Are you a student in California looking to save a ton of money and avoid student debt while attending Medical school? I know how college can be so expensive. So, I have taken the pain of selecting the cheapest medical schools you can find in California that suits your budget.
California is the most populated state and the third-largest by area in the U.S. It is a very popular State. Also, it has served as a home to many prominent men worldwide.
Regardless, a lot of students after graduating from even the best medical colleges in California are still drowning in college debts that they can’t repay.
However, in this article, I will do a breakdown of medical colleges with low-tuition that will match your college budget.
The table of content below gives an overview of all this post entails.
Table of contents
- What is a Medical School?
- How long does it take to study Medicine?
- Can I get into Medical school?
- How Many Medical schools are in California?
- What is the cost of Medical School in California?
- Is a Medical Degree worth it?
- Why Study Medicine in California?
- List Of Cheapest Medical Schools in California
- #1 East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine
- #2 California State University Stanislaus, Turlock
- #3 California State University Fullerton
- #4. The University of California, Davis School of Medicine
- #5 University of California, San Francisco
- #6 University of California, Irvine
- #7 Stanford University
- #8 University of Lousiana, New Orleans
- #9. University of North California at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
- #10 University of California, San Diego
- #11 David Geffen School of Medicine
- #12 Loma Linda University
- Conclusion
- References
First, let’s start by answering some questions you might be bothered with.
What is a Medical School?
According to wiki, a medical school is a tertiary educational institution, or part of such an institution, that teaches medicine and awards a professional degree to physicians and surgeons.
How long does it take to study Medicine?
It generally depends on the area of specialization you want to venture into. However, medical students complete a 4-year undergraduate degree program, spend 4 years in medical school.
Then, they complete 3-7 years of residency training before they qualify for medical licensing.
Although the path to a career in medicine is a long one, it is intellectually challenging and really rewarding.
Can I get into Medical school?
Firstly, you should understand the area of specialization you want to get into and the requirements. Then, work on building a solid academic record even beyond your GPA.
While applying to a California medical college, ensure that your statement of purpose stands out. Of course, there will be interviews, so you should be well prepared for them.
Depending on your budget, you can gain entry into the most affordable colleges in Texas, California and other states of your choice.
See also Medical Scholarship for Developing countries
How Many Medical schools are in California?
As at present, there are only 12 California universities that have medical schools offering Doctor of Medicine programs.
Although there are over 700 colleges and universities in California, most of them are affordable.
What is the cost of Medical School in California?
Getting into California medical colleges can be very expensive.
Consequently, for public med schools, you must pay (including tuition, fees, and health insurance) $34,592 for in-state students and $58,668 for out-of-state students in 2016–2017.
So, the median four-year cost of medical school (including expenses and books) was $278,455 for private schools and $207,866 for public schools, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
However, there are scholarships available to cover your college expenses for bachelor as well as master’s degree programs.
Also, as promised, I will disclose the cheapest California medical college for you.
Is a Medical Degree worth it?
Well, most medical school grads can agree that a career as a doctor is worth the commitment, sacrifices, and expenses put into graduating from medical college, whether in California or any other state.
Why Study Medicine in California?
Of course, you might be wondering why California should spark your interest.
California is home to most schools that have ranked as one of the best medical schools in the U.S. Also, in-state California residents’ tuition is much more affordable at state-funded schools. The same goes for out-of-state students, California medical schools have lower tuition than most private medical schools.
Finally, California is really a beautiful place to live in.
List Of Cheapest Medical Schools in California
Some major criteria to consider are the acceptance rate, and of course, the tuition cost.
So, shall we?
#1 East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine
ECU Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina, ranks in the top 10% of U.S medical schools for graduating physicians. Also, it is one of just 10 medical schools surveyed where annual tuition falls under $20,000.
Over four in five students receive a scholarship or grant and on average, graduate with about $52,100 less in medical school debt. It also has an acceptance rate of 13%.
With its low tuition fee, ECU Brody is considered the cheapest university in California.
In-state Tuition: $7,239
#2 California State University Stanislaus, Turlock
Stanislaus State comprises four colleges offering 43 undergraduate programs and 16 master’s programs, seven credential programs and one doctoral program in educational leadership.
It offers pre-medicine courses and programs under its college of science that prepares you for medical school.
Cal State Stanislaus was ranked the #10 college in the United States by Social Mobility Index college rankings and is also considered one of the most affordable colleges in California
In-state Tuition: $7,542
#3 California State University Fullerton
California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is a public university in Fullerton, California. With a total enrollment of about 40,400, it has the largest student body of the 23-campus.
Alo, CSUF medical school has an acceptance rate of 42 percent. And CSUF students accepted into medical school also scored an average of 513.6 on their Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), two points higher than the national average of 511.3, according to AMCAS.
Apart from having low tuition, CSUF has a high acceptance rate of 42%.
In-state Tuition: $8,180.
#4. The University of California, Davis School of Medicine
The UC Davis School of Medicine is among the nation’s leading medical schools, one that is committed to providing the best in student-centered educational experiences.
It encompasses a diverse group of medical and graduate students who are guided by faculty dedicated to improving lives and transforming health for all.
Founded in 1966, the UC Davis School of Medicine has an acceptance rate of 1.8%. So, due to its low tuition, it has made its way to our list of cheapest med school in California.
In-state Tuition: $11,442
#5 University of California, San Francisco
According to U.S News, University of California–San Francisco is ranked No. 5 in Best Medical Schools. It has a faculty-to-student ratio of 4:1.
It is a major center of medical and biological research and teaching that was founded in 1864. Although having low tuition, UCSF has an acceptance rate of 2%.
In-state Tuition: $11,442
#6 University of California, Irvine
Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation, and anteater mascot.
UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 222-degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $5 billion annually to the local economy.
Acceptance rate: 3.9%
In-state Tuition: $7,239
#7 Stanford University
The Stanford University School of Medicine was founded in 1908 and is affiliated with Stanford Hospital and Clinics and more than 140 school centers and programs where students can conduct research.
Stanford is often ranked very highly for its programs in genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, biochemistry, biophysics as well as structural biology, immunology, and molecular biology and neuroscience. The school is well-known for being the site of many medical breakthroughs.
Acceptance rate: 2.3%
In-state Tuition: $20,078
#8 University of Lousiana, New Orleans
Louisiana State University School of Medicine refers to two separate medical schools in Louisiana: LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport.
LSU Health Shreveport’s three professional schools (Medicine, Graduate Studies, and Allied Health Professions) offer multiple degree paths. The School of Medicine only offers the MD degree, but some students elect to join the rigorous combined MD–PhD program.
As part of the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, the campus in New Orleans offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program and two joint medical degree programs through the School of Medicine. In addition, the school offers rural scholars track designed to prepare physicians for the specific challenges of working in rural areas.
With low tuition, it is ranked as one of the cheapest schools in California
Acceptance rate: 20%
In-state Tuition: $31,375
#9. University of North California at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
The UNC School of Medicine offers degrees in medicine, allied health sciences, and biomedical sciences, as well as combined degree programs like the MD/PhD, MD/MPH, and the MD/MBA.
Acceptance Rate: 3.3%
In-state Tuition: $35,080
#10 University of California, San Diego
UC San Diego School of Medicine, established in 1968, is the region’s only medical school. As a top-tier academic medical center, UCSD’s role is to improve health through innovative research, education, and patient care.
Acceptance rate: 30%
In-state Tuition: $41,330
#11 David Geffen School of Medicine
Founded in 1951, it was the second medical school in the UC system, after the UCSF School of Medicine. At the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, its a belief that a positive, team-oriented culture is critical to our ability to achieve our mission and vital to our well-being and cohesion as a community.
Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
In-state Tuition: $42,266
#12 Loma Linda University
Since 1909, the School of Medicine at Loma Linda University has educated future medical professionals and researchers to provide innovative and compassionate whole-person care.
You’d also get hands-on training in state-of-the-art educational facilities and serve patients through international medical mission trips and underserved community outreach. So, they have a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1.
Acceptance rate: 0.7%
In-state Tuition: $56,044
Conclusion
Attending a medical college can be quite expensive, especially in California. So, we gathered this list of California’s most affordable medical schools.
