California is proud to be health-conscious. The state ranks as number four for having the healthiest population in the U.S., according to U.S. News and World Report. Thus, it’s no surprise California is an inspiring setting to study health science and medicine. To simplify your medical school search, we’ve compiled a list of the top med schools in California,* along with the average GPA and average MCAT scores that you’ll need to compete.
*All data in this post was obtained from U.S. News and World Report.
Top Medical Schools in California – Research
- University of California, Los Angeles (Geffen)
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, San Francisco
- University of California–Davis
- University of California–Irvine
Top Medical Schools in California – Primary Care
- University of California–Davis
- University of California, San Francisco
- Western University of Health Sciences
- Touro University California
- University of California, Los Angeles (Geffen)
These top California medical schools are among the best medical schools in the country. Keep reading to learn more about each school, including medical school rankings, acceptance rates, and tuition.
University of California, Los Angeles (David Geffen School of Medicine)
U.S. News Top Medical School Ranking: Tier 1 in Research and Tier 2 in Primary Care
Tuition: $43,066 (in-state); $55,311 (out-of-state)
Median GPA: 3.78
Median MCAT Score: 512
Acceptance Rate: 3.3%
The David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California–Los Angeles (Geffen) is ranked as a top medical school in both Research and Primary Care. The curriculum is divided into three phases, including Human Biology and Disease, Core Clinical Clerkship, and 4th Year Colleges. The school is affiliated with Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles County-Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, and Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center.
Tuition is $43,066 for in-state students and $55,311 for out-of-state students. However, UCLA also offers full medical school scholarships, including the Leaders of Tomorrow Scholars Program and the L.A. Care scholarship.
University of California, San Diego
U.S. News Top Medical School Ranking: Tier 1 in Research and Tier 2 in Primary Care
Tuition: $42,240 (in-state); $54,485 (out-of-state)
Median GPA: 3.79
Median MCAT Score: 512
Acceptance Rate: 2.9%
The School of Medicine at the University of California–San Diego (UCSD) is ranked as a top medical school in both Research and Primary Care. Students are grouped into six Academic Communities, which offer counseling, support, and faculty mentorships. Clinical instruction is held at the UC San Diego Medical Center, the VA San Diego Hospital, the Naval Regional Medical Center, and the Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego.
In 2023, the school introduced a new curriculum: COAST (Caring, Original, Advocates, Share, Thrive), emphasizing humanism, systems science, and health equity.
There are more than 35 student organizations at the San Diego school that you can join. Additionally, students also have the opportunity to participate in the UCSD Student-Run Free Clinic Project, which provides healthcare to underserved communities throughout San Diego.
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University of California, San Francisco
U.S. News Top Medical School Ranking: Tier 1 in Research and Tier 1 in Primary Care
Tuition: $40,770 (in-state); $53,015 (out-of-state)
Median GPA: 3.91
Median MCAT Score: 516
Acceptance Rate: 3.1%
The School of Medicine at the University of California – San Francisco (UCSF) is ranked as a Tier 1 school in both Research and Primary Care. Founded in 1864, it is the oldest medical school in California and the Western United States. UCSF is part of a health sciences-only campus, which means the entire institution is focused on medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and biomedical science. The school is affiliated with the UCSF Medical Center, which is tied for the No. 1 best hospital for adults in California.
UCSF’s innovative Bridges Curriculum emphasizes early clinical immersion, interprofessional teamwork, and deep understanding of health systems science. Medical students rotate through various hospitals and clinics across the Bay Area. There’s also a strong emphasis on serving underserved populations. The faculty-student ratio is favorably 4.2:1, assuring plenty of personalized attention.
University of California, Davis
U.S. News Top Medical School Ranking: Tier 2 in Research and Tier 1 in Primary Care
Tuition: $43,776 (in-state); $56,021 (out-of-state)
Median GPA: 3.59
Median MCAT Score: 509
Acceptance Rate: 3.1%
Students at the University of California–Davis School of Medicine develop expertise across seven core competencies, including patient care and system-based practice. The program’s flexible curriculum empowers students to explore a wide range of specialties based on their interests and career goals. Additionally, students can gain invaluable hands-on experience through the school’s seven student-run clinics, which serve inner-city neighborhoods and underserved communities.
Notably, nearly 54% of UC Davis graduates pursue primary care residencies, addressing critical physician shortages in the Central Valley and rural Northern California. With access to advanced simulation labs, multidisciplinary care teams, and a strong commitment to health equity, UC Davis offers an ideal environment for aspiring physicians.
University of California, Irvine
U.S. News Top Medical School Ranking: Tier 2 in Research and Tier 3 in Primary Care
Tuition: $39,528 (in-state); $51,773 (out-of-state)
Median GPA: 3.94
Median MCAT Score: 516
Acceptance Rate: 4%
The UC Irvine School of Medicine is known for its balanced excellence in both research and patient care. Students at UCI dive into clinical care early through the iTEACH curriculum, which integrates hands-on experiences—like simulation and patient techniques—right alongside foundational sciences. Clinical rotations occur at the flagship UCI Medical Center (a Level I trauma center), the VA Long Beach Healthcare, CHOC Children’s Hospital, and other community hospitals.
If you’re passionate about cutting-edge medicine, early clinical work, and serving diverse populations—all within a collaborative and well-resourced UC health system—UC Irvine offers a thoughtful and dynamic environment for pre-med applicants.
Western University of Health Sciences
U.S. News Top Medical School Ranking: Tier 4 in Research and Tier 1 in Primary Care
Tuition: $67,465 (in-state); $67,465 (out-of-state)
Median GPA: 3.8
Median MCAT Score: 508
Acceptance Rate: 22.1%
The College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific at Western University of Health Sciences and its sister campus COMP‑Northwest are consistently recognized for their strength in primary care.
WesternU emphasizes interprofessional, hands-on training, with COMP students rotating through various clinical sites, including UC‑style community hospitals around Pomona, its on-campus Patient Care Center, VA facilities, and specialty rotations at CHOC Children’s Hospital.
If your priorities include a mission-driven commitment to primary care, especially in rural and underserved communities, and you appreciate a collaborative, osteopathic approach within an interprofessional health sciences campus, WesternU COMP presents a compelling option.
Touro University California
U.S. News Top Medical School Ranking: Tier 4 in Research and Tier 2 in Primary Care
Tuition: $66,600
Median GPA: 3.57
Median MCAT Score: 506
Acceptance Rate: 14.7%
Touro University California’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM) has achieved an impressive 100% residency match rate since 2017, underscoring its commitment to preparing students for successful medical careers.
From day one, TUCOM’s curriculum prioritizes holistic, osteopathic medicine, integrating Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) training with the WARM framework—Wellness, Academics, Resilience, and Mindfulness. Beyond academics, students contribute over 1,300 volunteer hours annually through a student-run free clinic and actively participate in community outreach initiatives.
For those seeking to broaden their expertise, TUCOM also offers opportunities to pursue dual degree programs, enriching both education and career potential.
How Do I Get Accepted to a California Medical School?
Whether you’re applying to one of the best med schools in California or another part of the country, the process is the same. The first step in the medical school admissions timeline is to take the MCAT. All these med schools in California have median MCAT scores, which give you a pretty good indication of how you compare to their previous incoming class. Remember, medical schools want to attract the best, so make sure to give yourself the ultimate shot by getting a high MCAT score.
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