Medical Schools in Chicago are the best medical schools in the world, each offering unique programs and opportunities to help students become skilled, compassionate doctors. Whether you’re drawn to the Jesuit values of Loyola, the intimate learning environment at Pritzker, the research excellence of Feinberg, or the patient-centered care at Medical Schools in Chicago there’s a perfect fit for every aspiring physician in this vibrant city. Choosing the right medical school is a significant decision, and it’s important to consider factors like acceptance rates, academic requirements, and the specific strengths of each program. No matter which school you choose, you’ll be starting on a journey that will prepare you to make a meaningful impact in the field of medicine. Here are the 7 Best Medical Schools in Chicago Illinois 2024. Best Colleges for Medical listing includes details like GPA requirements, MCAT scores, acceptance rates and admission requirements.
Chicago Medical Schools Admission Requirements
To get into a Chicago medical school, you generally need a strong academic background, high GPA, and MCAT scores. Extracurricular activities in healthcare, strong letters of recommendation, and a compelling personal statement are also crucial. High school students can explore accelerated BS/MD programs, top pre-med schools, and early assurance medical programs to streamline their path to medical school.
Choosing a medical school in Chicago means joining a vibrant community dedicated to medical excellence and innovation. Each institution offers unique programs and opportunities, ensuring a well-rounded and comprehensive medical education.
Best Medical Colleges in Chicago
1) Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
- Location: Maywood
- Acceptance Rate: 1.31%
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Average MCAT: 510
- Degrees Offered: MD, MD/Ph.D., MD/MPH, MD/MS, MD/MA, MD/MBA
Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine has a class size of 170 students and follows Jesuit values, focusing on holistic care and reducing health disparities. The curriculum includes Patient-Centered Medicine (PCM) courses that teach students how to handle difficult medical situations like end-of-life care and physician burnout. Students can join honors programs in Global Health, Bioethics, or Research and participate in unique electives like the Ignatian Service Immersion global health experience and language programs such as Medical Spanish and Medical Polish.
2) The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
- Location: Hyde Park, Chicago
- Acceptance Rate: 1.37%
- Average GPA: 3.87
- Average MCAT: 519
- Degrees Offered: MD, MD/Ph.D., MD/MPH, MD/MS, MD/MA, MD/MBA
The Pritzker School of Medicine, located on the University of Chicago campus, has a small class size of 90 students. Situated in Hyde Park, it offers a college-town feel and access to diverse communities through six student-run free clinics. Pritzker is one of the few medical schools fully integrated into a university campus, allowing for interdisciplinary collaboration. The school emphasizes diversity, with 35% of students coming from underrepresented backgrounds, and focuses on producing culturally competent physicians ready to tackle global healthcare challenges.
3) Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- Location: Streeterville, Chicago
- Acceptance Rate: 1.85%
- Average GPA: 3.92
- Average MCAT: 520
- Degrees Offered: MD, MD/Ph.D., MD/MPH, MD/MS, MD/MA, MD/MBA
Feinberg School of Medicine, with a class size of 150 students, is known for its research excellence and commitment to global health. In 2024, 68% of its graduates matched at top-25 residency programs. Half of the students participate in global health experiences. Feinberg students complete a four-year Area of Scholarly Concentration project, conducting research under faculty mentorship. The school emphasizes academic rigor, research, and student wellness, preparing students for a balanced and satisfying medical career.
You may also like to read
- Medical Schools That Are Easy to Get Into 2024
- 15 Colleges in California for Medical 2024
- Top Medical Schools in Canada 2024
- Medical Schools that Accept International Students in USA 2024
4) Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University
- Location: North Chicago
- Acceptance Rate: 2.02%
- Average GPA: 3.66
- Average MCAT: 512
- Degrees Offered: MD, MD with Distinction in Research, MD/Ph.D.
At the Chicago Medical School (CMS) at Rosalind Franklin University, students engage in diverse clinical rotations at outpatient clinics and urban medical centers. CMS focuses on patient-centered care, teaching students to view patients as key team members. Students practice in simulation labs and gain early patient exposure in various clinical settings, including inner-city hospitals and a Federal Health Care Center for military personnel. Despite its large class size of 200, CMS is dedicated to medical education excellence and community involvement.
5) Rush University Medical College
- Location: Near West Side, Chicago
- Acceptance Rate: 5.8%
- Average GPA: 3.62
- Average MCAT: 509
- Degrees Offered: MD
Rush Medical College has a class size of about 130 students, offering a close-knit community. Students participate in EXPLORE Rush during their preclinical years, developing clinical skills with faculty mentors. The college offers two unique four-year programs in family medicine and health equity and social justice. Clinical rotations include diverse experiences at Rush University Medical Center and John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County. Rush encourages students to engage with the community through the Rush Community Service Initiatives Programs, promoting patient outreach and education.
6) University of Illinois College of Medicine
- Location: Near West Side, Chicago
- Acceptance Rate: 7.8%
- Average GPA: 3.78
- Average MCAT: 514
- Degrees Offered: MD, MD/Ph.D., MD/MPH, MD/MS, MD/MBA
The University of Illinois College of Medicine is the largest public medical school in the country, with campuses in Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford. The Chicago campus serves a diverse and underserved patient population within the University Medical District. The college offers optional Scholarly Concentration Programs, providing specialized training in fields like innovation medicine, urban medicine, and global medicine.
7) Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Location: Downers Grove
- Acceptance Rate: 2.7%
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Average MCAT: 510
- Degrees Offered: DO
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) is a leading private osteopathic medical school located just west of Chicago. Midwestern University, CCOM’s parent institution, plays a significant role in osteopathic medicine, with its graduates making up nearly 13% of practicing osteopathic physicians and surgeons nationwide. The curriculum emphasizes discipline-based learning and patient-centered care. Students gain clinical experience through various on-campus clinics, including dental, family practice, speech and language, and optometry clinics at the Midwestern University Multi-Specialty Clinic.
Medical Schools in Chicago – Conclusion
Chicago’s medical schools offer diverse and outstanding programs that cater to various interests and career goals in medicine. From the holistic care focus at Loyola to the research-driven environment at Feinberg, each school provides unique opportunities for aspiring physicians. Regardless of which school you choose, you’ll receive a world-class education that will equip you to make significant contributions to the healthcare field. With careful consideration of each school’s strengths and your own career aspirations, you’ll find the perfect place to start your journey in medicine.