18 Best Medical Schools In New York: How To Get In

Many applicants to medical schools in New York do so because of the city’s location. New York City is the most populated city in the US, while the state of New York is the fourth most populous in the US. 

Furthermore, regardless of whether they are out-of-state students or not, all New York medical school students pay the same fees to attend.

And this article will give you all the details you need about the medical schools in New York, and other juicy details you will love.

Statistics about medical schools in New York

U.S. News has given New York’s medical schools top rankings (research). Two schools are in the top five in the 2023 rankings, four schools are in the top 20, six schools are in the top 50, and eleven schools are in the top 100.

The majority of tuition costs at medical schools in New York are in the range of $60,000. It’s important to note that since many New York programs are private, both in-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition.

The majority of schools, especially private ones, welcome students from other states. 

How to determine your competitiveness for medical schools in New York

You need to increase your competitiveness before applying to medical schools in New York. And this is because so many students will be applying just like you.

You must examine the typical MCAT scores, GPAs, and acceptance rates for accepted students in order to assess your competitiveness for a New York medical school.

The average MCAT scores, GPAs, and tuition for all medical schools in New York are included here, to make your decision solid.

17 medical schools in New York

1. Albany Medical College

Of all the medical schools in New York, Albany Medical College stands out as one of the country’s oldest private medical schools. It also has a long history and a solid reputation.

The busiest Level 1 trauma hospital in the state and the sole academic medical center in northeastern New York are located on the same campus as Albany. 

Students at Albany rotate around these and other adjacent facilities to gain a variety of clinical experiences.

The tuition at this school is $57,723. And to be admitted, you need a GPA of 3.73, and an MCAT of 510.

2. Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Students at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, which is situated in the Bronx, can get a variety of clinical experiences by attending to a variety of underserved patient populations. 

Einstein’s emphasis on enhancing health through involvement in the community and a long-term curricular subject centered on population health are in accord with this. 

Students at Einstein can benefit from a real pass/fail curriculum and recorded elective courses. 

The tuition and fees for this school are $60,098. Also, with a ranking of 37 it requires you to have an MCAT of 516 and a GPA of 3.82.

3. Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

For students who were eligible for financial aid, Columbia became one of the first medical schools in New York to replace all loans with scholarships in 2018. 

This, along with its top-ten ranking and Ivy League reputation, has made it a highly sought-after medical school for many. 

The Columbia curriculum is notable for its emphasis on narrative medicine, a discipline that was developed there, for its non-medical curricular threads in public health and biomedical informatics; for its differentiation and integration block, where students take electives and work on scholarly projects, and for the many other opportunities, it provides for students to benefit from Columbia’s research potential. 

On the clinical side, Columbia students rotate between a variety of hospitals in the New York City area and through the school’s free, student-run clinics, gaining a wide breadth of expertise. The Columbia-Bassett track, which concentrates on rural medicine, is another option provided by Columbia.

This university is ranked No. 3 in the nation, and its tuition and fees are pegged at $69,363. To be admitted to this school, you need a GPA of 3.93 and an MCAT score of 521.

4. CUNY School of Medicine

The objective of the relatively new CUNY School of Medicine is to increase access to medical education for students from underrepresented and underprivileged areas who have little financial resources, as well as to educate primary care physicians who will work in these communities. 

It’s crucial to remember that CUNY only provides a seven-year BS/MD program that students can enroll in as freshmen; the university does not currently provide a separate MD program. 

The medical school curriculum places a strong emphasis on population health and how it affects wellness and illness prevention because of CUNY’s primary care concentration. 

Through rotations throughout the Bronx, Staten Island, Harlem, and Queens, students continue their clinical experience beyond their three-year undergraduate program.

As one of the best medical schools in New York, it does not lay heavy emphasis on MCAT and GPA. But its tuition is $41,912 (In-State)and 

$69,572 (Out-Of-State).

5. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

The Icahn School of Medicine seeks to train innovative, artistic medical professionals and scientists who will transform medicine through activism and innovation. 

Its educational methodology, which it describes as “combining the best traditions of medicine with the ideas and entrepreneurial thinking of a startup,” is likewise characterized by an emphasis on bringing about change. 

Icahn takes pride in its pass/fail, flexible curriculum, which is apparent from the name of its early assurance program, FlexMed. 

For example, you can choose to take on a year-long research project and “Flex Time” for self-directed, individualized learning, discovery, and leadership development. 

Icahn is one of the few American medical schools with a hospital affiliation, giving its students access to top-notch clinical training and fantastic research opportunities.

It is ranked as one of the best medical schools in the state (No. 11). Its tuition is $60,405, and it requires you to have a GPA of 3.86 and an MCAT score of 519.

6. Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo

The University of Buffalo Stony Brook is one of just two public medical schools in New York to receive a U.S. News research ranking of No. 74.

Thus, students can be assured of the possibility of taking outstanding research and a wide range of clinical training options at an inexpensive price—especially if they are New York residents—given the relative affordability of in-state tuition and Buffalo’s low cost of living. 

A modern, cutting-edge medical school building, clinical exposure and mentorship from a community-based physician starting in the first year, a Global Medicine Program with possibilities to travel abroad, and a medical leadership track are noteworthy features of Buffalo.

This medical school in New York pegs its tuition at $46,722 (In-state)

$68,212 Out-Of-State.

7. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine – Elmira Campus

One of the largest medical schools in New York and the US is Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), which has four campuses spread across Pennsylvania, Florida, and New York State. 

The newest school, in Elmira, was established in 2020 to help with the Southern Tier region’s doctor need. 

With the exception of the original LECOM campus in Erie, Pennsylvania, all LECOM schools exclusively provide a problem-based learning curriculum, which requires students to work alone or in small groups. 

LECOM is home to brand-new facilities on the Elmira College campus. Arnot Ogden Medical Center and other Southern Tier hospitals serve as rotation sites for students.

The school is currently ranked at 95-124, and its tuition is $39,900. To be admitted to this school, you need a GPA of 3.5 and an MCAT of 503.

8. New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

Long Island’s NYITCOM is an osteopathic medical school committed to providing population-based, patient-centered treatment. It places a focus on educating students to practice in inner cities, rural areas, and international regions in particular. 

Candidates may choose to be considered for both NYITCOM’s Jonesboro, Arkansas, and its second, more recent campus. 

A technology-driven curriculum is provided by NYITCOM that includes robotics, telemedicine, and lectures that are synced across campuses. Students also benefit from a pass/fail curriculum and optional, streamable lectures.

However, NYITCOM offers rotations at numerous locations throughout the New York City metro region each year, giving students a wide selection of clinical experiences.

This is one of the best medical schools in New York, and it requires you to have a GPA of 3.62, and an MCAT of 506.

Furthermore, the tuition at this school is pegged at $62,066.

9. New York Medical College

The largest incoming class size among New York’s allopathic medical schools is at the suburban New York Medical College. 

NYMC places a strong emphasis on a humanistic, inclusive philosophy, which is demonstrated by the school’s long history of admitting women and people of color, as well as the students’ early exposure to community-based primary care. 

A pass/fail curriculum and the chance to take part in exchange programs with medical schools in Japan, Korea, Hungary, and Israel are just a couple of the amenities provided by NYMC. 

The Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and Westchester Medical Center are located on the same campus as NYMC. 

Together with the Metropolitan Hospital Center in Harlem, these facilities serve as NYMC’s principal rotation sites, providing students with a wide spectrum of clinical experiences.

It is rated as one of the best medical schools in New York at No. 93 in the state. And the tuition is pegged at $60,602. 

To be admitted to this school, you need a GPA of 3.7 and an MCAT score of 514.

10. NYU Grossman School of Medicine

When NYU announced in 2018 that all accepted students would receive free tuition, it stood out from the crowd.  Already a competitive medical school, its applications subsequently jumped by about 50%.

New York University has a cutting-edge, adaptable curriculum that incorporates early exposure to clinical care, multidisciplinary education, and personalized exploration through scholarly concentrations and rigorous electives known as “selectives.” 

At the NYU Langone Health complex and through their two main associate hospitals, Bellevue Hospital and the Manhattan VA Hospital, NYU students receive a broad range of clinical training. 

NYU provides a three-year accelerated MD curriculum in addition to its conventional four-year MD degree, which enables students to receive early, conditional entry to NYU residencies.

As one of the best medical schools in New York. It is ranked No. 2 in the state, and its tuition is pegged at $3,950.

Then the required GPA score for prospective students is 3.96, and the MCAT of 522.

11. NYU Long Island School of Medicine

As one of the best medical schools in New York, the Long Island-based NYU-LISOM MD program’s goal is to increase the number of doctors practicing primary care. 

The fact that NYU-LISOM, like NYU Grossman, has free tuition makes it simpler for students to select the lower-paying primary care specializations. 

Currently only taking 24 students annually, NYU-LISOM is a modest program with plans to progressively expand enrollment to 40 students. 

The curriculum at NYU-LISOM has a strong emphasis on integrated care, population health, and health systems science in order to prepare students to be leaders in primary care. 

Conditional early admittance to a residency at NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island is one benefit of attending NYU-LISOM.

The tuition at this school is currently pegged at $3,450. Then, as a prospective student, you need a GPA of 3.83, and an MCAT of 516.

12. Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University

Stony Brook is one of the top-ranked public medical schools in New York, and excels in research. It has a strong global health program with opportunities to study abroad and focuses on developing students’ professional identities. 

Furthermore, it has a relatively low in-state tuition (note: out-of-state students are generally eligible for in-state tuition beginning in the second year). 

Students receive their training at Stony Brook University Hospital, the only Level 1 trauma center and tertiary care facility on Long Island. 

Additionally, Stony Brook has a three-year accelerated MD program that grants students conditional entry to a Stony Brook residency as well as the Scholarly Concentrations Program, a route that enables medical students to pursue scholarships in one of four fields.

This school is ranked No. 53 in the state, requiring you to have a GPA of 3.86 and an MCAT score of 517. 

Also, the tuition at this school is pegged at $47,774 for in-state students, and 

$69,264 for out-of-state students.

University.

13. SUNY Upstate Medical University Alan and Marlene Norton College of Medicine

The geographically focused objective of Syracuse-based SUNY Upstate is to enhance the health of the communities it serves. 

Its Rural Medicine Scholars Program, designed to relieve the physician shortage in rural areas of Central New York, is in line with this. 

University Hospital, the only academic medical center and Level 1 trauma hospital in the area, is available to SUNY Upstate students. 

Additionally, SUNY Upstate maintains a second campus in Binghamton where students can engage with patients and attend physicians in a more intimate setting. 

Beginning in the third year, around a quarter of each class transfers to the Binghamton campus. Pass/fail marking, optional lectures, a reasonable cost of living, and in-state tuition for New York residents are some of the amenities provided by SUNY Upstate.

As one of the best medical schools in New York, this school is ranked No. 87, and its tuition is estimated at $42,213 for in-state students and $66,703 for out-of-state students.

Additionally, you need a GPA of 3.79, and an MCAT of 514.

14. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine

With its University Hospital of Brooklyn and other clinical affiliates, SUNY Downstate, the only academic medical center in the ethnically diverse neighborhood of Brooklyn, provides students with exceptional clinical experience. 

As a result, it concentrates on treating the neglected and tackling medical problems unique to metropolitan areas. 

The curriculum at SUNY Downstate is notable for its array of integrated routes from which students can select (such as global health, social determinants of health, and medical education), pass/fail marking, optional lectures, and early exposure to clinical settings. 

As one of the best medical schools in New York, this school charges $44,376 for in-state tuition and fees, while for out-state students, it is $65,866.

You need a GPA of 3.73, and an MCAT of 513 to be accepted to this school.

15. Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine

Two campuses of Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine are located in New York. One is in the Hudson Valley and the other is in Harlem. 

In order to realize its goal of delivering healthcare to marginalized populations, Touro focuses on training medical professionals.

These professionals will work in these areas to increase the proportion of medical professionals from underrepresented minority backgrounds. 

The Touro program stresses community service during the pre-clinical years and uses a flipped classroom style. 

Touro students rotate at clinical locations across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut depending on which campus they are based.

As one of the best medical schools in New York, you need a GPA of 3.47-3.48, and an MCAT of 502.68-506.75 to get in.

Furthermore, you will need $59,150 for tuition and fees annually.

16. University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

When treating patients, Rochester’s groundbreaking biopsychosocial educational paradigm takes into account how biological, psychological, and social aspects interact. 

Similar to Rochester, which refers to itself as the “Liberal Arts School of Medicine,” this institution emphasizes an interdisciplinary, humanities-focused school.

Also, it offers specialized routes in areas including medical humanities and bioethics, medical education, and global health. 

Rochester students get their first taste of clinical experience in their first year and work with a variety of patients.

As one of the best medical schools in New York, it is ranked as No.37. Its tuition is also pegged at $66,2285. 

To get accepted into this school, you need a GPA of 3.86 and an MCAT of 517.

17. Weill Cornell Medical College

Weill Cornell offers a top-tier ranking, Ivy League status, and debt-free financial aid, much like Columbia does. 

Cornell’s progressive curriculum, which prioritizes small groups, self-directed inquiry, and active learning over traditional lectures, sets it apart from other universities. 

Students have excellent research opportunities and gain excellent clinical exposure to diverse patient populations.

This is because Cornell shares a campus with a number of other renowned medical institutions.

As one of the best medical schools in New York, this school is ranked No. 14 in the state. And the tuition is pegged at $66,954.

To be accepted at this school, you need a GPA of 3.93 and an MCAT 520. 

18. Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Zucker School of Medicine was established as a result of a collaboration between Hofstra University and the Northwell hospital system. And despite its relatively recent founding, it has a reputation as a growing medical school. 

Hofstra University offers a cutting-edge, problem-based learning program with a focus on small-group, case-based learning and autonomous, self-directed study. 

Early clinical exposure for Hofstra students and acc 

New, cutting-edge educational facilities and research opportunities through Northwell’s Feinstein Institutes are also noteworthy at Hofstra.

As one of the best medical schools in New York, it is ranked No.64 in the state. And its tuition is pegged $54,525. 

To be admitted into this school, you need a GPA of  3.84 and an MCAT of 519.

Frequently asked questions about medical schools in New York

Conclusion

The best medical schools in New York are now known to you. All you need to do is check them out to determine which one will serve you better.

Now you know the MCAT and GPA, you can also work towards making yourself the best candidate to be considered.