Studying medicine in Ohio can expose students to a wide range of communities and clinical settings in a state that ranks 34th by total area in the United States. This article focuses on Ohio’s MD-granting medical schools that participate in AMCAS: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, and Northeast Ohio Medical University. Several of these schools are public institutions with strong ties to Ohio, but many also enroll students from outside the state.
Here are six leading MD-granting medical schools in Ohio.
Best Medical Schools in Ohio
1. Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
- Website
- Admissions
- Recent Class Profile:
- Entering Class: 2025
- Average Cumulative GPA: 3.90
- Average Science GPA: 3.87
- Average MCAT: 517
Case Western Reserve University traces part of its history to Western Reserve College, which was founded in 1826. The School of Medicine was established in 1843 and has a long history of medical education in Cleveland.
The Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has several notable milestones in its history, including the introduction of an integrated medical curriculum in 1952, the first dual MD/PhD program in the United States in 1956, and the first CPR course. The school also reports that its researchers established the first link between oral bacteria and preterm birth in humans. More recently, the school has continued to emphasize research, reporting hundreds of millions of dollars in active research funding and recognition as a Tier 1 medical school for research in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Research is a major part of the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine experience. Its WR2 curriculum integrates basic science, clinical science, health systems science, research, and scholarship. Students learn through a mix of small-group case inquiry, clinical skills training, and other active-learning formats.
2. The Ohio State University College of Medicine
- Website
- Admissions
- Recent Class Profile:
- Entering Class: 2025
- Class GPA: 3.83
- Class Science GPA: 3.79
- MCAT Composite: 514
- Applications / Acceptances / New Entrants: 8,731 / 393 / 211
The College of Medicine at Ohio State University offers a traditional four-year MD program and several dual-degree options, including MD/PhD, MD/MBA, MD/JD, MD/MHA, and MD/MPH pathways. It also offers a three-year Primary Care Track designed for students pursuing family medicine.
The motto of The Ohio State University College of Medicine’s curriculum is “Lead.Serve.Inspire.” This is reflected in the MD program’s structure, which integrates basic science learning in the classroom with clinical science in clinical settings. Students also receive faculty coaching and complete project work that develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and synthesis skills.
3. The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
- Website
- Admissions
- Recent Class Profile:
- Average Total GPA: 3.78
- Average Science GPA: 3.71
- Average MCAT: 510
- Ohio Residents: 111
- States Represented: 24 states plus Washington, D.C.
Looking to improve health in the communities and regions it serves, the College of Medicine and Life Sciences at The University of Toledo offers programs that prepare physicians and scientists to support health and well-being in Ohio and beyond. Its approach emphasizes patient-centered care, medical education, and research.
As one of Ohio’s MD-granting medical schools, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences has an academic affiliation with ProMedica. In 2024, the two organizations announced a new academic affiliation agreement that supports medical education and training through June 30, 2033. The partnership helps support clinical training opportunities for University of Toledo medical students and residents at ProMedica facilities.
4. University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Website
- Admissions
- Recent Class Profile:
- Class GPA: 3.86
- Class Science GPA: 3.81
- MCAT Composite: 514
- Ohio Residents / Nonresidents: 67% / 33%
The College of Medicine at the University of Cincinnati is the oldest medical school west of the Allegheny Mountains. Established in 1819, it is also recognized by the university as Ohio’s first medical college and the nation’s second-oldest public college of medicine. Located in Cincinnati, the college focuses on medical education, research, clinical care, and service.
In terms of admissions, the college looks for academic strength, preparation for medicine, and a range of experiences. Its current class profile reports a class GPA of 3.86, a science GPA of 3.81, and an MCAT composite of 514. The class profile also reports that 67% of students are Ohio residents and 33% are nonresidents.
5. Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
- Website
- Admissions
- Recent Class Profile:
- Class Profile: Class of 2028
- Average Undergraduate BCPM GPA: 3.68
- Average Highest MCAT: 508.76
- Applicants / Matriculated Students: 6,338 / 130
- Ohio Matriculants: 66%
Wright State University is located in the Dayton area and became an independent public university in 1967. The Boonshoft School of Medicine is a community-based medical school with strong clinical training opportunities through regional partners. The school reports nine hospital partners, and its admissions information notes that students benefit from training opportunities connected to major teaching hospitals, federal institutions, and other health care sites.
Students are encouraged to take part in research activities, and the school supports biomedical and clinical research through its Office of Research Affairs. Students can also participate in community service and outreach opportunities that connect medical education with the needs of local communities.
The Boonshoft School of Medicine is competitive. For the Class of 2028, the school reported 6,338 applicants and 130 matriculated students. The same class profile reported that 66% of matriculated students were Ohio residents.
6. Northeast Ohio Medical University
- Website
- Admissions
- Recent Class Profile:
- Entering MD Class: July 2025
- Average Overall GPA: 3.75
- Average BCPM GPA: 3.69
- Average MCAT: 511
- Typical Residency Mix: About 80% Ohio residents and 20% non-Ohio residents
We end our list of best medical schools in Ohio with Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), which is dedicated to improving health through education, research, service, and community partnerships. The university includes the College of Medicine and works with a network of health care systems, colleges, and community partners.
The College of Medicine grants the MD degree through a four-year curriculum. The first two years focus on foundational medical sciences, clinical skills, body systems, and pathophysiology. The third year includes seven core clerkships, and the fourth year includes individualized clinical experiences, required rotations, electives, and preparation for residency.
Admission is competitive, as it is for other medical schools. NEOMED offers several admission pathways, including Traditional Admission and Early Assurance options for eligible applicants, so students should review the current pathway requirements before applying.
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