Medical Schools in Missouri: How to Get In (2025)
/Which are the best medical schools in Missouri? Explore the Missouri medical school rankings, plus strategies to get into your top-choice programs
There are six medical schools in missouri
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: List of medical schools in Missouri: 2024 rankings and admissions statistics
Part 3: Missouri medical school profiles
Part 4: Missouri medical school admissions strategies
Appendix A: Missouri medical schools by degree type
Appendix B: Missouri medical schools by institution type
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Part 1: Introduction
When you think of Missouri, you might think of metropolitan cities such as St. Louis and Kansas City, the famous Gateway Arch National Park, renowned sports teams including the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals, or popular Missouri foods like red hot riplets and St. Louis-style ribs. The state is also well known for its six medical schools, five of which were established in the 1800s.
Whether you choose to study in a bustling city or a rural area, or if you wish to pursue an osteopathic education or a research-heavy curriculum, there is surely a Missouri medical program that will be an excellent fit for you.
The goal of this guide is to provide you with an overview of the unique characteristics of each Missouri medical school, along with the relevant admissions data, so you can best position yourself for success when applying to Missouri medical programs. We recommend you supplement this guide with information from each school’s website to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of its specific offerings and differentiating features.
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Part 2: List of medical schools in Missouri: 2024 rankings and admissions statistics
We’ve compiled data on Missouri medical schools, including their rankings, locations, average GPAs and MCAT scores, and more, so you can compare the schools at a glance. While putting together this information, the following main takeaways were observed:
Four allopathic medical schools and two osteopathic medical schools are located in Missouri.
In-state Missouri residents enjoy significantly higher interview rates and make up a majority percentage of matriculating students at Missouri’s two public medical schools.
Four Missouri medical schools appeared in the 2023 U.S. News Research ranking, with one landing in the top 5. The three that participated in the 2024 U.S. News Research ranking were categorized as tier three.
In the rankings below, numbers in parentheses represent each Missouri medical school’s national ranking, whereas numbers outside parentheses show each school’s relative rank. Relative rankings helps us answer the question, “Which are the ‘best’ medicals school in Missouri?”
(Note: We strongly recommend that you sign up for MSAR for the most up-to-date information on MD programs and that you sign up for Choose DO for DO program data.)
(Note: U.S. News and World Report moved to a tier-based ranking system in fall 2024, in part due to a number of schools declining to participate. Schools who declined to share sufficient data with US News are now unranked, which is reflected in the table below with ‘UR.' Schools that did participate are given ‘tier’ rankings by U.S. News. We’ve reported rankings from both the prior and current cycles to more accurately reflect where medical schools in Missouri stand.)
| Missouri Medical Schools | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine | UR - 2024 |
$72,975 OOS |
21.5% OOS |
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| Saint Louis University School of Medicine | Tier 3 (Research) - 2024 |
$67,294 OOS |
11.9% OOS |
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| University of Missouri–Columbia School of Medicine* | Tier 3 (Research) - 2024 |
$92,713 OOS |
3.6% OOS |
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| University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine* | Tier 3 (Research) - 2024 |
$87,965 OOS |
3.5 Min required for OOS applicants. 3.0 min for IS applicants. |
Minimum required for consideration. |
1.7% OOS |
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| A.T. Still University–Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine | UR - 2024 |
$64,938 OOS |
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| Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine | UR - 2024 |
$55,854 OOS |
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Part 3: Missouri medical school profiles
A.T. Still University–Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM)
ATSU-KCOM is the founding college of osteopathic medical education and a pioneer in training medical students to become the next generation of patient-centered, holistic care providers.
At ATSU-KCOM, students have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge medical training resources, including the patient simulation lab, where they practice clinical decision-making in real-time scenarios; the ultrasound lab, which provides hands-on training in diagnostic imaging techniques; and the A.T. Still Research Institute, which fosters advancements in osteopathic research. Additionally, the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine offers students a deeper appreciation for the rich history and evolution of osteopathic medicine, reinforcing the core principles upon which the profession was founded.
Beyond mastering the foundational sciences, ATSU-KCOM students are immersed in the “Complete Doctor” component of the curriculum, which emphasizes early exposure to clinical practice. This program equips students with essential physical examination skills, teamwork and communication strategies, and a deep understanding of ethical and spiritual aspects of patient care.
As students progress into their third and fourth years, they gain real-world experience through clerkship and elective rotations at clinical sites across the country. These rotations take place at esteemed institutions in Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and several other states, allowing students to apply their knowledge in various healthcare settings and refine their clinical expertise.
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU)
KCU is the eighth-largest medical school in the country, with two campuses in Kansas City and Joplin to serve both the urban and rural populations of the state. he university’s mission emphasizes academic excellence, hands-on clinical training, and a strong foundation in osteopathic principles to develop compassionate, patient-centered healthcare providers.
During the first two years of medical school, KCU students follow an organ system-based curriculum, progressing from learning normal physiological function to understanding pathological conditions and their clinical presentations. Additionally, students have early exposure to patient interactions through standardized patient encounters, where they practice history-taking, physical examination skills, and effective communication techniques in a controlled learning environment.
In their third and fourth years, students transition into clinical rotations, gaining hands-on experience in various medical specialties. Each student is also matched with a preceptor—a practicing physician who provides mentorship and guidance throughout their clinical training—ensuring that students receive personalized educational support as they refine their diagnostic and treatment skills.
KCU medical students will also participate in the Score 1 for Health initiative, a preventive health program that provides free, in-school health screenings for elementary school students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Moreover, osteopathic philosophy and osteopathic manipulative medicine courses are incorporated into students’ educations.
Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine
The core tenant that the SLU School of Medicine promotes is “Cura Personalis,” or care for the individual person. SLU places a strong emphasis on educating the next generation of physicians to practice humanistic and holistic medicine.
SLU School of Medicine’s curriculum embeds courses such as Foundations in Health Care Ethics, Medicine and Society, and Professional and Personal Development alongside rigorous biomedical and clinical science coursework.
A distinctive feature of SLU’s curriculum is its “Team Teaching” model, which brings together faculty from multiple departments to instruct preclinical courses. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that medical students receive diverse perspectives on medical topics, bridging foundational science with clinical application.
Beyond the classroom, SLU medical students have numerous opportunities to engage in service-oriented experiences that reinforce the school’s mission of social justice and community engagement. Among these opportunities are SLU’s Jesuit Health Resource Center, Casa de Salud, the Chinese Clinic, and the Adolescent Teen Pregnancy Clinic, where students volunteer their time to deliver free or low-cost healthcare services.
University of Missouri–Columbia School of Medicine
The University of Missouri–Columbia School of Medicine is deeply committed to innovative medical education that fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and patient-centered care. A key component of this approach is its team-based learning model, where students engage in small group discussions and problem-solving exercises based on real-world patient cases rather than traditional lecture-based instruction.
Following their preclinical education, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in clinical practice during their core clinical clerkships, which can be pursued in either Columbia or Springfield. Twenty-five percent of students are assigned to the Springfield campus, where they rotate through prominent healthcare institutions such as CoxHealth and Mercy Hospitals.
Students also have the option to participate in the Rural Track Pipeline Program. This program is designed for students who are interested in rural healthcare, providing them the unique opportunity to complete three of their clinical rotations in a rural location.
The medical school also supports students’ various interests through programming such as the Global Health Scholars Program, summer research fellowships, and the Legacy Teachers program, which allows students to recognize patients as their teachers through essays or other mediums at a ceremony.
University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine (UMKC)
Students at UMKC will progress through an integrated, four-year curriculum that incorporates the basic science fundamentals, patient experiences, and docent rotations. UMKC structures its education in a team-based learning format. Upon arrival to campus, students will be placed in “docent teams” of 10 to 12 other UMKC medical students. Their team will include a docent, pharmacologist, clinical medical librarian, and other healthcare professionals to help facilitate their maturation and professional development throughout medical school.
For four weeks each year during their third and fourth years, students participate in docent rotations, where they work alongside their docent team on daily ward rounds. These rotations offer students the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in real clinical settings, directly engaging with patients and healthcare teams. The docent rotations also provide a smaller, more intimate learning community within the broader UMKC medical school, allowing students to form strong bonds with faculty, peers, and clinical mentors.
Beyond their academic and clinical training, students have the chance to work at clinics like the Sojourner Clinic and the Kansas City Free Eye Clinic, where they provide essential medical services to underserved populations.
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
In 2020, the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine revamped its curriculum, now known as the Gateway Curriculum. The Gateway Curriculum integrates the foundational preclinical and clinical coursework with lessons on leadership, teamwork, discovery, innovation, and the social determinants of health. Additionally, the EXPLORE program is embedded within the MD Gateway Curriculum. Through this programming, Washington University medical school students select one of four professional pathways: advocacy/global health, education, innovation, and research.
In addition to the EXPLORE program, Washington University offers ample opportunities for students to engage in research, an integral part of their education. During their preclinical years, students are given dedicated time—typically 5 to 10 hours per week—to conduct research. The Office of Medical Student Research & Scholarship helps facilitate these experiences by connecting students with mentors and offering resources to support their research endeavors.
Washington University also places a strong emphasis on service learning. The Gephardt Institute, a key part of the university, serves as a hub for students seeking meaningful opportunities to engage with the St. Louis community.
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Washington University School of Medicine: Requirements and Strategies)
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Part 4: Missouri medical school admissions strategies
Strategy 1: Use the data provided about each of the Missouri schools to select which Missouri medical schools you should apply to.
As evidenced by the GPA, MCAT, interview, and matriculation statistics, it is clear that Missouri schools have a wide range of average objective metrics, in addition to increased odds for in-state applicants.
For example, with a 3.7 GPA and 507 MCAT, KCU and ATSU-KCOM may be target schools for you, but the allopathic Missouri medical schools will be more challenging to receive acceptances from. Your likelihood of admission can, however, be increased at schools such as the University of Missouri–Columbia School of Medicine, the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine, and ATSU-KCOM if you are a Missouri resident.
(Suggested reading: How Many Medical Schools Should I Apply To? Which Ones?)
Strategy 2: Leverage your holistic understanding of each Missouri medical school, and use this insight to select institutions that align with your own strengths and future goals.
It is important to think about your professional goals and career trajectory when you design your schools list and select which Missouri schools to apply to.
For example, if you hope to attend a top-tier medical school with an emphasis on research, the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine is likely a great fit for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in exploring how medicine is practiced in other states via clinical rotations throughout the country, you may benefit from studying at ATSU-KCOM, an institution with many nationwide clinical partnerships.
This type of information will help you understand which Missouri medical schools best align with your own interests and aspirations. Make sure to convey this fit when constructing school-specific secondary essays and preparing for your interviews in order persuade adcoms that you’re a strong candidate for their program.
Looking for secondary essay examples? Click below to access sample secondary essays for every prompt required by every MD and DO program in the United States and Canada. 1500+ essays and counting.
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Strategy 3: Think through your interview answers
Once you’ve made it to the interview portion of the process, you’re in the home stretch. There’s only one remaining challenge to overcome to be on your way to a career as a physician.
At this critical juncture, you need to make sure you’re as prepared as possible. That means considering how you will answer tricky open-ended interview questions to ensure that you come across as capable and absolutely certain that medicine—and the particular school—is right for you.
You need to know your application inside and out. They may ask you about your research experience or extracurriculars. If they do, it’s a good idea to include aspects of their program in your answer. This will demonstrate to your interviewer that you’ve thought deeply about your reasons for wanting to attend their institution.
Taking some time to create effective responses to questions like “Why do you want to become a doctor?” or “What do you hope to achieve in medicine?” will make a world of difference to how you are perceived on interview day.
Invited to a med school interview? Congrats! There's no need to land in waitlist purgatory or the rejection pile. Learn how to craft memorable, acceptance-worthy responses using the resource below.
Gain instant access to the most common traditional and MMI interview questions, plus sample responses for each, to help you craft responses that lead to acceptances. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
Strategy 4: Organize your application efforts around your essays
Applying to medical school is a true balancing act. You’ll have classes to finish in order to graduate, extracurricular and/or volunteering responsibilities to maintain, and tests to study for—all while carving out time to write those all-important essays, your personal statement and secondaries.
With this in mind, a solid forward-thinking plan can help you tackle it all, and do so effectively. Time-management is key during this stage of the process. You can get a bird’s eye view of the work you’ll need to do by considering how many essays you’ll need to write for medical schools in Missouri.
Each school requires a different number of secondary essays of varying lengths which has a large impact on how much you’ll need to write. For example, A.T. Still University Kirksville only requires 2 essays but each has a limit of 500 words, while St. Louis University has five prompts limited to 1,000 characters each (about 150-250 words).
The essays for each school will take you a different amount of time to complete, so looking ahead can help you plan your time wisely and get everything in by their deadlines. To help you with this, we’ve placed the number of secondary essay prompts for each medical school in Missouri in the table below.
| Missouri Medical Schools | |
|---|---|
| Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine | |
| Saint Louis University School of Medicine | |
| University of Missouri–Columbia School of Medicine | |
| University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine | |
| A.T. Still University–Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine | |
| Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine |
Final thoughts
Missouri medical schools offer a wide range of focuses, curricula, and locations. Consider each school’s specific qualities and statistics when selecting which institutions to apply to, and use the details provided in this guide, along with school websites and information from current students and alumni, to maximally inform your application. By submitting tailored application materials, you’ll increase your odds of success when applying to medical schools in Missouri.
About the Author
Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on medical school admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get medical school using his exclusive approach.
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Appendix A: Missouri medical schools by degree type
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
Osteopathic medical schools in Missouri (DO)
A.T. Still University–Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Appendix B: Missouri medical schools by institution type
Public medical schools in Missouri
University of Missouri–Columbia School of Medicine
University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine
Private medical schools in Missouri
A.T. Still University–Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
