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Reviewed by:
Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Reviewed: 8/29/23
Virginia is for lovers and aspiring physicians. Tucked away in Virginia's beautiful and historical landscapes are numerous excellent and sought-after medical schools.
In this article, we will comprehensively go over what you need to know about the best medical schools in Virginia. It will include background information about each medical school, mission statements, and what it’s like to attend medical school in Virginia. Additionally, we will provide a list of all medical schools in Virginia.
Furthermore, we will offer tips for getting accepted into Virginia medical schools and helpful admission and tuition statistics.
Attending medical school in Virginia comes with numerous benefits. Home to six medical schools, Virginia draws a large percentage of many out-of-state medical students.
Virginia is also home to one of the most prestigious and notable MD programs in the United States: the University of Virginia—ranked #53 in primary care and #30 in research by the US News & World Report.
Virginia is also a great place to live for students and young professionals as its unique atmosphere blends the best of both indoor and outdoor activities. There are many museums and cultural institutions that preserve deep American historical roots.
There are also several natural landscapes like the Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Beach, and Luray Caverns. The DMV area—DC, Maryland, and Virginia—is breathtakingly beautiful, and you will have no shortage of adventures and sights to see.
There are six Virginia med schools: four MD and two DO (osteopathic) programs. Below, you will find a complete list of all medical schools in Virginia and information on each medical school’s background, mission, admissions, and tuition.
Median GPA: 3.50
Median MCAT: 511
Acceptance rate: 1.7%
Tuition: $65,651 per year
Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) is a public medical school in Norfolk, Virginia. It opened its doors in 1973 after a grassroots effort transformed the region's medical care landscape.
EVMS prides itself on a community-oriented approach to delivering excellent healthcare to diverse local patient populations, including former and active military personnel, retirees, rural and underserved communities, and racial minorities.
EVMS is unique because students can pursue a dual MD/MPH in partnership with Old Dominion University or MD/MBA with the College of William & Mary.
Applicants should carefully review all EVMS admissions requirements and application requirements.
Median GPA: 3.50
Median MCAT: 500-506
Acceptance rate: 8%
Tuition: $50,700 per year
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is located in Blacksburg, Virginia, and regularly produces some of the finest Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs).
DOs are licensed in every state and practice the full scope of medicine, prioritizing holistic treatment and healthcare approaches. VCOM is unique because 48% of its students are from rural populations under 30,000.
The school is committed to providing equitable healthcare to rural and underserved communities locally and internationally.
Median GPA: 3.40
Median MCAT: 504
Acceptance rate: 4.2%
Tuition: $24,720 per semester
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) is another DO program in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is a relatively new school that opened in 2014, making it the second osteopathic college in Virginia and the thirtieth in the United States. LUCOM is a private Christian school.
Median GPA: 3.87
Median MCAT: 518
Acceptance rate: 2.4%
Tuition: $52,328 per year
University of Virginia School of Medicine (UVA SoM) is in Charlottesville, Virginia. Not only is UVA SoM a highly competitive and prestigious medical school that is consistently ranked as one of the top medical schools in the United States, but it also has a rich history. It was founded in 1819 by none other than Thomas Jefferson.
It is the tenth oldest medical school in the United States, it housed the country’s first anatomical theater where students could observe surgical procedures, and it was the first school in the nation to institute a medical library dedicated to acquiring the best and some of the rarest medical books of that era.
UVA SoM consistently produces some of the nation's top physicians and leaders in healthcare. The US News & World Report ranks UVA SoM #53 in primary care and #30 in research. UVA SoM prioritizes collaboration in a close-knit community, hands-on experiences, research, scholarship, service to others, and quality patient care.
Median GPA: 3.70
Median MCAT: 512
Acceptance rate: 4.5%
Tuition: $34,427 per year
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (VCU SoM) is in Richmond, Virginia. VCU SoM opened its doors after the Medical College of Virginia joined Richmond Professional Institute. VCU SoM is rich in history, with its origins rooted in the Civil War as a facility used by the Confederate Army.
Presently, VCU SoM is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as a major referral center for the Southeast.
Median GPA: 3.60
Median MCAT: 512
Acceptance rate: 0.7%
Tuition: $58,826 per year
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTC SoM) is in Roanoke, Virginia. VTC SoM is unique because it is a public-private partnership between a research university (Virginia Tech) and a significant healthcare institution (Carilion Clinic).
VTC SoM has implemented four “value domains” in its curriculum. The purpose of the value domains is to drive the medical school’s educational objectives, equip students to be life-long learners, and set them up for success as physicians.
The four value domains are basic science, clinical science, research, health systems science, and interprofessional practice (HSSIP).
The basic science value domain lays the foundation of medicine and is incorporated throughout the curriculum in the preclinical (Phase I) and clinical (Phase II) components.
The clinical science value domain introduces real patient interaction in the first week of school. Students learn and practice clinical skills during their pre-clerkship years. Students have the benefit of working with interprofessional faculty in on-site examination rooms.
The campus also has a new state-of-the-art simulation center where students can learn and practice clinical skills. The clinical science value domain prepares students for clinical clerkships, elective rotations, and national board exams.
The research value domain is incorporated throughout the four years of medical school. This value domain trains students to become scientists and physicians. Students must conduct original, hypothesis-driven research that should span 3.5 years. Students are allotted $1000 per year in years two through four for research supplies.
The HSSIP value domain is studied throughout the four years of medical school and involves studying how health systems work. HSSIP delves deep into the roles of various healthcare providers, and students better understand how healthcare is delivered to various patient populations.
Getting accepted into medical colleges in Virginia is no easy feat, as is evidenced by acceptance rates, GPA, and MCAT requirements. Here are some tips to help you get accepted into medical school.
Medical schools have rigorous admission requirements, including GPA and MCAT scores. Aim to exceed the minimum requirements and maintain a strong academic record throughout your undergraduate studies.
Your personal statement is an opportunity to show the admissions committee your unique experiences, motivations, and qualities that make you a suitable candidate. Craft a well-written and compelling personal statement that reflects your genuine passion for medicine and your reasons for pursuing a career in healthcare.
Look for individuals who can provide meaningful letters of recommendation, such as professors, healthcare professionals, or mentors who know you well and can vouch for your academic abilities, personal qualities, and commitment to the medical field.
Participate in extracurricular activities, volunteering, and clinical experience, demonstrating your commitment to medicine. Participate in research projects, shadow physicians, and engage in healthcare-related volunteer work to showcase your dedication and passion.
If you still have questions, check out these frequently asked questions.
Thoroughly follow each medical school's application process and admissions guidelines, as each school has specific requirements. Visit the school's website to familiarize yourself with their processes, requirements, and deadlines.
When in doubt, refer to the school's website for accurate information. Additionally, consider scheduling a free consultation with our experts for personalized medical school admissions consulting.
Eastern Virginia Medical School:
#100 in Best Medical Schools: Research
#97 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
#27 in Physician Assistant (tie)
#150 in Public Health (tie)
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine:
#118-130 in Best Medical Schools: Research
#80 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine:
Currently, LUCOM is unranked. More information can be found here.
University of Virginia School of Medicine:
#30 in Best Medical Schools: Research (tie)
#53 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine:
#64 in Best Medical Schools: Research (tie)
#64 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care (tie)
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine:
#81 in Best Medical Schools: Research (tie)
#112-123 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
Medical schools in Virginia offer comprehensive financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Please review the following financial aid links for each medical school’s options.
Ensure you check the school's financial aid and scholarships before applying.
You can earn either an MD or DO credential. MDs graduate from conventional allopathic medical schools, while DOs graduate from osteopathic medical schools. MDs and DOs work together and are fully licensed and eligible for board certification.
The main difference lies in their approach to patient treatment. MDs focus on symptom resolution, while DOs prioritize holistic treatment options. For more information on the similarities and differences between MDs and DOs, please read this comprehensive guide.
You should consider attending DO programs in Virginia if you’re interested in that field of medicine.
Your experiences on campus are important for your overall satisfaction and well-being while you attend medical school in Virginia. Please carefully review what each medical school’s campus life has to offer:
You’ll find detailed information about each school’s campus life through these sites.
In Virginia, there are six medical schools. This includes both osteopathic and allopathic medical schools.
There are many good medical programs in Virginia. However, the top programs include:
You must research the program requirements when applying to these schools.
With so many excellent medical schools in the United States, medical schools in Virginia offer quality programs to further your education and career as a physician. Our guide will prepare you on what you need to know about Virginia medical schools so that you can select the best program for you.
Successful candidates will be mindful of each medical school’s admissions requirements, application procedures, important dates and deadlines, and admission and tuition statistics. We wish you the best of luck as you apply to the medical school of your dreams.
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