The Best Medical Schools for Non-Traditional Students (2025)

The Best Medical Schools for Non-Traditional Applicants (2025)

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Posted in: Applying to Medical School

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Below, we’ve compiled the best medical schools for non-traditional students. These schools have a higher-than-typical matriculation rate for non-trad students, and many have explicit admissions practices to actively seek non-traditional applicants.

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. 

MedSchoolExplorer is a free curated database of all US medical schools. See average GPA, MCAT, tuition, and admissions statistics.

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

Picture of Medical Building

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. 

Read Next: Writing a Diversity Secondary Essay for Medical School

2. Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine

Picture of Medical Building

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.

Read Next: Common Med School Interview Questions + Sample Answers 

3. Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

Medical School Building

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

Medical School Building

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

Medical School Building

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

Medical school Building

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

Medical School Building

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

Medical School Building

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

Medical School Building

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

Medical School building

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

Medical School Building

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

Medical School Building

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.”

Read Next: 18 Pre-Med & Med Influencers to Follow as a Future Doctor 

13. Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University

Medical School Building

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

Medical School Building

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

Medical School Building

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

Medical School Building

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

Medical School Building

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

Medical School Building

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.

FAQs

Medical school admissions may hold non-traditional medical school applicants to different standards, but this likely tips in the applicant’s favor. Like traditional students, nontrads need to show exposure to patient care and prerequisites such as biochemistry.

But AdComs value the unique, diverse life experiences that non-trad applicants bring to the table, and there are more non-trads than ever before entering medical school.

Here’s how to adjust to these standards if you’re applying as an older student or have a family or an established career in another field:

  • Demonstrate why switching careers once isn’t an indication you’ll do it again.
  • Show how you used your gap years to gain impactful experiences.
  • Explain how your family enriches your perspective as a potential student and future healthcare worker.

The “32-hour rule,” adopted by only a few institutions, refers to evaluating an applicant’s most recent 32 credit hours of coursework.

Essentially, if you demonstrated significant improvement in your final 2-3 semesters of undergrad studies, you could avoid the negative connotation of a poor overall GPA. Most schools don’t currently employ the 32-hour rule, but it may be used unofficially to assess applicants who had lower GPAs several years prior but have much better grades in recent coursework.

A DIY post-bacc refers to a self-designed post-baccalaureate program where a non-traditional student chooses individual courses to take at a local college or university to improve their academic profile and address their coursework gap for medical school applications.

This DIY approach is in contrast to enrolling in a structured postbacc program, which is less flexible and cost-effective. However, you may need to consider a structured option if you’re significantly short on required courses or need to make tremendous improvement to your GPA to be competitive.

2x Your Chances at Getting Accepted to Medical School

Don’t waste your time applying to medical schools that you won’t make it into. And don’t waste your time filling out your applications half-heartedly. Using MedSchoolCoach’s resources and advisors, you can make your application stand out to the right schools for you.

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.
Picture of Renee Marinelli, MD

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.

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