Medicine Courses in USA: Top Programs, Fees, Eligibility & Career Scope

Medicine courses in USA are offered by approximately 195 accredited medical schools, including 155 MD schools and 40 DO schools. Prestigious universities such as Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and Stanford are globally recognized for their excellence; however, gaining admission to these institutions is highly competitive, with acceptance rates as low as 3-5%.

Tuition fees for studying medical courses in the USA can range from $60,000 to $80,000 (INR 51-68.5L) per year; however, the salary potential is high, with surgeons earning up to $393,799 (INR 3.4Cr) annually.

This blog will explore top medicine courses and universities, along with the cost of MBBS in the US, assisting you in your plan to study in the US.

Medicine Courses in the USA: Overview

To study medicine in the US, you'll need to begin with a pre-medical program, typically lasting four years, followed by a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. Afterwards, you'll need to complete a residency, which can range from 3 to 7 years, depending on your specialization. 

Schools like the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are renowned for their research-driven approach to education. It offers the latest medical technologies and clinical training in areas such as transplantation and neuroscience.

Below is an overview of the medicine courses in the USA.

Before exploring the details of universities and programs, let's first understand why pursuing Medicine Courses in USA can be beneficial.

Why Pursue Medicine Courses in the USA?

If you're considering top medical courses after 12th in the US, the benefits are clear. Medical schools offer hands-on clinical training, high residency match rates, and extensive research opportunities. 

You'll also gain exposure to top medical facilities and a diverse student body, ensuring a well-rounded education.

Here's why studying medicine in the US is a strong choice for your career.

• Exceptional Residency Match Rates: Schools like the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine have a high match rate, ensuring students are well-prepared for their residency programs. Quite recently, Mayo's residency match rate stood at 98%.
• Strong Clinical Training: The University of Michigan offers clinical placements in diverse settings, including its teaching hospitals, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in various specialties.
• Research Opportunities: At the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, students benefit from over $500 million in research funding, providing access to some of the latest medical advancements.
• Diverse Student Populations: Schools like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have a diverse student body comprising students from all 50 U.S. states and various international locations, which enriches the educational experience.
• High Career Outcomes: The University of Chicago has an impressive 97% graduation rate, with graduates pursuing top positions at leading hospitals and research institutions nationwide.
• Leading Medical Facilities: The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has close ties to one of the largest health systems in the U.S. It provides students with access to world-class hospitals and specialized clinics.
• Comprehensive Support: Duke University offers extensive academic support, including personalized mentoring and career guidance, to ensure that students thrive both academically and professionally.

After understanding the reasons for studying Medicine Courses in USA, let's check out the top universities offering this program.

Top Universities For Studying Medicine Courses in the USA

Understanding the best universities and colleges in the USA helps you make an informed decision about where to enroll for your medical degree. 

When looking to study medicine in the USA, top universities offer competitive programs with varying tuition fees. For instance, Columbia University has the highest tuition fee at $80,644 (INR 69L), while UCLA offers a more affordable option at $63,725 (INR 54.5L). 

Below, you'll find the top universities, their program durations, application deadlines, and tuition fees for international students.

In addition to top universities in USA, other institutions offer reputable programs for a medicine degree.

Popular Universities for Medicine Courses in the USA

In addition to the top universities listed above, several other universities offer excellent programs. For example, the University of Southern California and the University of Dayton offer diverse medicine programs with competitive fees. 

The average cost for a degree is around USD 30,000-40,000 (INR 24-35L), with varying application deadlines such as October 15, 2025, and rolling admissions. 

Below, you'll find a detailed breakdown of the popular universities, including fees and deadlines.

Before applying in one of the top medicine courses in the USA, you need to check the eligibility criteria. 

Eligibility Criteria for Medicine Courses in the USA

To meet the eligibility criteria for the best medical universities in the USA, you'll need a 12th-grade completion with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (60% or higher), along with a valid passport and proof of funds. 

You must also demonstrate English proficiency through tests such as the IELTS or TOEFL. Lastly, you will need to apply for an F-1 US student visa.

The table below outlines all the requirements, including academic qualifications, standardized test scores, and visa application details.

Having explored the eligibility requirements, let's examine the application process.

Application Process for Medicine Courses in the USA

There are approximately 155 accredited medical schools in the USA that offer medical courses, including MD (Doctor of Medicine) programs. These schools are recognized by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).

After submitting your academic transcripts, MCAT scores, and language proficiency levels, you may be required to attend an interview. Once accepted, you'll apply for an F-1 visa, pay the SEVIS fee of $350 (INR 30K), and complete the DS-160 form. 

Here are the steps involved in applying for Medicine Courses in the USA.

Step 1: Submit Your Application

The application fee for medical school applications in the United States typically ranges from $100 to $200 (INR 8.5K-17K) per medical school. Suppose you're applying through the AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service). 

In that case, the base fee is around $170 (INR 14.5K), with an additional fee of $40 (INR 3.5K) for each additional medical school you apply to.

Step 2: Provide Required Documents

• Transcripts & Test Scores: Submit your academic transcripts, MCAT scores, and English proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS) if applicable. For example, the University of Michigan Medical School has specific English requirements.
• Letters of Recommendation: Submit 2-3 letters from professors or mentors who can speak to your abilities.

Step 3: Attend an Interview (If Required)

• Interview: If shortlisted, you'll be invited for an interview. Schools like the University of North Carolina conduct interviews to assess your fit.

Step 4: Track Your Application

• Application Status: Use the school's portal to track the status of your application. For instance, Stanford University School of Medicine allows applicants to monitor their status online.

Step 5: Apply for Your Student Visa

After receiving your acceptance:

1. Obtain Form I-20 from your university.
2. Pay the SEVIS Fee ($350/ INR 30K for F-1 visas).
3. Complete the DS-160 Form for the visa application.
4. Schedule and Attend a Visa Interview:

Required documents include your passport, Form DS-160 confirmation, I-20, SEVIS payment receipt, academic records, proof of financial support, and visa application fee receipt.

Next, you'll explore the course structure to understand the subjects and specializations available in the top Medicine Courses in USA.

Course details for Medicine Courses in the USA

In the USA, Medicine courses offer a structured curriculum with core subjects like Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Human Anatomy. 

You'll also have the chance to specialize in areas such as Cardiology, Dermatology, and Gastroenterology. 

Additionally, you can participate in paid internships for international students, further enhancing your practical experience and career prospects. 

Below, you'll find a breakdown of these key elements.

Now, let's find out how much it costs to study Medicine Courses in the USA.

Cost of Pursuing Medicine Courses in the USA

The cost of pursuing a medical career in the USA can add up quickly, with tuition fees averaging around $67,633 (INR 58L) per year and accommodation costs averaging around $16,132 (INR 14L). 

While these expenses are significant, many international students offset costs by taking up part-time jobs. The most popular part-time jobs include positions as research assistants, teaching assistants, or roles in healthcare facilities. 

Here is a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in the USA for students pursuing medical courses.

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. Costs are approximate and may vary based on personal preferences.

Students can apply for internal and external scholarships to manage education costs in the U.S. Let's discuss this in detail.

Medicine Courses in the USA: Scholarships for Students

Internal scholarships, like the UCSF Regents Scholarship, are offered directly by universities and typically cover full or partial tuition based on merit or need. 

External scholarships, such as the National Medical Fellowships (NMF), are provided by government bodies or foundations and aim to support underrepresented students in the medical field. 

Below is a breakdown of internal and external scholarships to study in the USA for Indian students.

Internal Scholarships

Institutions like Harvard and Johns Hopkins offer top scholarships for MBBS in the USA. Harvard's Financial Aid Program is need-based and covers full demonstrated financial need. 

Johns Hopkins offers the Bloomberg Scholarship Program, which provides full tuition for students from families with an annual income of under $300,000 (INR 2.5Cr). 

Below, you'll find more details about these scholarships and others available to you.

Next, you’ll learn about some external scholarships offered by agencies such as the government and foundations.

Internal Scholarships

If you're an Indian student looking to study medicine in the USA, there are several external scholarships available to ease your financial burden. For instance, the Fulbright Scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance. 

Additionally, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program offers a 50% grant and 50% loan to help cover tuition and living costs.

Here are some of the most popular external scholarship options for Indian students.

Note: Eligibility criteria and benefits are subject to change. It's essential to visit the official websites of these scholarships for the most up-to-date information.

Done with the scholarship part, let’s focus on what type of job opportunities you will get after studying Medicine Courses in the USA.

Job Opportunities After Medicine Courses in the USA

After completing a medicine course in the USA, you'll have access to a range of high-paying job opportunities. The average doctor salary in the US varies by specialization, with roles like surgeons and radiologists earning upwards of $370,000 (INR 3.2 Cr+) annually. 

Below, you'll find details about some of the top in-demand jobs in the USA after completing your medicine course.

Source: Payscale & Indeed

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

So, which companies will hire you with a complete Medicine degree in the USA? Let's find out.

Top Recruiters Hiring Graduates in Medicine Courses in the USA

Top recruiters offer lucrative jobs in the USA for Indian freshers with medicine degree. As a medical graduate in the USA, there are several top recruiters actively hiring for roles such as Physician Recruiter, Director of Human Resources, and Medical Director, among others. 

For instance, HCA Healthcare offers a salary ranging from $81,951 to $108,940 (approximately INR 70L-93.5L), while Dane Street provides a salary of around $60,021 to $175,000 (approximately INR 51.5L-1.5 Cr). 

If you're interested in healthcare management roles, these companies also provide excellent opportunities

The table below highlights the top employers and the corresponding salaries.

Source: Payscale & Indeed

Enrolling in medicine courses in the USA requires careful planning and expert guidance. Let's understand how upGrad can assist you in this process.

How upGrad Can Help You Study Medicine Courses in the USA?

Studying medicine courses in the United States offers numerous career opportunities, but the process can be complex. You must select the right program, secure funding, and manage the application process effectively.

upGrad simplifies this journey by providing expert guidance at every step. From helping you select the best universities and assisting with your application, to finding scholarships and offering career counseling, upGrad ensures you're well-prepared for your medical journey in the USA.

Ready to enroll for a medicine course in the USA? Schedule a career counseling session with upGrad experts today, and let us help you plan the admission process smoothly. We will make sure you achieve your dreams of studying abroad smoothly!