the field will also know Baylor as the creator of BIPAI, the world's most extensive university-based care and treatment program for HIV-infected and affected children.
Additional features like a rigorous, world-class curriculum and robust alumni network of practicing physicians make Baylor a top choice for any medical student. However, Texas students in particular are in luck because although Baylor is a private medical school, tuition costs remain low because of public funding for in-state students.
Fun Fact: Baylor is also the only school to teach tropical medicine in North America, giving students the opportunity to learn about a unique medical population.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Medical Schools in Texas
How can I get into one of the best medical schools in Texas?
To get into one of the best medical schools in Texas, you need a strong academic record, particularly in the sciences, and a high MCAT score, typically above 510. Additionally, demonstrate a commitment to healthcare through clinical experience, research, and community service. Finally, applying early and preparing thoroughly for interviews will improve your chances of acceptance.
How can I pay for medical school in Texas?
To pay for medical school in Texas, you can utilize scholarships and grants offered by schools and external organizations such as Bold.org, along with federal and state-specific student loans. Programs like the Texas Physician Education Loan Repayment Program provide loan forgiveness in exchange for service in underserved areas. Combining these financial resources can help manage tuition costs and reduce student debt.
How long is medical residency in Texas?
Medical residency in Texas typically lasts between 3 to 7 years, depending on the specialty. For instance, residencies in family medicine or internal medicine usually take 3 years, while specialties like surgery or neurology can extend to 5-7 years. The exact duration is determined by the requirements of the specialty board and the specific training program you choose.
Check out our scholarship blog for more articles like this, including the inside scoop on the top 10 best medical school scholarships!
About Ellie
Ellie is an exceptional writer and researcher with expertise in financial aid, scholarship applications, and aid negotiation. Throughout high school, she applied for scholarships and was able to win enough to cover all of her external scholarship limit.
Ellie is a freshman at Brown University, majoring in Classics and Literary Arts with a focus on fiction. She’s currently a research assistant for the American Sign Language department at Brown University where she fulfills many different roles to promote ASL's presence on campus and in the local community.
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