Medical Schools in Virginia: A Comprehensive Guide (2026-2027)

Choosing the right medical school is one of the biggest decisions on your path to becoming a physician. When you consider medical schools in Virginia, you are looking at a group of programs with very different strengths: a research-heavy public flagship, a large urban academic medical center, a community-founded school in Hampton Roads, a small research-focused school in Roanoke and two osteopathic colleges in the southwestern part of the state.

Virginia has six places to earn a medical degree. Four grant the Doctor of Medicine (MD): Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine in Richmond and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke. Two grant the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) campus in Blacksburg and the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) in Lynchburg.

These programs serve a wide range of medical interests, from research-intensive training to schools built around primary care, rural medicine and community health. UVA is known for its research base, VCU for its large urban academic medical center and community engagement, EVMS for its community-driven mission in Hampton Roads, Virginia Tech Carilion for its research requirement and small classes, and the two DO colleges for osteopathic principles, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and service in rural and medically underserved areas.

Beyond MD and DO programs, Virginia also offers options for students who want to become a physician assistant (PA). Graduate PA programs run at Old Dominion University through the EVMS School of Health Professions and at the University of Lynchburg, and several Virginia universities offer pre-PA advising and early assurance pathways.

This guide compares every Virginia MD and DO program side by side: degree and campus, the latest class MCAT and GPA averages each school publishes, first-year tuition and cost of attendance, application deadlines and secondary fees, and the rule that matters most for many applicants, which schools admit students from outside Virginia. Each school profile links to IMA’s full admissions guide for that school where one exists.

Key Takeaways

• Virginia has four LCME-accredited MD programs (EVMS at ODU, UVA, VCU and Virginia Tech Carilion) and two COCA-accredited DO colleges (VCOM-Virginia in Blacksburg and LUCOM in Lynchburg). No new Virginia MD or DO school holds preliminary, provisional or candidate status in the October 2026 accreditation lists.
• Eastern Virginia Medical School is now part of Old Dominion University. Its full name is Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University.
• UVA’s Class of 2030 posted a mean MCAT of 520 and a GPA of 3.91, the highest class averages among Virginia medical schools.
• All six programs admit students from outside Virginia. UVA’s Class of 2030 was 46% out of state, and about half of EVMS’s Class of 2029 came from Virginia.
• Virginia Tech Carilion cut tuition for Virginia residents by $15,000 starting in Fall 2026, to $48,985 a year, while nonresidents pay $63,985.
• EVMS has the lowest 2026-27 MD tuition for Virginia residents at $38,016. Both DO colleges charge one rate to every student: $52,500 at VCOM and $52,700 at LUCOM for 2026-27.
• VCU requires at least 40 hours of in-person U.S. physician shadowing, 60 hours of direct patient care and 100 hours of community service, the clearest experience minimums in the state.

Overview of Medical Schools in Virginia

Virginia is home to several medical schools, each with its own focus, culture and strengths. When you compare them, look at program focus, location, tuition, average GPA and MCAT, residency rules and clinical training sites. Whether you want a research-heavy environment like the University of Virginia School of Medicine, a large urban academic medical center like VCU, a community-founded school like EVMS, a small research-driven class at Virginia Tech Carilion or the hands-on osteopathic approach at VCOM or Liberty University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia has a program worth a close look.

If you are still in college and building your record, the same comparison tells you what to work on now. Every Virginia school weighs clinical exposure, and VCU sets hour minimums for it. Many students add structured patient contact through medical internships for undergraduates alongside the volunteer, scribe or EMT work they do close to home.

Virginia Medical Schools at a Glance

Virginia Medical Schools

Virginia’s medical schools are known for producing skilled, compassionate physicians who are ready for many specialties and practice settings. They pair academic depth with early clinical work, and each one has a distinct mission that shapes who it admits. The tables below put the latest published figures side by side. Each row names the page the figures come from and the date it was checked, and “not published” means the school does not post that figure.

Virginia Medical Schools Admissions Profile

Virginia Medical Schools Cost and Residency Rules

Virginia Medical Schools Deadlines and Secondary Fees

Several of these dates have already passed for the 2026-27 cycle. VCU’s regular AMCAS deadline was October 15, 2026, and the Early Decision windows closed over the summer. Both DO colleges review on a rolling basis, so an application submitted in the fall is read well before the spring deadline.

Which Virginia Medical Schools Admit Nonresidents?

Every Virginia medical school admits students from other states, but the share and the price differ a great deal. Here is where each program stands for the 2026-27 cycle:

• University of Virginia School of Medicine: open to all, with a large out-of-state share. In the Class of 2030, 54% of students were Virginians and 46% came from out of state, even though only 1,056 of the 7,248 applications came from Virginia. UVA also considers non-U.S. citizens and temporary residents who have completed at least 90 semester hours at a U.S. or Canadian college. Nonresidents pay $71,046 in tuition and fees, compared with $56,700 for Virginians.
• Eastern Virginia Medical School at ODU: preference for Virginia, especially Hampton Roads. The school states a preference for applicants from the Commonwealth, “especially legal residents of Hampton Roads,” and about half of the Class of 2029 came from Virginia, including 19 students from Hampton Roads. To pay in-state tuition you must be legally domiciled in Virginia for at least one year before matriculation. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are considered.
• VCU School of Medicine: no state limit on applications. VCU considers U.S. and Canadian citizens, U.S. permanent residents and applicants who can show current legal immigration status in the U.S. Virginia residents pay much lower tuition. VCU does not post the residency split of its entering class.
• Virginia Tech Carilion: admits Virginia and out-of-state residents. The Class of 2030 came from 22 states. In the most recent class for which the school listed residency, the Class of 2026, 12 of 49 students were Virginia residents. Since Fall 2026 Virginia residents pay $15,000 less in tuition than nonresidents. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are considered.
• VCOM-Virginia: regional mission, many nonresidents. VCOM recruits students committed to rural and medically underserved areas of the Appalachian and Delta regions and the Southeast. Of 180 first-year students in 2024-25, 102 were in-state and 78 were out-of-state. Tuition is the same for everyone, and applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine: mostly out-of-state. Of 159 first-year students in 2024-25, 31 were in-state and 128 were out-of-state, and the Class of 2030 represents 35 states. Tuition is the same for everyone.

If you live outside Virginia, all six programs are realistic options. UVA, VCU and the DO colleges enroll large numbers of nonresidents, EVMS reserves a meaningful share of its class for students from other states, and Virginia Tech Carilion draws its small class from across the country. If you are a Virginia resident, your biggest advantage is cost: in-state tuition at EVMS, UVA, VCU and Virginia Tech Carilion is thousands of dollars lower than the nonresident rate.

MD Programs in Virginia

Virginia has four MD programs that serve different career goals. Whether you are interested in primary care, research or a specialized field, Virginia’s MD programs offer full medical education and clinical training, and each one has a different balance of research, community service and regional mission.

Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS): Overview for Prospective Students

Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) is a public medical school in Norfolk, Virginia, established in 1973. The Hampton Roads community founded it to address a regional physician shortage, and it remains known for its focus on primary care, community engagement and hands-on clinical training. On July 1, 2024, EVMS became part of Old Dominion University. Its full name is now Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University, and its admissions and financial aid pages have moved to odu.edu.

The school offers the MD degree, an MD/MPH dual degree that extends the course of study to five years, and a range of health professions programs through the EVMS School of Health Professions, including a nationally ranked Master of Physician Assistant program. Read IMA’s full guide on how to get into Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) for secondary prompts, interview details and admissions strategy.

Key Statistics for EVMS

• Location: Norfolk, Virginia
• Year founded: 1973
• Tuition (2026-27): $38,016 for Virginia residents; $61,012 for nonresidents
• First-year cost of attendance (2026-27, with loan fees): $69,907 in-state; $92,903 out-of-state
• Mean MCAT of matriculants in recent years: 513
• Mean GPA of matriculants in recent years: 3.70
• Applicants and class size: more than 7,700 applicants and 151 students in the MD Class of 2029
• Acceptance rate: not published
• Application deadlines (2026-27 cycle): AMCAS between June 1 and November 1, 2026; Early Decision June 1 to August 1
• MCAT window: tests taken from January 2024 to September 2026
• Match: the MD Class of 2026 matched into 89 programs in 30 states, with 31% entering primary care specialties

Why EVMS Stands Out

EVMS is known for its community-focused mission, with a particular emphasis on primary care and serving underserved populations. Its CareForward Curriculum, now in a revised version called CareForward Curriculum 2.0, integrates basic science with early clinical exposure, so students work with patients and build clinical skills from the start. Students spend their first day working with standardized patients in the Sentara Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning and begin ultrasound training in their first weeks.

EVMS does not own a hospital. Students train in “a variety of hospitals, from a level 1 trauma center to a children’s hospital to military and community hospitals,” plus more than 150 partnering clinical practices in the region. The school’s clinical training sites include Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (Virginia’s only freestanding children’s hospital), other Sentara hospitals, the Hampton VA Medical Center and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.

EVMS Research and Clinical Opportunities

EVMS offers research opportunities in areas such as diabetes, reproductive medicine and community health. The Strelitz Diabetes Center combines patient care, research and training in endocrine and metabolic disorders. The Jones Institute, a longtime leader in reproductive medicine research, moved its patient care to its partner Shady Grove Fertility in 2021 and continues as the SGF Jones Institute, home to the school’s Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship.

Students rotate through clerkships in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, family medicine, psychiatry and other fields. Clinical training begins early in the program and continues at affiliated hospitals and clinics throughout the Hampton Roads region. Students who want to serve patients who face barriers to care can volunteer at HOPES, which EVMS students founded in 2011 as the first student-led free clinic in Virginia. HOPES has served more than 3,000 patients.

EVMS PA Program

The Master of Physician Assistant program is offered through the EVMS School of Health Professions on the EVMS campus in Norfolk. It is ranked #35 nationally among 310 PA programs by U.S. News & World Report, and it trains PAs for primary care, hospital medicine, surgical specialties, emergency medicine and other settings. The program emphasizes community-engaged learning across Hampton Roads, which makes it a good fit for students who want to serve underserved populations. The PA section below covers the program in more detail.

Determination

Eastern Virginia Medical School offers a full medical education with a focus on patient-centered care, community health and primary care. Its early clinical training, research centers and mission-driven approach make it a strong choice for students who want to make a real difference in health care, especially in Hampton Roads.

EVMS does not publish an acceptance rate, but its numbers show how competitive it is: more than 7,700 applicants for 151 seats in the Class of 2029, with matriculants in recent years averaging a 513 MCAT and a 3.70 GPA. The school attracts candidates who care about improving health outcomes in underserved areas, and applicants with real ties to Hampton Roads should say so plainly.

University of Virginia School of Medicine (UVA SOM)

The University of Virginia School of Medicine (UVA SOM) is one of the best-known public medical schools in the United States. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, it has a long history: the Board of Visitors authorized a School of Medicine in 1819, and the school opened in 1825. UVA SOM is committed to advancing health through education, patient care, research and community service. Its mission is to “transform health and inspire hope for all Virginians and beyond.”

UVA is one school with two clinical locations. All students begin in Charlottesville, and 36 students per class complete their clerkships and post-clerkship phase at the Inova regional campus in Fairfax, Northern Virginia. The school assigns the clinical location and notifies applicants at the start of April. For the full admissions picture, read IMA’s guide to the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

Key Statistics

• Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, with a regional clinical campus at Inova in Fairfax
• Year founded: 1819 (authorized); first classes 1825
• MD students: 623
• Tuition and fees (Med 1, 2026-27): $56,700 for Virginia residents; $71,046 for nonresidents
• First-year cost of attendance (2026-27, Charlottesville): $88,454 in-state; $102,800 out-of-state
• Mean MCAT: 520 (Class of 2030)
• GPA: 3.91 (Class of 2030)
• Applications and interviews: 7,248 applications and 627 interviews for the Class of 2030
• Class size: 155 students in the Class of 2030; UVA plans for a class of 156 and extends about 400 offers each year
• Acceptance rate: not published
• Application deadlines (2026-27 cycle): AMCAS November 1, 2026; supplemental December 15, 2026; secondary fee $80
• Residency match: 99%

Innovative Curriculum: “Cells to Society”

UVA SOM’s curriculum, known as Cells to Society, integrates scientific knowledge with clinical practice so students apply what they learn in the classroom to patient care early in their education. The curriculum has three phases:

• Phase 1: Pre-Clerkship (18 months). Builds a foundation in the biomedical sciences through integrated organ-system blocks, with clinical skills taught from the first weeks in Foundations of Clinical Medicine.
• Phase 2: Clerkships (39 weeks). Gives students hands-on experience in internal medicine, primary care (including family medicine), surgery, anesthesia, gynecology and obstetrics, pediatrics, psychiatry and neurology.
• Phase 3: Post-Clerkship. Lets students explore areas of interest through electives, advanced clinical rotations and courses such as Bedside to Community as they prepare for residency.

The curriculum emphasizes teamwork, lifelong learning and patient-centered care. Every student belongs to one of four learning communities, called colleges, each led by a college dean and divided into small groups with a faculty coach.

Clinical Rotations and Research Opportunities

UVA SOM students train at UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville, one of the main hospitals in the region, and at the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus in Northern Virginia. Some clerkships also take place at other sites, including the Salem VA Medical Center and Bon Secours in Richmond. These affiliations expose students to a wide range of settings, from a high-volume urban environment in Northern Virginia to the rural communities served from Charlottesville.

UVA SOM also provides many research opportunities, with $269 million in research funding. About 70% of students choose to do research during their first summer, whether at UVA, at the NIH or abroad, and a central clearinghouse links researchers with students. Research areas span basic, translational and clinical science.

Commitment to Diversity and Community Engagement

UVA SOM is committed to an inclusive learning environment and to addressing health care disparities across Virginia. Every first-year student completes the Social Issues in Medicine course, which includes 30 hours of service with a community agency, and students can volunteer at the Charlottesville Free Clinic and with Remote Area Medicine events in southwest Virginia.

The school’s Generalist Scholars Program (GSP) supports students interested in primary care and rural health. Each year a small cohort of first-year students joins this four-year mentoring and scholarship program, which exists “to help grow the number of generalists physicians particularly in the underserved areas of the Commonwealth.” Scholars plan careers in family medicine, general internal medicine, general pediatrics or medicine-pediatrics.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine

Commonly called VCU Medicine, the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine is located on VCU’s MCV Campus in downtown Richmond and is one of the largest and best-known medical schools in the state. Its history begins in 1838, when the Richmond medical department endorsed by Hampden-Sydney College opened its doors; it later became the Medical College of Virginia (MCV). Known for its research programs and emphasis on community health, VCU has long been a top choice for students who want a diverse, urban health care environment.

IMA has two guides to this school. Start with Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine for the full admissions profile, and see the companion VCU School of Medicine admissions guide for current secondary prompts and interview advice.

Key Statistics

• Location: Richmond, Virginia (MCV Campus)
• Year founded: 1838
• Class size: 184 students in the M.D. Class of 2030 (entered July 2026)
• Average MCAT: 512; average undergraduate GPA: 3.79 (cohort not stated)
• Screening minimums: MCAT 503; undergraduate science GPA 3.3
• Tuition (2024-25, the newest budget the school posts): $36,524 in-state; $61,224 out-of-state. For 2026-27, tuition and mandatory fees rose by $638 for residents and $951 for nonresidents.
• First-year cost of attendance (2024-25): $83,841 in-state; $110,672 out-of-state
• Acceptance rate: not published
• Residency match: 99% of the M.D. Class of 2026 matched after SOAP

Admissions Overview

VCU uses a holistic review process to evaluate applicants, looking at academic metrics, clinical experience, community service and fit with the school’s mission. Applicants submit an AMCAS application, followed by a supplemental application by invitation, and take part in Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) if selected. Interviews are held virtually, and the Casper situational judgment test is required.

• Primary application deadline: October 15, 2026
• Early Decision deadline: August 1, 2026
• Supplemental application: invitations begin in early July; submit within 30 days of the invitation; $100 non-refundable fee
• Experience minimums: 40 hours of in-person physician shadowing in the U.S., 60 hours of direct, hands-on patient care and 100 hours of community service (the average for matriculants is more than 200 service hours)

The VCU Medical Program is affiliated with VCU Health in Richmond, Virginia, giving students hands-on experience in a large academic medical center anchored by VCU Medical Center on the MCV Campus. The M.D. curriculum has four phases: Scientific Foundations of Medicine, Applied Medical Sciences, Clinical Concentrations (clerkships) and Advanced Clinical Concentrations. It emphasizes early clinical exposure, interprofessional education and community engagement: the Patient, Physician and Society curriculum runs across all four years, and second-year students see patients with a preceptor at VCU or in the community two afternoons a month. Students have many chances to join research projects through VCU’s centers and institutes, including the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and the labs of the Molecular Medicine Research Building, which opened on the MCV Campus in 2009.

VCU School of Medicine is placed in Tier 2 for both research and primary care in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report medical school rankings. Its graduates go on to fields such as primary care, surgery and emergency medicine, and about one-third of the Class of 2026 stayed in Virginia for some or all of residency. The school’s research base and ties to the Richmond community make it an attractive choice for applicants who want to make a real difference in health care. Students who need to meet VCU’s patient-care minimum often look for clinical internships for pre-med students that add supervised, hands-on hours to local volunteer work.

Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM) is a medical school in Roanoke, Virginia, created through a public-private partnership between Virginia Tech and Carilion Clinic that was announced in 2007. Its founding dean arrived in 2008, the LCME granted preliminary accreditation in 2009, the charter class began in August 2010 and the school became Virginia Tech’s ninth college on July 1, 2018. Known for a curriculum that weaves research and health systems science into clinical training, VTCSOM’s mission is “to prepare physician thought leaders through innovations in medical education and cutting-edge discovery to improve the health of our communities and transform health care.”

Carilion Clinic is the school’s health system partner. The school sits within a half-mile of Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and pediatric trauma center. Read IMA’s guide to the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine for secondary prompts and interview preparation.

Key Statistics

• Class size: 64 students in the Class of 2030, up from 56 in the Class of 2029
• Average undergraduate GPA: 3.66 (Class of 2030)
• Average MCAT: 511 (Class of 2030)
• Applications and interviews: 6,542 AMCAS applications and 332 interviews for the Class of 2030
• Acceptance rate: not published
• Tuition (2026-27): $48,985 for Virginia residents; $63,985 for nonresidents
• First-year cost of attendance (2026-27): $82,197 in-state; $97,197 out-of-state
• Secondary fee: $70
• Residency match: 100% of the Class of 2024

Curriculum

VTCSOM offers a four-year MD program built around patient-centered, small-group learning and research. The current curriculum has three phases:

• Phase 1: Foundational Science Curriculum (three semesters). Five core courses run through this phase: Integrated Foundational Sciences, Health Systems Science and Interprofessional Practice, Profession of Medicine and Identities, Community and Clinical Immersions, and Research and Inquiry. Clinical and community exposure starts early, with students embedded in community sites such as the local health department and shelters and in ambulatory clinics and inpatient units.
• Phase 2: Clinical Clerkships. Students complete four clusters that pair core disciplines, for example family medicine with surgery, internal medicine with neurology, pediatrics with psychiatry, and obstetrics and gynecology with a four-week research block, supported by four two-week intersessions.
• Phase 3: UME-GME Transition and Electives. Students take electives and sub-internships and prepare for residency.

A distinctive part of VTCSOM’s curriculum is the requirement that every student complete an original, hypothesis-driven research project of publishable quality before graduation. Dedicated research time is built into Phase 1, including three weeks in the second semester and a six-week block in the third semester.

Clinical Training

Students at VTCSOM train mainly at Carilion Clinic, which includes Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center. Carilion serves nearly 1 million people in an area of about 20 counties in central and southwestern Virginia and southern West Virginia, so students see patients from urban, suburban and rural communities. Students have access to Carilion Clinic’s more than 750 physicians, who represent more than 60 specialties.

Research Opportunities

Research is a key pillar of VTCSOM’s curriculum. Students work closely with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, which shares the school’s building, as well as with faculty at Carilion Clinic and on Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus. More than half of VTCSOM students find a research mentor at the Fralin Institute, whose focus areas include addiction recovery, cancer, cardiovascular science, children’s health, health behaviors, human neuroscience, infectious disease and reparative medicine. Every student completes a research project of publishable quality before graduation.

Student Life and Support

VTCSOM supports a collaborative environment through academic services, career advising for the road to residency, an Office of Well-Being, student wellness and health services, and an ombuds office. Student clubs and organizations, community outreach programs and creative arts activities give students ways to get involved beyond the classroom.

Admissions Requirements

VTCSOM uses a holistic admissions process. The school looks for applicants with clear evidence of leadership, scholarship, research and motivation for a career in medicine. Key requirements for the 2026-2027 cycle:

• MCAT and GPA: a current MCAT of 504 or higher and a competitive undergraduate GPA to be considered for a secondary invitation. Applicants with a 501 to 503 MCAT and a 3.7 undergraduate GPA backed by an extremely competitive record may qualify. MCAT tests from January 2023 to October 1, 2026 count for this cycle.
• Prerequisites: two semesters each of general biology, general inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry (or one semester of organic chemistry and one of biochemistry) and physics, all with in-person labs, plus two semesters of math (calculus, or calculus and statistics) and two semesters of English or writing.
• Letters of recommendation: at least three, with four to seven recommended; at least one from a science or math faculty member, and letters from a medical professional and a research mentor are strongly recommended.
• Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. or Canadian institution.

Interviews use the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, with scenario stations and one traditional interview station. The MMI assesses communication, ethical and moral judgment, problem-solving and teamwork. The AMCAS deadline is December 1 and the secondary deadline is December 15.

Financial Aid

VTCSOM’s biggest recent change is on cost. In August 2026 the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors approved a new, lower tuition rate for Virginia residents, cutting resident tuition by $15,000 to $48,985 for Fall 2026, while nonresidents pay $63,985. The change followed the Commonwealth’s first direct General Fund appropriation for the school. Financial aid includes federal loans and institutional scholarships, and the school lists named scholarships such as the Charter Class Scholarship and the Henrietta Lacks Excellence in Medicine Scholarship.

Determination

Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine offers a curriculum that blends patient-centered care, research and health systems science. Its emphasis on leadership, community service and research-driven education makes VTCSOM a strong choice for students who want to become physician thought leaders, and its lower resident tuition now makes it a much better value for Virginians.

DO Programs in Virginia

Virginia also has two osteopathic medical colleges that focus on holistic, patient-centered care. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes prevention and the body’s ability to heal itself, and DO students learn osteopathic manipulative treatment alongside the full medical curriculum. DO programs are a strong choice for students who want a hands-on, integrative approach to health care. Both Virginia DO colleges apply through AACOMAS; IMA’s guide to applying with AACOMAS walks through that application.

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)

Located in Blacksburg, Virginia, in Virginia Tech’s Corporate Research Center, VCOM is, with its four campuses, one of the largest medical schools in the country. The Virginia campus opened in 2003 and is VCOM’s first campus; VCOM also has campuses in Auburn, Alabama, Spartanburg, South Carolina and Monroe, Louisiana. Its mission is to prepare globally minded, community-focused osteopathic physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations. VCOM students receive extensive training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), and third- and fourth-year rotations take place in community hospitals and practices.

The curriculum is built around producing physicians who lead in primary care, especially in underserved areas. VCOM is committed to meeting primary care needs in the southeastern United States and the Appalachian and Delta regions, and nearly 40% of its graduates since 2007 have stayed to practice in rural or medically underserved areas of Virginia. Through its agreement with Virginia Tech, VCOM-Virginia students can use university libraries, recreation facilities and athletics and arts events.

• Mean MCAT: 503.2 (listed for the 2026-27 cycle; cohort not stated)
• Average GPA: 3.68
• Tuition (2026-27): $52,500, the same at every VCOM campus
• First-year cost of attendance (2026-27): $92,178
• Class size: 175 to 185 students per class at the Virginia campus (180 first-year students in 2024-25)
• Minimums: a 3.4 science and cumulative GPA in the last 90 hours; an MCAT above 496 is generally required, and a more competitive score starts at 500
• Secondary fee: $25; essays are limited to 500 words
• Focus: osteopathic principles, rural health and primary care

Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM)

Liberty University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, and combines osteopathic principles with a Christian mission. LUCOM “develops osteopathic physicians in a Christian environment with the values, knowledge, and skills essential for excellence in caring for the patient’s body, mind, and spirit.” It opened its doors to its first class in 2014 as the second osteopathic college in Virginia, and it focuses on primary care, community health and service to underserved patients.

Students at LUCOM train at core clinical sites mainly in Southern and Southwest Virginia, with additional third-year sites in Illinois, Texas, Mississippi and Pennsylvania and fourth-year rotations at affiliated sites across the country. The program prepares students for leadership roles in health care, and its Christian foundation emphasizes serving others through medicine. Applicants’ personal values should be compatible with the Christian mission and environment of Liberty University.

• Mean MCAT: 503.3 (listed for the 2026-27 cycle; cohort not stated)
• Average GPA: 3.63
• Tuition (2026-27): $52,700 ($26,350 per semester), plus university and college fees
• Class size: 161 students in the Class of 2030, from 35 states
• Minimums: a 3.0 overall GPA, a 3.0 science GPA and a 499 MCAT
• Letters: three, one each from a board-certified physician (DO or MD), a science faculty member or pre-health advisor, and a pastor, volunteer coordinator, employer or faculty member
• Secondary fee: $50
• Focus: holistic care, primary care and community-based medicine

Physician Assistant Programs in Virginia

Virginia is also home to several physician assistant (PA) programs, which prepare students for active roles in health care. Entry-level PA programs are graduate programs (the University of Lynchburg’s runs 27 months), and PAs work in a wide range of fields, from primary care to surgery. Students comparing PA school with medical school can find more on costs in IMA’s guide to physician assistant school cost, and those still building patient care hours can look at pre-PA internships.

Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) Physician Assistant Program

The Master of Physician Assistant program at Old Dominion University is offered through the EVMS School of Health Professions on the EVMS campus in Norfolk. It is one of the most respected PA programs in the state and is ranked #35 nationally among 310 PA programs by U.S. News & World Report. The program trains students for primary care, hospital medicine, surgical specialties, emergency medicine and other clinical settings, with community-engaged learning across Hampton Roads.

• Degree: Master of Physician Assistant (MPA)
• Application cycle: opens July 1 with a deadline of March 1
• Accreditation: ARC-PA, which qualifies graduates to sit for the PANCE certification exam
• Focus: primary care, community health and the medical model of education
• Website

University of Lynchburg PA Program

The University of Lynchburg offers a Master of PA Medicine (MPAM) that focuses on clinical expertise and leadership in health care. The program prepares students to work as generalists in a wide range of medical settings, with advanced clinical procedures, an integrated ultrasound curriculum and leadership mentoring.

• Program length: 27 consecutive months (101 credit hours)
• Estimated cost of completion: $105,840
• Class size: the cohort for 2028 will be a maximum of 40 full-time students
• Focus: generalist training, procedures and leadership in health care
• Website

Christopher Newport University: Newport News, Virginia (Pre-PA Program)

Christopher Newport University (CNU) offers pre-med and pre-health advising for students preparing for PA school while they complete an undergraduate degree, with coursework in biology, chemistry and other pre-health sciences. CNU is also a partner institution in the Early Assurance Program for the Master of Physician Assistant program at ODU’s EVMS School of Health Professions, which lists the CNU courses that satisfy its prerequisites.

• Program length: 4 years (undergraduate)
• Tuition: varies by residency status; see CNU’s website for current costs
• Focus: preparation for PA school admissions, with an emphasis on science courses
• Website: CNU Pre-PA

George Mason University: Fairfax, Virginia (Pre-PA Program)

George Mason University (GMU) provides a pre-physician assistant track through its Health Professions Advising office. Students complete an undergraduate degree while taking the prerequisite courses PA programs require, and the office offers sample prerequisite plans, guidance on how PA schools calculate GPA, and advice on direct patient care experience, which many PA programs require in large amounts.

• Program length: 4 years (undergraduate)
• Tuition: varies by residency status; see GMU’s website for current costs
• Focus: academic and clinical preparation for PA school applications
• Website: GMU Pre-PA

James Madison University College of Health Sciences and Human Services: Harrisonburg, Virginia (Pre-PA Program)

James Madison University (JMU) supports students headed for PA careers through its College of Health and Behavioral Studies, where the Department of Health Professions also houses Physician Assistant Studies. Students major in health-related fields, complete the required science courses and can build experience through internships, clinical exposure and research.

• Program length: 4 years (undergraduate pre-PA preparation)
• Tuition: varies; see JMU’s website for current rates
• Focus: health sciences education with a pathway to PA school
• Website: JMU Pre-PA

Norfolk State University: Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk State University is a partner institution in the Early Assurance Program for the ODU/EVMS Master of Physician Assistant program, with a named program advisor in its College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Students complete core science courses and gain clinical and volunteer experience, since the early assurance pathway asks for patient care hours and volunteer work before students apply.

• Program length: 4 years (undergraduate)
• Tuition: varies; see Norfolk State University’s website for details
• Focus: preparation for PA school through an early assurance pathway
• Website: Norfolk State University Pre-PA Program

Old Dominion University: Norfolk, Virginia (Neonatal Physician Assistant Graduate Certificate Program)

Old Dominion University lists a Neonatal Physician Assistant graduate certificate among its graduate certificates, a focused program for PAs who want to specialize in the care of newborns. ODU undergraduates can also apply to the Early Assurance Program for the EVMS Master of Physician Assistant degree in their junior year. That program asks for a 3.25 GPA or higher, seven of eight prerequisite courses, volunteer experience and 500 patient care hours, and ODU advisors point students to EMT, phlebotomy, EKG technician and certified medical assistant roles to build those hours.

• Program type: graduate certificate (neonatal PA) and undergraduate early assurance pathway
• Tuition: varies; see ODU’s website for current rates
• Focus: specialized neonatal care for PAs; early assurance into the EVMS MPA
• Website: ODU Neonatal PA Program

University of Virginia School of Medicine: Charlottesville, Virginia (PA Program)

The University of Virginia School of Medicine trains PA students through clinical elective rotations rather than through its own PA degree program. Its Department of Orthopaedic Surgery offers four- to five-week elective rotations to PA students in their clinical year from affiliated PA programs, divided into one-week blocks in subspecialty services, with outpatient clinics, surgeries and orthopaedic conferences. PA students from programs without an affiliation agreement need one in place before the rotation starts.

• Rotation length: typically 4 to 5 weeks
• Who can take part: PA students in their clinical year from affiliated programs
• Focus: orthopaedic subspecialty services at UVA Health
• Website: UVA website

Virginia Commonwealth University: Richmond, Virginia (Pre-PA Program)

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) undergraduates who plan to apply to PA school complete the science prerequisites PA programs require while earning their degree, and VCU is known for its focus on interprofessional education on the MCV Campus, where its health professions schools sit side by side. Check each PA program’s prerequisites, and use the VCU Bulletin to plan courses.

• Program length: 4 years (undergraduate)
• Tuition: varies by residency; see VCU’s website for current rates
• Focus: preparation for PA school with interprofessional health care education
• Website: VCU Pre-PA Program

Key Considerations When Choosing a Medical School in Virginia

Choosing the right medical school involves more than reviewing statistics. Think about each school’s culture, location, cost and areas of focus, and whether they fit your long-term goals. Here are the main factors to weigh when you compare Virginia medical schools:

• Program focus. Are you most interested in primary care, research or a specialized field? VCU has a strong focus on community health in Richmond, UVA is known for research, EVMS for community-driven care in Hampton Roads, Virginia Tech Carilion for its research requirement, and VCOM and LUCOM for rural and underserved primary care.
• Location. Do you prefer an urban or a rural setting? VCU is in downtown Richmond and EVMS is in Norfolk, while VCOM is based in Blacksburg, a college town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Virginia Tech Carilion trains students across a largely rural region of southwestern Virginia.
• Clinical opportunities. Look for schools with strong clinical exposure and hospital partners. VCU Health in Richmond, UVA Medical Center and Inova Fairfax, Carilion Clinic in Roanoke and EVMS’s Hampton Roads partners all offer high-volume clinical training.
• Tuition and financial aid. Medical school is expensive, so compare tuition and total cost of attendance. EVMS has the lowest 2026-27 MD tuition for Virginia residents, Virginia Tech Carilion now charges Virginians $15,000 less than nonresidents, and the two DO colleges charge one rate to every student. IMA’s guide to the total cost of medical school explains tuition, living costs and debt in more depth.

Virginia offers a wide range of medical schools for many interests and career goals. From the research-driven environment of UVA to the holistic approach at Liberty University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, students have plenty of options. Whether you plan to pursue an MD, DO or PA degree, Virginia’s institutions provide the education, clinical training and research opportunities you need.

Each admissions committee looks closely at certain parts of an application: strong grades in prerequisite courses, a competitive MCAT score and evidence that you understand what a physician’s work involves. Use IMA’s list of the average GPA and MCAT score for every medical school to see where Virginia schools sit nationally, and our guide on how many medical schools to apply to to decide how many Virginia programs belong on your list next to schools in other states.

Clinical experience is where many Virginia applicants can set themselves apart. VCU states its expectations as hour minimums, Virginia Tech Carilion lists hospital volunteering, shadowing, scribing and EMT work as evidence of exposure to medicine, and both DO colleges look for service to underserved communities. Many applicants add pre-med internships abroad to the clinical work they do at home, which can give them direct patient contact in a very different health system.

Whether you are just starting or already applying, Virginia’s medical schools will give you the knowledge and skills to make a real impact in health care. As you explore medical schools in Virginia, look at what each program offers and choose the ones that best match your goals.

MCAT Timing Rules for the 2026-27 Cycle

Virginia schools set different limits on how old an MCAT score can be. Check these before you book a test date:

Most applicants plan their MCAT date and their clinical experience around the same calendar. If you are a year or two from applying, the summer before you submit is often the best window for both: study in the spring, choose a test date that leaves time for a retake before the school’s cutoff, and add pre-med summer internships or local clinical work once the exam is behind you.

If you are reapplying, or you want a year to strengthen your record before you apply, a gap year can add clinical hours, research and service. Structured pre-med gap year programs are one option, alongside paid clinical jobs such as scribe, medical assistant or EMT, which also count toward VCU’s patient-care minimum.

Considering Medical Schools Outside of Virginia

Virginia has an excellent selection of medical schools, but it is also worth looking at programs in other states so you find the best fit for your needs. Medical schools across the United States offer specialized programs, research opportunities and clinical experiences that may match your career goals. Whether you want a different location, a school with a particular focus or more financial aid options, looking beyond Virginia can broaden your choices.

For example, schools in states like Maryland, North Carolina or Pennsylvania are close to Virginia while offering different campus cultures, clinical training environments and curricula. West Virginia is another neighbor worth a look; see IMA’s guide to medical schools in West Virginia. Schools known for rural health training, research or new approaches to medical education can broaden your experience.

When you look at out-of-state schools, consider tuition differences, the cost of living in the area and the residency programs nearby. Some schools offer scholarships or aid for out-of-state students that make them more affordable than they first appear, while public schools often charge nonresidents much more.

Exploring schools outside Virginia is an important step in finding a program that meets your academic and professional goals and fits your life and budget.

Top Medical Schools in Virginia

Virginia is home to respected medical schools known for rigorous academics and strong clinical training. These schools give students a solid foundation in medical science, research opportunities and hands-on clinical experience that prepare them for careers in health care.

There is no single “best” Virginia medical school; the right one depends on your goals. By selectivity, UVA’s Class of 2030 posted the highest averages in the state (mean MCAT 520, GPA 3.91), followed by EVMS, VCU and Virginia Tech Carilion with MCAT averages from 511 to 513. By research, UVA reports $269 million in research funding, VCU anchors a large academic medical center with an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, and Virginia Tech Carilion requires every student to complete a publishable research project. By primary care and community mission, EVMS sent 31% of its Class of 2026 into primary care specialties, and VCOM and LUCOM train physicians for rural and underserved areas. By match results, VCU and UVA each report a 99% match rate, and Virginia Tech Carilion matched 100% of its Class of 2024.

IMA Medical School Admissions Consulting Services for Virginia Schools

The medical school admissions process can feel overwhelming, especially with the competitive nature of MD, DO and PA programs in Virginia. International Medical Aid (IMA) offers Medical School Admissions Consulting to support you at every stage. Whether you are applying to an MD program at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) or the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, a DO program at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), or a PA program, IMA provides personalized guidance built around your academic background, activities and career goals.

IMA’s services include personalized strategy sessions where our admissions experts review your academic profile, clinical experience and long-term goals to help you build a compelling application. We offer in-depth application help with each part of the process, from personal statement writing to interview preparation. Our goal is to make sure your application shows your strengths and stands out at schools such as VCU Medicine and the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

IMA also offers MCAT and CASPer preparation suited to the requirements of Virginia’s medical schools. That matters in Virginia: VCU requires Casper, and its interviews, like Virginia Tech Carilion’s, use the MMI format. We also provide mock interview sessions to help you practice for both traditional interviews and Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). These sessions are run by experienced professionals who give constructive feedback so you can interview with confidence at schools like VCU Medicine.

As part of our full review, we evaluate your entire application, including essays, letters of recommendation and activities, to make sure it is cohesive, polished and shows your commitment to medicine. IMA also offers financial aid guidance to help you understand the cost of medical school, including scholarships, grants and loan options, so you can make informed decisions about paying for school at institutions such as Virginia Commonwealth University and VCOM.

What sets IMA apart is our experience. Our team includes physicians and admissions professionals who understand the medical school admissions process in depth. With a track record of helping medical students gain admission to top programs, we are committed to helping you succeed.

We take a holistic approach to admissions and take the time to understand your personal story and academic path. Whether you are applying to MD programs at Virginia Commonwealth University or DO programs at VCOM, IMA’s comprehensive medical school consulting services are here to help you reach your goals and earn a place at one of Virginia’s medical schools. Before you write your secondaries, our Medical School Secondary Essay Prompts Database collects current prompts for many schools.

Clinical Experience With International Medical Aid

International Medical Aid (IMA) also gives pre-health students hands-on clinical experience abroad. IMA’s pre-med internships place students in teaching hospitals in Mombasa, Kenya and Cusco, Peru, where they work with patients who lack access to consistent, quality care. These internships for pre-med students are supervised: interns take vitals, help with patient intake and triage and assist with direct care under the supervision of local physicians and nurses, and they never perform tasks that would require a medical license in the United States.

IMA’s medical internships abroad also include programs for nursing, pre-PA, mental health and other health careers, and the healthcare internships abroad page describes every track. Participation does not guarantee admission to any medical school, and IMA is not affiliated with any Virginia school, but the patient contact and reflection that come from these programs give applicants concrete experiences to write and talk about.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Schools in Virginia

What is the Commonwealth Virginia University Medical School?

There is no school by that exact name. People who search for “Commonwealth Virginia University Medical School” usually mean the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine in Richmond. It sits on VCU’s MCV Campus, traces its history to 1838 and is one of the oldest medical schools in Virginia. It offers an M.D. program with a strong emphasis on research, primary care and specialty training, and it is affiliated with VCU Health, giving students hands-on clinical experience in a major academic medical center.

How does Virginia Commonwealth Medical School rank in the U.S.?

In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report medical school rankings, VCU School of Medicine is in Tier 2 for both research and primary care. U.S. News now groups most schools into tiers rather than giving each a number. VCU is well regarded for its research output, clinical training and contributions to community health, and 99% of its Class of 2026 matched into residency positions.

What does the VCU Medical Program focus on?

The M.D. program at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine gives students a well-rounded education in clinical practice and research. The curriculum moves from Scientific Foundations of Medicine and Applied Medical Sciences into Clinical Concentrations (clerkships) and Advanced Clinical Concentrations, with early clinical experiences, interprofessional education and community engagement throughout. VCU also sets clear experience minimums for applicants: 40 hours of physician shadowing, 60 hours of direct patient care and 100 hours of community service.

How does the VCU Med School Curriculum incorporate research?

The VCU curriculum balances clinical training with research. Medical students can join basic science, translational, clinical and population health projects across VCU’s departments and centers, including the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Molecular Medicine Research Building on the MCV Campus. Clinical research opportunities run through VCU Health and VCU Medical Center.

What are the top medical schools in Virginia?

Virginia’s medical schools include the University of Virginia School of Medicine, the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) at Old Dominion University, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) and the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine. UVA’s entering class has the highest MCAT and GPA averages in the state, and each school is recognized for its own mix of clinical training, research and community service.

How is VCU Health Richmond Virginia integrated with the medical school?

VCU Health in Richmond is the academic health system that partners with the VCU School of Medicine. VCU Medical Center on the MCV Campus is its central teaching hospital, and medical students rotate through many specialties there, gaining exposure to a diverse patient population and a wide range of conditions.

What is the role of research for University of Virginia School of Medicine medical students?

Research is a major part of the UVA School of Medicine experience. About 70% of UVA medical students choose to do research during their first summer, whether at UVA, at the NIH or abroad, and a central clearinghouse links students with faculty researchers. Projects span basic science, translational and clinical research, and the school reports $269 million in research funding.

What is SDN VCU 2023?

“SDN VCU 2023” refers to the Student Doctor Network (SDN) forum threads about the VCU School of Medicine for the 2023 application cycle. SDN is a popular forum where applicants share when they received secondaries, interview invitations and decisions. Each cycle gets a new thread, and the current one covers 2026-2027. Forum posts are personal reports, so confirm deadlines, requirements and fees on VCU’s own admissions pages.

Are there medical schools in Richmond, Virginia?

Yes. The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine is located in Richmond on VCU’s MCV Campus, which makes it the main medical school in the city. The school is part of an academic medical center with VCU Health and offers a wide range of clinical experiences at VCU Medical Center.

What is WVSOM DO 2024 Secondary?

“WVSOM DO 2024 Secondary” refers to the secondary application for the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) in Lewisburg, West Virginia, for the 2024 cycle. WVSOM is not in Virginia, but it is a nearby DO option for Virginia applicants. Secondary applications are sent after you submit your AACOMAS primary, and the prompts change from cycle to cycle. See IMA’s guide on how to get into the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine for the current details.

What are the primary teaching hospitals for Medical Schools in Virginia?

The main teaching hospitals include VCU Medical Center in Richmond for VCU; UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville and the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus for UVA; Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for Virginia Tech Carilion; and Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters and other Hampton Roads hospitals for EVMS. VCOM and LUCOM train students in community hospitals and clinics across Virginia and other states during the third and fourth years.

What is VCU Com?

“VCU Com” is an informal way people refer to the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, a school known for its full M.D. education, research opportunities and community health work in Richmond. It is easy to confuse with “COM,” the usual abbreviation for a college of osteopathic medicine. VCU’s school grants the M.D. degree; Virginia’s osteopathic colleges are VCOM in Blacksburg and LUCOM in Lynchburg.

How many medical schools are there in Virginia?

Virginia has six accredited medical schools: four MD programs (the VCU School of Medicine, the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine) and two DO colleges (the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg and the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Lynchburg). Each has its own focus, from research to primary care and osteopathic medicine.

What is the reputation of Virginia medical schools?

Virginia medical schools are well regarded across the United States for clinical training, research and primary care. UVA and VCU are large academic medical centers with major research programs, EVMS is known for community-driven care in Hampton Roads, and Virginia Tech Carilion is known for its research requirement and small classes. VCOM and LUCOM are known for osteopathic medicine and their focus on holistic, patient-centered care in rural and underserved communities.

What are the best medical schools in Virginia for research?

The University of Virginia School of Medicine and the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine are the two largest research schools in the state. UVA reports $269 million in research funding, and about 70% of its students do research in their first summer. VCU’s School of Medicine is part of an academic medical center with an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. Virginia Tech Carilion also deserves a look: every student must complete a research project of publishable quality, and more than half find a mentor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute.

How do Virginia’s medical schools incorporate clinical training?

Virginia medical schools make clinical training a core part of the curriculum. At VCU, students train at VCU Medical Center and affiliated hospitals across many specialties. UVA students have clinical rotations at UVA Medical Center and, for 36 students per class, at Inova Fairfax. EVMS students meet standardized patients on their first day, and Virginia Tech Carilion places students in community sites and clinics during Phase 1. All of these schools emphasize early exposure to clinical settings so students are ready for patient care as they progress.

What is the focus of osteopathic medical schools in Virginia?

Virginia’s osteopathic colleges, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) and the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM), train physicians in holistic, patient-centered care. They teach osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and have a strong commitment to primary care, especially in rural and medically underserved areas. Students learn to view the body as an integrated system and complete community-based clinical rotations that serve communities with limited access to care.

How do Virginia medical schools support diversity and inclusion?

Virginia medical schools work to build inclusive learning environments. UVA requires every first-year student to complete community service through its Social Issues in Medicine course and runs the Generalist Scholars Program for students headed to underserved areas. VCU builds community engagement into its M.D. curriculum, and Virginia Tech Carilion lists inclusive excellence among its core values. Each school describes its current programs on its student affairs pages.

How competitive is admission to medical schools in Virginia?

Admission is highly competitive. UVA received 7,248 applications and interviewed 627 for a class of 155 in the Class of 2030, with a mean MCAT of 520. Virginia Tech Carilion received 6,542 applications for 64 seats, and EVMS drew more than 7,700 applicants for 151 seats in the Class of 2029. Average MCAT scores run from 511 to 520 at the MD schools and about 503 at the DO colleges. Beyond grades and scores, Virginia schools look for clinical exposure, research and community service.

What financial aid options are available at Virginia medical schools?

Financial aid at Virginia medical schools includes scholarships, grants and loans. UVA offers need-based scholarships of up to $29,000 a year for in-state students and $36,000 for out-of-state students. Virginia Tech Carilion lists named scholarships and has cut resident tuition by $15,000. Students may also qualify for federal loans, and some programs offer loan repayment for physicians who practice primary care or work in underserved areas. Federal loan limits for medical students changed for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026, so ask each school’s financial aid office how the new limits affect your budget.

How do Virginia medical schools contribute to healthcare in underserved areas?

Medical schools in Virginia play an important role in reducing health care disparities, especially in underserved and rural areas. EVMS was founded by its community to address a regional physician shortage, and its students run HOPES, the first student-led free clinic in Virginia. UVA students serve at the Charlottesville Free Clinic and with Remote Area Medicine in southwest Virginia. VCOM and LUCOM train physicians to work in rural and underserved areas, and nearly 40% of VCOM graduates since 2007 have stayed to practice in rural or medically underserved parts of Virginia.

Which medical schools in Virginia accept out-of-state students?

All six do. UVA’s Class of 2030 was 46% out of state, EVMS’s Class of 2029 was about half Virginians, VCU accepts applicants from any state, and Virginia Tech Carilion’s Class of 2030 came from 22 states. At the DO colleges, out-of-state students made up 78 of 180 first-year students at VCOM-Virginia and 128 of 159 at LUCOM in 2024-25. Public schools charge nonresidents more, while VCOM and LUCOM charge one rate.

What is the cheapest medical school in Virginia?

For Virginia residents, EVMS has the lowest 2026-27 MD tuition at $38,016, followed by Virginia Tech Carilion at $48,985 after its new resident discount and UVA at $56,700 in tuition and fees. VCU’s newest posted budget lists $36,524 in resident tuition for 2024-25, with increases since then. For nonresidents, EVMS ($61,012) and VTC ($63,985) are lower than UVA ($71,046). The DO colleges charge everyone the same: $52,500 at VCOM and $52,700 at LUCOM.

Do Virginia medical schools accept international students?

Some do. UVA considers non-U.S. citizens and temporary residents who have completed at least 90 semester hours at a U.S. or Canadian college. VCU considers U.S. and Canadian citizens, U.S. permanent residents and applicants with current legal immigration status in the U.S. EVMS, Virginia Tech Carilion and VCOM consider only U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Is EVMS still a separate medical school?

EVMS still exists as an MD-granting medical school on the same Norfolk campus, but since July 1, 2024 it has been part of Old Dominion University. Its full name is Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University, and its admissions and financial aid pages are now on odu.edu.

How much clinical experience do Virginia medical schools want?

VCU states the clearest numbers: at least 40 hours of in-person physician shadowing in the U.S., 60 hours of direct, hands-on patient care and 100 hours of community service. Other Virginia schools do not set hour counts, but all of them look for real patient contact. Supervised pre-health internships can add hands-on hours alongside the clinical work you do in Virginia.

When should I apply to medical schools in Virginia?

Apply early in the AMCAS or AACOMAS cycle, ideally in June or July. For the 2026-27 cycle, VCU’s AMCAS deadline was October 15, 2026, EVMS’s and UVA’s were November 1, 2026, and Virginia Tech Carilion’s is December 1. On the DO side, LUCOM’s AACOMAS deadline is March 1, 2027 and VCOM’s is April 15, 2027, but both review applications on a rolling basis, so seats can fill before those dates.

Final Thoughts on Medical Schools in Virginia

When you consider medical schools in Virginia, look closely at each program’s strengths, clinical training and support. For students pursuing an MD, the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and the University of Virginia School of Medicine stand out as large academic medical centers with strong research and clinical training. VCU places a strong emphasis on serving diverse populations in Richmond, while UVA is known for research and its Cells to Society curriculum. EVMS offers community-driven training in Hampton Roads, and Virginia Tech Carilion offers small classes, a research requirement and, now, much lower tuition for Virginians.

If you are interested in osteopathic medicine, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) and the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) provide training that emphasizes holistic care and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). Both focus on preparing students for primary care and rural health, with clinical experiences in underserved communities across Virginia and beyond. These programs fit students who want to become compassionate, patient-centered physicians in areas of high need.

For those pursuing a career as a physician assistant (PA), Virginia offers graduate PA programs at Old Dominion University through the EVMS School of Health Professions and at the University of Lynchburg, along with pre-PA advising and early assurance pathways at universities such as James Madison, George Mason, Christopher Newport, Norfolk State and ODU. These programs prepare students to serve patients in primary care and many other fields.

Virginia’s medical schools offer a supportive environment for future health care professionals, whether you choose an MD, DO or PA program. With strong clinical training, experienced faculty and a commitment to local communities, each program prepares students to make a real impact in health care in Virginia and beyond.

Sources

• Liaison Committee on Medical Education, Directory of Accredited Programs (updated October 14, 2026).
• American Osteopathic Association, directory of colleges of osteopathic medicine (September 2026); COCA candidate status list. Checked October 17, 2026.
• Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University: admissions criteria; application process; MD program homepage; About EVMS; CareForward Curriculum; interview day; MD cost of attendance (2026-27); VHS tuition and fees (Fall 2026 to Summer 2027); “MD Class of 2029 welcomed at White Coat Ceremony”; “MD Class of 2026 celebrates Match Day”; Strelitz Diabetes Center; Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship. Checked October 17, 2026.
• University of Virginia School of Medicine: Statistics Overview (Class of 2030); Admissions to UVA School of Medicine (2026-2027 timeline); About UVA School of Medicine; Financing and Costs (2026-27); MD curriculum and Phase 1 to Phase 3 pages; Clinical and Research Opportunities; Generalist Scholars Program; About UVA SOM; Facts and Figures. Checked October 17, 2026.
• Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine: prospective applicants page; VCU Bulletin 2026-27, Medicine, Doctor of (M.D.); “Welcome M.D. Class of 2030” (July 20, 2026); 2024-2025 M.D. cost of attendance budget; VCU FY2026-2027 University Budget Plan; history; Match Day 2026; curriculum overview; interview process; financial aid; VCU News, Molecular Medicine Research Building (April 2009); U.S. News & World Report, 2026 Best Medical Schools profile. Checked October 17, 2026.
• Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine: Class Statistics; Cost of Attendance 2026-2027; Admissions Overview; Application Process; Timeline and Deadlines; Academic Requirements; Interview Day; At a Glance; history; Vision, Mission and Values; Phase 1 and Phase 2 curriculum; Student Match Data; Health System (Carilion); Research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. Checked October 17, 2026.
• Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine: DO Program Tuition and Fees (2026-2027); First Year Cost of Attendance 2026-2027; Applying for the DO Program; admissions requirements; admissions FAQs; VCOM-Virginia campus page; AACOM Choose DO Explorer, VCOM-Virginia. Checked October 17, 2026.
• Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine: Tuition and Fees (2026-27); admissions requirements; application process; About LUCOM; Liberty News, “LUCOM Class of 2030 White Coat Ceremony” (September 25, 2026); AACOM Choose DO Explorer, LUCOM. Checked October 17, 2026.
• Physician assistant programs: ODU Master of Physician Assistant; ODU/EVMS PA Early Assurance Program partner institutions; ODU news on the EVMS MPA Early Assurance Program; University of Lynchburg Master of PA Medicine; George Mason University pre-PA advising; JMU Physician Assistant Studies; Christopher Newport University areas of study; UVA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery PA student rotations. Checked October 17, 2026.