Thinking about applying to medical schools outside your home state? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of students look beyond their local medical schools, aiming to broaden their options or target programs better suited to their career goals. But applying as an out-of-state candidate can be tricky—some schools are welcoming, while others heavily favor residents. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about out-of-state friendly medical schools and how to strengthen your application.
Disclaimer: SOS Admissions is an independent college admissions consulting service. We’re not affiliated with any medical schools or official test administrators. Admission data frequently changes, so always verify details directly with schools.
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Table of Contents:
- What is an Out-of-State Medical School Applicant?
- Pros and Cons of Applying Out-of-State
- What Makes a Strong Out-of-State Applicant?
- Out-of-State Friendly Medical Schools (2025)
- Top 10 Easiest Out-of-State Medical Schools to Get Into
- FAQs About Out-of-State Medical School Admissions
What is an Out-of-State Medical School Applicant?
Simply put, you’re considered “out-of-state” if you apply to a medical school in a state different from your legal residence. Some schools have agreements with neighboring states or regions, so be sure to confirm whether you qualify as “in-region” before applying. For example, the University of Washington School of Medicine reserves most spots for students from Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho—applicants from these states aren’t truly “out-of-state” for UW admissions.
Pros and Cons of Applying Out-of-State
Before sending applications nationwide, consider the following:
Pros:
- More Options: Applying broadly increases your chances of acceptance.
- Better School Fit: You might find programs that align more closely with your interests or career goals.
- New Experiences: Studying in a new state can open doors to fresh opportunities, friendships, and personal growth.
Cons:
- Higher Costs: Out-of-state tuition at public medical schools is often much higher (averaging around $62,000 annually) compared to in-state tuition ($37,000).
- Weaker Support Network: Moving away can mean less time with family or your existing support system, which matters when facing medical school’s demands.
What Makes a Strong Out-of-State Applicant?
Here are three main things medical schools look for in out-of-state applicants:
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Outstanding Application Materials:
Your AMCAS application, personal statement, secondary essays, and activities section need to be exceptional. Schools must clearly see why you’re an excellent candidate—even from out-of-state. -
Real Connections to the State or Region:
Schools prefer applicants who have personal, educational, or family ties to the state or region. If you don’t, you must have a compelling reason for choosing this school (such as alignment with their mission or specialized programs). -
Strong Fit with the School’s Mission:
Clearly show how your personal goals align with the school’s mission—whether it’s rural healthcare, research, or serving underserved communities.
Out-of-State Friendly Medical Schools (2025)
Below is a quick look at some popular states known for out-of-state admissions friendliness:
- Arizona: University of Arizona College of Medicine (Phoenix & Tucson)
- California: USC Keck School of Medicine, Stanford Medicine
- New York: NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Ohio: Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, University of Cincinnati
- Virginia: Virginia Tech Carilion, Eastern Virginia Medical School
(Check each school’s website for specific admissions statistics.)
Top 10 Easiest Out-of-State Medical Schools to Get Into (2025)
Here’s a snapshot of medical schools with the highest out-of-state acceptance rates:
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Quinnipiac University Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine
- Out-of-state Acceptance Rate: ~5.5%
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University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
- Out-of-state Acceptance Rate: ~5.4%
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Medical College of Wisconsin
- Out-of-state Acceptance Rate: ~4.8%
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Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
- Out-of-state Acceptance Rate: ~4.5%
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Drexel University College of Medicine
- Out-of-state Acceptance Rate: ~4.5%
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Eastern Virginia Medical School
- Out-of-state Acceptance Rate: ~4.2%
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University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
- Out-of-state Acceptance Rate: ~4.2%
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West Virginia University School of Medicine
- Out-of-state Acceptance Rate: ~4.1%
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Meharry Medical College
- Out-of-state Acceptance Rate: ~3.9%
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Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
- Out-of-state Acceptance Rate: ~3.9%
FAQs About Out-of-State Medical School Admissions
Does attending medical school out-of-state affect residency placements?
Not typically. Residency programs value performance, test scores, recommendations, and clinical experience over your medical school’s location.
How much more expensive is out-of-state tuition?
Public medical schools usually charge significantly more (around $25,000+ per year) for out-of-state applicants. Private schools tend to have similar tuition costs for everyone.
Do private medical schools prefer out-of-state applicants?
Private medical schools don’t have residency quotas, so acceptance rates tend to be similar for in-state and out-of-state students.
How can I improve my odds as an out-of-state applicant?
Strengthen your personal statement and essays, demonstrate genuine interest, and apply to schools where your MCAT/GPA is highly competitive. If possible, highlight connections or strong alignment with the school’s mission.
How SOS Admissions Can Help
At SOS Admissions, we help you craft personalized, compelling applications that clearly demonstrate your fit, even at highly competitive out-of-state medical schools. Our services include:
- Personalized application strategy
- Expert support for personal statements and secondary essays
- Interview preparation
- Comprehensive application guidance
Ready to apply confidently?
Schedule your free consultation or give us a call at 310-870-5428.
Your friends at SOS Admissions
To your future success!
Disclaimer: Information provided here changes often; please confirm details directly with medical schools. SOS Admissions is an independent consulting firm not affiliated with any specific medical institutions.