Medical Schools in Illinois: Programs, Admissions, and Acceptance Rates

Illinois is a major hub for higher education and healthcare innovation — and medical schools are no exception. The state is home to nine allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medical schools, many of which attract competitive applicants nationwide.

Among them are two prestigious institutions frequently ranked among the nation’s best: The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, both recognized by U.S. News & World Report for excellence in research and medical training.

If you’re planning to pursue medicine in Illinois, this guide covers:

• A full list of Illinois MD and DO programs
• Admissions requirements and tuition details
• Degree offerings and dual-degree opportunities
• Practical tips to increase your chances of acceptance

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Medical Schools in Illinois

Below is a breakdown of each accredited Illinois medical school, its mission, stats, and application insights.

#1. Carle Illinois College of Medicine

Located in Champaign, Carle Illinois is the world’s first engineering-based medical school. Its four-year MD curriculum blends basic science, clinical medicine, engineering, and medical humanities.

Mission:

“We educate exceptional physician-innovators to deliver high-value, compassionate health care through transformative solutions developed at the intersection of engineering, science, and medicine.”

Carle Illinois also offers the MD/PhD Medical Scholars Program (MSP), combining medical education with doctoral research across biomedical sciences, engineering, humanities, and more.

Key Stats:

• Median GPA: 3.73
• Median Science GPA: 3.78
• Median MCAT: 513
• Acceptance Rate: 2%
• Tuition: $52,614 (in-state), $65,348 (out-of-state)

Applicants must complete the MCAT (minimum score: 498) and demonstrate academic excellence.

#2. Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (Midwestern University)

Founded in 1900, CCOM (Downers Grove, IL) emphasizes patient-centered, holistic care and is one of the oldest DO schools in the U.S.

Mission:

“To educate osteopathic physicians to provide compassionate, quality care, promote the practice of osteopathic medicine and lifelong learning, research and service.”

Programs offered on the Illinois campus include DO, PharmD, DMD, OD, PsyD, DPT, OTD, PA, MPH, and more.

Key Stats:

• Median GPA: 3.7
• Median Science GPA: 3.64
• Median MCAT: 510
• Acceptance Rate: 2.5%
• Tuition: $81,125

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit at least two recommendation letters.

#3. Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University

Located in North Chicago, Rosalind Franklin integrates medical training with interdisciplinary collaboration at its Innovation and Research Park.

Mission:

“To educate a diverse student body in a community-engaged, interprofessional environment. Our graduates become exemplary physicians and scientists dedicated to clinical excellence, discovery, and service.”

Key Stats:

• Median GPA: 3.66
• Median Science GPA: 3.65
• Median MCAT: 510
• Acceptance Rate: 5%
• Tuition: $67,072

Rosalind Franklin also offers over 30 graduate degrees, and hosts virtual info sessions for applicants.

#4. Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

Located in Maywood, Stritch incorporates Jesuit values with medical education and advanced biomedical research.

Mission:

“To prepare people to lead extraordinary lives and treat the human spirit in an environment that encourages innovation, embraces diversity, respects life, and values human dignity.”

Key Stats:

• Median GPA: 3.7
• Median Science GPA: 3.6
• Median MCAT: 511
• Acceptance Rate: 1.42%
• Tuition: $32,515

Dual Degree Options:

• MD/PhD
• MD/MPH
• MD/MA in Bioethics
• MD/MBA
• MS in Pharmacology/MBA

#5. Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Located in downtown Chicago, Feinberg is a top-ranked program renowned for innovative biomedical research and exceptional clinical training.

Mission:

“To impact the practice of medicine through discovery and education while delivering compassionate care.”

Key Stats:

• Median GPA: 3.92
• Median Science GPA: 3.91
• Median MCAT: 520
• Acceptance Rate: 1.9%
• Tuition: $77,684

Feinberg’s curriculum integrates science, clinical medicine, health and society, and professional development.

#6. Rush Medical College of Rush University

Located west of the Loop in Chicago, Rush Medical College emphasizes early clinical exposure, with patient contact beginning in the first weeks of medical school.

Mission:

“To nurture empathic, proficient physicians dedicated to lifelong learning, innovation, and excellence in clinical practice, education, and research.”

Key Stats:

• Median GPA: 3.64
• Median Science GPA: 3.55
• Median MCAT: 510
• Acceptance Rate: 1.7%
• Tuition: $57,778

#7. Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Founded in 1970 in Springfield, SIU Medicine focuses on serving underserved populations in central and southern Illinois.

Mission:

“To improve healthcare outcomes by cultivating community relationships and advancing patient-centered care.”

Key Stats:

• Median GPA: 3.7
• Median Science GPA: 3.85
• Median MCAT: 508
• Acceptance Rate: 13%
• Tuition: $35,616

SIU offers unique programs such as MD/JD, MD/MPH, and MEDPREP (for disadvantaged students).

#8. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

Pritzker offers a close-knit community with a small entering class (90 students) and a strong emphasis on mentorship.

Mission:

“To inspire diverse students of exceptional promise to become leaders and innovators in science and medicine for humanity’s betterment.”

Key Stats:

• Median GPA: 3.91
• MCAT: 521
• Acceptance Rate: 1.37%
• Tuition: $60,012

#9. University of Illinois College of Medicine

With campuses in Chicago, Peoria, Rockford, and Urbana, UIC is one of the most diverse medical schools in the U.S.

Mission:

“To advance health for everyone through outstanding education, research, and clinical care with social responsibility.”

Key Stats:

• Median GPA: 3.85
• Median Science GPA: 3.66
• Median MCAT: 513
• Acceptance Rate: 7.75%
• Tuition: $46,800 (in-state), $80,700 (out-of-state)

Tips for Getting Accepted into Illinois Medical Schools

#1. Maintain a Strong GPA

Both science and cumulative GPAs weigh heavily in admissions decisions. Competitive applicants typically have GPAs well above the minimum threshold.

#2. Aim for a High MCAT Score

Illinois schools are competitive, with median MCATs ranging from 508–521. Invest in test prep and aim to exceed averages.

#3. Strengthen Extracurriculars

Standout candidates have hands-on experiences in:

• Clinical settings
• Research
• Shadowing physicians
• Volunteering

#4. Highlight Core Competencies

The AAMC lists teamwork, communication, resilience, and critical thinking as vital skills. Showcase these in essays and interviews.

#5. Showcase Your Individuality

Admissions officers look for applicants who tell a compelling story through:

• Personal statements
• Work & activities section
• Recommendation letters

#6. Apply Early and Broadly

Stay mindful of application timelines, submit materials early, and target schools that align with your goals.

FAQs About Illinois Medical Schools

#1. Which Illinois medical schools are highly ranked?

Northwestern Feinberg (#13 research) and University of Chicago Pritzker (#18 research) are the most prestigious according to U.S. News.

#2. How many medical schools are in Illinois?

There are nine total: seven allopathic (MD) and two osteopathic (DO).

#3. What’s the difference between MD and DO schools?

MD schools (allopathic) focus on disease treatment, while DO schools (osteopathic) emphasize holistic care and OMT (osteopathic manipulative treatment). Both paths lead to full physician licensure.

#4. What’s the most affordable option?

Southern Illinois University offers one of the lowest tuition rates ($35,616 in-state).

#5. Do Illinois med schools offer dual-degree programs?

Yes. Options include MD/PhD, MD/MPH, MD/MBA, and others depending on the institution.

Conclusion

Illinois offers a diverse range of highly competitive medical schools. From research-intensive programs at Northwestern and UChicago to community-focused training at SIU, there’s a school for every aspiring physician.

To maximize your chances, aim for strong academics, robust extracurriculars, and a compelling application narrative that demonstrates your values and goals.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE, Med Schools,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 13, 2025