Below, we’ve compiled the best medical schools for non-traditional students. These schools not only have higher-than-typical matriculation rates for non-trad students but also boast competitive acceptance rates for such applicants, with many employing explicit admissions practices to actively seek non-traditional candidates
Generally, a non-traditional applicant is someone who has gone at least 2 years since studying pre-med. This includes students who took more than one gap year after pre-med. Non-trad also includes med school applicants who graduated with a non-science degree, as well as later-in-life career changers.
Non-trad students tend to be older, have a family, and have more financial independence. If you’re looking to get into medical school after the age of 24 or without a science degree, you’re in the right place.
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Note: Data below was compiled from the AAMC’s MSAR database. Non-traditional matriculant percentages were calculated based on the number of students 24 years of age or older matriculated to the given institution, compared to those 23 or younger, during the most recent four years.
1. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science College of Medicine
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 85%
Location: Los Angeles, California
Tuition: $69,000
Median MCAT: 501
Median GPA: 3.41
Charles R. Drew University has one of the highest rates of non-traditional matriculants in the United States. Its 4-year MD Program is “one of only four MD granting programs in the U.S. at a Historically Black learning institution.”
Their program specifically trains future physicians to care and advocate for diverse populations and underserved communities.
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2. Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 79%
Location: Portland, Oregon
In-state tuition: $49,468
Out-of-state tuition: $74,752
Median MCAT: 511
Median GPA: 3.74
The average age of Oregon H&S’s entering student body is 27, notably higher than the national average of 24. This program also receives a much higher-than-average number of matriculating students over 40. Their minimum GPA and MCAT requirements are very low (2.80 and 497), even though the average matriculant scores are much higher (3.74 and 511).
They are open to non-science degrees. “Instead,” they state on their website, “your personal interest and passion for the questions posed by your academic field should be your primary motivator. We encourage applicants to explore undergraduate courses that span the humanities, arts, sciences, social sciences, and mathematics.”
Although they receive 13x more applications from out-of-state, Oregon H&S gives “strong preference” to Oregon residents and nonresidents with Oregon heritage. Here’s how to make your application stand out.
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3. Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 77%
Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Tuition: $60,412
Median MCAT: 513
Median GPA: 3.7
This decade, Virginia Tech School of Medicine frequently has multiple matriculants in their 30s and 40s.
Although “online science lab courses” do not meet their prerequisite requirements — which are not very non-trad friendly — they do look for activities that demonstrate your spirit of discovery, inquiry, and leadership. “These activities may be in traditional areas of biomedical research but could also be in the humanities, community service, education, or the arts.” Opening up these activities beyond biomedical research allows for non-traditional applicants to shine.
Also, Virginia Tech’s admissions committee “gives special consideration to applicants who are first-generation college students, come from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, or are from medically underserved areas.”
4. Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 77%
Location: Spokane, Washington
Tuition: $42,005
Median MCAT: 509
Median GPA: 3.77
Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine stands out because it uses a holistic review approach to admissions applications. Their process considers a number of factors, including life experiences and personal attributes, in addition to test scores. They’re looking for applicants with a passion for medicine and for serving “rural, underserved, historically marginalized, and/or vulnerable communities.”
It is important to note, though, that you must be from Washington or have strong Washington ties to be considered for acceptance.
5. University of California, Davis, School of Medicine
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 75%
Location: Sacramento, California
In-state tuition: $45,363
Out-of-state tuition: $57,608
Median MCAT: 512
Median GPA: 3.69
UC Davis accepts online science courses, which is a nontrad-friendly practice. The average age of their most recent class is 26, with their oldest student aged 41. In fact, over 10% of their incoming class, on average, is 30 or older (for most schools, it’s closer to 3% or less).
Note that a majority of their student body went to the University of California for undergrad, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be considered if you didn’t get your bachelor’s from UC. Read here which med schools are easiest to get into.
6. Rush Medical College
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 74%
Location: Chicago, Illinois
In-state tuition: $57,778
Median MCAT: 510
Median GPA: 3.64
Depending on the age you use to determine “non-traditional student,” Rush may have one of the highest non-traditional student populations in the nation. They have specific accommodations for students who took post-baccalaureate classes — common for non-trad applicants.
Under Rush’s “Attributes of a successful applicant” section, they state, “Non-traditional backgrounds that bring unique perspective and real-life work experience are also valued.” They also tout “review[ing] all applicants holistically” and not just based on test scores.
7. Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 73%
Location: St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
In-province tuition: $14,250
Out-of-province tuition: $30,000
Median MCAT: 505
Median GPA: 3.85
Memorial University of Newfoundland is great for Canadian non-trad applicants, but not so much for anyone outside of Canada. They do not accept international students, and all applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
However, Memorial has a holistic application process, which is great for any Canadian non-traditional students. Pre-meds may apply to Memorial’s MD Program with “a Bachelor's degree in any discipline.”
8. Robert Larner, M.D., College of Medicine at the University of Vermont
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 72%
Location: Burlington, Vermont
In-state tuition: $39,808
Out-of-state tuition: $66,908
Median MCAT: 513
Median GPA: 3.75
According to its website, Larner College of Medicine seeks “candidates whose experiences show evidence of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and ethical responsibility.” They’re open to applicants with well-rounded educational backgrounds, so non-traditional students may have a better chance of getting in. They accept both in- and out-of-state applicants.
As part of its holistic application review, this school requires the Casper exam and an MMI (multiple mini interview) circuit.
9. Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 72%
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
In-state tuition: $45,896
Out-of-state tuition: $85,833
Median MCAT: 511
Median GPA: 3.82
Spencer Fox Eccles considers all aspects of applications through a holistic approach and lens – which is great news for non-trad students. It is recommended that applicants have strong shadowing or extracurricular experience, as AdComs here seek students who can balance personal and professional life.
The school has an MD/PhD track called the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), which is a great option for future physician-scientists with extensive clinical experience.
10. Meharry Medical College
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 70%
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Tuition: $59,696
Median MCAT: 504
Median GPA: 3.58
Meharry makes our list of the top medical schools in the U.S. and for good reason. For one, Meharry uses a holistic approach to its admissions process; it isn’t all about the test and academic scores. A recent philanthropic grant also means that tuition is waived for a majority of students.
The medical college prides itself on being one of the most prominent historically Black medical schools and trains about 10% of all Black physicians in the United States.
11. University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 69%
Location: Los Angeles, California
In-state tuition: $38,272
Out-of-state tuition: $50,517
Median MCAT: 514
Median GPA: 3.85
What stands out about David Geffen for non-traditional students is that the school “does not evaluate specific prerequisite coursework.” Instead, it examines “mastery of competency throughout [their] unique academic history.” They also accept applications without considering students' states of residence.
International students can also apply but are required to have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited North American institution. As of August 2024, David Geffen interviewed 77 international students for their medical program.
12. Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 66%
Location: Hanover, New Hampshire
Tuition: $69,788
Median MCAT: 516
Median GPA: 3.82
In the past four years, Geisel has had a significant number of non-traditional matriculants in the 30-39 age range. On its website, Geisel states that it employs a “holistic review process that places value on applicants who possess a strong academic foundation, diversity in all forms, a broad range of life experiences, and traits known to promote success in the field of medicine.”
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13. Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 66%
Location: Greenville, North Carolina
Tuition: $25,295
Median MCAT: 508
Median GPA: 3.67
ECU’s Brody indicates, “No specific undergraduate major is required,” welcoming non-science degree holders to apply. However, it’s important to note that Brody’s out-of-state acceptance rate is essentially 0%, although you’re technically allowed to apply from outside NC.
Brody allows for non-science letters of recommendation, though they prefer at least one letter from a science professor. (Many institutions require two letters from science professors or mentors.)
Although the average age of their student body is 24 or 25, students range from 22 to 44.
14. University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 65%
Location: Houston, Texas
In-state tuition: $24,268
Out-of-state tuition: $37,368
Median MCAT: 514
Median GPA: 3.77
UH College of Medicine is friendly to non-traditional applicants, but not so much for out-of-state applicants. No more than 10% of first-year matriculants may legally be out-of-state residents, and the most recent entering class was made up of primarily students from Texas (California was the only other state represented).
Notice how this medical education institution is looking for demonstrations of strong character more than a background in traditional pre-med. Their admissions team is seeking applicants whose activities and reflections demonstrate the following:
- Commitment to service and community engagement
- History of effectiveness in team settings
- Cultural and academic humility
- Capacity for academic excellence
- Innovative problem solving
- Evidence of maturity and resiliency
15. University of Colorado School of Medicine
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 64%
Location: Aurora, Colorado
In-state tuition: $45,220
Out-of-state tuition: $71,175
Median MCAT: 516
Median GPA: 3.89
The age range for CU’s class of 2028 is 21-36. Although it’s a state institution, Colorado University School of Medicine still encourages out-of-state students to apply. According to its website, roughly half of every new class is made up of Colorado residents and half non-Colorado residents.
They recommend you have a strong foundation in “biomedical sciences and humanities” and require the Casper exam to apply.
16. University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 64%
Location: La Jolla, California
In-state tuition: $43,252
Out-of-state tuition: $55,497
Median MCAT: 516
Median GPA: 3.86
The San Diego School of Medicine stands out among medical school choices for non-traditional students, thanks to its partnering Post Baccalaureate Premedical Program. For many non-trad students who need more pre-med courses and application strengthening, UC offers this specific program to help enhance medical school portfolios and pre-med education.
According to their site, “while there is no guarantee that applications by Post Bacc students to the UC San Diego SOM will be accepted, many alumni have applied and been offered admission to UC San Diego [School of Medicine].
UC San Diego creates a positive and vibrant environment for students – no matter their age or traditional status – to truly thrive and grow professionally and personally along the way of their medical school journey.
17. New York Medical College
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 62%
Location: Valhalla, New York
Tuition: $63,824
Median MCAT: 516
Median GPA: 3.8
New York Medical College (NYMC) takes a holistic approach to admissions, focusing on applicants who present core pre-med competencies, as outlined by the AAMC.
NYMC is particularly committed to expanding opportunities for minorities and women in medicine. It actively supports non-traditional students, including those reapplying to medical school, career changers, and those with prior work experience.
18. Howard University College of Medicine
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 60%
Location: Washington, DC
Tuition: $57,632
Median MCAT: 506
Median GPA: 3.67
Howard University College of Medicine (HUCM) prides itself on training competent and compassionate physicians who primarily aim to provide healthcare in underserved communities.
Additionally, it can be a prime medical school consideration for non-trads, thanks to some HUCM admissions basics like:
- There’s a diverse student body
- There is no state residency requirement
- International students are accepted on a limited basis
- The College of Medicine conducts a holistic review of applications
- HUCM accepts MCAT scores of 494 or above
19. Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Percentage Nontraditional Matriculants: 59%
Location: Maywood, Illinois
Tuition: $66,218
Median MCAT: 512
Median GPA: 3.77
Loyola’s non-traditional percentage went up significantly in its most recent application cycle – which is great news for any non-trads who are thinking about applying to this School of Medicine. While they don’t accept international or Canadian students, they give the same consideration to both in-state and out-of-state applicants, meaning there is no true priority of Illinois-based applicants over other state applicants.
Loyola Stritch School of Medicine is another institution that practices holistic admissions, so it’s not just your test score or how quickly you finished your undergraduate studies. They take more of a focus on why you are being driven to the medical field and if your values align with their mission-based mindset.
20. Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine
This recently renamed school offers a lot of grace to older students and non-traditional applicants. Burnett recommends a 40th percentile MCAT score, but they do not require a science degree. Although they are a Texas school, they receive applications via AMCAS, not TMDSAS.
They also don’t require traditional writers for applicants’ letters of recommendation. As stated on their website, “[t]he Burnett School of Medicine accepts letters of recommendation from any author(s) who can speak to your personal and professional readiness for medical school.”
Plan to shine in your personal statement. Make it clear why your non-traditional path makes you right for this school.
Don’t waste time with medical schools that are too competitive for your application. Find out your odds of getting into your preferred medical program, and read our best tips on increasing your odds.
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Many of MedSchoolCoach’s team of advisors began as non-traditional medical students. Let us help you get into medical school using our expertise and personal experiences.
Renee Marinelli MD
Dr. Marinelli has practiced family medicine, served on the University of California Admissions Committee, and has helped hundreds of students get into medical school. She spearheads a team of physician advisors who guide MedSchoolCoach students.
