The 5 Best Medical Schools in Arizona (2025)

There are five medical schools in Arizona: three allopathic (MD) and two osteopathic (DO). These include nationally recognized institutions such as the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and both University of Arizona campuses. Arizona medical schools are known for emphasizing patient care, early clinical exposure, and service to underserved populations. While competitive, some Arizona schools show a clear preference for in-state residents.

Arizona’s warm weather, lower cost of living, and strong public health systems also make it a popular option among pre-med students nationwide.

What Is Medical School?

Medical school is a graduate program that trains students to become licensed physicians. In the United States, medical schools offer either allopathic (MD) or osteopathic (DO) degrees. Both pathways require intensive study of the human body, clinical skills, and patient care. Most programs last four years and are followed by a multi-year residency in a specific field such as family medicine, surgery, or internal medicine. Students apply to medical schools after completing a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field, and taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Medical Schools in Arizona Overview

Arizona is home to five accredited medical schools, three allopathic (MD) programs and two osteopathic (DO) schools. These institutions range from nationally ranked research powerhouses like the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine to public universities focused on training physicians for primary care and community health, including the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix and Tucson campuses. Each school has a unique mission, curriculum structure, and approach to medical education, but most share common priorities:

• Emphasis on early clinical exposure starting in the first year
• Strong focus on patient care and communication skills
• A longstanding commitment to serving underserved populations, including rural communities and Native American populations
• Training physicians who are likely to remain in Arizona after graduation

Arizona schools also offer a wide range of experiences, urban, suburban, and community-based. Students at programs like ATSU-SOMA and AZCOM benefit from distributed training models and access to osteopathic medical education that prioritizes whole-person healthcare. In terms of admissions, Arizona public schools give preference to in-state residents, especially the University of Arizona campuses. This provides a meaningful advantage to Arizona-based applicants. On the other hand, Mayo Clinic Alix operates without a geographic preference, attracting students from across the country. Outside of academics, Arizona appeals to many medical students for practical reasons:

• Lower in-state tuition at public schools compared to other states
• A lower cost of living relative to California and the Northeast
• No snow, mild winters, and access to year-round outdoor activities
• Proximity to major healthcare networks like Banner Health and the Mayo Clinic

For students interested in clinical innovation, public health, osteopathic medicine, or rural care, Arizona offers strong programs with diverse training environments. And because each school varies in size, curriculum design, and admissions selectivity, students have options that match different career goals and academic profiles.

Components of Medical School in Arizona

Pre-Clinical Education

Students complete coursework in anatomy, pathology, physiology, and other sciences during the pre-clerkship phase (usually the first 18–24 months). Schools like the University of Arizona Phoenix use organ-based blocks and biomedical informatics to integrate science with clinical thinking early.

Early Clinical Exposure

Most Arizona programs start patient-facing experiences in year one. Students engage in standardized patient encounters, lab-based simulations, and small-group training.

Clinical Rotations (Clerkship Phase)

The final two years focus on hands-on rotations in fields like family medicine, emergency care, surgery, and psychiatry. Students rotate through academic hospitals, community clinics, and health networks across the Phoenix metropolitan area and Tucson.

Research and Dual Degree Options

Some programs, like Mayo Clinic Alix, require independent biomedical research projects. MSTP (MD/PhD) tracks are available at Mayo and both University of Arizona campuses.

Service to Underserved Populations

Arizona medical schools prioritize community-based care. Programs like ATSU-SOMA’s curriculum embed students in community health centers nationwide. Tucson’s CUP program is dedicated to caring for underserved communities, including Native American populations and rural Arizona counties.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Medical School in Arizona

1. School Mission and Curriculum Focus: Look for alignment between your values and each medical program’s priorities, whether research, service, or innovation.
2. In-State Advantage: Arizona residents have higher acceptance rates at public schools, especially UA–Tucson and UA–Phoenix.
3. Tuition and Financial Aid: Public universities offer lower in-state tuition, while private schools have flat rates and may offer more aid for select applicants.
4. Learning Environment: Class size and learning style vary. Mayo and ATSU have small cohorts; AZCOM has larger classes with high-volume patient exposure.
5. Location and Clinical Sites: Some schools are based in downtown Phoenix, others in Tucson or Mesa. Access to urban vs. rural hospitals and rotation sites should factor into your decision.
6. Match Rates and Residency Placement: Review where recent graduates match for residency. Arizona schools place students into competitive specialties across the country.

List of All Medical Schools in Arizona

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

• Total Class Size: 105 students (94 M.D., 11 M.D.-Ph.D.)
• Acceptance Rate: 4.2%
• Median GPA: 3.94
• Median MCAT: 521 (98th percentile)
• Tuition: $68,104 (in-state and out-of-state)
• Campus Locations: Rochester, MN; Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ; Jacksonville, FL
• Interview Format: Traditional panel interviews

Visit the Mayo Clinic Alix Class Profile

Selective & Focus Areas:

• Biomedical Research
• Clinical Skills Development
• Small-Group Learning
• Mentorship-Based Training
• National Campus Integration

Training Tracks (M.D. Program):

• Arizona 4-year track: 44 students
• Minnesota 4-year track: 41 students
• Arizona/Florida track: 5 students
• Minnesota/Florida track: 8 students

Top Undergraduate Majors:

• Biology
• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Global Health

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the country, known for its research-driven curriculum and tight integration with the Mayo Clinic health system. Students benefit from early clinical exposure, access to world-class physicians and researchers, and a uniquely collaborative learning environment.

The program fosters excellence through a small class size, high academic standards, and diverse campus training opportunities. With tracks that span across three U.S. cities, students experience medicine in a national context, preparing them to become adaptable, compassionate, and research-informed physicians.

University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix

• Total Class Size (Class of 2024): 100 students
• Applications Received: 6,148
• Interviews Conducted: 396
• Acceptance Rate: 1.6%
• Average MCAT: 514 (Top 10% nationally)
• Average GPA: 3.72
• Average Science GPA: 3.66
• Founded: 2007
• Location: Phoenix, Arizona
• Interview Format: Likely MMI (not officially confirmed)

Visit the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix Class of Students

Key Focus Areas:

• Clinical integration with nine major hospital partners
• Research in cancer, stroke, brain injury, and cardiovascular disease
• Personalized education model (including class-created oath)
• Strong emphasis on social determinants of health and community engagement

Diversity Snapshot (Class of 2024):

• 55% Arizona residents
• 45% from 17 other states
• 57% female, 43% male
• ~60% from socially disadvantaged, underrepresented, or rural backgrounds
• 3 students already held doctoral degrees

Since its first class of 24 students in 2007, the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix has steadily expanded to a class size of 100 by 2020. Known for its collaborative and student-focused approach, the college boasts an average MCAT score of 514, placing it among the most academically competitive medical schools in the country.

It is deeply connected to the Phoenix Bioscience Core, a rapidly growing medical and research hub projected to drive $3.1 billion in economic impact by 2025. With over 2,700 faculty members and nine clinical partners, the school offers students exceptional training and early exposure to real-world healthcare settings. Located in downtown Phoenix, it plays a key role in the state’s healthcare and biomedical innovation sectors. The school’s approach blends academic excellence, community service, and real-world clinical training, making it a top choice for students committed to advancing medicine in Arizona and beyond.

University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson

• Estimated Class Size: ~120 students
• Interviews Conducted Annually: ~500
• Acceptance Rate: Estimated 2–3%
• Minimum GPA for Secondary: 3.0 overall and BCPM
• Minimum MCAT for Secondary: 498
• Average MCAT Considered Competitive: 510+
• Interview Format: Virtual Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)

Core Prerequisites:

• Physiology (2 semesters)
• Biochemistry (2 semesters or 1 biochem + 1 genetics)
• Statistics (1 semester; biostatistics recommended)
• Social/Behavioral Sciences (1 semester)
• Upper-division sciences (2 courses in: molecular biology, immunobiology, microbiology, histology, pharmacology, or cell biology)
• English/Writing-Intensive (2 semesters)

Letters of Recommendation:

• 1 clinical letter (required)
• 2 additional professional letters (or 1 committee packet + 1 clinical letter)
• Max 7 letters allowed

Competency Areas Evaluated:

• Ethical reasoning
• Communication and teamwork
• Cultural awareness and service
• Critical thinking and professionalism

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson is a mission-driven public medical school that trains future physicians to lead in clinical care, research, education, and public health. It employs a holistic admissions process, emphasizing personal character, community engagement, and academic potential. With a strong commitment to diversity, access, and inclusion, the school supports a wide range of students, including those from nontraditional and disadvantaged backgrounds. Its virtual MMI interview format is designed to fairly assess a candidate’s interpersonal and ethical strengths, not just academic metrics. Located within a nationally recognized research university, UA COM-Tucson prepares graduates to meet healthcare needs in both local and global communities. Applicants benefit from an education that integrates clinical excellence with humanism and service.

A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-SOMA)

• Class Size: 160 students
• Applicant-to-Seat Ratio: 36.3:1
• Average GPA (Incoming Students): 3.53
• Average Age: 25
• Dual Degree Option: DO/MPH available
• Residency Placement Rate (4-Year Average): 99.8%
• Location: Mesa, Arizona (59-acre campus)
• Tuition (2024–25): $66,656/year
• Fees (Year 1): $1,400 tech fee + $1,000 equipment fee
• Interview Format: Not officially disclosed; likely traditional or panel-based (based on DO schools)

Academic Highlights:

• Focus on community health center-based clinical education
• Emphasis on whole-person care rooted in osteopathic principles
• Early integration of clinical experience and patient-centered learning
• 16% of students come from non-science majors, promoting diverse academic backgrounds

Admissions Checklist:

• Apply through AACOMAS (Deadline: February 1)
• Submit MCAT scores (no stated minimum)
• Submit transcripts and application fee
• Complete secondary application with essays and clinical health experience
• Two letters of recommendation:
  • One from a premedical advisor or basic science faculty
  • One from a physician (DO or MD)

ATSU-SOMA is known as a forward-thinking osteopathic medical school focused on addressing healthcare disparities through a distributed community-based model. Students spend the first year on the Mesa campus, then transition to community health centers across the country for years 2–4, gaining hands-on experience with underserved populations. The school’s strong emphasis on preventive care, public health, and community integration aligns with its mission to educate holistic, compassionate physicians who will lead in both rural and urban settings. With a high residency match rate, DO/MPH dual degree options, and a diverse student body, ATSU-SOMA offers a unique, patient-focused medical education.

Visit A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine Fast Facts

Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM)

• Class Size: 250 students
• Estimated Acceptance Rate: ~5% (5,000+ applications annually)
• Median GPA: Not officially published; competitive applicants generally have 3.5+
• MCAT Requirement: Competitive; no specific minimum published (scores must be from within 3 years)
• Tuition: $80,656/year (2024–2025)
• Total First-Year Cost of Attendance: ~$122,000 (off-campus estimate)
• Degree: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
• Application Service: AACOMAS (Deadline: January 1)
• Interview Format: Traditional panel interviews
• Location: Glendale, Arizona

Core Clinical Rotations:

• Family Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatry
• OB/GYN
• Emergency Medicine
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
• Selective Rotation

Prerequisite Coursework:

• Biology with Lab: 8 semester hours
• General Chemistry with Lab: 8 semester hours
• Organic Chemistry (or Advanced Chemistry) with Lab: 8 semester hours
• Physics: 8 semester hours
• English Composition: 6 semester hours

Letters of Recommendation Required:

• 1 from a science professor or pre-med committee
• 1 from a physician (D.O. preferred, M.D. accepted)
• Letters from family members are not accepted

Program Highlights:

• Rolling admissions process encourages early application
• Integrated Ultrasound Curriculum and Simulation Center
• Strong emphasis on holistic, patient-centered care and bedside manner
• High national COMLEX board pass rates
• Personalized mentorship from committed faculty
• Opportunities for transfer from other D.O. programs (must meet specific criteria)
• Articulation agreements with ASU, GCU, and others via the Bridges Pathway Program

The Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM), part of Midwestern University, offers a comprehensive D.O. program that blends traditional osteopathic philosophy with modern clinical training. With access to Phoenix-area hospitals and a state-of-the-art Simulation Center, students are equipped to excel in both primary and specialty care settings. AZCOM emphasizes compassionate care, communication skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates for success in residency and beyond. The program stands out for its holistic training model, small-campus community, and student-focused resources that foster academic and personal growth.

5 Expert Tips for Getting Into Medical School in Arizona

1. Use the School’s Hospital and Clinic Network in Your Application

When writing your secondary essays, name the clinics, hospitals, or programs that belong to each school. For example, if you’re applying to UA–Phoenix, you can mention clinical training at Banner Health or TGen. This tells the admissions team you’ve looked at how they train students and that you’re interested in being part of it. Most applicants don’t get this specific, which makes you stand out.

2. Build a Clear Connection to Arizona, Even If You’re From Out-of-State

Public medical schools in Arizona admit more in-state residents. If you live out of state, show why Arizona matters to you. You might talk about family in the area, plans to practice in a rural Arizona town, or time you’ve spent in the region through work, school, or service. Schools want to admit students who are likely to stay and work locally after graduation.

3. Show What You’ve Learned From Osteopathic Experiences

For ATSU-SOMA or AZCOM, don’t just say you shadowed a DO. Talk about what you learned. If you’ve seen osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) used with patients or noticed how a DO handled something differently than an MD, write about that. These schools want to admit students who understand and respect the DO approach, not just students looking for another path into medicine.

4. Practice MMI Scenarios That Match Arizona’s Healthcare Issues

UA–Phoenix and UA–Tucson both use the MMI format for interviews. Practice answering questions about situations that apply to Arizona, like lack of care in rural areas, access problems in border communities, or health education for Native populations. This shows you're paying attention to the real challenges doctors in the state deal with, and not just rehearsing generic answers.

5. Submit Your Application Early, Arizona Schools Move Fast

Arizona schools, especially the public ones, start reviewing applications right after AMCAS opens. If you wait too long to apply, your chances go down even if your scores are strong. Plan to submit your application during the first week that submissions open. That means your MCAT score, personal statement, and recommendation letters should all be ready by late May.

Bottom Line

Arizona offers five distinct medical schools that serve a wide range of student interests, career goals, and educational needs. Whether you're drawn to research-intensive programs like Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine or service-focused training at ATSU-SOMA or UA Tucson, each school provides strong clinical experiences, early patient exposure, and opportunities to work with underserved populations. For Arizona residents, the in-state advantage at public schools is a meaningful factor, while out-of-state applicants may find better odds at private institutions. When deciding where to apply, focus on schools where your academic profile aligns with admissions data, and where the mission, curriculum, and clinical opportunities match your long-term goals in medicine.

Get Help From a Medical School Admissions Coach

Working with a coach can make the application process easier and more effective. Coaches can help you choose schools that fit your profile, strengthen your essays, and prepare for interviews. Whether you're applying to MD or DO programs, having one-on-one guidance can improve your chances of getting accepted.

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FAQs

How many medical schools are in Arizona?

• There are five accredited medical schools in Arizona. Three offer MD degrees (allopathic) and two offer DO degrees (osteopathic). These include Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine, and Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.

What GPA do you need to get into ASU medical school?

• Arizona State University (ASU) does not have its own medical school. Pre-med students at ASU often apply to medical schools in the state, such as Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine or the University of Arizona campuses. To be competitive for those schools, most accepted students have a GPA between 3.7 and 3.95.

What college in Arizona has the best medical program?

• Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is the highest-ranked medical school in Arizona based on national research rankings and admissions stats. The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson is the top-ranked public option in the state. Each school has different strengths, so the best fit depends on your goals and background.

Is ASU or U of A better for medical school?

• Arizona State University (ASU) does not offer a medical degree. The University of Arizona (U of A) operates two medical schools, one in Tucson and one in Phoenix, both of which grant MD degrees. If you’re planning to attend medical school in Arizona, the University of Arizona is the only public university in the state that offers an MD program.