Are you considering applying to medical school in Missouri? If a diverse landscape that includes cityscapes and the majestic Ozark mountains, a delectable culinary scene, rich culture and history, and warm and welcoming citizens sound appealing, Missouri could be just the place you’re looking for.
But what’s it like to attend medical school in Missouri, and how do you get accepted?
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about going to medical school in Missouri, including where the medical schools are located, what it’s like to live in Missouri, how to apply, and tips for gaining acceptance to medical schools in Missouri.
Here’s what to expect below.
- How Many Medical Schools Are in Missouri?
- List of Medical Schools in Missouri
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine
- University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine
- University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
- List of Osteopathic Medical Schools in Missouri
- A.T. Still University—Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Missouri Medical School Locations
- How Much Is Medical School Tuition in Missouri?
- What It’s Like to Go to Medical School in Missouri
- How to Apply to Missouri Medical Schools (MD)
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- Application Requirements
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- Application Deadlines
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- How to Apply to Osteopathic Medical Schools in Missouri
- Tips to Gain Acceptance at Missouri Medical Schools (MD and DO)
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- Illustrate Your Commitment to Community
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- Focus on Your Application Narrative
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- Get to Know the Region (Urban and Rural Settings)
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- Be Aware of In-State Preference
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- Bottom Line: Is Going to Medical School in Missouri Right for You?
How Many Medical Schools Are in Missouri?
There are 6 medical schools in Missouri. 4 are allopathic (MD) schools, and 2 are osteopathic (DO) schools.
This is quite a few schools considering the population of Missouri is only the 18th highest in the US. Many states with a higher population have fewer medical school options, and states with a similar population in the 19th, 20th, and 21st spot—Maryland, Winsonsin, and Colorado—only have 2 medical schools.*
*Maryland has a third medical school that is only for those who are committed to joining the military after they complete their medical training.
List of Medical Schools in Missouri
Allopathic Medical Schools in Missouri (MD)
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine
- University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine
- University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
Saint Louis University School of Medicine
The SLU School of Medicine was originally founded by Jesuits in 1836. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities in the US. They have maintained their connection to their heritage by continuing to be guided by their core principle of “Cura Personalis,” which translates to “Care for the Individual Person” or “Care for the Entire Person.”
This means that in addition to fostering scholars of the human body, the SLU School of Medicine trains doctors to appreciate holistic and humanistic medicine, be always mindful of the sanctity of human life, and respect all patients regardless of their background.
From a curriculum and teaching style standpoint, SLU places a strong emphasis on active learning through collaboration with other students. They primarily use Peer Instruction (PI), Team-based Learning (TBL), and simulation, enabling students to learn from multiple different perspectives.
SLU conducts their medical training at the SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, as well as St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Mercy Hospital, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, the St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center and more. Some electives can also be taken at other clinical and academic institutions.
Median Academic Scores of Matriculants:
- Median GPA: 3.93
- Median MCAT: 513
Saint Louis University School of Medicine Secondary Questions.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Preference:
| Saint Louis University School of Medicine | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Applicants | 397 | 5212 |
| Matriculants | 60 | 117 |
University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine
Founded in 1841, the MU School of Medicine’s mission is to “educate physicians to provide effective patient-centered care for the people of Missouri and beyond.”
Similar to the SLU School of Medicine, MU’s curriculum is largely focused on self-directed, collaborative, and team-based learning, with minimal lecture-based learning in the first two years. Students will work in small groups before pursuing their clerkships during their third and fourth years at either Columbia or their Springfield Clinical Campus.
You can be accepted to the SLU School of Medicine through regular admission, their early decision program, or through one of their two pre-admissions programs—Bryant Scholars or PAWS Scholars.
Median Academic Scores of Matriculants:
- Median GPA: 3.85
- Median MCAT: 519
University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine Secondary Questions.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Preference:
| University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Applicants | 546 | 2184 |
| Matriculants | 107 | 21 |
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
The UMKC School of Medicine opened in 1971. In keeping with the other medical schools in Missouri, UMKC places a strong emphasis on team-based learning in small groups. Upon entering the program, students are placed in docent teams of 10 to 12, which mixes students from their BA/MD program with students from their four-year M.D. program. Students are then instructed by a range of different medical professionals.
Learn what BA/MD programs entail and the pros and cons of attending early admissions programs.
The docent system also focuses on mentorship, which means younger students are paired up with upper-year students, and when the upper-year students graduate, the younger student steps into the role of mentor for another new student, and the cycle of mentorship continues. Docent teams have been an essential part of UMKC’s medical education style from the very beginning.
UMKC is affiliated with a number of Kansas City hospitals, including University Health Truman Medical Center, Saint Luke’s Hospital, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Center for Behavioral Medicine, the Kansas City VA Medical Center, and Research Medical Center. While UMKC does not operate its own hospital, many of the practicing physicians at these hospitals are also members of the faculty.
Median Academic Scores of Matriculants:
- Median GPA: 3.89
- Median MCAT: 510
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine Secondary Questions.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Preference:
| University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Applicants | 345 | 1547 |
| Matriculants | 87 | 49 |
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine (WUSM)
While WUSM was originally founded in 1891, in 2020, they radically updated their program to the Gateway Curriculum, which integrates academic and clinical excellence with flexibility, mentorship and coaching, individualized career development, and a strong emphasis on social justice.
Students can choose to pursue a number of different career pathways, such as research, education, innovation, or advocacy/global health. They will be connected with mentors who share their interests for individualized coaching within a customized, flexible framework.
The WUSM’s Gateway Curriculum also incorporates the EXPLORE program, which encourages students to explore their unique interests and find their niche in academic medicine. It connects students to physician mentors and provides core training in the career pathway of their choosing.
In addition to their clinical studies, students will also participate in both required and elective courses on foundational, clinical, and social sciences, leadership and teamwork, teaching and learning, discovery and innovation, and social determinants of health, community engagement, and advocacy.
Median Academic Scores of Matriculants:
- Median GPA: 3.95
- Median MCAT: 521
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine Secondary Questions.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Preference:
| Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Applicants | 260 | 4979 |
| Matriculants | 5 | 106 |
List of Osteopathic Medical Schools in Missouri (DO)
- A.T. Still University—Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
A.T. Still University—Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) was founded in 1892, making it the first institution of osteopathic education in the world. The campus includes study rooms for standardized patient encounters, an ultrasound lab, a state-of-the-art human patient simulation lab, as well as other labs. It’s also home to the A.T. Still Research Institute, the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine, the ATSU’s Gutensohn Clinic, the George Rea Cancer Treatment Center, and more.
The Complete Doctor, a key piece of the KCOM curriculum, integrates early clinical experiences with didactic study in physical exam skills, communication skills, medical jurisprudence and ethics, social determinants of health, and spirituality in medicine.
The first two years will be spent on campus engaging in biomedical and clinical studies through team-based activities, case presentations, didactics, labs and workshops. The next two years will be spent on clinical rotations in one of KCOM’s national regions, which include sites in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and more.
KCOM puts a strong emphasis on primary care and rural health, so many graduates pursue internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatry, as well as OB/GYN and emergency medicine.
Average Academic Scores of Matriculants:
- Average GPA: 3.71 cumulative, 3.63 science
- Average MCAT: 503.9
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
The KCU College of Osteopathic Medicine, founded in 1916, is one of five original US colleges of osteopathic medicine, the oldest medical school in Kansas City, and the largest medical school in Missouri. They have two campuses; the one in Kansas City is geared toward serving the urban population, and the one in Joplin handles the rural population.
During their first two years, students will receive hands-on training with advanced medical technology, such as high fidelity simulation robotics. The focus of the first two years is on helping students hone their techniques in anatomy, physical diagnosis, and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).
Third and fourth year are dedicated to clinical clerkship rotations, elective clerkships, and sub-internships, where you will be matched with and supervised by a KCW preceptor. Students also have the option to pursue a specialty track of interest, such as a global health track or military medicine track.
Students gain clinical experiences starting in their first year through local community organizations, global health outreach, and Score 1 for Health, which is a KCU program that provides free in-school health screenings to more than 10,000 disadvantaged area kids each year.
- Minimum GPA: 3.25 science and 3.25 cumulative
- Minimum MCAT: 501
Missouri Medical School Locations
The medical school locations are conveniently included right in the names. Saint Louis University is located in St. Louis, and so is Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine are both located in Kansas City. The University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine is located in Columbia, and A.T. Still University—Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine is located in Kirksville.
St. Louis and Kansas City are anywhere from 3 hours and 45 minutes to 5 hours apart depending on the route you take. Columbia is about midway between them, and Kirksville is north, about 3 hours from Kansas City and 3 and a half hours from St. Louis.
Kansas City has a population of 510,411, and St. Louis has a population of 272,672. However, Kansas City is almost 5 times as large as St. Louis, so the latter is more densely populated.
How Much Is Medical School Tuition in Missouri?
So, how much does medical school cost in Missouri?
Missouri Tuition Costs (2023 Data From MSAR)
| Missouri Medical School | Yearly Tuition In-State | Yearly Tuition Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Louis University School of Medicine | $67,294 | $67,294 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine | $45,175 | $88,296 |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine | $43,914 | $88,775 |
| Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine | $68,795 | $68,795 |
| A.T. Still University—Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine | $63,046 | $63,046 |
| Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine | $55,854 | $55,854 |
View the most recent AAMC tuition data.
- Additional fees not included.
You also need to factor in the cost of medical school applications, which can compound across primary fees, secondary fees, exam fees, study resources, and interview travel costs. Learn more: How Much Do Med School Applications Cost? The Full Price Analyzed.
Plus, there are many other financial factors to consider, including housing, transportation, food, exercise, and events. Fortunately, the cost of living in Missouri is lower than the majority of other states. It ranks 46 out of 50!
What It’s Like to Go to Medical School in Missouri
Missouri possesses a unique blend of cultural, geographical, and historical characteristics that make it distinct.
The state showcases a diverse landscape, from the vibrant urban environment of cities like St. Louis and Kansas City to the picturesque Ozark Mountains and the serene rural areas. Prepare yourself for a good mix of city life and outdoor opportunities.
Missouri has a rich cultural heritage, evident in its music, art, and cuisine. The state played a significant role in the development of jazz and blues, and there are plenty of cultural events, museums, and local festivals you can explore to immerse yourself in the state’s unique cultural tapestry.
The state is also famous for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. It firmly embraces the friendliness the Midwestern United States are known for. You can expect a sense of community and approachability, so it will be easy to connect with locals and fellow residents.
If you’re interested in seeing the seasons change, Missouri experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year, from hot summers to frigid winters.
If you’re interested in the outdoors, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to appreciate nature with the state’s many state parks, hiking trails, and recreational areas.
If you’re a foodie, Missouri boasts a diverse culinary scene influenced by its history and regional specialties. Take the chance to savor local dishes like St. Louis-style barbecue, toasted ravioli, and the famous Missouri gooey butter cake.
Missouri also played a pivotal role in American history, being a gateway to the West during the era of westward expansion. If you’re interested, you can explore historical sites like the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the Truman Library in Independence.
St. Louis specifically is a city with notable attractions and a relatively low cost of living. Free attractions provide entertainment options without a financial burden, the cost of living is reasonable, and the lack of heavy traffic can make daily commutes more manageable.
However, like any location, there are cons to living in St. Louis. Safety concerns, particularly in certain neighborhoods, can be a consideration, as the city has some of the highest murder rates in the entire country. Additionally, you’ll need to take connecting flights to reach many major cities if you frequently travel. Cold winters can also be a drawback if you’re unaccustomed to or not fond of colder climates.
How to Apply to Missouri Medical Schools (MD)
To apply to allopathic medical schools in Missouri, you’ll need to use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), the AAMC’s centralized medical school application processing service. This is the primary application method for first year entering classes for most US medical schools. No matter how many schools you want to apply to, you only need to submit one set of application materials to AMCAS, and the system handles the rest.
Here’s what you need to know about applying to med schools in Missouri.
1 | Application Requirements
Your primary application is made up of a number of different components, and each is critical to your acceptance.
Your primary application must consist of your college transcripts, a high GPA and MCAT score, a narrative-driven personal statement, strong letters of recommendation, and a diverse and detailed Work and Activities section.
At the time of this article, no medical school in Missouri requires the Casper test. However, the Saint Louis University School of Medicine does require the PREview exam. The AAMC PREview Professional Readiness Exam is a situational judgment test just recently released that is designed to assess a premed’s professionalism. Made up of a series of hypothetical scenarios that students may be faced with in medical school, the exam was created to evaluate a premed’s awareness of effective and ineffective professional behaviors.
Read our comprehensive PREview guide to learn more: AAMC PREview Prep—Everything You Need to Know.
After you submit your primary application, you can expect to receive a secondary application two to four weeks later. Unlike the primary application, you will submit your secondaries directly to each school you received them from.
If admissions committees are interested, you could receive an interview invitation at any point between the end of August and the spring of the following year.
Learn more about the complete application process: How to Get Into Medical School: AMCAS Application Process.
2 | Application Deadlines
The AMCAS application opens during the first week of May, and the actual submissions occur at the end of May or early June. Therefore, if you plan to start medical school in the fall of 2025, you must begin the application process in the spring of 2024.
It is vital to understand that the technical deadlines for your application in no way reflect reality. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning they are assessed as they are received. The first people who submit are the first to receive secondaries and then the first to receive interview invites. Schools can only accept so many students, so the longer you delay submitting your application, the worse your chances of acceptance.
We cannot state this enough: Applying as soon as submissions open is essential to your success. And that also goes for submitting your secondaries and securing interviews. For the vast majority of medical schools throughout Missouri and the country, interviews begin in September and can run through March of the following year.
Here’s what you should be working on month-by-month: Medical School Application Timeline and Monthly Schedule. (Updated every application cycle.)
How to Apply to Osteopathic Medical Schools in Missouri
Applying to osteopathic (DO) medical schools in Missouri is largely the same as applying to MD schools. The DO primary application, just like the MD one, requires your transcripts, MCAT score, personal statement, letters of recommendation (evaluation), and an experiences and achievements section.
The difference is, instead of applying through AMCAS, you’ll apply through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS).
The other primary difference is that applying to osteopathic schools requires familiarity and experience with osteopathy. Your DO personal statement directly asks why you want to pursue osteopathic medicine, and you must include at least one letter of recommendation from a DO.
Learn more about the DO application process with our AACOMAS Application Guide for DO Schools.
Tips for Acceptance at Missouri Medical Schools (MD and DO)
1 | Illustrate Your Commitment to Community
Medical schools in Missouri differ from other states in that there is a heavy emphasis placed on the connection applicants have to the region and their hometown. Missouri medical schools often prioritize candidates with strong ties to the Midwest, as they strongly believe in the value of fostering healthcare professionals who are committed to serving their local communities.
Admissions committees in Missouri are looking for candidates who believe in the importance of personal connections and have a genuine interest in contributing to the healthcare landscape of the region.
Another notable difference is that Missouri medical schools tend to place a greater emphasis on community engagement over research achievements. It’s key for you to highlight your involvement in community service, volunteer work, or other activities that demonstrate a commitment to making a positive impact at the local level.
While research experience is still valuable, showcasing a genuine dedication to community wellbeing can set you apart in the Missouri selection process.
2 | Focus on Your Application Narrative
While your application is composed of several different components, it is imperative not to think about them in isolation. Each piece must work together to formulate an overriding, cohesive narrative. A story is always easier to relate to and remember than dry facts, and the story you’re telling with your application is why you want to dedicate your life to medicine. Why are you who you are? Who are the people who contributed to your development? What crystalized your ambition to pursue medicine?
From your personal statement to your letters of recommendation to your Work and Activities section, each piece must service this story. While your hard skills are certainly key to your success, a compelling narrative will convince admissions committees to look beyond your academic qualifications.
For Missouri in particular, focusing on your connection to your community is essential. What volunteering experiences have you had a profound impact on and, in return, how have they impacted you? How do you contribute to your community, and what events or people in your life have made you so committed to improving the lives of your neighbors?
Developing this kind of cohesive narrative won’t happen overnight. It requires a massive investment of time, so do not procrastinate. Deeply reflect on your past and the moments that have defined you, and once you’ve chosen a narrative, weave it through your entire application.
Learn more: How to Develop a Cohesive Narrative for Medical School Applications.
3 | Get to Know the Region (Urban and Rural Settings)
It’s also important to understand that factors such as lifestyle, access to clinical opportunities, community engagement, and cost of living can vary significantly between urban and rural settings. Are you more of a country mouse or city mouse?
Rural settings will not provide you with the same variety of opportunities as an urban setting, but if it’s the kind of setting you prefer, remember that med school will take at least four years of your life. If city life sounds suffocating to you, it will certainly negatively impact your performance in school.
The same is also true if you find country life and the idea of long hikes boring. While stepping outside of your comfort zone is essential to your future development, resilience, and maturity, being miserable for four years is to no one’s benefit.
Deeply consider your own preferences and what you want your future career as a physician to look like. Where do you want to practice? Be sure to visit the state and its campuses in person before making your choice. Medical school will be some of the most memorable, challenging, and rewarding years of your life. Where do you think you will thrive best?
4 | Be Aware of In-State Preference
Most Missouri medical schools have a preference for in-state applicants.
For the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, 25% of in-state applicants matriculated compared to only 3% of out-of-state applicants. In-state applicants make up 64% of the student body.
For the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, 84% of the student body is composed of in-state. For Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 34% of students come from in-state.
Additionally, the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine and University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine have notable tuition breaks for in-state applicants.
The exception to in-state preference is Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, which doesn’t seem to favor one or the other. Approximately 2% of in-state applicants matriculated, and the same is true of out-of-state applicants.
The preference for in-state applicants falls in line with Missouri’s heavy emphasis on community and local initiatives. If you live in Missouri, we recommend you apply to Missouri schools, even if these schools are only your backup option.
If you are not a Missouri local but still want to apply, know that for schools with a heavy emphasis on in-state acceptance, you’ll need to find your own way to stand out. Put extra care and attention into your secondary applications, and be sure to weave in a solid narrative around commitment to community throughout your application. If you are not from the midwest, what is it that’s drawing you to it, and why do you believe Missouri will be an ideal fit for you specifically?
Bottom Line: Is Going to Medical School in Missouri Right for You?
Medical schools in Missouri place a strong emphasis on community involvement, social justice, and small group, team-based learning. If you’re interested in working on a tight-knit team of learners with like-minded views on the importance of community, collaboration, and peer mentorship, you’ll certainly find that in Missouri.
Beyond the medical program and school resources, it matters whether or not you enjoy the community and environment you’ll call home.
Pros of Medical School in Missouri
- Strong emphasis on community and local initiatives
- Low cost of living compared to other states
- Warm and welcoming state
- Mix of city and outdoor activities
- Exceptional osteopathic school options, including the first institution of osteopathic education in the world
Cons of Medical School in Missouri
- High preference for in-state applicants
- Must go above and beyond to illustrate commitment to community throughout your application
- Crime rates are high in major cities where many of the medical schools are located
Missouri has a diverse landscape, a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant culinary scene, and is well-known for its welcoming and warm atmosphere. If you’re looking for a good mix of city life and outdoor activities, the “Show-Me” state could be right for you.
Learn more: How to Decide Which Medical Schools to Apply to (12 Important Factors).
What Adcoms Are Looking for
No matter the state where you apply, admission committees are looking for well-rounded, community-minded, and resilient students who will enhance the student body at their school. Simply checking off boxes is not enough. Passion and dedication are essential.
Med School Insiders can help you craft a stand out application that will get you noticed by Missouri medical schools, as well as any schools at the top of your list. We have a range of services to suit your specific needs, from one-on-one guidance to application editing to mock interviews.
Our services are tailored to meet the needs of each student because we understand that every applicant is unique. Learn more about our comprehensive medical school application packages.
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