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Earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in the USA is a prestigious and rewarding goal for aspiring medical professionals, but it comes with a significant financial commitment. With top institutions like Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins University, and Stanford University leading the way, the path to becoming a doctor in the U.S. is highly competitive and expensive. The average annual tuition fees for an MD program can range from USD 55,000 to over USD 75,000, with the total cost for the four-year program easily exceeding USD 220,000. On top of tuition, prospective students must factor in a substantial cost of living, which averages around USD 12,000 to USD 24,000 per year, depending on the city.
This blog will provide a comprehensive overview of the top universities, detailed fee structures, and the cost of living, while also exploring various scholarship opportunities to help you navigate the financial landscape of medical education in the USA.
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Why Study MD in USA?
Studying for an MD in the USA as an international student offers a path to a globally recognized degree and a competitive medical career. The US medical education system is renowned for its high standards of training, cutting-edge research opportunities, and advanced clinical facilities. It’s a challenging but highly rewarding path.
Studying for an MD in the USA is a top choice for international students due to several important advantages:
- Global Recognition: A US-accredited MD is highly respected worldwide, opening up global career opportunities.
- High-Quality Education: The US medical system is known for its rigorous training, cutting-edge research, and advanced clinical facilities.
- Extensive Training: Students get hands-on clinical experience from early on, working at some of the world’s best hospitals.
- Research Opportunities: The US leads in medical research, offering students the chance to participate in innovative projects.
- Residency Pathway: The curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and the residency match, which is required to practice medicine in the US.
- High Earning Potential: Physicians in the US have some of the highest salaries globally.
List of Top Universities for MD in USA
Pursuing a medical degree in the USA is highly sought after by international students due to the country’s world-class education system and advanced medical research. The financial commitment is substantial, with tuition and fees often exceeding USD 70,000 per year at top institutions. The following list details some of the top US medical schools, their 2026 QS World University Rankings, and their estimated average annual fees.
| University Name | 2026 QS World Ranking | Average Annual Fees (USD) |
| Harvard University | 5 | ~USD 77,673 |
| Johns Hopkins University | #24 | ~USD 70,380 |
| Stanford University | 3 | ~USD 73,628 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 15 | ~USD 74,687 |
| Columbia University | #38 | ~USD 80,644 |
| Duke University | #62 | ~USD 74,849 |
| Yale University | #21 | ~USD 73,500 |
| University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) | #56 | ~USD 62,800 |
| University of Chicago | 13 | ~USD 79,158 |
| University of Michigan—Ann Arbor | #45 | ~USD 76,438 |
| Northwestern University | 42 | ~USD 78,241 |
| Washington University in St. Louis | #167 | ~USD 73,425 |
| NYU Grossman School of Medicine | #55 | Tuition is free for all students |
| Boston University | #88 | ~USD 74,406 |
| Georgetown University | #285 | ~USD 71,061 |
| University of Virginia | #275 | ~USD 66,134 |
| Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine | N/A | ~USD 64,000 |
Alos Read: List of Courses After MBBS in USA without USMLE for 2025
Eligibility Criteria for MD in USA
To gain admission to a U.S. medical school as an international student, you must meet stringent eligibility criteria. These include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is required, with a strong preference for a high GPA (typically 3.8 or higher) and a background in pre-med sciences.
- A high MCAT score (515+) is crucial for standing out. You also need to demonstrate English proficiency with a TOEFL or IELTS score if English is not your native language.
- Extensive hands-on experience, such as shadowing doctors, volunteering in clinics, and participating in research, is mandatory to show your commitment to medicine.
- Strong LORs from professors and a compelling personal statement are essential for showcasing your character and motivation.
- Many schools require proof that you can cover all four years of tuition and living expenses, as financial aid for international students is limited.
Admission Process for MD in USA
The MD admission process for international students in the USA is a long, multi-step journey that typically takes over a year to complete. It’s a highly structured process managed primarily through a centralized application service and follows a strict annual timeline.
- Submit your application through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). This includes academic records, MCAT scores, a personal statement, and details of your extracurricular activities.
- After an initial review, schools will send you a secondary application with school-specific essays and questions.
- If you pass the secondary review, you’ll be invited for an interview (in-person or virtual). This is a crucial step to evaluate your personal qualities and communication skills.
- Upon acceptance, you’ll need to obtain a U.S. student visa (F-1 visa). This requires proof of financial stability and an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Required Documents
A crucial part of the MD application process for international students is preparing and submitting a comprehensive set of documents. These documents are required not only for the medical school application itself but also for the U.S. student visa application.
- Official Transcripts
- Standardized Test Scores (MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS Score)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Personal Statement
- CV/Resume
- Proof of Financial Ability
- Valid Passport
- Form I-20
- Passport Photos
Cost of Studying MD in USA
The cost of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in the USA is one of the highest globally, making it a significant consideration for all students, especially internationals. The total cost is a combination of direct university expenses (tuition and fees) and personal living expenses. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Category | Average Annual Cost (USD) | Total Cost for 4-Year Program (USD) |
| Tuition & Fees | ~USD 70,000 – USD 80,000 | ~USD 280,000 – USD 320,000 |
| Living Expenses | ~USD 20,000 – USD 35,000 | ~USD 80,000 – USD 140,000 |
| Health Insurance | ~USD 2,000 – USD 6,000 | ~USD 8,000 – USD 24,000 |
| Books & Supplies | ~USD 1,000 – USD 5,000 | ~USD 4,000 – USD 20,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ~USD 2,000 – USD 4,000 | ~USD 8,000 – USD 16,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | USD 95,000 – USD 130,000 | USD 380,000 – USD 520,000 |
Scholarships to Study MD in USA
Getting a scholarship for medical school in the U.S. as an international student is incredibly challenging, but not impossible. The majority of funding is need-based, and most institutions have very limited scholarships available for international students compared to domestic ones. However, a few prestigious universities and external organizations offer substantial scholarships that can significantly reduce the financial burden, and a few even offer full tuition or more.
| Scholarship/Program | Type of Scholarship | Coverage |
| NYU Grossman School of Medicine Scholarship | Institutional (Merit & Need-Based) | Full tuition for all students. |
| Columbia University Vagelos Scholarship | Institutional (Need-Based) | 100% of demonstrated financial need covered by scholarship, not loans. |
| Harvard Medical School Financial Aid | Institutional (Need-Based) | Substantial scholarships that can cover tuition and fees for students with high demonstrated need. |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | External (Merit-Based) | Full-ride scholarship, including tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and airfare. |
| MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship | External (Merit & Need-Based) | Awards up to USD 10,000 |
| AMA Physicians of Tomorrow Award | External (Merit-Based) | USD 10,000 award |
| Tylenol Future Care Scholarship | External (Merit-Based) | Awards up to USD 10,000 |
Job Opportunities After MD in USA
Earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from a U.S. university can lead to some of the highest-paying and most respected careers in the world. The most common and lucrative path is to become a practicing physician, with salaries varying significantly by specialty. The following table highlights the earning potential for various medical specialties and lists some of the top employers in the U.S.
| Specialty | Average Annual Salary (USD) |
| Neurosurgery | ~USD 764,000 |
| Orthopedic Surgery | ~USD 546,000 |
| Plastic Surgery | ~USD 360,000 – USD 400,000 |
| Anesthesiology | ~USD 393,000 |
| Radiology | ~USD 437,000 |
| Dermatology | ~USD 438,000 |
| Cardiology | ~USD 421,000 |
| General Surgery | ~USD 434,000 |
| Pediatrics | ~USD 244,000 |
| Family Medicine | ~USD 274,000 |
| General Internal Medicine | ~USD 278,000 |
Also Read: 10 Best Medical Programs in USA: Universities, Fees
FAQs
A typical Doctor of Medicine (MD) program in the U.S. is four years long. The first two years are primarily classroom-based, focusing on foundational sciences, while the last two years involve hands-on clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics. This is followed by a residency program, which can last another 3 to 7 years, to specialize in a specific field.
In countries like the UK and India, an MD is a postgraduate specialty degree pursued after completing the undergraduate MBBS. In this context, the MD is generally considered harder due to its deep specialization, intensive clinical training, and focus on research. However, in the US, the MD is the primary medical qualification, which is considered equivalent to the MBBS degree from other countries.
No, MBBS and MD are not equal in the USA. While both are medical degrees, they represent different levels of education. An MBBS is an undergraduate degree, while an MD in the USA is a professional doctorate and postgraduate degree earned after completing a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Related Reads
We hope that this blog was able to provide you with all the information regarding the “MD in USA”. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
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I like this internet site because so much useful material on here :D.
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Hi,
Thanks for your feedback!
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I would like to get some insights on pursuing my MD from USA as have completed MBBS.
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19 comments
I like this internet site because so much useful material on here :D.
Hi,
Thanks for your feedback!
I would like to get some insights on pursuing my MD from USA as have completed MBBS.
I completed bsc cardiology after I can do md
Hi Darla,
To know how you can pursue MD in USA, give us a call on 1800572000 and our expert will brief you about the same. Till then, enjoy reading https://leverageedu.com/blog/study-in-usa/
I want know the process for admission for MD
I am entering into mbbs 1st year i have abroad study plans in future.so i was trying to get a little knowledge so i can go with full flow
Hi Rafia,
Glad to know about your plans to study abroad! Get in touch with our experts and they will assist you in getting started towards your career goals. Give us a call on 1800572000 and book a free e-meeting with us!
Details about after completeing mbbs in India further medical studies in USA
Hey!
After finishing your MBBS undergraduate, you can apply for MCAT as mentioned in the blog to study MD in USA. If you want more details please reach out to our experts on 1800572000! Thank you.
Hello. I’m an undergraduate(MBBS) from India. Wish to work in the US. Kindly guide for the same.
Thank you!
Hi, Sir!
If you are looking forward to working in the USA after completing MBBS from India, we have mentioned a stepwise guide in the blog for that.
You can go through that thoroughly and start preparing for your journey abroad.
We can see you are interested in making your career in the USA, kindly reach us on 1800 57 2000, get an opportunity to talk to our mentors, and begin with your application process today!
Here you can also check few of our related articles: MBBS in USA: Everything You Need To Know!
MBA in UK Without Work Experience
I would like to know what is the syllabus of MCAT. And if one can complete it’s MBBS or MBBS+MD from India and can practice in USA after giving USMLE 3?
Will this mean there will be no residency for those who’ve done MD in India?
Hi Upasna,
The MCAT syllabus and everything about the MCAT exam is available here- https://leverageedu.com/blog/mcat/. Fortunately, you can practice in the USA if you have done MBBS+MD from India provided you pass the USMLE exam (United States Medical License Examination). If you complete USMLE 3, you do get the benefit of applying for Residency in the USA.
How many students were really accepted in USA for MD program ?
Hello Kshitija,
The statistic for how many students are pursuing MD in USA is not yet confirmed. However, if you have any doubts or queries regarding the scope and eligibility, our study abroad experts will be happy to help you. Please connect to us at 1800-572-000 and book your first counselling session for FREE!
Can you arrange a call back ?
Hi Feel free to reach our experts at 1800 57 2000
wow. Perfectly explained.