Best Medical Schools in Phoenix

Key Takeaways

• Phoenix is home to several top-tier medical schools backed by premier healthcare systems like Mayo Clinic and Creighton University.
• MCAT averages range between 510 and 519 depending on the program’s selectivity.
• Tuition varies widely, from approximately $58,000 to $65,000 per year for private institutions, with more affordable rates for residents at public universities.
• Applicants should consider each school’s mission, affiliated hospitals, research strengths, and clinical training opportunities when choosing where to apply.

Why Phoenix is Emerging as a Medical Education Hub

Phoenix, Arizona, has rapidly evolved into a major medical education destination in the Southwest. With a growing healthcare infrastructure, partnerships with nationally recognized hospitals, and an expanding biomedical research community, the city offers medical students diverse clinical experiences in both academic medicine and community health. The area’s expanding population and medical workforce demands also contribute to abundant residency and fellowship placements across multiple specialties.

Top Medical Schools in Phoenix

Below is a data-backed overview of the best medical schools located in Phoenix, including key statistics, curriculum highlights, and clinical partnerships.

School Degree Offered Average MCAT Average GPA Tuition (Est.) Key Affiliations Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Arizona Campus M.D. 519 3.9 $65,000/year Mayo Clinic Hospital, Phoenix University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix M.D. 513 3.8 $37,000 (AZ resident) Banner University Medical Center – Phoenix Creighton University School of Medicine – Phoenix Regional Campus M.D. 512 3.8 $64,000/year Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center A.T. Still University – School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) D.O. 507 3.6 $61,000/year Community Health Centers Nationwide

1. Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Arizona Campus (Phoenix)

The Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine consistently ranks among the top medical schools in the nation for research and innovation. The Phoenix campus offers a unique learning environment integrating small-group sessions, competency-based education, and direct access to the Mayo Clinic’s extensive clinical and research network.

Noteworthy Features:

• Research Excellence: Students participate in cutting-edge biomedical research alongside world-renowned physician-scientists.
• Dual-Degree Options: MD-PhD and MD-MS programs allow deeper specialization in translational medicine and clinical research.
• Unique Curriculum: The “Science of Health Care Delivery” curriculum focuses on systems thinking and patient experience management.

Ideal For: Students seeking a top-tier research-driven program with access to elite clinical mentorship and global healthcare systems.

2. University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix (UACOMP) is a public institution dedicated to advancing healthcare in the Southwest through education, research, and community service. Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, UACOMP combines classroom learning with extensive clinical exposure at Banner University Medical Center and over 20 affiliated hospitals.

Program Highlights:

• Curriculum: A competency-based, integrated curriculum emphasizing early clinical immersion.
• Residency Outcomes: Graduates match to highly competitive specialties, with many staying in Arizona for residency.
• Research Opportunities: Over $70 million in annual research funding across areas like neuroscience, cancer biology, and population health.

Ideal For: Students who value hands-on patient care training in a public medical school with strong ties to Arizona’s healthcare ecosystem.

3. Creighton University School of Medicine – Phoenix Regional Campus

Creighton University, based in Omaha, Nebraska, operates a fully accredited regional medical campus in Phoenix. The program follows the Jesuit mission of forming physicians committed to compassionate, ethical, and socially responsible care.

Key Features:

• Clinical Experience: Third- and fourth-year students train at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, a nationally recognized academic hospital.
• Faith-Based Learning Environment: Emphasizes cura personalis (“care for the whole person”) and patient-centered approaches.
• New Medical School Building: In 2021, Creighton opened a 180,000-square-foot Health Sciences Campus in Phoenix, expanding MD and nursing programs.

Ideal For: Students seeking a Jesuit education emphasizing ethics, service, and community health, with access to a modern urban medical campus.

4. A.T. Still University – School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA)

ATSU-SOMA, located in Mesa (part of Greater Phoenix), is a leading osteopathic medical school combining academic rigor with community-based healthcare education. The program integrates the osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole person with hands-on clinical exposure from early in the first year.

Distinct Advantages:

• Community-Based Learning: Students spend three years embedded in federally qualified health centers across the U.S., gaining real-world experience addressing health disparities.
• Osteopathic Focus: Curriculum emphasizes musculoskeletal medicine, preventive care, and holistic treatment.
• Impactful Missions: Known for producing graduates who serve underserved and rural communities.

Ideal For: Students drawn to an osteopathic philosophy and a mission-driven, community-based medical education model.

Comparing Phoenix Medical Schools

Each of Phoenix’s medical schools offers unique advantages. Here’s a snapshot comparison to help applicants align their goals with institutional strengths.

Focus Area Top Choice Why It Stands Out Research & Academic Medicine Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine World-class research infrastructure and Mayo’s global reputation. Clinical Training and Residency Outcomes University of Arizona – Phoenix Extensive local affiliations and strong match rates for Arizona residencies. Ethical & Compassionate Care Creighton University – Phoenix Jesuit mission fosters holistic patient care and service orientation. Community-Based Learning ATSU-SOMA Innovative distributed model integrating public health and primary care.

Admissions Insights and Competitiveness

Admissions at these institutions are highly competitive. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance, meaningful clinical exposure, and service commitments aligned with each school’s mission.

• Mayo Clinic Alix: Prioritizes research involvement and leadership; average MCAT 519.
• UACOMP: Values regional service, Arizona residency, and community engagement; average MCAT 513.
• Creighton: Prefers well-rounded students with healthcare ethics and service backgrounds; average MCAT 512.
• ATSU-SOMA: Focuses on primary care and underserved populations; average MCAT 507.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

While tuition costs are substantial, most programs offer scholarships, need-based aid, and service-based awards. Public institutions like UACOMP provide in-state tuition advantages, while private schools such as Mayo and Creighton offset costs with generous merit awards.

• Mayo Clinic: Over 50% of students receive scholarships due to philanthropic funding.
• University of Arizona: Offers tuition waivers and rural medical scholarships for Arizona residents.
• Creighton University: Provides mission-based fellowships supporting service and leadership.
• ATSU-SOMA: Awards scholarships to students committing to primary care or underserved areas.

Living and Learning in Phoenix

Phoenix provides an ideal environment for medical education with over 300 sunny days per year, affordable living relative to other major metros, and a growing biomedical corridor. Students benefit from access to world-class hospitals, diverse patient populations, and a collaborative medical community. Beyond academics, the desert landscape and cultural vibrancy contribute to an excellent quality of life for future physicians.

Frequently Asked Questions about Phoenix Medical Schools

What MCAT score do you need for medical schools in Phoenix?

Most Phoenix medical schools admit students with MCAT scores between 507 and 519. More selective programs, like Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, tend to enroll students closer to 519, while schools focused on primary care and community service may accept strong applicants with scores around 507–513.

How much does medical school in Phoenix cost per year?

Tuition for private medical schools in Phoenix is usually about $58,000 to $65,000 per year. The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix offers lower in-state tuition, around $37,000 per year for Arizona residents, which can reduce your total debt compared with private options.

Why should you choose Phoenix for medical school?

You benefit from a fast-growing healthcare market, access to major hospitals like Mayo Clinic and Banner, and a wide range of patients across urban and community settings. Phoenix also offers many residency and fellowship programs, so you can often complete both medical school and graduate training in the same region.

What is the difference between the M.D. and D.O. programs in the Phoenix area?

M.D. programs in Phoenix, such as Mayo Clinic, the University of Arizona – Phoenix, and Creighton, focus on allopathic medicine with strong research and specialty training. A.T. Still University – SOMA offers the D.O. degree, which teaches osteopathic manipulative treatment and a whole-person approach, with long-term placements in community health centers that emphasize primary care and underserved populations.

How can you strengthen your application to Phoenix medical schools?

You can focus on solid grades, a competitive MCAT score, and steady clinical experience. Each school also values a clear fit with its mission: research and leadership for Mayo, community and regional service for the University of Arizona – Phoenix, ethics and service for Creighton, and interest in primary care and underserved communities for ATSU-SOMA.