Medical Schools in Iowa: MD and DO Programs for 2027

If you're considering medical school in Iowa, you have two main options: the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City and the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Des Moines.

One awards an MD and the other a DO, giving applicants two distinct routes to becoming a physician.

Carver's figures are from its 2026 entering class. Des Moines University reports approximate averages for successful applicants rather than fixed admissions cutoffs. 

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How Many Medical Schools Are in Iowa?

Iowa has two medical schools offering first-professional medical degrees:

1. University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
2. Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Carver offers the traditional Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, while Des Moines University offers the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

Both routes can lead to residency training and physician practice across medical and surgical specialties.

1. University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

Located in Iowa City, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine is Iowa's MD-granting medical school.

Its four-year curriculum integrates clinical skills, mechanisms of health and disease, and medicine and society. Clinical experiences begin within the first few weeks of medical school, with clerkships beginning after three semesters of preclinical education. 

For the 2026 entering class, Carver reported:

• Mean undergraduate GPA: 3.87
• Median MCAT: 514
• Entering students: 153
• Iowa residents: 115
• Students from rural backgrounds: 27

The class represented 23 states and 56 undergraduate institutions. 

Carver College of Medicine Admissions Requirements

For the 2027 application cycle, applicants need an overall and science GPA of at least 3.0, although successful applicants tend to be considerably above this minimum.

The MCAT is required. Applicants must:

• Score at least 500
• Have taken the MCAT between January 2023 and September 2026
• Complete the required premedical coursework
• Apply through AMCAS

The AMCAS deadline for Carver's 2027 entering class is November 1, 2026. 

Carver considers much more than GPA and MCAT scores. Its admissions committee evaluates academic rigor, grade trends, experiences, interests, and overall preparation for medicine. 

The school accepts applications from non-Iowa residents, although Iowa residents and nonresidents are considered in separate applicant pools.

Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine offers Iowa's DO pathway.

The four-year program includes two years of clinical rotations and emphasizes whole-person care alongside conventional medical diagnosis and treatment.

Successful DMU applicants typically have approximately:

• 3.7 cumulative GPA
• 3.6 science GPA
• 507 MCAT

These are averages, not minimum admission requirements. DMU's entering DO classes typically include around 225 students from more than 32 states. 

The school also reports a 99% residency match rate for its Class of 2026. Dean David Connett, DO, FACOFP, described Match Day as the culmination of years of preparation and commitment for graduating physicians. 

Des Moines University DO Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree before beginning the program and complete prerequisite coursework in areas including:

• Biology
• General chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Physics
• English

DMU recommends at least a 2.8 cumulative and science GPA, although its typical admitted student is substantially above this figure.

The MCAT is required and must have been completed within three years of matriculation.

Applications are submitted through AACOMAS, rather than AMCAS. Because DMU uses rolling admissions, the university recommends applying early in the cycle.

MD vs DO in Iowa: Which Should You Choose?

The major difference is the medical degree awarded.

DO physicians receive full medical training and can enter the same residency system and medical specialties as MD graduates. Osteopathic medical education additionally includes training in osteopathic principles and osteopathic manipulative medicine.

The better choice depends on your academic profile, career goals, educational preferences, and interest in osteopathic medicine.

How Much Does Medical School Cost in Iowa?

Medical school costs change annually, so applicants should check each school's current financial aid and tuition pages before making comparisons.

For 2026-2027, Des Moines University lists annual DO tuition at $68,620. Additional costs can include health insurance, screening fees, housing, transportation, books, and living expenses. 

Carver charges different tuition rates depending on Iowa residency status. The college also offers need-based grants, with current University of Iowa grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 for residents and $10,000 to $40,000 for nonresidents, depending on financial need. 

Applicants should compare total cost of attendance, not tuition alone.

How Competitive Are Iowa Medical Schools?

Both schools are competitive, although their applicant profiles differ. Carver received 4,020 applications for its 2026 entering class, with roughly 150 students ultimately entering the program. Its class had a mean GPA of 3.87 and median MCAT of 514. 

DMU's typical successful applicant presents a cumulative GPA around 3.7 and MCAT around 507.

Meeting these averages does not guarantee admission. Likewise, being slightly below them does not automatically exclude you.

Both schools consider experiences beyond academics.

How to Strengthen Your Application to an Iowa Medical School

Strong grades and MCAT performance matter, but medical schools also want evidence that you understand healthcare and have intentionally explored medicine.

Useful experiences can include:

• Physician shadowing
• Patient-facing clinical experience
• Healthcare employment
• Volunteering
• Research
• Community service
• Leadership
• Public health involvement

DMU specifically identifies meaningful patient-care or physician-shadowing experience as characteristic of successful applicants.

If opportunities near you are limited, you can also gain healthcare exposure internationally. Go-Elective's pre-health and pre-med internships abroad allow students to shadow healthcare professionals, explore different specialties, and learn how medicine is delivered within another healthcare system.

The goal should not simply be to accumulate hours. Admissions committees want to see that your experiences have helped you understand patient care and confirm why you want to become a physician.

Is Iowa a Good State for Medical School?

Iowa can be particularly appealing to applicants interested in community medicine, rural health, primary care, and serving populations outside major metropolitan areas.

Carver's 2026 entering class included 27 students from rural backgrounds, and the school reported that 80% of the class had an Iowa affiliation. 

DMU also has a strong primary-care presence. In its 2026 Match, 30 graduates matched into residency programs within Iowa, and the school reported particularly strong representation in primary-care specialties. 

For students interested in understanding how healthcare needs vary across communities, exposure to different healthcare systems can also be useful before medical school. Go-Elective's pre-med clinical internships abroad provide opportunities to observe healthcare delivery in resource-constrained settings and learn from physicians serving diverse patient populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

#1. How many medical schools are in Iowa?

Iowa has two medical schools offering primary medical degrees: the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City and Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Des Moines.

#2. Are there any medical schools in Des Moines?

Yes. Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine is located in Des Moines and offers a four-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program.

#3. What is the best medical school in Iowa?

There is no single best choice for every applicant. Carver is Iowa's MD-granting medical school, while Des Moines University offers a DO program with additional osteopathic medical training. Your academic profile, career interests, cost considerations, location preferences, and preferred approach to medical education should guide your decision.

#4. What MCAT score do you need for Carver College of Medicine?

Carver requires a minimum MCAT score of 500 for the 2027 application cycle. However, the 2026 entering class had a median MCAT of 514, which provides a better indication of the academic profile of recent matriculants. 

#5. What MCAT score do you need for Des Moines University?

DMU does not present its approximately 507 average MCAT as an admissions minimum. Successful applicants typically average around 507, while the complete application is evaluated holistically. 

#6. Does Iowa have both MD and DO medical schools?

Yes. The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine awards the MD degree, while Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine awards the DO degree.

#7. Does Carver College of Medicine accept out-of-state students?

Yes. Carver accepts applications from non-Iowa residents, although Iowa residents and nonresidents are considered in separate applicant pools.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Med Schools, Pre-health,

Author: Tatina Himes

Date Published: Sep 23, 2026