University Of Illinois College Of Medicine
The University of Illinois College of Medicine has four locations in the state of Illinois, and the Chicago location is in one of the worlds largest medical districts. This prime location allows students to gain vast clinical experience, and first-year students at the school accompany physicians on rounds and take patient histories. Across the four locations, there are 75 residency options available across a wide range of fields.
The faculty at the University of Illinois College of Medicine are known for their groundbreaking research, so its no surprise that the school is ranked by US News as the 55th best medical school in the nation for research.
Additionally, approximately 17% of physicians in Illinois are trained at the school, which means it has a long list of established alumni. Julius B. Richmond was a former U.S. Surgeon General, and Olga Jonasson, a pioneer in kidney transplantation, was the first woman to chair an academic department of surgery.
The University of Illinois College of Medicine has a 7.4% acceptance rate, with an average GPA of 3.8 and an average MCAT score of 512.
So What Can You Do To Increase Your Chances Of Getting Accepted Into An Illinois Medical School
If you are not from Illinois, then the only school which might be completely out of reach is Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, which only accepts in state students . However, most medical schools in Illinois take a large percentage of out of state applicants. When evaluating how competitive you are, be honest with yourself. Are your MCAT and GPA close to the metrics for accepted students? If not, consider retaking your MCAT or enhancing your GPA. With so many medical colleges in Illinois, most located in or close to the vibrant city of Chicago, you are given the unique opportunity to collaborate with a network of medical students and professionals. It is no surprise that hopeful applicants often apply to a handful of Illinois schools.
Assuming you have the MCAT and GPA that are waiting range for accepted students at Illinois medical schools, it is imperative that you compose thoughtful and consider application materials which will convince your reviewer to click the interview button. Also important are your secondary essays and letters of reference. In other words, while your number will determine if you meet thresholds for an interview, it is your written application that determines if you will be invited for an interview.
Opportunities Available To Medical Students In Chicago
1. Public Health WorkerPublic health is about protecting and promoting the health of the general population through. You might work on preventing the spread of infectious diseases or environmental health hazards, or you could be involved in strategies to improve efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of your health service.
2. Health JournalistJournalism is a hugely competitive field, but those with scientific credentials and experience have the edge over the vast majority of journalists who come mostly from an arts or social sciences backgrounds. Some medics undertake this as an addition, rather than an alternative to their clinical work. Keep in mind that you may need to gain extra qualifications or experience in order to kickstart a successful journalism career.
3. Medical TeacherMedical education could range from supporting trainee medical students or doctors, to educating the public, be it in your home country or abroad. This could be the right choice for you if you want to make an impact on educating a large number of people.
4. Clinical Forensic Medical ExaminerAn interesting route to take if you have completed training as a doctor. The role of a forensic medical examiner is to deal with examining the living. Forensic pathologists are trained to carry out medical examinations on the dead.
7. Medical/ Pharmaceutical Researcher
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Rush Medical College Of Rush University
- Type: Private
- Location: 600 S. Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612
- 4-years tuition: ~$225,000
Rush Medical College was established in 1837. It was founded by Dr. John Riggs and his partner James Rush. The school is known for its commitment to excellence.
Rushs MD program is taught at two hospitals within walking distance of each other: Rush University Medical Center, and John H. Stronger Hospital of Cook Country.
Most teachers at Rush are physicians, so they bring in real-world experience to their lectures. Its great, because students can learn from people who actually practice what they teach. They are better equipped than those learning from typical teachers.
Another perk of studying here is the volunteer program. Youll gain hands-on experience in medicine, giving you the experience, you need to proceed with your studies. The school gets over 100 grants from the NIH. If you are interested in research, Rush is an excellent choice.
Where Can I Find Information About Financial Aid And Scholarships For Medical Schools In Illinois

The Carle Illinois College of Medicine: Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships
The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine: Financial Aid
The Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine: Financial Aid Office and Financial Literacy
The Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine: Financial Aid
The University of Illinois College of Medicine: Student Financial Aid and Debt Management
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Northwestern University The Feinberg School Of Medicine
The Feinberg School of Medicine is a top-ranked, research-focused medical school located in the heart of Chicago. It is important to note that 65% of Northwestern medical school graduates match at a top-25 residency program and that 50% of students participate in global health experiences. In addition to the core pre-clinical courses and clinical rotations, each student pursues a four-year Area of Scholarly Concentration project through which they have the opportunity to conduct a longitudinal research project under the mentorship of a Feinberg faculty member. Additionally, fourth-year medical students can participate in the Teaching Selective, an elective that provides graduating students with a medical education foundation as they transition to the role of resident physician teachers.
How Much Is Medical School In Chicago
Tuition at medical schools in Chicago differs. Generally, public schools cost less when compared to private medical schools.
Chicago medical school tuition can be as high as $56, 550- the University of Chicago, or as low as $19,308-Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. In US, medical schools cost $37,556 for resident or in-state students and $61,858 for non-resident or out-of-state students.
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Meet The Dean For Medical Education
Vineet Arora, MD, MAPP. In this role, she oversees medical education across the continuum of education, including for students in the Pritzker School of Medicine, for all residents and fellows in graduate medical education programs at University of Chicago Medicine, faculty continuing education, and provides leadership for the simulation center.
List Of Medical Schools In Illinois
The Illinois medical schools listed below are accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, which is an organization that provides accreditation for medical education nationwide.
Schools are sorted by size with the largest medical schools first, based on the number of medical student graduates per year.
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What Is The Difference Between An Allopathic Medical School And An Osteopathic Medical School
An allopathic medical school is a traditional medical school where you will earn your MD degree. At an osteopathic medical school, you will earn your DO. DOs are licensed to practice medicine just like MDs however, DOs generally view patient healthcare holistically while MDs focus on treatment of disease. You can learn more about the similarities and differences between pursuing a DO vs MD on our blog.
Pacific College Of Oriental Medicine Chicago
The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Chicago is a for-profit college located in Chicago, Illinois. Actually, the only major which they offer is Massage Therapy and Bodywork. However, it is a small institution with an enrollment of 34 undergraduate students. The Pacific College Chicago acceptance rate is 100%.
The faculty to student ratio is 12:1. Besides, the graduation rate stands at 100%. Above all, the institution gains its institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission. However, program accreditation comes from the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine .
Furthermore, the ratio of employable graduates after two years stands at 66%. Then, the ration of students getting grants is 86%. Next, the duration of the study is 4 years. Finally, the tuition fee is $19,308.
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Loyola University Of Chicago Stritch School Of Medicine
The medical school curriculum at Loyola University has a traditional two-year preclinical and two-year clinical curriculum however, it also has vertically integrated courses including programming in end-of-life care, quality improvement and patient safety, radiology, and point of care ultrasound throughout. Students may also participate in one of three honors programs: the Global Health Honors Program, the Bioethics Program, or the Research Program these participants will receive distinctions at graduation. Loyola University also has a robust, funded eight-week research program: the Student Training in Approaches to Research Program. Moreover, the school has unique elective programming and extracurricular experiences including the transcendental meditation course, the Ignatian Service Immersion global health experience, the Medical Spanish program, and the Medical Polish program. Of note: the schools mission statement is focused on service thus, the school seeks applicants who have demonstrated a strong commitment to their communities in the form of service experiences.
Chicago College Of Osteopathic Medicine

- Location: Downers Grove, IL
- Tuition: N/A
- Public/Private: Private
The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, also known as CCOM, is a part of Midwestern University. Founded in 1900, its one of the earliest medical schools to start accepting students in Illinois.
As the name would suggest, CCOM concentrates on Osteopathic medicine. This is a unique type of medicine that focuses on the patient rather than the ailment. Students learn how to improve a patients overall health to combat issues and provide life-long care.
There are many hospitals affiliated with CCOM. As a student, you can complete your clinical rotations at institutes like John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook Country, the Riverside Medical Center, and more.
Residency programs are offered as well. CCOM can train you for several disciplines, preparing you for the career you want.
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What Are The Cheapest Medical Schools In Chicago
Based on tuition and cost of attending medical schools in Chicago, below are the cheapest medical schools in Chicago:
- Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Chicago
- Meerc Inc. All Saints University School of Medicine, Chicago
- The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago
- Rush Medical College, Chicago
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago
- Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago
- The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago
How Competitive Are You For Medical School Admissions In Illinois
To determine your competitiveness for an Illinois medical school you must review the average MCATs and GPAs for accepted students as well as the medical school acceptance rates. For out of state students, it is important to pay attention to how many out of state students are interviewed and what percentage are in the entering class each year.
So, how difficult is it to get accepted into an Illinois medical school? Lets review the data. Below are the average MCAT scores and GPAs, interview rates for in state and out of state applicants, acceptance rates, percent of entering class that is in state, and tuition for all medical schools in Illinois.
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University Of Chicago Division Of The Biological Sciences The Pritzker School Of Medicine
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Tuition: $56,724 In-state, $56,724 Out-of-state
- Public/Private: Private
The Pritzker School of Medicine is a private institution thats a part of a large educational organization. Its part of the University of Chicagos Division of the Biological Sciences. While other medical schools operate relatively independently away from the primary campus, thats no the case with Pritzker.
The school is located on the University of Chicagos main campus in Hyde Park. As a student here, you will have the chance to be in an open social environment surrounded by students from many different programs. This can open up your interdisciplinary exposure while you focus on your core program.
Speaking of which, the Pritzker School of Medicine offers a couple of programs to choose from. Theres the main MD as well as joint doctorates. Students can also enroll in MD/PhD dual-degree programs and joint Masters options as well.
Most of the clinical work you will do during your final years will occur at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Though, Pritzker also has a relationship with the NorthShore University Health System.
Medical Schools In Illinois: Rankings & Information
There are nine allopathic and osteopathic medical schools located in Illinois. Although a few of them accept a large percentage of in-state applicants, most medical schools throughout Illinois accept a large percentage of out-of-state students. Many of the best medical schools in the United States are located in Illinois including the University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences The Pritzker School of Medicine and Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, which both rank in the top twenty for research by US News and World Report.
Illinois is a popular state for medical school applicants. In fact, the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science received almost 12,000 applications last year.
Lets take a look at all the medical schools in Illinois:
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Northwestern University Feinberg School Of Medicine Chicago
The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is located in the Streeterville neighbourhood of Chicago, in the U.S. state of Illinois. However, Northwestern University Medical School was renamed the Feinberg School of Medicine in 2002.
Moreover, the median undergraduate GPA and MCAT score for successful applicants are 3.91 and 520 respectively. But, the acceptance rate is 7%. Furthermore, this medical school in Chicago gains its accreditation from LMCE. The local tuition fee is $44,693.
Allopathic Medical Schools In Illinois
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Carle Illinois College of Medicine
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Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
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Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
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Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine
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Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center
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Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
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University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
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University of Illinois College of Medicine
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Strategy : Determine Which School Environments Best Support Your Future Career Interests And Communicate Fit Through Your Application Materials
The state of Illinois is home to many standout medical schools with key differentiating features. Reflect on your own career aspirations and determine if you would benefit from attending a school with specific programming geared towards your interests.
For example, you may be particularly drawn to the Rural Medicine Education program at the University of Illinois, the engineering programming at Carle-Illinois, or the possibilities for world-class academic research at Feinberg or Pritzker.
Additionally, determine if a smaller vs. larger class size would support your needs, if you would thrive in an urban vs. suburban setting, and if you are eligible for in-state only admission at SIU.
Then, when composing your secondary essays and going on interviews, make sure to discuss how these features align with your past experiences and future goals for your medical career.
Apply To Medical Schools Early And Broadly

Finally, apply to medical schools early and broadly. Be honest with yourself about your academic, professional, and extracurricular standing, and apply to the schools that would be a good fit for your specific education and career goals. Be mindful of each medical schoolâs application timeline, and be sure to submit all required materials well before approaching deadlines.
If you apply early, you will take some of the pressure off and give yourself plenty of time to obtain all necessary application materials such as official school transcripts and letters of recommendation.
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University Of Chicago Pritzker School Of Medicine
The Pritzker School of Medicine is located on the University of Chicago campus, which enables medical students to benefit from a multidisciplinary learning environment and to collaborate with students and faculty from the other professional schools. Additionally, medical students will rotate in globally recognized, clinically excellent hospitals and care centers known for a commitment to medical education. Moreover, the preclinical curriculum integrates basic science coursework with supplemental classes such as Health Equity, Advocacy, and Anti-Racism and The American Healthcare System.
Medical students are also actively involved in the five community clinics that are found throughout Chicago and geared towards connecting underserved patients with preventive care. In addition to the community clinics, Pritzker students can participate in various community health outreach groups such as the Adolescent Substance Abuse Program and the Diabetes Prevention and Management Group. The school also offers financially backed fellowships in research, global health, and community service to encourage its medical students to explore these realms in a longitudinal and productive fashion.
Doctor’s In Illinois Compared To Median Income Averages
+309% Above State Median Income
+298%Above National Median Income
Doctor’s in Illinois take home an average 77.00 per hour. Annual earnings for Doctor’sworking in the State of Illinois average $160,279 which is 309% above the state median income and 298% above the national median income for all occupations. Employment fora Doctor makes up just of the working population in Illinois and is limited due to the specific qualifications required along withthe schooling involved in this career path. The increasing demand for qualified Doctors coupled with the educational barrier to enter the field is met with asteady supply of eager college graduates anxious to make a long-lasting impact in the lives of others in and around Illinois.
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Attending Medical School In Illinois
Attending medical school in Illinois comes with various advantages. Because there are so many medical schools in the state, there is a large population of medical students and young medical professionals. Additionally, there are ample things to do for recreation, and the beautiful and robust city of Chicago has wonderful attractions that offer art, culture, history, music, professional sports, and amazing food .
Furthermore, campus life for medical students offers numerous benefits:
The Carle Illinois College of Medicine prioritizes student health and wellness, both physical and mental.
The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine offers flexible housing options and numerous student activities as part of its rich campus life.
The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science has a network of six simulation laboratories with cutting-edge technology, expansive open spaces to foster collaborative learning and teaching, and a commitment to student life and wellness.
The Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine encourages student leadership through several organizations that enhance student life on campus.
The Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine has many special interest groups and communities that foster growth in a supportive environment on campus.
The Southern Illinois University School of Medicine has a proactive office of student affairs that oversees student services.