Counting U.S. Medical Schools: MD and DO Programs in 2025
The Current Numbers
Understanding how many medical schools exist in the U.S. informs both the educational capacity of the system and the competitive landscape medical school applicants face.
There are 156 LCME-accredited MD-granting medical schools in the United States.
There are 38 COCA-accredited DO-granting medical schools, many with multiple campuses, bringing the total number of teaching locations to more than 60.
Together, MD and DO institutions account for nearly 200 accredited medical schools nationwide, enrolling more than 53,000 first-year students each year.
MD vs. DO Programs: An Overview
Allopathic (MD) schools award the Doctor of Medicine degree and typically integrate biomedical research with clinical training.
Osteopathic (DO) schools award the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. Their curricula mirror MD programs but also include osteopathic manipulative medicine and a focus on holistic, primary care–oriented practice. The DO sector has expanded rapidly and now educates nearly one-quarter of U.S. medical students.
Historical Growth
In the early 1960s, the U.S. had just over 80 MD schools and only a handful of DO schools. Since then, the number has nearly doubled. Much of the recent growth has come from osteopathic schools, often established in underserved regions to help address workforce shortages.
Why the Numbers Matter
The number of medical schools determines how many physicians can be trained annually. Although school expansion has boosted enrollment, the number of graduate medical education positions has not always kept pace. This mismatch creates a potential bottleneck between medical school graduation and residency placement, an essential step in physician training.
Admissions Snapshot
In the most recent cycle, MD programs received over 56,000 applications, with about 22,000 students matriculating, yielding an acceptance rate of roughly 40 percent. DO programs received more than 34,000 applications, admitting nearly 9,000 students. Despite steady growth in the number of schools, competition for seats remains high.
Key Points at a Glance
| Program Type | Number of Schools | Notes |
| MD (LCME) | 156 | Research-intensive programs with national reach |
| DO (COCA) | 38 | Rapidly expanding; emphasize holistic care and OMM |
| Total Sites | >60 | Includes multi-campus DO programs |
| First-Year Enrollment | >53,000 students | About 30% enrolled in DO programs |
| Historical Growth | Doubled since 1960s | Greatest expansion in DO sector |
For further reading: The Key Factors for Getting Accepted into Medical School
Closing Summary
As of 2025, the United States has nearly 200 accredited medical schools, including 156 MD programs and 38 DO programs. Growth over the past several decades reflects efforts to meet physician workforce needs, especially in underserved regions. Although applicants today have more schools to choose from than ever before, competition remains steep, and the limited number of residency positions continues to shape the medical education pipeline.
