GITNUXREPORT 2026

Medical School Statistics

Medical school applicants are increasing and becoming more academically competitive and diverse.

Jannik Lindner

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, 52,867 applicants applied to U.S. MD-granting medical schools, representing a 1.2% increase from the previous year.

Statistic 2

The average GPA for matriculants to U.S. MD medical schools in 2023 was 3.77 for science GPA and 3.88 overall.

Statistic 3

42.5% of 2023 MD matriculants were women, up from 36.5% a decade ago.

Statistic 4

Asian applicants comprised 24.6% of MD applicants in 2023, while White applicants were 42.3%.

Statistic 5

The acceptance rate for MD programs in 2023 was 41.4% for applicants, meaning 1 in 2.4 applicants were accepted.

Statistic 6

Average MCAT score for accepted MD applicants in 2023 was 511.7 nationally.

Statistic 7

60.8% of 2023 matriculants had at least one research experience.

Statistic 8

Underrepresented minorities made up 18.4% of MD matriculants in 2023.

Statistic 9

In 2023, 22,981 U.S. MD programs matriculated students from 52,867 applicants.

Statistic 10

DO programs saw 11,289 first-year matriculants in 2023, with 48.2% female.

Statistic 11

9,967 international medical graduates sought U.S. residency in 2023 NRMP match.

Statistic 12

Harvard Medical School's average accepted GPA is 3.93 and MCAT 520.

Statistic 13

Johns Hopkins MD acceptance rate is 1.9% with average MCAT 521.

Statistic 14

Stanford MD program accepted 2.3% of 7,000+ applicants in 2023.

Statistic 15

UCSF School of Medicine matriculant average GPA 3.88, MCAT 518.

Statistic 16

NYU Grossman MD tuition-free policy led to 9.8% acceptance rate in 2023.

Statistic 17

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine acceptance rate 2.1%, average MCAT 520.

Statistic 18

Vanderbilt MD average GPA 3.9, MCAT 520 for 2023 class.

Statistic 19

35% of MD applicants with GPAs over 3.9 were accepted in 2023.

Statistic 20

Clinical shadowing hours average 150 for successful MD applicants.

Statistic 21

2023 cycle saw 2,275 reapplicants to MD programs, 20% success rate.

Statistic 22

Texas public medical schools favor in-state applicants with 90% matriculants.

Statistic 23

Caribbean med schools have 20-40% acceptance rates but lower match rates.

Statistic 24

2023 MD applicant pool had 11.5% with DO post-bac experience.

Statistic 25

Per AAMC 2023, 58% of matriculants had publications/presentations.

Statistic 26

Average age of MD matriculants in 2023 was 24 years.

Statistic 27

2023 saw record 32% underrepresented in medicine among matriculants.

Statistic 28

MD matriculants from rural backgrounds: 5.2% in 2023.

Statistic 29

15.3% of 2023 MD applicants were non-traditional (gap year takers).

Statistic 30

Yale School of Medicine 2023 matriculants: average GPA 3.92, MCAT 521.

Statistic 31

Average tuition for public MD in-state: $40,128 per year 2023-24.

Statistic 32

Private MD school average tuition: $63,855 annually 2023-24.

Statistic 33

Total 4-year cost attendance public in-state: $248,000 median.

Statistic 34

Average med student debt at graduation: $203,062 for MDs 2023.

Statistic 35

73% of MD grads have debt >$100,000.

Statistic 36

Institutional aid averages $20,000/year for MD students.

Statistic 37

Federal loans cover 70% of student borrowing.

Statistic 38

Debt-free at graduation: 14% of public MD grads.

Statistic 39

Living expenses add $25,000/year to COA.

Statistic 40

Scholarships cover full tuition for 5% of students.

Statistic 41

DO average debt: $235,000 at graduation 2023.

Statistic 42

Income-based repayment enrollment: 25% of borrowers.

Statistic 43

Public loan forgiveness eligibility: 30% of grads pursue.

Statistic 44

Health insurance costs: $5,000/year average.

Statistic 45

Books/supplies: $1,200/year median.

Statistic 46

Merit scholarships: $50,000 average award.

Statistic 47

Parental support covers 20% of COA for indebted grads.

Statistic 48

Loan interest accrual during school: $30,000 average.

Statistic 49

NY tuition-free schools increased aid by 40%.

Statistic 50

Average summer earnings: $8,000 for students.

Statistic 51

Disability insurance recommended: $100-200/month.

Statistic 52

Residency salary offsets debt payments minimally at $60k.

Statistic 53

81% of MD students borrow federal loans.

Statistic 54

Private loan usage: 12% of borrowers.

Statistic 55

Preclinical curriculum averages 18-24 months in U.S. MD programs.

Statistic 56

95% of MD schools now use pass/fail preclinical grading.

Statistic 57

USMLE Step 1 pass rate for U.S. MD students: 94% first-time in 2023.

Statistic 58

Average clinical rotation hours: 80 weeks in MD programs.

Statistic 59

72% of MD schools require 4 years for MD degree.

Statistic 60

Interprofessional education included in 89% of MD curricula.

Statistic 61

Longitudinal clerkships offered by 45% of schools.

Statistic 62

Wellness programs mandatory in 76% of MD schools.

Statistic 63

Research requirement in 60% of MD programs.

Statistic 64

Average lectures per week in preclinical: 15-20 hours.

Statistic 65

Electives comprise 20-30% of clinical years.

Statistic 66

P/F to honors grading in clerkships at 85% schools.

Statistic 67

Global health rotations in 68% of MD programs.

Statistic 68

QI/PBI projects required by 55% of schools.

Statistic 69

3rd year clerkship shelf exam pass rate: 92%.

Statistic 70

Mentorship programs paired 80% of students.

Statistic 71

Simulation training hours: 200+ average per student.

Statistic 72

DO curricula emphasize OMM for 200 hours.

Statistic 73

Dual MD/PhD programs: 18 months preclinical research.

Statistic 74

Away rotations: 70% of students do 1-2.

Statistic 75

Online learning post-COVID: 40% hybrid preclinical.

Statistic 76

Capstone projects in 30% of MD schools.

Statistic 77

Average study hours/week preclinical: 50-60.

Statistic 78

Clinical skills assessment: OSCEs in 100% schools.

Statistic 79

Humanities in medicine courses: 65% of programs.

Statistic 80

2023 NRMP Match: 93.5% of U.S. MD seniors matched to PGY-1.

Statistic 81

Average Step 2 CK score for matched MDs: 248.

Statistic 82

Primary care match rate for MDs: 98.4% in 2023.

Statistic 83

Surgical specialties: 1,200 MD seniors matched in 2023.

Statistic 84

Average time to first choice specialty: 92% for MDs.

Statistic 85

IMG MD match rate: 61% vs 93% U.S. seniors.

Statistic 86

Dermatology match: 83% U.S. MD seniors.

Statistic 87

Orthopedic surgery: 78.5% MD match rate.

Statistic 88

Average resident salary PGY-1: $63,200 in 2023.

Statistic 89

Fellowship match rate post-residency: 90% for subspecialties.

Statistic 90

Board pass rates IMGs: 78% Step 3 vs 97% U.S. MD.

Statistic 91

Unemployment post-match: 0.5% for MD seniors.

Statistic 92

SOAP participation: 1,035 MD seniors in 2023.

Statistic 93

Psychiatry match: 95.5% MD seniors.

Statistic 94

Average applications per MD senior: 65 programs.

Statistic 95

Rural residency placements: 15% of MD grads.

Statistic 96

DO match rate: 92.3% to any PGY-1 in 2023.

Statistic 97

Plastic surgery match: 89% MD seniors.

Statistic 98

Median attending salary IM: $270,000.

Statistic 99

Burnout rate post-residency: 45% first year attendings.

Statistic 100

25% of MD grads pursue academic medicine.

Statistic 101

In 2023, 61.3% of U.S. MD medical students were White.

Statistic 102

Female enrollment in U.S. MD schools reached 50.5% in 2023.

Statistic 103

Black or African American MD students: 9.5% of total enrollment 2023.

Statistic 104

Hispanic/Latino MD enrollees: 12.2% in 2023.

Statistic 105

Asian MD students comprised 21.8% of U.S. enrollment in 2023.

Statistic 106

Average age of first-year MD students: 24.0 years in 2023.

Statistic 107

4.1% of MD enrollees identified as LGBTQ+ in 2023 AAMC survey.

Statistic 108

In-state students make up 62% of public MD school enrollees.

Statistic 109

DO student body is 52% female, higher than MD's 50.5%.

Statistic 110

2023 MD enrollment total: 104,313 students across U.S. schools.

Statistic 111

Rural origin students: 12% of MD enrollees in 2023.

Statistic 112

First-generation college students: 20.4% of MD matriculants 2023.

Statistic 113

Military/veteran MD students: 1.2% of enrollment.

Statistic 114

Married/partnered MD students: 8.5% at matriculation.

Statistic 115

PhD holders entering MD: 0.8% of 2023 matriculants.

Statistic 116

Average parental income for MD students: $150,000+ median.

Statistic 117

International students in U.S. MD schools: <1% (mostly permanent residents).

Statistic 118

Disabled MD students: 3.2% self-reported in 2023.

Statistic 119

From community college: 15% of MD matriculants.

Statistic 120

Jewish students ~10% of MD enrollment despite 2% U.S. population.

Statistic 121

MD students with children: 2.1% at matriculation 2023.

Statistic 122

Pacific Islander MD enrollees: 0.4% in 2023.

Statistic 123

American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.9% of MD students.

Statistic 124

Multi-racial MD enrollees: 5.6% in 2023.

Statistic 125

Non-resident alien MD students: 0.3%.

Statistic 126

U.S. MD schools total enrollment growth: 2.1% from 2022 to 2023.

1/126

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While acceptance rates are tightening and the average GPA of matriculants is a staggering 3.88, understanding the evolving landscape of medical school admissions—from record diversity gains and the importance of research to navigating daunting debt—reveals the strategic path to becoming one of the over 22,000 new doctors each year.

Key Takeaways

In the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, 52,867 applicants applied to U.S. MD-granting medical schools, representing a 1.2% increase from the previous year.
The average GPA for matriculants to U.S. MD medical schools in 2023 was 3.77 for science GPA and 3.88 overall.
42.5% of 2023 MD matriculants were women, up from 36.5% a decade ago.
In 2023, 61.3% of U.S. MD medical students were White.
Female enrollment in U.S. MD schools reached 50.5% in 2023.
Black or African American MD students: 9.5% of total enrollment 2023.
Preclinical curriculum averages 18-24 months in U.S. MD programs.
95% of MD schools now use pass/fail preclinical grading.
USMLE Step 1 pass rate for U.S. MD students: 94% first-time in 2023.
Average tuition for public MD in-state: $40,128 per year 2023-24.
Private MD school average tuition: $63,855 annually 2023-24.
Total 4-year cost attendance public in-state: $248,000 median.
2023 NRMP Match: 93.5% of U.S. MD seniors matched to PGY-1.
Average Step 2 CK score for matched MDs: 248.
Primary care match rate for MDs: 98.4% in 2023.

Medical school applicants are increasing and becoming more academically competitive and diverse.

Admissions Statistics

In the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, 52,867 applicants applied to U.S. MD-granting medical schools, representing a 1.2% increase from the previous year.
The average GPA for matriculants to U.S. MD medical schools in 2023 was 3.77 for science GPA and 3.88 overall.
42.5% of 2023 MD matriculants were women, up from 36.5% a decade ago.
Asian applicants comprised 24.6% of MD applicants in 2023, while White applicants were 42.3%.
The acceptance rate for MD programs in 2023 was 41.4% for applicants, meaning 1 in 2.4 applicants were accepted.
Average MCAT score for accepted MD applicants in 2023 was 511.7 nationally.
60.8% of 2023 matriculants had at least one research experience.
Underrepresented minorities made up 18.4% of MD matriculants in 2023.
In 2023, 22,981 U.S. MD programs matriculated students from 52,867 applicants.
DO programs saw 11,289 first-year matriculants in 2023, with 48.2% female.
9,967 international medical graduates sought U.S. residency in 2023 NRMP match.
Harvard Medical School's average accepted GPA is 3.93 and MCAT 520.
Johns Hopkins MD acceptance rate is 1.9% with average MCAT 521.
Stanford MD program accepted 2.3% of 7,000+ applicants in 2023.
UCSF School of Medicine matriculant average GPA 3.88, MCAT 518.
NYU Grossman MD tuition-free policy led to 9.8% acceptance rate in 2023.
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine acceptance rate 2.1%, average MCAT 520.
Vanderbilt MD average GPA 3.9, MCAT 520 for 2023 class.
35% of MD applicants with GPAs over 3.9 were accepted in 2023.
Clinical shadowing hours average 150 for successful MD applicants.
2023 cycle saw 2,275 reapplicants to MD programs, 20% success rate.
Texas public medical schools favor in-state applicants with 90% matriculants.
Caribbean med schools have 20-40% acceptance rates but lower match rates.
2023 MD applicant pool had 11.5% with DO post-bac experience.
Per AAMC 2023, 58% of matriculants had publications/presentations.
Average age of MD matriculants in 2023 was 24 years.
2023 saw record 32% underrepresented in medicine among matriculants.
MD matriculants from rural backgrounds: 5.2% in 2023.
15.3% of 2023 MD applicants were non-traditional (gap year takers).
Yale School of Medicine 2023 matriculants: average GPA 3.92, MCAT 521.

Admissions Statistics Interpretation

While the admission odds have slightly improved, the modern path to a white coat now demands near-perfect grades, a formidable MCAT score, and a CV so robust it looks like you started your clinical research in diapers.

Costs and Financial Aid

Average tuition for public MD in-state: $40,128 per year 2023-24.
Private MD school average tuition: $63,855 annually 2023-24.
Total 4-year cost attendance public in-state: $248,000 median.
Average med student debt at graduation: $203,062 for MDs 2023.
73% of MD grads have debt >$100,000.
Institutional aid averages $20,000/year for MD students.
Federal loans cover 70% of student borrowing.
Debt-free at graduation: 14% of public MD grads.
Living expenses add $25,000/year to COA.
Scholarships cover full tuition for 5% of students.
DO average debt: $235,000 at graduation 2023.
Income-based repayment enrollment: 25% of borrowers.
Public loan forgiveness eligibility: 30% of grads pursue.
Health insurance costs: $5,000/year average.
Books/supplies: $1,200/year median.
Merit scholarships: $50,000 average award.
Parental support covers 20% of COA for indebted grads.
Loan interest accrual during school: $30,000 average.
NY tuition-free schools increased aid by 40%.
Average summer earnings: $8,000 for students.
Disability insurance recommended: $100-200/month.
Residency salary offsets debt payments minimally at $60k.
81% of MD students borrow federal loans.
Private loan usage: 12% of borrowers.

Costs and Financial Aid Interpretation

The financial anatomy of a medical education reveals a system where the average graduate carries a debt tumor of over two hundred thousand dollars, a malignant growth only partially alleviated by the institutional chemotherapy of aid, leaving future doctors to perform a high-stakes balancing act between their calling and their credit score.

Curriculum and Training

Preclinical curriculum averages 18-24 months in U.S. MD programs.
95% of MD schools now use pass/fail preclinical grading.
USMLE Step 1 pass rate for U.S. MD students: 94% first-time in 2023.
Average clinical rotation hours: 80 weeks in MD programs.
72% of MD schools require 4 years for MD degree.
Interprofessional education included in 89% of MD curricula.
Longitudinal clerkships offered by 45% of schools.
Wellness programs mandatory in 76% of MD schools.
Research requirement in 60% of MD programs.
Average lectures per week in preclinical: 15-20 hours.
Electives comprise 20-30% of clinical years.
P/F to honors grading in clerkships at 85% schools.
Global health rotations in 68% of MD programs.
QI/PBI projects required by 55% of schools.
3rd year clerkship shelf exam pass rate: 92%.
Mentorship programs paired 80% of students.
Simulation training hours: 200+ average per student.
DO curricula emphasize OMM for 200 hours.
Dual MD/PhD programs: 18 months preclinical research.
Away rotations: 70% of students do 1-2.
Online learning post-COVID: 40% hybrid preclinical.
Capstone projects in 30% of MD schools.
Average study hours/week preclinical: 50-60.
Clinical skills assessment: OSCEs in 100% schools.
Humanities in medicine courses: 65% of programs.

Curriculum and Training Interpretation

Medical school is a meticulously designed marathon of intellectual endurance and clinical immersion, where students are transformed from lecture-weary scholars into adaptable proto-physicians through a relentless, data-driven curriculum that somehow still requires them to remember how to be human.

Outcomes and Residency

2023 NRMP Match: 93.5% of U.S. MD seniors matched to PGY-1.
Average Step 2 CK score for matched MDs: 248.
Primary care match rate for MDs: 98.4% in 2023.
Surgical specialties: 1,200 MD seniors matched in 2023.
Average time to first choice specialty: 92% for MDs.
IMG MD match rate: 61% vs 93% U.S. seniors.
Dermatology match: 83% U.S. MD seniors.
Orthopedic surgery: 78.5% MD match rate.
Average resident salary PGY-1: $63,200 in 2023.
Fellowship match rate post-residency: 90% for subspecialties.
Board pass rates IMGs: 78% Step 3 vs 97% U.S. MD.
Unemployment post-match: 0.5% for MD seniors.
SOAP participation: 1,035 MD seniors in 2023.
Psychiatry match: 95.5% MD seniors.
Average applications per MD senior: 65 programs.
Rural residency placements: 15% of MD grads.
DO match rate: 92.3% to any PGY-1 in 2023.
Plastic surgery match: 89% MD seniors.
Median attending salary IM: $270,000.
Burnout rate post-residency: 45% first year attendings.
25% of MD grads pursue academic medicine.

Outcomes and Residency Interpretation

The medical match is an impressive, if slightly exhausting, game of statistical hopscotch where almost all U.S. MD seniors find a residency spot, yet the path is paved with fierce competition in sought-after specialties, a sobering pay gap for new residents, and the looming shadow of burnout that starts long before the first attending paycheck for internal medicine arrives.

Student Demographics

In 2023, 61.3% of U.S. MD medical students were White.
Female enrollment in U.S. MD schools reached 50.5% in 2023.
Black or African American MD students: 9.5% of total enrollment 2023.
Hispanic/Latino MD enrollees: 12.2% in 2023.
Asian MD students comprised 21.8% of U.S. enrollment in 2023.
Average age of first-year MD students: 24.0 years in 2023.
4.1% of MD enrollees identified as LGBTQ+ in 2023 AAMC survey.
In-state students make up 62% of public MD school enrollees.
DO student body is 52% female, higher than MD's 50.5%.
2023 MD enrollment total: 104,313 students across U.S. schools.
Rural origin students: 12% of MD enrollees in 2023.
First-generation college students: 20.4% of MD matriculants 2023.
Military/veteran MD students: 1.2% of enrollment.
Married/partnered MD students: 8.5% at matriculation.
PhD holders entering MD: 0.8% of 2023 matriculants.
Average parental income for MD students: $150,000+ median.
International students in U.S. MD schools: <1% (mostly permanent residents).
Disabled MD students: 3.2% self-reported in 2023.
From community college: 15% of MD matriculants.
Jewish students ~10% of MD enrollment despite 2% U.S. population.
MD students with children: 2.1% at matriculation 2023.
Pacific Islander MD enrollees: 0.4% in 2023.
American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.9% of MD students.
Multi-racial MD enrollees: 5.6% in 2023.
Non-resident alien MD students: 0.3%.
U.S. MD schools total enrollment growth: 2.1% from 2022 to 2023.

Student Demographics Interpretation

This data presents a medical student body that is now, just barely, majority female, yet remains stubbornly a majority white and financially privileged demographic, with many minority groups still significantly underrepresented relative to the nation they will soon be tasked with healing.