Best Medical Schools in Tempe

Best Medical Schools in Tempe (2026 Guide)

Tempe, Arizona is not home to a standalone MD-granting medical school within city limits. However, it sits in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, giving students access to several nationally recognized medical schools within a short commute. For aspiring physicians attending Arizona State University or living in Tempe, this proximity offers a strategic advantage.

Key Takeaways

• Tempe students have access to top-tier MD and DO programs within 15 to 30 minutes.
• University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine are the most competitive options nearby.
• A.T. Still University offers a well-established osteopathic pathway in Mesa, minutes from Tempe.
• Arizona schools provide strong residency match outcomes and growing clinical partnerships in the Phoenix metro area.
• In-state tuition significantly lowers total debt for Arizona residents.

Top Medical Schools Near Tempe, Arizona

1. University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix

Location: Downtown Phoenix (about 15 minutes from Tempe)
Degree: MD
Accreditation: LCME

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix is widely considered the strongest MD option for Tempe-area students. Established in 2007, it has grown rapidly in research output, residency placements, and community partnerships.

Why it stands out:

• Strong clinical partnerships with Banner Health, Phoenix Children’s, and the Phoenix VA
• Focus on urban and community-based medicine
• High residency match rates across competitive specialties

Admissions Snapshot:

• Median GPA: Approximately 3.8
• Median MCAT: Around 511 to 513
• Preference for Arizona residents

Tuition:
In-state tuition is significantly lower than private schools, making it one of the most cost-effective MD programs accessible from Tempe.

For ASU pre-med students, proximity allows for research collaborations, clinical volunteering, and faculty connections before applying.

2. Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Arizona Campus

Location: North Phoenix/Scottsdale (30 minutes from Tempe)
Degree: MD
Accreditation: LCME

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the nation for research and patient care. Its Arizona campus offers a highly selective, small-class environment.

Why it stands out:

• World-renowned Mayo Clinic affiliation
• Extensive research funding and innovation opportunities
• Personalized, patient-centered curriculum

Admissions Snapshot:

• Median GPA: 3.9+
• Median MCAT: 519 to 522
• Extremely selective with low acceptance rate

Tuition:
Private tuition rates apply, though generous financial aid and scholarships are available.

This is the most competitive medical school accessible to Tempe residents and ideal for applicants with strong research backgrounds.

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

Location: Mesa, AZ (10 minutes from Tempe)
Degree: DO
Accreditation: COCA

ATSU-SOMA is one of the most established osteopathic programs in the Southwest. Its community health center-based model emphasizes serving underserved populations.

Why it stands out:

• Strong primary care focus
• Distributed clinical education model
• Close proximity to Tempe and ASU

Admissions Snapshot:

• Average GPA: Around 3.5 to 3.6
• MCAT: Approximately 504 to 507
• Holistic review process

Tuition:
Private tuition structure, competitive with other DO programs nationwide.

For students interested in osteopathic medicine, ATSU offers the closest and most accessible pathway to becoming a physician from Tempe.

Comparison of Medical Schools Near Tempe

School Degree Distance from Tempe Median MCAT Best For University of Arizona – Phoenix MD 15 min 511 to 513 Arizona residents, balanced applicants Mayo Clinic Alix (AZ) MD 30 min 519 to 522 High-achieving research-focused students ATSU-SOMA DO 10 min 504 to 507 Primary care and community medicine

Residency Match Outcomes and Career Prospects

All three institutions report strong residency placement rates.

• University of Arizona – Phoenix: Graduates match into specialties including internal medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and psychiatry.
• Mayo Clinic Alix: High match rates in competitive specialties such as dermatology, orthopedic surgery, radiology, and anesthesiology.
• ATSU-SOMA: Strong performance in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and rural health placements.

Arizona’s expanding healthcare infrastructure continues to create more residency positions, particularly within the Phoenix metro area.

Clinical Training Opportunities in the Tempe-Phoenix Metro Area

Students living in Tempe benefit from access to major healthcare systems, including:

• Banner Health
• Dignity Health
• Phoenix Children’s Hospital
• HonorHealth
• Phoenix VA Medical Center

These partnerships enhance clinical exposure early in medical training. For ASU students, pre-med internships and volunteer positions often feed directly into medical school applications.

Tuition and Cost Considerations

Cost is one of the most important decision factors.

• Public MD programs: University of Arizona offers lower tuition for in-state residents.
• Private MD program: Mayo Clinic tuition is higher but provides elite training and financial aid support.
• Private DO program: ATSU tuition aligns with national osteopathic averages.

Arizona residents may save tens of thousands of dollars by attending a public in-state institution.

How to Choose the Right Medical School Near Tempe

1. MD vs DO Pathway

MD programs emphasize allopathic medicine. DO programs incorporate osteopathic principles and holistic approaches. Both lead to full physician licensure, but curriculum style differs.

2. Competitiveness

If your GPA and MCAT are at or above national averages, University of Arizona – Phoenix is realistic. Mayo requires exceptional academic metrics and research depth.

3. Career Goals

Students targeting highly competitive specialties may prefer Mayo. Those committed to primary care may thrive at ATSU-SOMA.

4. Financial Strategy

Lower tuition often translates to lower debt burden. In-state MD programs typically offer the strongest financial value.

Advantages of Studying Medicine While Living in Tempe

• Access to Arizona State University research labs and hospitals
• Lower cost of living compared to many major medical hubs
• Year-round clinical volunteering opportunities
• Growing biotech and healthcare innovation scene

Tempe combines academic access, urban hospital systems, and affordability. Few mid-sized cities offer this level of medical proximity.

Application Strategy for Tempe Applicants

Successful applicants from Tempe often:

• Engage in research at ASU or Mayo-affiliated labs
• Volunteer at Phoenix metro hospitals
• Secure physician shadowing within Maricopa County
• Demonstrate commitment to serving Arizona communities

Arizona medical schools value applicants who show dedication to improving healthcare access locally.

For pre-med students and career changers in Tempe, the combination of proximity, program quality, and expanding healthcare systems makes the Phoenix metro area one of the strongest regions in the Southwest for medical education.

Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Schools near Tempe

Does Tempe have its own medical school?

Tempe does not have a standalone MD or DO medical school. You are, however, within a short drive of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (Arizona campus), and A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) in Mesa.

What are the closest medical schools to Tempe?

The closest options are ATSU-SOMA in Mesa (about 10 minutes), University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in downtown Phoenix (about 15 minutes), and Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine’s Arizona campus in North Phoenix/Scottsdale (about 30 minutes).

How do MD and DO programs near Tempe differ?

MD programs at the University of Arizona – Phoenix and Mayo Clinic focus on allopathic medicine and research. The DO program at ATSU-SOMA adds osteopathic principles, including a hands-on, whole-person approach. Both MD and DO degrees allow you to become a licensed physician and match into residency.

Is it easier to get in as an Arizona resident?

Yes. The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix gives preference to in-state applicants and offers lower tuition for Arizona residents. Being a resident can also help you show ties to local communities, which schools in the Phoenix metro area often value.

What GPA and MCAT do you need for these schools?

Typical accepted stats are around a 3.8 GPA and 511–513 MCAT for University of Arizona – Phoenix, 3.9+ GPA and 519–522 MCAT for Mayo Clinic Alix (Arizona), and about a 3.5–3.6 GPA with a 504–507 MCAT for ATSU-SOMA. You should always check each school’s latest class profile before applying.

Can you stay in Tempe for clinical experience and residency?

Yes. You can live in Tempe while completing clinical rotations across the Phoenix metro area at systems such as Banner Health, Dignity Health, HonorHealth, Phoenix Children’s, and the Phoenix VA. Many graduates also match into residency programs in the greater Phoenix area.