Best Medical Schools in Massachusetts

National Ranking	Best Medical Programs
1	Harvard University (Boston, MA) Acceptance rate: 4.1% MCAT composite score: 12.0 Tuition: Full-time: $47,500 Average undergraduate GPA: 3.87 Total medical school enrollment: 709 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 12.6:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $1,346.3
31	Boston University (Boston, MA) Acceptance rate: 5.1% MCAT composite score: 11.0 Tuition: Full-time: $49,560 Average undergraduate GPA: 3.64 Total medical school enrollment: 727 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.8:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $218.2 51 University of Massachusetts, Worcester (Worcester, MA) Acceptance rate: 21.2% MCAT composite score: 10.8 Tuition: Full-time: $8,352 (in-state) Average undergraduate GPA: 3.66 Total medical school enrollment: 514 Full-time faculty-student ratio: 2.8:1 NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $181.3

Medical Schools in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to some of the top medical schools in the world, known for their innovative medical education, groundbreaking research, and exceptional clinical training. These schools offer a range of degree programs and are highly competitive, attracting students from across the globe.

1. Harvard Medical School

Overview

Harvard Medical School (HMS), located in Boston, is one of the most prestigious medical schools globally. Founded in 1782, HMS is renowned for its leadership in medical research, education, and clinical care. It partners with several leading hospitals in the Boston area, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Boston Children’s Hospital, providing students with unparalleled clinical training opportunities. HMS emphasizes a problem-based learning approach and fosters leadership in medicine and research.

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/Masters in Biomedical Informatics Graduate programs in biomedical sciences Postgraduate training (residencies and fellowships)

Admission Requirements

Average MCAT: 519 Average GPA: 3.9 Prerequisites: One year of biology with lab Two years of chemistry with lab (general, organic, and biochemistry) One year of physics with lab One year of mathematics (calculus and/or statistics) Humanities and social sciences courses are recommended Strong emphasis on research experience, clinical exposure, leadership, and community service Applicants should demonstrate a passion for healthcare innovation and problem-solving.

Starting Salaries

Median Starting Salary: $70,000–$75,000 (during residency) Post-residency: Depending on specialization, Harvard graduates can earn between $240,000 and $450,000, with surgeons, cardiologists, and other specialists earning at the higher end of the spectrum.

2. University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

Overview

The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMass Chan), located in Worcester, is a leading public medical school known for its commitment to primary care, community health, and biomedical research. UMass Chan is highly regarded for its affordability and strong focus on training physicians who will practice in underserved areas of Massachusetts and beyond. The school is affiliated with UMass Memorial Health Care, providing students with excellent clinical training in both urban and rural settings.

Degree Programs

Doctor of Medicine (MD) MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program) MD/MPH (Master of Public Health) MD/MBA (Master of Business Administration) Graduate programs in biomedical sciences Residency and fellowship programs

Admission Requirements

Average MCAT: 514 Average GPA: 3.8 Prerequisites: One year of biology with lab Two years of chemistry with lab (general, organic, and biochemistry) One year of physics with lab Mathematics (statistics or calculus) Emphasis on applicants with clinical experience, community service, and research involvement UMass Chan looks for students with a commitment to serving underserved and rural populations, as well as those with leadership and teamwork experience.

Starting Salaries

Median Starting Salary: $60,000–$70,000 (during residency) Post-residency: UMass Chan graduates typically earn between $200,000 and $300,000 depending on their specialty, with primary care physicians earning toward the lower end and specialists such as surgeons and oncologists earning more.

3. Boston University School of Medicine

Overview

Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), located in Boston’s South End, is one of the oldest medical schools in the country. It is part of the Boston Medical Center, providing students with access to a wide variety of clinical experiences, especially in serving underserved communities. BUSM emphasizes research, public health, and primary care, and offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in global health initiatives and biomedical research.

Degree Programs

Doctor of Medicine (MD) MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program) MD/MPH (Master of Public Health) MD/MBA (Master of Business Administration) Graduate programs in biomedical sciences Residency and fellowship programs

Admission Requirements

Average MCAT: 516 Average GPA: 3.77 Prerequisites: One year of biology with lab One year of general chemistry with lab One year of organic chemistry with lab Biochemistry Physics with lab Mathematics (calculus or statistics) Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to serving diverse, underserved populations, and should have clinical experience and research experience.

Starting Salaries

Median Starting Salary: $65,000–$70,000 (during residency) Post-residency: BUSM graduates typically earn between $210,000 and $330,000 depending on their specialty, with primary care doctors on the lower end and specialists like dermatologists and orthopedic surgeons on the higher end.

4. Tufts University School of Medicine

Overview

Tufts University School of Medicine, located in Boston, is known for its innovative educational approach, integrating cutting-edge biomedical research with clinical practice. The school has strong affiliations with several leading healthcare institutions, including Tufts Medical Center. Tufts is also recognized for its global health programs and offers extensive opportunities for students to work in international healthcare settings. It has a strong focus on public health, primary care, and biomedical research.

Degree Programs

Doctor of Medicine (MD) MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program) MD/MPH (Master of Public Health) MD/MBA (Master of Business Administration) Graduate programs in biomedical sciences Residency and fellowship programs

Admission Requirements

Average MCAT: 514 Average GPA: 3.7 Prerequisites: One year of biology with lab One year of chemistry with lab (general and organic) Biochemistry Physics with lab Mathematics (calculus or statistics) Tufts values applicants with diverse backgrounds who demonstrate leadership, community service, clinical experience, and a commitment to global health and public health initiatives.

Starting Salaries

Median Starting Salary: $60,000–$70,000 (during residency) Post-residency: Tufts graduates typically earn between $200,000 and $320,000 depending on their specialization, with primary care physicians on the lower end and specialists such as anesthesiologists and radiologists on the higher end.

5. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Overview

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, located in Boston, is one of the most prestigious public health schools in the world. Although not a traditional medical school, it offers a wide range of degree programs that complement a career in medicine, especially for physicians who wish to focus on public health, preventive medicine, and global health. Many students pursue joint MD/MPH programs through partnerships with Harvard Medical School and other institutions.

Degree Programs

Master of Public Health (MPH) Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Master of Science (MS) in public health-related fields PhD in public health-related fields MD/MPH (in collaboration with Harvard Medical School)

Admission Requirements

Average MCAT (for MD/MPH applicants): 510–520 Average GPA: 3.6–3.9 (varies by program) Prerequisites: A background in healthcare, public health, or related fields is preferred Applicants should have experience in clinical settings, public health research, or health policy Harvard Chan School values applicants with a demonstrated commitment to addressing health disparities, global health challenges, and public health crises.

Starting Salaries

Median Starting Salary (Public Health Professionals): $60,000–$85,000 depending on the field and location Post-MD/MPH: Physicians with public health expertise can earn between $200,000 and $300,000, particularly if they take on leadership roles in health policy, administration, or global health.