Famous for its coastline along the Chesapeake Bay (bushels of blue crabs!), the historic city of Baltimore, and its proximity to DC, Maryland may be small (geographically) but it makes a big impact, especially if you plan to attend medical school here.
Although you’ll only find three allopathic medical schools in Maryland, all three are renowned as prestigious institutions, offering cutting-edge research opportunities. A recent ranking by College Consensus placed Johns Hopkins University second in the nation and included the University of Maryland in its top 50 list, while the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda has a unique military focus.
This guide of medical schools in Maryland will provide you with what you need to know about these institutions, from their academic excellence to successfully navigating their highly competitive admissions process.
This post is all about medical schools in Maryland.
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Everything You Need To Know About Medical Schools in Maryland
Medical Schools in Maryland
| Medical School | MD / DO | Location | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Accep- tance rate | Type | Tuition |
| Johns Hopkins | MD | Baltimore | 3.92 | 521 | 6.30% | Private | $64,665 |
| University of Maryland School of Medicine | MD | Baltimore | 3.7 | 513 | 4.10% | Public | $39,731, resident $69,619, non-resident |
| Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences | MD | Bethesda | 3.7 | 511 | 10% | Public | (but, students must join the service.) |
Life in Maryland
Beyond a world-class medical education at one of the top-rated medical schools in the nation, Maryland also offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty to explore. From charming coastal towns like Annapolis to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to the picturesque landscapes of the Eastern Shore, the mountains of Western Maryland or the beaches along the Atlantic, Maryland has a bounty of things to see and do.
Benefits of Living in Maryland
If you’re considering Maryland for your medical school journey, here are more reasons why the Old Line State has much to offer!
- Networking and Research Opportunities: Maryland’s proximity to major cities like Baltimore and Washington D.C. gives you access to a wealth of resources, institutions, and influential professionals.
- Quality of Life: Maryland consistently ranks high with a strong economy, good healthcare infrastructure, and excellent schools.
- Outdoor Activities: From hiking in the Appalachian Mountains to kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay, there are endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
- Cultural Attractions: With attractions like the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, you can easily use your downtime to explore museums, theaters, and art galleries throughout the state.
- Historical events and locations: Visit Fort McHenry, explore the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad, or stop by the birthplace of Babe Ruth or the Edgar Allen Poe house.
Cost of Living, Maryland
Maryland can present a relatively high cost of living, especially when compared to other states. While it’s certainly not the most expensive place to live for medical students, the cost of living sits noticeably above the national average.
However, there’s a vibrant economy to balance it out. Baltimore is an animated city full of economic activity. Right by the nation’s capital, the ports of Maryland have been an important facet of the U.S. economy for centuries. For many medical students, the cost of living is well worth the opportunities that the state has to offer.
Maryland Fun Facts
Maryland may be known for its historical and natural attractions, but do you also know about these fun facts?
The National Aquarium in Baltimore, one of the largest in the country, draws visitors from all around the nation.
- The Maryland Gazette is one of the oldest continuously published newspapers in the country, having been founded almost 3 centuries ago.
- The first post office was formed in Maryland.
- Annapolis, the state’s capital, was once the nation’s capital for a brief period in the 18th century.
- As of 2022, Maryland has the nation’s highest median household income.
- The National Aquarium in Baltimore, one of the largest in the country, draws visitors from all around the nation.
Allopathic Medical Schools
Let’s take a look at some of the medical schools that students might be interested in. There are no osteopathic medical schools in Maryland at present, so note that all of these are allopathic schools.
Johns Hopkins
Johns Hopkins is an allopathic private medical school located in Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city. It’s also one of the most well-known research institutions in the country. It has a reputation for being highly competitive, at the forefront of cutting edge medicine. It also has an elite school with small class sizes.
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Raking: #2 in College Consensus Ranking
- Average GPA: 3.92
- Average MCAT score: 521
- Percentage of in-state students in first-year class: 56%
- Acceptance Rate: 6.3%
- Tuition: $64,665
- Private
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine stands out for its exceptional programs and innovative Genes to Society curriculum, focusing on human variability, risk factors, and societal health outcomes. With a strong foundation in the principles of adaptation and disease stratification, this curriculum provides students with a comprehensive understanding of medicine that goes beyond the traditional divided view of health and disease. The Horizontal Strands of this concept integrated across the curriculum provide students with a structured approach to lifelong learning and a solid foundation in scientific, social, and clinical themes.
If admitted, students will have a wealth of research options available to them. The Office of Medical Student Research and Scholarship helps students, with a vast database of research projects as well as responsibility for overseeing research funding and stipends.
To earn an acceptance, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine looks for candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, a commitment to service and compassion, diversity, and the ability to work well in a team.
Acceptance Tips
To improve your chances of acceptance at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- With an average MCAT score of 521 and a GPA of 3.92, make sure to maintain a strong academic record and strive for excellence in your coursework in order to become a competitive applicant.
- Get involved in leadership roles and community service activities to demonstrate your commitment to serving others.
- Show your passion for medicine and healing in your application through personal statements and letters of recommendation.
- Emphasize your experiences working in a team or collaborating with others, highlighting your ability to communicate and cooperate effectively.
- Embrace diversity and showcase how your unique background and perspective can contribute to the medical school community.
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Located in Baltimore, University of Maryland School of Medicine is a public university and allopathic medical school. It’s also a historic institution, the first public medical school founded in the U.S. — as early as 1807.
- Location: Baltimore
- Ranking: #47 in College Consensus
- Average GPA: 3.70
- Average MCAT score: 513
- Percentage of in-state students in first-year class: ~75%
- Acceptance Rate: 4.1%
- Tuition: $39,731, resident, $69,619, non-resident
- Public
The University of Maryland School of Medicine offers a cutting-edge and inclusive learning environment through their new Renaissance Curriculum for the MD program. This curriculum is designed to create Renaissance Physicians who are clinically excellent and possess humanism, professionalism, scholarship, leadership, critical thinking, and attention to social justice and diversity.
With an integrated curriculum that blends normal and abnormal processes with clinical context, students will have earlier and more extensive interactions with patients, preparing them for a successful medical career. The flexibility in crafting experiences will also make students competitive in their chosen specialty.
As you prepare to apply, keep in mind that the University of Maryland School of Medicine gives preference to residents of Maryland. However, it also welcomes non-resident applicants into each freshman class. Academic excellence is important, but acceptance is based on a holistic review that considers various criteria beyond grades and MCAT scores.
The Committee on Admissions looks for qualities such as exposure to clinical medicine, understanding of the pros and cons of a medical career, research experience, and community service. They also value activities that bring personal fulfillment and enjoyment, emphasizing quality over quantity.
Acceptance Tips
Boost your chances of acceptance at the University of Maryland School of Medicine by following these tips.
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in medicine through meaningful clinical experiences and community service.
- Showcase your personal qualities, such as leadership and empathy. Highlight your commitment to social justice and in your personal statement and letters of recommendation.
- Highlight any research experience you have, as the admissions committee highly values it.
- Pursue activities that you are passionate about, as long as they demonstrate your ability to balance academics with personal interests.
- Prepare thoroughly for the interview process by practicing common interview questions and sharing the unique experiences that make you a standout candidate.
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
The F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine at Uniformed Services University, is a bit of a unique medical school. It’s overseen, run, and administered by the United States federal government. While 57% of the student body has no prior military experience, it’s worth noting, however, that if accepted, students must join the armed forces before matriculation — in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Public Health Service.
- Location: Bethesda, MD
- US News Ranking: #61 in Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Average MCAT score: 511
- Acceptance Rate: 10%
- Tuition: None — (but, students must join the service.)
- Public
The MD program at the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences stands out for its comprehensive curriculum. It integrates basic science, clinical medicine, and health systems science. The Molecules to Military Medicine curriculum offers unique training in specialized areas such as leadership and interdisciplinary teamwork. It also includes cross-cultural medicine, trauma training, disaster response, and tropical medicine.
With a focus on preparing students to care for those in harm’s way, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine strives for a learning environment that nurtures investigative curiosity and true medical professionalism. This holistic approach helps its students evolve into skilled, empathetic uniformed services physicians.
Students accepted into the program do not have to worry about tuition costs and will be commissioned as officers into one of the four uniformed services before starting classes. However, in exchange for this opportunity, you must commit to serving in active duty for a set number of years after graduation: seven years for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and ten years for the Public Health Service.
Acceptance Tips
Looking to join the service after medical school? Already serving and looking to become a doctor? Here are some tips for admission:
- Find ways to underscore your leadership potential — whether through early clinical experiences, relevant work experiences, or any other situations that have prepared you for teamwork and leadership.
- Pay close attention to admissions requirements. Since the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine requires that commission before matriculation, you’ll need to meet some requirements that are unique in the sphere of medical schools — such as a maximum age, security requirements, and a physical examination.
- Consider how your passions and experiences have prepared you for a career of service. This can help you articulate how you’re aligned to the mission of the school.
- Cultivate positive relationships early. You’ll need several letters of recommendation — including two academic science letters, one academic non science letter, and a clinical letter of recommendation.
- If you have a history of military service, a family tradition of serving, or any other relevant connections to the military, consider discussing how this has impacted your journey.
Is Medical School in Maryland Right for You?
Home to the nation’s first public medical school and located close to the nation’s capital, Maryland offers a unique blend of history, proximity, and opportunity for aspiring medical students. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in medicine, research, or military service, medical schools in Maryland equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the ever-evolving field of healthcare.
Medical school can be a long journey, so it’s also important to consider where you’ll be living. From the coastlines to the mountains to its rich cultural heritage, consider living in Maryland for medical school if you value a high quality of life, cultural and historical attractions, or simply love being near the water.
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