You might have heard of the famous Jersey Shore with its long coastline and iconic boardwalks, but New Jersey offers a whole lot more. With five ranked medical schools, including four MD programs and one DO program, it’s also an exciting hub for medical education.
- Four of the state’s medical schools are public. Since tuition is more affordable at a public institution—a win for your wallet!
- While there’s a preference for in-state applicants, all five schools welcome applications from out-of-state candidates as well, so there’s no need to worry about being at a disadvantage if you’re not a New Jersey resident. (Although out-of-state tuition will be higher.)
- New Jersey’s central location, with easy access to nearby cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., can make your medical school journey even more exciting and diverse.
Ready to explore the medical schools New Jersey has to offer? Let’s get started!
This post is all about medical schools in New Jersey.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.
Successfully Apply To Medical Schools in New Jersey
List of Medical Schools in New Jersey
Medical School | MD/DO | Location | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Accep- tance rate | Type | Tuition |
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School | MD | New Brunswick | 3.7 | 514 | 5.90% | Public | $44,435 (in-state) and full-time: $71,279 (out-of-state) |
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School | MD | Newark | 3.7 | 514 | 5.70% | Public | $41,903 (in-state)/$68,564 (out-of-state) |
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University | MD | Camden | 3.8 | 513 | 5.00% | Public | $44,628 (in-state)/ $70,826 (out-of-state) |
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine | MD | Nutley | 3.77 | 515 | 8.80% | Private | $69,859 |
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | Stratford | 3.67 | 506 | 8.90% | Public | $44,628 (in-state)/$70,826 (out-of-state) |
What’s so Special About Attending Medical School in New Jersey?
New Jersey, also known as the Garden State, has so much to experience if you choose to live here while attending medical school. There’s a ton packed into this rather small state – you could visit New Jersey over a thousand times and still miss out on all the amazing places to see and do.
Benefits of Living in New Jersey
If you’re considering attending medical school in New Jersey, then you’ll have the opportunity to explore a state that has so much to offer!
- New Jersey is home to 130 miles of spectacular shorelines, perfect for relaxing and unwinding after a long day of classes or studying.
- From the glitz and glamor of Atlantic City to the historic charm of Cape May to northern New Jersey’s urban centers outside of New York City, you’ll easily find world-class entertainment and dining options.
- With over 200 wineries, breweries, and distilleries to visit, there’s always something new to discover.
- If you love the outdoors, New Jersey won’t disappoint. The state’s peaceful natural surroundings, including barrier islands, farmland, mountains, rivers, and forests, offer opportunities for exhilarating recreation or complete relaxation.
Living Costs as a Medical Student in New Jersey
Is New Jersey an expensive place to live? Well, the short answer is yes. The cost of living in New Jersey is 11% higher than the national average. Utilities and basic necessities, such as groceries and clothing, also tend to be on the pricier side in New Jersey.
Housing costs in New Jersey are particularly elevated, 30% higher than the national average. So, finding affordable housing as a medical student might require careful budgeting and possibly considering roommates to split costs.
Fun Facts About New Jersey
As you consider attending medical school in New Jersey, keep these interesting bits of trivia in mind to spark your curiosity and appreciation for the interesting state you might soon call home!
- New Jersey has been known as the “Diner Capital of the World.” Even with more diners closing each year, the state still has the most in the nation.
- The world’s first drive-in movie theater was introduced in Pennsauken in 1933.
- The famous Atlantic City Boardwalk in New Jersey is the longest boardwalk in the world. It opened in 1870 and stretches for about 5.5 miles.
- Thomas Edison’s laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey, was the birthplace of numerous groundbreaking inventions, including the phonograph and electric light.
- New Jersey is the only state where all 21 counties are classified as urban areas.
Medical Schools in New Jersey: MD Schools List
I’ve put together a comprehensive list of MD schools in New Jersey to help you navigate your options.
Note: The first two medical schools on this list are associated with Rutgers University, yet at the time of writing this post, they function as two separate entities. However, Rutgers recently approved a plan to integrate both schools, possibly in time for the incoming class of 2028.
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Offering a comprehensive academic program that combines classroom learning with clinical experience right from the first year, students at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and participate in various community outreach programs.
- Location: New Brunswick, NJ
- US News Ranking: Tier 2 in Best Medical Schools: Research
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Average MCAT score: 514
- Percentage of in-state students in first-year class: 88.5%
- Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
- Tuition: $44,435 (in-state) and full-time: $71,279 (out-of-state)
- Public
- Allopathic
As part of a large health sciences university, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School offers the advantages of a larger institution while maintaining a close-knit student community. The school has a class size of around 175 students.
The admissions committee is highly involved in selecting candidates holistically. They prefer applicants who succeed academically and display the personal qualities necessary to become effective and compassionate physicians in the modern era. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews proceed until mid-March, at which point applicants are notified of either an invitation to interview or a regret email.
Acceptance Tips
Here are a few tips for improving your chances of acceptance at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School:
- Focus on maintaining a strong academic record with challenging coursework and competitive grades.
- Due to their rolling admissions, make sure to apply early in the cycle to get into the first line of acceptances.
- Demonstrate interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and a genuine passion for serving others in your application.
- Gain diverse experiences through extracurricular activities, community service, and research opportunities to showcase a well-rounded profile.
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
If you’re looking for a program that seamlessly blends academics with hands-on experience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, located in Newark, might be the perfect fit.
- Location: Newark, NJ
- US News Ranking: Tier 2 in Best Medical Schools: Research
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Average MCAT score: 514
- Percentage of in-state students in first-year class: 83.8%
- Acceptance Rate: 5.7%
- Tuition: $41,903 (in-state)/$68,564 (out-of-state)
- Public
- Allopathic
Since they share the same university affiliation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School offers an MD program that’s pretty similar to the one at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. From day one, you’ll become immersed in a mix of classroom learning and real-world clinical experience. Plus, you’ll get to work on some top-notch research projects alongside faculty members. And the best part? You’ll also have the chance to polish your clinical skills by getting involved in various community outreach programs.
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School features an actively engaged admissions committee focused on selecting students who are academically accomplished and personally well-suited to become compassionate physicians. The admissions committee evaluates candidates based on a range of attributes, including academic excellence, lived experiences, resilience, personal growth, and maturity. Consideration is also given to factors such as socioeconomic status, languages spoken, gender, race, and ethnicity to promote diversity within the student body.
Acceptance Tips
These tips can help you earn an acceptance at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School:
- Maintain a strong academic record, focusing on excellence in science-related courses.
- Gain practical clinical experience through internships, volunteering, or shadowing opportunities in healthcare settings.
- Showcase your commitment to diversity and humanism through your personal experiences and activities.
- Demonstrate qualities of integrity, resilience, and passion in your application materials and interviews.
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
At Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU), the MD Program stands out for its unique curriculum tailored to produce well-rounded physicians.
- Location: Camden, NJ
- US News Ranking: Tier 2 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Average MCAT score: 513
- Percentage of in-state students in first-year class: 77.7%
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Tuition: $44,628 (in-state)/ $70,826 (out-of-state)
- Public
- Allopathic
Cooper Medical School’s four-year program emphasizes a seamless integration of basic scientific knowledge, early clinical exposure, self-directed learning, teamwork, and community service. CCMSRU has a mission to cultivate physicians who are lifelong learners, compassionate caregivers, and committed professionals.
CMSRU uses holistic criteria for admission, focusing on academic excellence, alignment with the school’s mission, and the personal qualities essential for future physicians. Prospective students need to demonstrate personal and professional integrity and attributes such as intellectual curiosity, ethical conduct, an understanding of medicine as both an art and a science, and a service-oriented mindset. Plus, Cooper Medical School states it has a strong emphasis on building a diverse student body that contributes positively to the educational experience of all members.
Acceptance Tips
If you want to increase your odds of acceptance at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, follow these tips.
- Maintain a strong academic record that showcases your intellectual abilities.
- Demonstrate a genuine passion for healthcare and a commitment to serving others.
- Participate in meaningful extracurricular activities that highlight your leadership skills and dedication to community service.
- Seek out diverse experiences that broaden your perspective and understanding of various populations.
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Located near New York City, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine provides unique opportunities for clinical and academic experiences that set it apart from other medical schools. The school offers a unique approach to medical education, focusing on the critical science of prevention and community health. Their mission is to train doctors who will prioritize wellness and sustainability in healthcare for all individuals, regardless of background.
- Location: Nutley, NJ
- Average GPA: 3.77
- Average MCAT score: 515
- Percentage of in-state students: 59%
- Acceptance Rate: 8.8%
- Tuition: $69,859
- Private
- Allopathic
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (HMSOM) provides a curriculum that’s community-focused, clinically based, and supported by state-of-the-art technologies. Students engage with patients early on through programs like The Human Dimension, emphasizing a holistic understanding of healthcare beyond hospital walls.
The school’s admissions process seeks applicants who demonstrate a commitment to improving population health and reducing the overall cost of care. They value candidates who bring diverse experiences and a dedication to serving their community. Accepted students at HMSOM become part of a legacy of outstanding physicians dedicated to achieving the highest levels of wellness for all individuals.
Acceptance Tips
Boost your chances of acceptance at HNSOM by focusing on these areas.
- Demonstrate emotional intelligence, resilience, and servant leadership in your application.
- Show a passion for the field of medicine and a commitment to community service
- Develop strong communication skills, both written and oral.
- Display intellectual pursuit, integrity, and a willingness to take initiative.
- Highlight your skills in self-motivation, adaptability, and personal responsibility.
Medical Schools in New Jersey: DO School Option
If you’re considering attending a medical school in New Jersey, you’ll be happy to know that there is one osteopathic school option. Osteopathic medical schools provide a unique approach to healthcare, focusing on a whole-body perspective and hands-on treatment.
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
As New Jersey’s only osteopathic medical school, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine has witnessed a steady increase in class size over the past few years. The recent rise in interest in the school may be due to its accessible faculty, comprehensive support services, and a highly successful 99% match rate for GME placement.
- Location: Stratford, NJ
- Average GPA: 3.67
- Average MCAT score: 506
- Percentage of in-state students in first-year class: 83.1%
- Acceptance Rate: 8.9%
- Tuition: $44,628 (in-state)/$70,826 (out-of-state)
- Public
- Osteopathic
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine offers a challenging curriculum with two tracks during the Pre-Clerkship phase: the Synergistic Guided Learning (SGL) track and the Problem-based Learning (PBL) track. Their partnership with Virtua Health ensures priority access to clerkships, residencies, and fellowship opportunities, enhancing students’ hands-on experience within one of New Jersey’s leading health systems. Additionally, as a Carnegie R2 institution and the fourth-fastest growing public research university, Rowan provides medical students with valuable research opportunities alongside nationally recognized research faculty.
Acceptance Tips
To improve your chances of acceptance at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, consider the following tips:
- Rowan-Virtua values compassionate and culturally competent physicians, so be sure to demonstrate a commitment to holistic medical education and community service
- Showcase your interest in research, innovation, and discovery, as Rowan is dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and solving healthcare challenges.
- Highlight your adaptability, willingness to learn, and openness to pursuing one of the two distinct curriculum tracks tailored to different learning styles. Be prepared to discuss how your preferred learning style aligns with either the SGL or PBL track during the admissions process.
Are Medical Schools in New Jersey Right for You?
Pursuing your medical career in New Jersey can certainly be a wonderful idea. New Jersey boasts a rich academic environment, with institutions like Rutgers University at the forefront of medical education. These schools are widely recognized for their outstanding programs, accomplished faculty, and cutting-edge research opportunities.
Attending a medical school in New Jersey also offers a balanced blend of class time and hands-on clinical experience. Many programs in the state emphasize the importance of practical training, allowing students to gain valuable real-world skills while still focusing on their academic studies.
Additionally, choosing to study in New Jersey can provide you with a diverse and vibrant learning community. The state is home to a diverse population, offering students the opportunity to interact with a wide range of patients and healthcare professionals.
From the respected institutions to the hands-on training opportunities, there are plenty of reasons to seriously consider applying to and attending one of the medical schools in New Jersey!
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