Best Medical Universities in USA for Indian Students: Fees & Rankings

Last Updated on August 29, 2024

Our guide about the Best Medical Universities in the USA for Indian Students focuses on high-ranked institutions recognized for their outstanding academics, advanced research work as well as complete medical training that they offer. We study essential areas such as fees, rankings and admission conditions to assist you in making a learned choice. Whether you want to study at Harvard, Johns Hopkins or any other high-ranking university – Admissify is the reliable companion for your medical education dreams in USA. In this blog post, let’s explore the best medical universities in the US for Indian students. 

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Best Medical Universities in USA

According to QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, Harvard University’s Medical School is the best medical school in the world. Stanford University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine took second and third place, respectively. 

The table below displays the best medical universities in the USA, showing their average tuition fees and QS World Rankings in Medicine for 2024. 

Harvard Medical School

The Harvard Medical School, founded in 1782 in Boston, Massachusetts, is revered around the world for its exceptional role in medical education, research, and clinical care. The school’s top-notch facilities and teaching staff have always made it a leading institution for medical education in the United States of America and globally.

From this, it’s clear that Harvard Medical School has many programs ready to teach students about different aspects of healthcare and biomedical research. With its strong links and partnerships with famous hospitals, the school can give students unique clinical experience and professional growth opportunities.

Notable Alumni-

• Dr. Harold Amos- An American microbiologist, recognized for studying bacterial metabolism and animal and bacterial virology.

• Dr. Judah Folkman is an American biologist and surgeon specialising in children’s medicine who has played a leading role in angiogenesis research.

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine has an excellent reputation for its leading research and exceptional medical education. Established in 1893, this revered institution has a rich record of providing the best medical research and academic opportunities. The school offers different degree programs and is known for its focus on combining scientific research with clinical work. Johns Hopkins is connected to one of the top hospitals in America, giving students outstanding clinical training and research opportunities.

Notable Alumni-

• Victor A. McKusick was an American geneticist known as the father of medical genetics.
• Denton Cooley- Surgeon from America, the initial surgeon to perform a heart transplant in the USA.

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

The Perelman School of Medicine is part of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Established in 1765, it ha sbeen one of the oldest serving institutions in America. This school is recognised for its cross-disciplinary method and groundbreaking research. It offers an all-inclusive learning experience by combining fundamental and practical medical knowledge.

Notable Alumni-

• Michael Stuart Brown, an American geneticist, discovered the receptor.
• Robert M. Wachter,  a physician, author, and chair at UCSF School of Medicine.

Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, founded in 1767, is among the earliest and most respected medical schools in the United States. Situated in New York City, Columbia University enjoys a rich history of providing top-tier education for those studying medicine.

Columbia is associated with the New York-Presbyterian Hospital which is among the country’s best healthcare institutions. This connection allows students to work in many medical fields and explore the various facets of healthcare, medical aid, and medical informatics. It also lets them participate in revolutionary clinical tests and get guidance from top professionals.

Notable Alumni-

• P. Roy Vagelos, Former CEO of Merck
• Story Musgrave, an American physician, is the only astronaut to have flown on all five Space Shuttles.

Duke University School of Medicine

The Duke University School of Medicine, located in Durham, North Carolina, is famous for its unique medical education and research methods. Duke cooperates with the Duke University Health System, allowing students to use advanced medical facilities and a variety of patients.

Notable Alumni-

• Vanessa Grubbs, Nephrologist and writer
• Damon Tweedy, Physician and Associate Professor

Stanford University School of Medicine

The Stanford University School of Medicine was founded over a century ago, in 1908. Since then, this university has cultivated a worldwide reputation for medical research, education and clinical care.

Stanford, known for entrepreneurship and leading research, has a flexible and upbeat curriculum. Associated with Stanford Health Care, one of the top medical centres in the country, students at the Stanford School of Medicine stand to hone their skills and acquaint themselves with the latest developments in medicine and healthcare. 

Notable Alumni-

• Karl Deisseroth, an American scientist, is famous for his work on inventing and advancing hydrogel-tissue chemistry technologies (for example, CLARITY and STARmap) and optogenetics.
• Shreyas Vasanawala is an American paediatric radiologist and biomedical engineer. He holds positions as Radiologist-in-Chief at Stanford Children’s Health and Division Chief of Pediatric Radiology at Stanford University.

UCSF School of Medicine

The UCSF School of Medicine, founded in 1864, is located in San Francisco, California. It pushes forward global health with its innovative biomedical research and credible services to America’s healthcare needs. UCSF ranks amongst the top five medical schools in the United States. It focuses on practical clinical learning and is very strong in medical and health policy studies.

The school’s research program is strong, receiving more than $1.5 billion in yearly funds, which makes it one of the country’s top-funded places for biomedical research. All in all, UCSF Medical Center is among the best hospitals in the country. 

Notable Alumni

• Priscilla Chan, American philanthropist and former paediatrician
• William R. Brody, American radiologist, Former President Emeritus, Johns Hopkins University. President Emeritus, Salk Institute for Biological Studies‍.

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

The School of Medicine at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, was established in 1874. It is a highly esteemed school that concentrates on research, education, and overall advancements in healthcare. Linked to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the school provides advanced medical tools and interacts with different kinds of patients, improving students’ practical training.

The atmosphere of working together here helps create new research and ideas, which puts Vanderbilt at the forefront of healthcare progress.

Notable Alumni-

• George C. Nichopoulos, an American physician

• Levi Watkins, American surgeon and civil rights activist

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

Situated in St. Louis, Missouri, The Washington University School of Medicine is well-known for its medical research and teaching work. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that emphasises scientific inquiry and clinical excellence.

Barnes-Jewish Hospital, linked to Washington University, gives students many choices for clinical training. This school is famous for its collaborative research atmosphere and modern facilities.

Notable Alumni-

• Pejman Salimpour is a physician and Professor. He is one of the co-founders of CareNex Health Services, which became part of Anthem and Plymouth Health.
• Timothy J. Ley, Hematologist

Weill Cornell Medical College

Weill Cornell Medical College, situated in New York City, is a prominent establishment for medical education, investigation, and patient care. The school provides a lively, groundbreaking syllabus combining science fundamentals with practical clinical experience.

Weill Cornell, which is connected with New York-Presbyterian Hospital (a leading hospital in the USA), provides students with access to a wide range of advanced medical equipment. The school also has worldwide health efforts and cross-discipline research programs.

Notable Alumni-

• Anthony Fauci, Former Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the United States.
• Dr. Mae C. Jemison, was an American engineer who was the first African American woman to go into space.

NYU Grossman School of Medicine

The NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City has cultivated a respectable reputation for its dedication to medical education, research and clinical care.

Classified as a top-tier medical school in the USA, it is known for its special tuition-free programme, which all medical students can join.

NYU Grossman is connected with NYU Langone Health, which gives students chances to learn in current medical places and interact with various types of patients. The school is also known for being focused on research and new ideas.

Notable Alumni-

• Lewis Thomas, American physician and poet
• Albert Sabin, Polish-American biomedical scientist, made the oral polio vaccine

Yale University School of Medicine

1810 marks the birth of Yale University School of Medicine, nestled in New Haven, Connecticut. It is a renowned place for medical education and research. The school’s advanced approach to education and academics encourages free thought and independent learning, getting students ready to perform well in the ever-changing field of health. 

Linked with Yale New Haven Hospital, a massive hospital in the area, students from Yale University School of Medicine get precious clinical training.

Furthermore, Yale’s dedication to groundbreaking studies and tackling global health problems highlights its role as a frontrunner in boosting medical understanding and enhancing patient treatment worldwide.

Notable Alumni-

• Brian Weiss, American psychiatrist and hypnotherapist
• Aaron Beck, American psychiatrist, father of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

Eligibility Requirements for the Best Medical Universities in USA

To be eligible for medical schools in the USA, you should have a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The advisable majors are Physics, Biology and Chemistry. Other conditions for admission to US medical schools are:

• Language Proficiency Test: To demonstrate their English skills, future students should take the IELTS (6.5 total), TOEFL (from 70 to 90), or PTE test (50-70). The type of exam required depends on the institution. Every examination has a unique scoring system, so applicants must look at the medical school’s website for accepted tests and the minimum score required.

• Medical College Admission Test or MCAT: This test evaluates a person’s suitability for medical studies. You must take this test to study for an MBBS in the USA. The MCAT, given on computers, checks your skills in multiple-choice questions about thinking, understanding and ability. It happens 15 times every year and takes 7.5 hours per session, with the lowest score being zero (0) and the highest possible score being five hundred twenty-eight (528) points; the typical median result stands at five hundred (500).

• NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test): Students from India need to clear the NEET, too, achieving qualifying marks for studying MBBS overseas, which is at least 50 percentile.

Required Documents for MBBS in the USA include:

• Transcripts from previous academic studies
• Evaluation of foreign transcripts by an accredited agency
• Relevant test scores, as required by the university
• English Proficiency Test Certificate
• Copy of a valid passport
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Resume
• Criminal background check
• Student visa
• Passport-sized photographs

Top 3 Cheapest Medical Schools in the US

We get it- studying medicine in the United States can be challenging, given the high tuition fee. Therefore, we have curated a list of some of the cheapest medical schools in the US and how students can still fulfil their endeavours in healthcare. 

1. Public institutions, like community colleges and state universities, may have lower tuition rates for overseas students than private schools, which could make them somewhat more affordable.
2. It is crucial for overseas students who are contemplating US medical schools to compare fees, scholarships, and financial support opportunities.

Here are the top 3 cheapest medical schools in the US:

Intakes at Best Medical Universities in the USA for Indian Students

The applications for the best medical universities in the USA are systematic. The application cycle starts in early May when the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) also become available to accept submissions.

1. Students are advised to send primary applications in May or June to take advantage of the rolling admissions system.
2. Submitting secondary applications, which include extra essays and details related to every medical school, is usually from June to August.
3. Interviews are held from September through March, and acceptance notifications are given from October until May. Programs usually start in August or September of the following year.

Application Process for Best Medical Universities in the USA 

There is enough room for determined and enthusiastic students among the 50 MD-granting medical schools in the U.S. that actively accept international applicants. If you plan and prepare well, from meeting academic conditions to getting a student visa, you can begin your journey towards a satisfying medical career.

These are the crucial steps and advice to make your aspiration of studying medicine in the United States a reality.

1. Academic Prerequisites

For most U.S. medical schools, you need to finish particular prerequisite courses or 12th with these subjects:

• Biology: 1 year with lab
• General Chemistry: 1 year with lab
• Organic Chemistry: 1 year with lab
• Physics: 1 year with lab
• English: 1 year

2. MCAT Examination

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is an exam that all U.S. medical schools look for, and it’s essential to prepare ahead of time because your scores will be part of your application.

The MCAT tests your understanding of biological and physical sciences, as well as the capability to think critically and solve problems. The AAMC reports that for the 2023-24 school year, most accepted students had an average MCAT score of 506.3.

3. Application Process

International students make their applications via the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), which works as the central hub for applications to almost all U.S. medical schools. You should incorporate these things into your AMCAS application:

• Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• MCAT Scores: Official scores sent directly from AAMC.
• Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation- 3 to 5

Scholarships at the Best Medical Universities in the USA for Indian Students

Do you think about how to pay for the costly education in top medical universities in the USA if you’re an international student?

The tuition fees, which range between INR 50L and INR 60L every year, combined with living costs can increase the financial load to some extent. However, many scholarships can help reduce this burden.

These scholarships are not just about money; they also appreciate and recognise academic achievement, future leadership skills, and dedication to medicine.

1. Harvard Medical School Financial Aid

Financial aid is provided to international students at Harvard Medical School based on their need. The aid packages usually consist of scholarships, loans, and work-study programs designed according to each student’s demonstrated need for financial assistance.

In this way, students with potential will be allowed to avoid financial issues from coming to Harvard.

The most significant sum covers tuition and necessary expenses, which is around INR 60L for a full-time student.

2. Johns Hopkins University Scholarships

The John Hopkins Scholarships are awarded for excellence in academics, leadership skills, and potential to contribute to the field of medicine.

The exact amount and number of scholarships can vary each year. 

Amount: Limited, merit-based

3. Stanford University School of Medicine Financial Aid

Stanford University School of Medicine provides financial aid based on the needs of international students. The assistance is planned to meet every student’s complete demonstrated financial requirement, which includes costs like tuition fees alongside living expenses. Ultimately, Stanford is dedicated to giving opportunities for medical education to all deserving students, no matter their financial situation.

Amount: Varies based on need- the maximum amount can be 100% tuition fee.

4. Yale School of Medicine Financial Aid

A program at the Yale School of Medicine offers financial assistance to international students based on their needs. This program aims to guarantee that no student, irrespective of their economic situation, misses out on studying here because they cannot afford it.

The aid packages can include scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.

Amount: Based on need, INR 8.3L annual loan commitment (2023-24).

Job Prospects after MBBS in USA

Doctors who have finished MBBS in the United States will likely be paid different salaries based on their speciality and how much experience they’ve gained. On average, entry-level doctors earn around INR 1.2Cr- INR 1.6Cr annually. However, their salary can grow considerably when they gather experience and expertise in their area. For example, senior doctors and specialists may earn more than INR 3 Cr annually.

Conclusion

Pursuing academic endeavours in the USA provides Indian students exceptional opportunities for growth, learning and professional triumph. With the highest-ranking schools such as Harvard, Johns Hopkins, etc.,  it is now possible for you to make your aspiration of being at the forefront of medicine and healthcare come true.  Study in the best medical universities in USA with Admissify by your side- aim for the highest-quality scholarships, personalised university shortlistings, career counselling, and holistic test-prep!

FAQs

What are the best medical universities in the USA for Indian students?

The best medical universities in the USA for Indian students include:

• Harvard Medical School

• Stanford University School of Medicine

• Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

• UCSF School of Medicine

• Yale University School of Medicine

These schools are famous for offering top-notch education, modern resources and a variety of clinical experiences. They promise a good return on investment because there are many job opportunities in this field.

What is the duration of medical education in the USA?

The course length is calculated from four years in medical school, followed by an extra three to seven years of residency training, depending on your chosen speciality. This lengthy training guarantees a broad understanding and clinical abilities.

What qualifications must Indian students have to apply to top medical universities in America?

The criteria to apply for medical colleges in the USA for Indian students after their 12th are:

• Mandatory subjects in 12th (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English)
• Competitive MCAT scores- around 510
• A strong GPA
• Excellent letters of recommendation
• A compelling SOP 
• What is the cost for Indian students to study medicine in the USA?

Ans4. The medical education cost in the USA is around INR 60L to INR 65L per year, including tuition fees and living expenses. This amount is similar to private medical colleges in India.

Avneet

Avneet Kaur is a dedicated writer with a profound commitment to enhancing education across the globe. Through her insightful blogs and articles, she aims to help students achieve their goals by exploring all aspects of learning and introducing new approaches to education. In addition to her focus on education, Avneet has a keen interest in digital media, continually exploring its potential alongside her writing and academic pursuits. Her diverse experiences and innovative ideas are making a significant impact on the way education is perceived and delivered worldwide.