10 Best Medical Schools in California

With its innovative research institutions, diverse patient populations, and sunny weather, it’s no wonder so many aspiring doctors set their sights on the Golden State. But with so many programs to choose from, figuring out where to apply can feel overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in. We’re breaking down the best medical schools in California—what makes them stand out, what kind of students they’re looking for, and why each one might be the right fit for you.

• What Are the Best Medical Schools in California?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Medical Schools in California?

Based on the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report, we’ve rounded up the best medical schools in California known for their academic excellence, research, and clinical training opportunities:

1. University of California-Los Angeles Medical School

Acceptance rate: 3.3%
Average tuition cost: $53,072 (in-state)

As one of the best medical schools in California, the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA offers a forward-thinking HEALS curriculum that redefines traditional medical education. Instead of the classic two-plus-two model, HEALS introduces a three-phase approach that blends basic science with clinical training from day one:

• Phase 1 emphasizes case-based learning and early clinical exposure, helping students develop a physician’s mindset right away.
• Phase 2 includes a year of clinical rotations, integrating real-world patient care with emerging medical topics and interdisciplinary knowledge.
• Phase 3 focuses on scholarly projects, specialty training, and residency preparation, giving students time to deepen their interests and skills.

UCLA also offers several dual degree programs, including:

• MD/MBA
• MD/MPH
• MD/MPP
• MD/MS in Clinical Research
• MD/MA in Education
• MD/MLS (Legal Studies)

This dynamic curriculum, paired with unmatched research opportunities and a wide range of degree options, makes UCLA a standout choice among the best medical schools in California.

2. University of California-San Diego School of Medicine

Acceptance rate: 2.88%
Average tuition cost: $15,012 (per term; in-state)

Ranked among the best medical schools in California, UC San Diego School of Medicine offers the innovative C.O.A.S.T. curriculum—designed to develop caring, original advocates who thrive in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape.

UCSD’s curriculum provides a strong academic foundation while allowing students to customize their path with a wide range of electives and hands-on learning experiences. From the start, you’ll receive a well-rounded education that prepares you for both clinical excellence and leadership in medicine and beyond.

As the only academic health system in the region, UC San Diego Health offers students and residents exposure to diverse patient populations and cutting-edge medical practices. With over 93 ACGME-accredited training programs and 1,100+ trainees, the school supports excellence in clinical education, research, and innovation.

UCSD’s residency and fellowship programs prepare graduates for impactful careers through a rigorous yet supportive environment rooted in patient safety, compassionate care, and continuous learning.

Whether you’re pursuing surgery, psychiatry, internal medicine, or another specialty, UC San Diego equips you with the tools to lead in a constantly evolving field.

3. University of California-San Francisco Medical School 

Acceptance rate: 3.1%
Average tuition cost: $12,762 (per term; in-state)

UCSF offers future physicians the flexibility to shape their medical education around their passions—whether that’s reducing health disparities, advancing research, or serving underserved communities.

At UCSF, students are encouraged to actively participate in their education. Through the Bridges Curriculum, learners engage in interdisciplinary, case-based, and problem-based learning in small groups. Clinical skills are developed early on through simulation and real-world practice, and a pass/fail grading system supports collaboration over competition.

You can choose among the following degree and specialized programs:

• MD Program. The Bridges Curriculum prepares students to meet the evolving needs of modern healthcare.
• MD/MAS. A 5-year combined degree for those interested in clinical research.
• MD with Distinction. For students pursuing full-time research over 12 months with faculty mentorship and funded opportunities.
• MD/PhD (MSTP). The Medical Scientist Training Program develops future physician-scientists.
• UC Berkeley–UCSF Joint Medical Program (MD, MS). Combines a Master’s in Health and Medical Sciences at UC Berkeley with clinical training at UCSF.
• PRIME-US. A five-year track focused on healthcare for urban underserved populations.
• SJV PRIME. A specialized track focused on improving healthcare access in California’s San Joaquin Valley.
• SJV PRIME+. An eight-year BS/MD program designed to keep students rooted in their communities while pursuing medicine.

UCSF is also home to world-renowned research centers, giving students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge work across areas like stem cell therapy, cancer, genetics, and global health. Institutes include:

• Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Diabetes Center
• AIDS Research Institute
• Weill Institute for Neurosciences
• Institute for Human Genetics

Students also have access to global health programs, study-abroad opportunities, and interactive tools to explore international research initiatives, making it one of the best medical schools in California.

4. University of California-Davis School of Medicine

Acceptance rate: 3.1%
Average tuition cost: $46,893 (in-state)

Recognized as one of the best medical schools in California, UC Davis School of Medicine is committed to training future physicians, scientists, and healthcare leaders to improve the health of diverse communities.

In 2021, UC Davis launched I-EXPLORE (Integrated EXplorative Patient and Learner ORiented Education), a competency-based curriculum designed to promote a dynamic, patient-centered learning environment. Oversight is led by the Committee on Educational Policy (CEP) and its three subcommittees:

• Curriculum Enrichment Subcommittee (CES). Oversees elective experiences.
• Curriculum Evaluations and Outcomes Subcommittee (CEOS). Uses course data to guide assessments and improvements.
• Curriculum Steering Subcommittee (CSS). Directs the required curriculum with input from pre-clerkship, clerkship, and clinical skills teams.

Each phase of the curriculum undergoes regular review to ensure continuous improvement. The first full I-EXPLORE cohort will graduate in May 2025.

With over 850 full-time residents and fellows, UC Davis offers:

• 75 ACGME-accredited residency and fellowship programs
• 110+ total programs, both accredited and non-accredited
• A strong culture of mentorship and hands-on training in advanced clinical environments

UC Davis also offers a fully funded M.D./Ph.D. program for students pursuing careers as physician-scientists. The program provides full tuition, health insurance, and an annual stipend ($38,000 for 2025–2026). Students can earn their Ph.D. in fields spanning medicine, veterinary medicine, engineering, biological sciences, agricultural and environmental sciences, and even the humanities and social sciences.

Notable research centers open to students include:

• UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Center for Neuroscience
• Genome Center
• M.I.N.D. Institute

5. University of California-Irvine School of Medicine

Acceptance rate: 4%
Average tuition cost: $49,525.91 (in-state)

As one of the best medical schools in California, the UCI School of Medicine is known for its strong emphasis on innovation, research, and hands-on clinical training. Located in Orange County, the school benefits from close proximity to major healthcare hubs, medical device companies, and research institutions in Southern California.

UCI’s iTEACH curriculum (Technology-Enhanced, Activity-Coordinated, Humanistic) replaces the traditional discipline-based approach with a system-oriented model that emphasizes:

• Integrated simulation and ultrasound training
• Hands-on clinical skills modules
• Strong connections between basic science and clinical application

UCI also offers several dual-degree tracks for students interested in interdisciplinary expertise:

• MD/MBA. In partnership with UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business, this program prepares future physician-leaders for roles in healthcare administration and innovation.
• MD/MPH. Combines medical training with a Master of Public Health, equipping students to tackle global and community health challenges.
• MD/PhD (MSTP). Offers PhD training in fields such as stem cell biology, cancer biochemistry, brain mapping, and biomechanics, promoting careers in academic medicine and biomedical research.

UCI is also home to The Division of Educational Technology, which supports students and faculty with integrated tools and services that enhance learning through simulation, digital platforms, and media support.

The school also provides a broad range of elective courses and accepts visiting students through the AAMC VSLO program, offering additional flexibility and clinical experience across various specialties.

6. University of California-Riverside Medical School

Acceptance rate: 2.4%
Average tuition cost: $4,254 (per quarter; in-state)

As one of the best medical schools in California focused on serving underserved communities, the UC Riverside School of Medicine offers the Thomas Haider Program, a pathway designed specifically for UCR undergraduates and recent graduates.

The program reserves at least 24 seats each year for qualified students who:

• Have attended UC Riverside for at least four quarters before applying (six to matriculate)
• Earned a bachelor’s degree from UCR

Admitted students complete UCR’s standard four-year medical curriculum. The program continues the legacy of the original UCR/UCLA Haider Program in Biomedical Sciences, with a strong focus on supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds who are committed to serving Inland Southern California.

The Haider Early Assurance Program (EAP) guarantees admission to UCR’s School of Medicine for qualified UCR students or recent alumni—provided they agree not to apply elsewhere. Admitted students enter the medical school one year after selection.

Key benefits:

• Guaranteed seat in the Thomas Haider Program
• No MCAT required
• No application fee
• Scholarship covering essential medical supplies
• Reduced stress and cost by avoiding multiple applications and interviews

Students may apply to the EAP only once. Those not accepted may still apply through the standard AMCAS cycle.

Meanwhile, the Program in Medical Education (PRIME) is a specialized track within UCR School of Medicine that prepares future physicians to serve African, Black, and Caribbean (ABC) populations in Inland Southern California.

• Admits 6 students annually
• Starts with a two-week summer immersion program
• Partners with ABC clinicians and organizations for community-integrated training
• Offers an optional master’s degree (e.g., MPH, MPP, MBA) before the final year of med school

7. Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine

Acceptance rate: 14.7%
Average tuition cost: $34,650

Touro University California offers a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program that emphasizes patient-centered care, structural competency, and health equity.

TUC COM’s curriculum integrates foundational science with clinical medicine and osteopathic principles. Students engage in hands-on learning from day one, focusing on both individual and community health. While primary care is a central theme, graduates go on to diverse specialties in equal numbers.

TUC COM is the only medical school in the U.S. to include structural competency—the study of social and economic factors that impact health—as a formal program learning outcome. Students explore how conditions like housing insecurity, food deserts, and systemic inequities influence diseases such as pediatric diabetes.

TUC’s DO program equips students with the following:

• Osteopathic Principles and Practice
• Medical Knowledge
• Patient Care
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Professionalism
• Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
• Systems-Based Practice
• Structural Competency

TUC COM offers multiple ways to enhance your medical education:

• DO/MPH Dual Degree. Address health issues on a global or population level.
• Global Health Certificate. Clinical experiences in Africa, India, Mexico, Taiwan, and Israel.
• Diabetes Fellowship or Certificate. Gain expertise in diabetes research and care.
• OMM Fellowship. Deepen your skills in osteopathic manipulative medicine and medical education.
• Primary Care Fellowship. Train as a medical educator and refine your skills in academic medicine.

Graduates leave prepared to lead in clinical practice, research, advocacy, and education—making Touro one of the best medical schools in California.

8. Western University of Health Sciences

Acceptance rate: 22.1%
Average tuition cost: $69,712

WesternU COMP stands out among the best medical schools in California, offering a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program that emphasizes both clinical excellence and compassionate care. DOs are fully licensed physicians who diagnose, treat, prescribe medication, and perform surgeries across the U.S. and internationally—equipped with both modern medical tools and osteopathic principles.

The college promotes a culture grounded in professionalism, respect, and patient-centered care, preparing students for meaningful careers in both primary care and specialty medicine.

In U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 rankings, COMP and COMP-Northwest earned Tier 1 status for Primary Care Training, reaffirming WesternU’s place among the best medical schools in California. The college was also recognized for:

• Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
• Best Medical Schools: Research
• Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care
  Most Graduates Serving in Health Professional Shortage Areas
• Most Graduates Working in Rural Areas

These accolades reflect WesternU’s strong commitment to building healthier communities through high-impact medical education.

9. California Health Sciences University

Acceptance rate: N/A
Average tuition cost: $63,500

As one of the best medical schools in California, CHSU-COM offers a rigorous Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program focused on preparing students to serve diverse communities, particularly in the Central Valley where primary care shortages persist.

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians who practice in all specialties, including family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and emergency medicine. What sets DOs apart is their whole-person approach, integrating osteopathic principles with conventional medical practices.

CHSU-COM emphasizes training in the musculoskeletal system and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)—an additional therapeutic tool for pain management and injury prevention.

CHSU-COM’s curriculum uses a two-pass, systems-based integration model. Students first master normal biomedical and clinical sciences before addressing pathology. The curriculum includes:

• Team-Based Learning (TBL)
• Clinical Relevance & Health Policy
• Medical Spanish for Cultural Competence
• Ethics, Nutrition, and Culinary Medicine
• Simulation-Based Education
• HoloLens Virtual Anatomy

In the third and fourth years, students complete core clinical clerkships in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, women’s health, and behavioral medicine—primarily in community health centers and hospitals across the Central Valley. Fourth-year students further explore advanced practice areas like emergency medicine, primary care, underserved medicine, and specialty electives.

10. California Northstate University College of Medicine

Acceptance rate: not available
Average tuition cost: $72,521

CNUCOM’s curriculum is organized around Clinical Presentations (CPs)—real-world symptoms or conditions like chest pain, headache, or sore throat—that drive patient visits. This structure integrates basic sciences with clinical reasoning, ethics, and medical skills from the start.

Years 1–2 (Phase A): Foundational Training

• Systems-Based Courses
• Medical Skills Labs
• Masters Colloquium
• Student-Led Scholarly Projects
• Self-Directed Learning

Years 3–4 (Phase B): Clinical Clerkships

Core rotations take place in CNU’s network of Sacramento-area hospitals and clinics, offering students real-world exposure in:

• Family Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatry
• Neurology
• Obstetrics/Gynecology
• Emergency Medicine

Elective rotations expand into more specialized areas such as:

• Dermatology
• Anesthesiology
• Cardiology
• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Disease
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Rheumatology
• Urology
• Plastic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Palliative Care, and more

For students pursuing advanced preparation, the Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MPS) to MD Pathway offers a competitive edge. This pathway includes:

• Guaranteed interview with CNUCOM (upon meeting benchmarks)
• Strengthened credentials through a specialized master’s program
• A proven track record: 100% of MPS graduates (Classes of 2021–2023) with an MCAT score of 508+ and GPA of 3.5+ were accepted into medical schools

CNUCOM’s focused approach, integrated clinical training, and structured advancement pathways make it one of the best medical schools in California—especially for students seeking a direct, supportive path into the healthcare profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the medical schools in California with high acceptance rates?

Some of the best medical schools in California with high acceptance rates are Western University of Health Sciences ( 22.1%) and Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine (14.7%).

2. How many medical schools are in California?

There are 16 medical schools in California. There are 13 allopathic (M.D.) medical schools and 3 osteopathic (D.O) medical schools.

3. What’s the difference between an M.D. and a D.O.?

An M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) and a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) are both fully licensed physicians who can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and perform surgery. The main difference is in their approach to care.

M.D.s practice allopathic medicine, which focuses on treating specific symptoms and diseases, while D.O.s take a more holistic approach, emphasizing the connection between the body’s systems and preventive care. D.O.s also receive additional training in the musculoskeletal system and learn osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on technique used to help diagnose and treat certain conditions.

Both types of doctors attend four years of medical school, complete residency training, and compete for the same residency programs. While M.D.s are more common, the number of D.O.s is growing, especially in primary care and underserved areas.

Takeaways

• Whether you’re drawn to cutting-edge research, a focus on primary care, or innovative hands-on learning, the best medical schools in California offer something for every future doctor.
• Some of the best medical schools in California include UCLA Medical School, UCSD School of Medicine, UCSF Medical School, Touro University California, and Western University of Health Sciences.
• Interested in pursuing medicine in the Golden State? Working with a college admissions consultant can help sharpen your application strategy and increase your chances of being accepted at the best medical schools in California.