Medical Schools in Michigan: Full Overview + Tips to Get Accepted

Michigan may be known for bordering four out of the five Great Lakes and the “Motor City” of Detroit, but did you know it’s also home to seven esteemed medical schools? Three of these medical schools in Michigan rank among the top 100 in the country for research.  

However, competition to get into the one osteopathic and six allopathic medical schools can be fierce, especially for out-of-state applicants, as most of Michigan’s medical schools prioritize in-state candidates. 

In this guide, I’ll share exactly what you need to know as you consider attending one of these top medical schools in Michigan. I’ll also provide valuable insights and strategies to boost your chances of scoring an acceptance.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.

List of Medical Schools in Michigan

NOTE: For the ranking, we are using the College Consensus for 50 Best Medical Schools in the US. As their methodology, they used the average of the results from the five most popular medical school ranking systems. Any schools that didn’t land in the top 50, will be listed as “unranked”.

What’s Unique About Attending Medical School in Michigan?

With a diverse patient population and cutting-edge medical facilities, Michigan can be an exciting place to study medicine. The state is home to fast-paced Detroit, charming coastal towns like Traverse City, and vibrant cities like Ann Arbor. This is also known for their top-notch universities and cultural scene. Plus, you can’t beat the beautiful Great Lakes, which provide the perfect backdrop for peaceful study breaks and outdoor adventures year-round. 

Benefits of Living in Michigan

Michigan is an outdoor lover’s paradise. So, if you’re looking for life balance and nature is your go-to for study breaks and to fend off burnout, this state checks the boxes! From the shores of Lake Michigan to the picturesque hiking trails in the Upper Peninsula, there’s always somewhere new to explore.

Beyond the great outdoors, Michigan supports a vibrant arts and culture scene. From world-class museums to eclectic art galleries, there’s no shortage of cultural attractions to entertain you.

And, finally, Michigan is known for its friendly residents and a strong sense of community, making it a welcoming place to live and study.

Living Costs as a Medical Student in Michigan

The cost of living varies depending on the city you’re in, with areas like Ann Arbor and Detroit generally having higher rental prices compared to smaller towns. Researching and exploring different housing options can help you find a place that fits your budget.

Having a car can be convenient, especially if you need to travel between different hospital sites or clinics for your rotations. However, if you live closer to your medical school and want to avoid the added expense of a car, public transportation options like buses and trains are available in cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor.

Fun Facts About Michigan 

These intriguing tidbits about Michigan will help you discover the wonders of the state, which also houses exceptional medical schools waiting to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.

• Michigan is aptly known as the Great Lakes State because four of the Great Lakes touch its borders – Superior, Huron, Michigan, and Erie.
• Over 40% of Michigan is covered in water, making it the state with the most water coverage in the U.S.
• Michigan’s 3,288-mile coastline boasts the longest freshwater coastline in the country, making it a haven for fishing enthusiasts. 
• A whopping 90% of the Upper Peninsula is lush with trees, feeding the state’s booming forestry industry.
• The Wolverine State, as Michigan is sometimes called, has Lansing as its capital and Detroit as its largest city.
• Legends born in Michigan include singers Madonna, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder, tennis star Serena Williams, and iconic pilot Charles Lindbergh.
• For cereal lovers: Battle Creek is where the popular Corn Flakes were first created in 1898.
• Motown Records was founded in the heart of Detroit in 1959, setting the stage for the iconic sound that would redefine music history.
• If you’re a fan of innovation and history, the Henry Ford Museum has a treasure trove of American genius.

Medical Schools in Michigan: MD Schools List 

Whether you’re attracted to the following cutting-edge research opportunities or would like to honor your commitment to serving underserved communities, you’ll likely find a medical school in Michigan that aligns with your goals and values.

University of Michigan Medical School

Often listed as the best medical school in Michigan, the University of Michigan offers several programs and opportunities for medical students. With a strong reputation for research and patient care, the University of Michigan Medical School could be an ideal choice for those seeking a well-rounded medical education.

• Location: Ann Arbor, MI
• US News Ranking: #13 in Best Medical Schools: Research and #26 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care 
• Average GPA: 3.90
• Average MCAT score: 518
• Percentage of in-state students in first-year class: 52.15%
• Acceptance Rate: 3.6%
• Tuition: $50,265 (in-state)/ $69,714 (out-of-state)
• Public

At the University of Michigan, you’ll work with patients from the start through their interprofessional clinical experience. The curriculum includes one year of preclinical studies followed by core clinical clerkships in the second year. 

As you progress, you’ll be able to gain more advanced clinical experiences, choose from over 200 electives, and have the chance to complete an additional degree through joint programs with other professional schools on campus. You can take advantage of opportunities for research, participation in medical student organizations, and hands-on learning in the Clinical Simulation Center.

Follow these five tips to help impress the University of Michigan Medical School admissions committee.

1. Build a strong academic record
2. Gain hands-on clinical experience through internships or volunteering
3. Showcase your passion for healthcare through your personal statement and recommendation letters 
4. Highlight research experience or involvement in healthcare-related organizations
5. Prepare for the MCAT, as a competitive score can greatly enhance your application

Wayne State University School of Medicine

Situated in Detroit and established in 1868, Wayne State University School of Medicine is renowned for its commitment to urban clinical excellence and research. Wayne State University School of Medicine offers many clinical and research opportunities for students looking to make a difference in urban healthcare.

• Location: Detroit, MI
• US News Ranking: #71 Best Medical Schools: Research and #88 Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
• Average GPA: 3.86
• Average MCAT score: 513
• Percentage of in-state students in first-year class: 64.63%
• Acceptance Rate: 8.7%
• Tuition: $36,791 (in-state)/ $64,085 (out-of-state)
• Public 

Wayne State’s faculty is top-notch and includes many local physicians who provide care at 11 affiliated hospitals, clinics, and training sites in the area. The school’s mission focuses on educating a diverse student body in an urban setting, fostering inclusion, and preparing future medical leaders to promote health and wellness in society.

Applying to Wayne State is quite competitive due to an emphasis on higher GPAs and MCAT scores. However, they use a holistic review process, which also considers your community service, patient care experiences, and extracurricular activities. Keep in mind that as a state-supported school, preference is given to Michigan residents.

Consider these tips to improve your chances of getting an acceptance letter.

1. Achieve a higher GPA and a strong MCAT score 
2. Get involved in community service and gain valuable patient care experiences
3. Showcase your leadership skills through your extracurricular activities and by crafting thoughtful and reflective written responses in your applications.
4. Consider securing strong letters of recommendation that speak to your suitability for a career in medicine.
5. If you’re from Michigan, highlight your ties to the state in your application to demonstrate your commitment to serving the local community.

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

With campuses in East Lansing and Grand Rapids, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine provides a unique experience for students interested in community-based medical education. The College of Human Medicine focuses on training physicians to serve diverse and underserved populations.

• Location: East Lansing, MI, and Grand Rapids, MI
• US News Ranking: #88 in Best Medical Schools: Research 
• Average GPA: 3.80
• Average MCAT score: 509
• Percentage of in-state students in first-year class: 80.11%
• Acceptance Rate: 3.5%
• Tuition: $31,312 (in-state)/ $58,066 (out-of-state)
• Public 

This dynamic institution offers a unique Shared Discovery Curriculum. After two years of early and middle clinical experience, students spread their wings and gain late clinical exposure at one of the seven community campuses. With a mission focused on training exceptional physicians, cultivating new knowledge, and serving communities near and far, this medical school is dedicated to making a positive impact.

With an acceptance rate of just 4%, competition is stiff, but don’t let that discourage you. The school values diversity and encourages disadvantaged and minority students to apply. To support students in need, they offer financial aid options like the Loan For Disadvantaged Students (LDS). 

To up your probability of acceptance, consider the following tips

1. Keep your GPA competitive and strive for a strong MCAT score
2. Demonstrate a genuine alignment with the school’s mission in your application
3. Engage in relevant clinical and community service experiences to stand out
4. Showcase your ability to communicate effectively, problem-solve, and exhibit maturity in your application
5. Highlight how your unique background, experiences, and talents can contribute to the diverse student body

Central Michigan University College of Medicine

Central Michigan University College of Medicine trains physicians to provide improved access to high-quality health care in Michigan, particularly in underserved areas.

• Location: Mt Pleasant, MI
• US News Ranking: Unranked
• Average GPA: 3.78
• Average MCAT score: 507
• Percentage of in-state students in first-year class: 79.21%
• Acceptance Rate: 1.4%
• Tuition: $43,95 (in-state)/ $64,062 (out-of-state)
• Public

The curriculum embarks students on a unique educational journey designed to address the specific health needs of the Upper Peninsula and central and northern Michigan regions. From day one, you’ll start right up with clinical skills training as you become immersed in real-world medical scenarios through hands-on experiences in medical clinics and state-of-the-art simulations. The curriculum seamlessly blends traditional learning methods with cutting-edge technology.

More about admissions requirements:

While academic excellence is valued, the admissions committee seeks more than just top grades. They value critical thinking abilities, a strong grasp of ethical principles, and the innate qualities necessary to embody a compassionate physician dedicated to serving diverse communities.

Here are a few bits of advice to help earn an acceptance.

1. Maintain a competitive GPA. Also, aim to perform well on the MCAT exam.
2. Showcase your critical thinking additionally, your logical reasoning skills in your application.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical principles. Another tip is to highlight the qualities needed to become a compassionate physician.
4. In your personal statement, highlight your commitment to serving underserved populations, especially in Michigan’s rural or urban areas.
5. Familiarize yourself with the AAMC Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students to enhance your application.

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

This newer medical school emphasizes a collaborative and innovative approach to medical education by focusing on patient-centered care and community engagement. Consider Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine if you’re seeking a modern medical education.

• Location: Rochester, MI
• US News Ranking: Unranked
• Average GPA: 3.91
• Average MCAT score: 511
• Percentage of in-state students in first-year class: 55.20%
• Acceptance Rate: 4.1%
• Tuition: $60,277 for both in-state and out-of-state students
• Public

Located just 40 minutes north of Detroit, this school offers a unique partnership with the Beaumont Health System, Southeast Michigan’s largest integrated health system. You’ll gain valuable clinical instruction across three hospital campuses (Royal Oak, Troy, and Grosse Pointe). The Royal Oak campus, in particular, is a Level 1 trauma center and a hub for academic research, offering students exposure to a wide range of medical and surgical specialties.

The school’s mission emphasizes a collaborative and inclusive learning community dedicated to producing not just skilled but also compassionate physicians and scientists.

To increase your chances of acceptance at OUWB, consider the following tips.

1. Complete a well-rounded education that includes social sciences, history, and the arts in addition to basic sciences.
2. The OUWB admissions committee likes to see an excellent performance in a certain activity you are excited about, this could be sports, research or other extracurriculars. 
3. They have a GPA cut-off at 3.0 and you need a minimum 495 MCAT score in order to be considered for an interview invite, so make sure your stats are higher than that before applying to OUWB.

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

Based in Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) stands out for its innovative curriculum and emphasis on interprofessional education. The Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine offers unique opportunities for students to work alongside healthcare professionals from various disciplines.

• Location: Kalamazoo, MI
• US News Ranking: Unranked
• Average GPA: 3.82
• Average MCAT score: 513
• Percentage of in-state students in first-year class: 39.3%
• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Tuition: $68,600 (in-state and out-of-state)
• Private

Established in 2012, WMed offers various programs, including a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. The school’s mission is to educate and inspire lifelong learners to become exceptional clinicians, leaders, educators, advocates, and researchers for tomorrow. For this, they have a high focus on simulation-based learning starting right in your first week.

With around 86 students, their class sizes tend to be smaller which creates a much more supportive learning environment. They have a strong emphasis on accepting both in-state and out-of-state students equally which easily shows in the fact that over 60% of their students are from outside of Michigan.

Follow these tips to help impress the WMed admissions committee: 

1. Showcase your broad personal interests and experiences through your extracurriculars, clinical work and volunteering experiences, including in contact with diverse individuals and cultures.  
2. WMed values a variety of pre-medical experiences so to improve your chances expose yourself to different environments and settings in the medical field. 
3. Demonstrate strong team work abilities, leadership skills and integrity and make sure you can show proof of those attributes by sharing from previous experiences.

Medical Schools in Michigan: DO Schools 

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM)

In addition to the allopathic programs, Michigan State is also home to an osteopathic medical school .

• Location: East Lansing, MI
• US News Ranking: #111 in Best Medical Schools: Research
• Average GPA: 3.71
• Average MCAT score: 506.9
• Percentage of in-state students in first-year class: 70%
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Tuition: $46,928 (in-state) / $65,325 (out-of-state)
• Public 

At the East Lansing campus, Michigan State University offers either a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree or a combined DO-PhD degree for those interested in becoming physician-scientists. This College of Osteopathic Medicine works to provide top-tier and student-centered education. Additionally, they provide research experience to ensure the best patient care for the community.

MSUCOM emphasizes several selection factors for admission, including academic success, MCAT performance, and exposure to osteopathic medicine. Also, it helps to have community service experience.

Focus on these tips when you apply to boost your application profile. 

1. Earn a GPA and MCAT score that meets or exceeds the median accepted scores.
2. Get involved in activities related to osteopathic medicine to show your interest and dedication.
3. Gain valuable experience through volunteer work. Similarly, doing community service is also beneficial.
4. Prepare a compelling personal statement that showcases your passion for healthcare.
5. Practice your interview skills to present yourself in the best light during the admissions process.

Are Medical Schools in Michigan Right for You?

Michigan has many high-quality medical schools, with three Michigan medical schools making it to the prestigious U.S. News Best Medical Schools (Research) ranking for 2023, including the University of Michigan, which secured a spot in the top 20!

All the medical schools in Michigan are public institutions, except for Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. These public schools often offer more reasonable tuition and fees, especially for in-state students. Speaking of being a Michigan resident, many of these schools give in-state applicants an edge, so be aware of residency bias when you choose which schools to apply.

As you decide, remember that it’s not just about the academics – it’s also about the whole experience of living there, too. Michigan also offers outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and a high quality of life to help you enjoy your time both in and out of the classroom.

So, whether you’re reaching for a top-ranked research medical school or hoping for a more accessible option, you’ll likely find a medical school in Michigan that meets your preferences and goals.

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