The Complete Guide to Medical Schools in Washington State

September 10, 2024

”Jonathan

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 10/16/23

Wondering if Washington State is the right place for you to attend med school? Here’s a full breakdown of med schools in Washington State.

If you’re considering medical school in Washington State, you’ve come to the right place. Washington is home to iconic landmarks such as the Olympic National Park, the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and so many more. The state is also the home of three excellent medical schools, each with a unique set of benefits.

Here we’ve compiled a complete, detailed list of medical schools in Washington State. We’ve included important details for each school, including Washington medical school costs, admissions statistics, how to apply, and more. 

Let’s get started!

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List of Medical Schools in Washington State

The State of Washington is home to two allopathic medical schools and one osteopathic medical school - and we’ve got the breakdown on all three. Here’s everything you need to know about Washington State medical schools.

1. University of Washington School of Medicine

The University of Washington (UWash) is a highly respected institution situated in the heart of Seattle, WA. The school has recently been ranked the #1 allopathic med school for primary care and #13 for research in the US. Additionally, UWash boasts a stunning 634-acre campus adorned with cherry blossom trees and historical buildings. 

Mission Statement

UWashington’s mission statement is as follows:

“Our mission guides us to improve the health of the public by educating and empowering the next generation of physicians, researchers and stewards of wellness in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.”

Class Statistics

Below are the University of Washington’s Medical School class statistics based on the averages of their most recent entering class. For more detailed information on UWashington’s class statistics, visit their Acceptance Statistics page.

GPA MCAT Total Medical School Enrolment Admit Rate
3.75 512 1,183 3.7%

Source: University of Washington, US News

Tuition & Fees

The cost of tuition at the University of Washington varies depending on where you are entering from. Full-time tuition at UWash is $53,480 annually for in-state students and $94,364 for out-of-state students. International students must also pay additional fees. 

How to Apply

In order to apply for UWashington medical school,  you must submit the following materials:

  • Pre-med Courses & Transcripts
  • MCAT
  • CASPER 
  • AMCAS Application
  • Application fee (35$)
  • Secondary Application
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Residence Certification (In-State only)
  • Complete an Interview

The deadline to apply to the School of Medicine at the University of Washington is October 15th, and acceptance is given on a rolling basis from October through March. 

2. Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine

Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine (WSU Floyd) is an allopathic public medical school located in the historical city of Spokane, WA. Although the medical school does not boast many impressive rankings or awards, it is considered to be a community-based college with a passion for improving healthcare locally. 

Mission Statement

Elson S. Floyd’s mission statement is as follows:

“To solve problems in challenging health care environments across the state of Washington.”

Class Statistics

Here are WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine’s class statistics based on the averages of their most recent entering class.

GPA MCAT Admit Rate
3.64 509 9.96%

Source: WSU Floyd

Tuition & Fees

A full year of tuition for medical students at WSU Floyd is reported to cost around $40,610 for in-state students. Student living costs on campus (room & board, food, etc.) is typically $16,548.

How to Apply

You can apply to Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine with an AMCAS application. WSU Floyd also requires the following secondary application materials:

  • Completed prerequisite courses & Transcripts
  • MCAT
  • GPA
  • Complete Secondary Application
  • Letters of Evaluation

The deadline for applications to WSU Floyd is October 15th.

3. Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU) is an osteopathic medical school located in Yakima, Washington. The school is specifically known for its masters programs and is ranked #6 in the US News medical school rankings for med schools with the highest number of graduates working in primary care fields. 

Mission Statement

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine’s mission statement is as follows:

“Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences educates and trains health care professionals emphasizing service among rural and medically underserved communities throughout the Northwest.”

Class Statistics

Here are some of the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine class statistics based on the averages of their most recent entering class. For more detailed information on UWashington’s class statistics, visit their Acceptance Statistics page.

GPA MCAT Admit Rate
3.5 504 6.8%

Source: PNWU

Tuition & Fees

Full-time tuition for in-state residents at PNWU is $59,380 for COM students. They provide a full estimated budget with all costs (academic and personal) accounted for to give students a better idea of what to expect financially. PNWU also has an application fee of $85.

How to Apply

As a school of osteopathic medicine, PNWU requires a primary AACOMAS application as well as the following secondary materials:

  • MCAT
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts & Pre requisite courses
  • Interview (if invited)

For a full, detailed list of PNWU’s admission requirements, check out their admissions page. Your AACOMAS application must be submitted by February 1st, and all supplemental application materials must be submitted by March 1st.

Why Go to Medical School in Washington State?

Now that we’ve learned about the medical schools in Washington, let’s talk about life in the State! Here are some reasons you may want to attend medical school in Washington State.

Excellent Historical and Natural Landmarks

If you love history and nature walks, Washington State may be the place for you. In between studies, Washington offers an array of historical landmarks to visit and some beautiful natural sights such as the Point of Arches, Mount Rainier, and Snoqualmie Falls.

Lower In-State Costs

For in-state students debating staying home for med school, the main benefit to doing so is the lower tuition costs. Even if you don’t plan on staying with family, you can skip out-of-state fees and have a unique college experience without moving far from home.

Other Considerations

Before making any final decisions on where you want to attend medical school, there are a few things to take into consideration. Here are some things to mull over when deciding if medical school in Washington State is right for you.

Residency 

Whenever you choose a medical school, you should consider where you want to do your residency and later practice. It can be highly beneficial to go to medical school in the state you want to do residency in. 

Ask yourself, “Do I want to be in Washington for the next 5+ years?” Your profs and the connections you make in medical school may help you to secure in-state residency opportunities after you graduate.

Serving the Underserved

Washington State has some great medical school programs, but not as much as many other states. There are several underserved areas, especially rural, throughout Washington. Going to med school in Washington may present you with opportunities to practice medicine in local areas and improve healthcare in your community.

FAQs: Medical Schools in Washington State

Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about med schools in Washington State. 

1. How Many Medical Schools Are There in Washington State?

There are two allopathic medical schools and one osteopathic medical school in Washington State. 

2. Are Washington State Med Schools Good?

Yes, there are well rated medical schools in Washington State. The University of Washington is particularly well-rated nationwide, known for both research and primary care. 

3. What’s the Best Medical School in Washington?

The University of Washington is the highest-rated medical school in Washington State. Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine has also received high ratings for its grad programs.

4. Should I Apply for Medical School in Washington?

Applying to medical school is an excellent idea for in-state residents. Tuition for in-state students is significantly lower, and Washington med schools tend to focus on improving healthcare within the state. 

5. How Expensive Are Washington Med Schools?

A full year of tuition for Washington medical schools varies from $39,906 to $59,380 for in-state residents. Out of state students can expect to pay closer to ~$70,000 in tuition, including out-of-state fees.

6. Is Washington State Good for Med Student Life?

Washington State is an excellent location to attend medical school if you enjoy history, small communities, and nature. The state is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful natural landmarks and historical sites. Additionally, Seattle is known for its booming young population, excellent bars, and restaurants.

Final Thoughts

Washington State is home to a few excellent medical school programs. If you’re considering attending medical school in Washington State, make sure to research all of your options thoroughly to make the best decision for your future career. 

Attending med school in Washington can specifically be beneficial to in-state residents seeking lower tuition and who want to improve healthcare in their local area.

Good Luck!

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