How Many Medical Schools Are in the US? (2026 MD and DO Lists)

There are currently 163 allopathic (MD) medical schools and 51 osteopathic (DO) medical schools in the US. That’s a lot to choose from, no matter which medical path you choose.

Continue reading for a clear chart of every medical school available to you, organized by state. We’ll separate the two charts based on allopathic applications through AMCAS, allopathic applications through TMDSAS, and osteopathic applications through AACOMAS. We’ll also share tips for how to narrow down your school list so that you choose the ideal schools for you.

How Many Medical Schools Are in the United States?

Allopathic (MD) Medical Schools

Most MD programs are applied to through AMCAS, the centralized medical school application system. A number of Texas medical schools use TMDSAS (the Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service) instead.

We include CUNY School of Medicine on our list, but it is a BS/MD-only program, meaning you must apply during high school rather than in college. Learn more about early admissions programs and their pros and cons in our guide: “Are BS/MD Programs Worth It?“

Osteopathic (DO) Medical Schools

According to AACOM’s official directory of accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine, there are 51 DO medical schools in the United States and 75 teaching locations. This means that some schools run teaching programs at multiple locations in the US. For example, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine’s original campus is in New Mexico, but they recently opened another campus in Florida.

Most DO schools use AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service) for applications. A small number of Texas-based programs use TMDSAS, but they are already included in the total count above.

The following list is alphabetical by state.

How to Choose Which Medical Schools to Apply to

AMCAS vs. AACOMAS vs. TMDSAS

Centralized application services make it easy to submit your application to multiple schools at once. For most schools you’ll apply to, you’ll use AMCAS, the American Medical College Application Service. No matter how many AMCAS schools you apply to, you submit one set of application materials.

AACOMAS is the centralized application service for US colleges of osteopathic medicine and the primary route for students pursuing osteopathic medicine.

TMDSAS handles most medical schools in Texas, as well as the state’s dental and veterinary schools.

The three applications overlap in most ways, but a few differences matter. AACOMAS letters of recommendation, for example, need to explain your reasons for pursuing osteopathic medicine specifically, rather than simply wanting to become a doctor in general.

Think carefully before applying across multiple systems. Public medical schools in Texas cap out-of-state matriculants at 10% by law, so weigh whether it’s worth the extra application if you don’t live in Texas.

These are the differences between AMCAS vs. AACOMAS vs. TMDSAS.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your School List

Choosing which schools to apply to is a big decision, and it goes well beyond rank and prestige. You need schools that align with the medical education you want and fit your personality, values, and career goals.

It’s all about fit. How will you fit into the school’s community, its curriculum, its campus, and the surrounding city?

We have a complete guide on choosing which medical schools to apply to. Save it and read through it as you narrow your list. Ideally, you’re looking at 25 to 30 schools, though that number can shift depending on your situation.

Here are a few factors to keep in mind. Check out the full guide linked above for more.

• What do the numbers say? Check your MCAT score and GPA against past matriculant data with our Chance Predictor to see where you stand.
• What are the school’s values, and do they align with your own?
• What’s the city like where the school is located? Could you see yourself living there for at least four years?
• What’s the cost of living? Factor in rent, transportation (car versus public transit), groceries, and everyday expenses compared to what you’re used to.
• What are the students and faculty like? Could you see yourself working alongside them or building lifelong friendships in that community?
• What’s the curriculum like? Is grading traditional or pass/fail, and what’s the school’s overall teaching philosophy?
• What opportunities does the specific program offer? Look at research access and which specialties the school prioritizes.
• What financial aid is available at the programs you’re considering?

You Can’t Google Your Way to This Answer

Some decisions are easy. Choosing where to go to medical school isn’t one of them. The schools you apply to, and the one you ultimately attend, will shape the next four years of your life and the trajectory of your career.

That weight is real, and for some premeds, a decision this size feels paralyzing. If you’re stuck, start with research. The more you know, the easier the choice gets.

Go beyond a simple website search. Browse online message boards, ask questions, and talk to actual students about their experience with the program.

If you can, visit the campuses you’re considering. It gives you a real feel for the place and a chance to interact with students and faculty. What’s the vibe like on campus? Do you feel comfortable there? What’s transportation like, and what’s the surrounding city like to live in? Is there anything to do outside your studies?

Build Your School List with a Strategy

There are now 214 MD and DO programs across the United States, more options than ever, and more to sort through. A well-crafted school list can save you thousands of dollars, months of stress, and potentially an entire application cycle.

The more intentional you are now, the better positioned you’ll be when interview invitations start rolling in.

Not sure which schools you should actually apply to? The free Medical School Chance Predictor helps you build a smarter school list based on your own stats. Enter your GPA, MCAT, and preferences to see how you compare against real admissions data from US medical schools.

You can evaluate specific schools, see where you’re most competitive, and build a balanced list without relying on forum advice or broad acceptance-rate averages. It’s a straightforward way to apply with clarity, while cutting unnecessary applications and their costs.