The Ultimate Guide to Outstate-Friendly Medical Schools in 2025

Getting into medical school is not just about signing applications and waiting for results. Even before that, there are many steps that lead you to the med school of your choice. In many cases, one of those steps involves moving to another state. That’s why it’s important to understand which out-of-state friendly medical schools you should consider.

Maybe you’re looking for better opportunities, hoping to build connections, or interested in programs that align more closely with your goals outside your home region. In any case, the options are plenty. Finding the right medical school, however, can take some time.

In this article, we’ll make things a bit easier for you. We’ll explore some of the most OOS (out-of-the-state) friendly medical schools, how tuition and residency rules affect costs, tips to help applicants stand out, and the pros and cons of choosing a med school outside your home state. We’ll also analyze some of the most sought-after universities for out-of-state applicants, such as the University of Minnesota and SUNY medical schools.

Today, we’ll share:

• Medical schools with the highest out-of-state acceptance rates
• How tuition and residency rules affect costs
• A major tip to make OOS med school more affordable (that is often overlooked)
• General Strategies for Standing Out as an Out-of-State Applicant
• Common Pros and Cons of Attending an Out-of-State Medical School
• How to Get on the Road to the College of Your Dreams Today

Let’s dive in.

Medical Schools with the Highest Out-of-State Acceptance Rates

It’s true: many state medical schools accept out-of-state students—if not all of them. However, most of these institutions prioritize in-state applicants, granting them access to lower tuition rates, financial aid, and state-funded scholarships. Because of this, out-of-state (OOS) students often face higher costs and tougher competition. For all these reasons, it's essential to plan their applications carefully.

That being said, some schools have made a conscious effort to welcome students from other states, embracing diversity and fostering a more inclusive academic environment. A combination of admission requirements, cultural diversity, residency options, tuition policies, and financial aid opportunities is what defines an out-of-state friendly medical school.

These institutions allocate a higher percentage of seats to non-resident students, making them strong choices for those looking to pursue their medical education beyond their home state.

In the United States, four universities stand out for structuring their application and admissions processes to accommodate OOS students. The four top out-of-state friendly medical schools we’ll explore today are:

• University of Colorado School of Medicine
• University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
• University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
• University of California, Los Angeles (David Geffen School of Medicine)

Let’s go ahead.

University of Colorado School of Medicine

The University of Colorado School of Medicine is widely recognized as one of the most out-of-state friendly medical schools. While many public institutions admit a limited percentage of OOS students, Colorado consistently accepts a significantly higher proportion of non-residents. With its strong commitment to academic excellence and innovation, the university attracts applicants from across the country.

Here are some key factors that make CU School of Medicine a leading option for out-of-state applicants:

• High OOS Acceptance Rate – Over 50% of accepted students come from outside Colorado, reinforcing the school’s reputation as the medical school with the highest out-of-state acceptance.
• Competitive Financial Aid – CU Boulder offers merit-based scholarships for out-of-state students, including the CU Boulder Chancellor's Achievement Scholarship and Presidential Scholarship, which are automatically awarded to top applicants. Additionally, the First Generation Scholarship provides aid for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Early application is recommended due to limited funds.
• Residency Options – Unlike many states, Colorado allows OOS medical school students to establish residency after their first year, significantly reducing tuition for subsequent years.
• Tuition Reciprocity (WICHE Program) – Colorado participates in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) program, offering reduced tuition rates for students from Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

As we’ve seen, the University of Colorado School of Medicine stands out not only for its high out-of-state acceptance rates but also for the financial and residency flexibility it offers. Its strong academic programs, competitive scholarships, and OOS-friendly policies make it an excellent option for students seeking a well-rounded medical education.

University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine

The University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine is another OOS-friendly medical school, highly sought after for its affordable tuition and strong academic reputation. For out-of-state students, USF offers some of the most competitive tuition rates among public medical schools, so it is easy to explain why it is such an appealing choice.

Nontheless, let’s look in detail what makes USF Morsani College of Medicine stand out as one of the most out-of-state friendly medical schools:

• High OOS Acceptance Rate – 53% of medical students at USF come from out of state. As we know, that’s an outstanding number for non-residents acceptance.
• Lower Out-of-State Tuition – Unlike many public institutions where OOS tuition can be nearly double that of in-state students, USF offers an OOS tuition of around $17,250 per year—cheaper than in-state tuition at some other universities.
• Merit-Based Scholarships for Non-Residents – USF provides competitive merit-based scholarships for OOS students, such as the Green and Gold Waivers, which range from $20,000 ($5,000 per year) to $44,000 ($11,000 per year) in total financial aid. To qualify, students must apply for admission by January 15th.
• Campus Life & Location – USF is located in Tampa, Florida, a city known for its warm climate, multicultural environment, and lower cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas.
• Inclusivity & Diversity – USF has a highly diverse student body, with strong representation from students of various ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

With its warm climate, culturally vibrant city, and diverse student body, USF offers an enriching academic environment that stands out among the most out-of-state friendly medical schools.

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University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix

Third on our ranking is the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix (UArizona Phoenix), recognized as one of the most OOS-friendly medical schools, with approximately 50% of its student body coming from out of state.

For those interested in applying to Arizona without being a state resident, it’s important to know that the University of Arizona College of Medicine offers:

• High OOS acceptance rate – UArizona Phoenix actively recruits students from outside Arizona and ensures "equal consideration for out-of-state applicants" in its admissions criteria.
• Competitive out-of-state tuition – Similar to Colorado, Arizona allows students to apply for residency reclassification after just one year of living there, significantly reducing tuition costs.
• Financial aid and scholarship opportunities – Arizona stands out for offering strong scholarships. A notable example is the Arizona Primary Care Scholarship, which provides full tuition coverage to students (both in-state and out-of-state) who commit to practicing in underserved rural areas of Arizona after graduation.
• Innovative clinical training model – UArizona Phoenix follows a distributed clinical education model, allowing students to train in rural settings through university-affiliated rural clinics.
• Affordable cost of living – Phoenix is known for having a lower cost of living compared to other major cities, making it an attractive option for students seeking high-quality medical education without excessive financial burden.

In summary, what makes Arizona - Phoenix a friendly school for OSSs looking for affordability and exposure to unique settings? The high acceptance rate of OSSs, the residency reclassification opportunities, and the robust clinical training in diverse environments are some key factors in this regard.

University of California, Los Angeles (David Geffen School of Medicine)

Finally, in this review, we turn to the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Known as one of the out-of-state friendly medical schools, it offers a competitive admissions process and various financial aid opportunities, maintaining its reputation as a top-tier institution for decades. 

Naturally, this combination attracts applicants from across the country:

• High OOS Acceptance Rate – In line with the universities we’ve discussed, approximately 42% of UCLA's medical students come from out of state, which shows that it is an institution for non-resident applicants.
• Equal Opportunity in Admissions – Like South Florida, UCLA explicitly states that residency status does not impact admissions decisions.
• Out-of-State Tuition & Residency Reclassification – OOS students face higher tuition costs than in-state students (about $12,200 more), but they have the option to establish California residency after one year.
• Prestigious Merit-Based Scholarships – OOS students who excel academically can qualify for the prestigious David Geffen Medical Scholarship, which covers full tuition, fees, and living expenses for four years, regardless of residency.
• Quality of Life & Campus Environment – Located in Los Angeles, UCLA offers an unparalleled mix of academic excellence, networking opportunities, and cultural diversity.

UCLA provides prestige, top-tier clinical training, and significant financial aid options, making it one of the most recognized medical schools in the country for out-of-state students.

Now that we’ve explored the most out-of-state friendly medical schools, let’s turn our attention to two medical schools that generate high interest among out-of-state applicants—despite not being the most accessible options for non-residents: SUNY and Minnesota medical schools.

🚀 If you want more tips about UCLA, you can watch our detailed video-guide or watch with evidence-based tips.

Is SUNY Upstate Medical University OOS-Friendly?

If you're considering medical schools in New York as an out-of-state applicant, you may have come across SUNY Upstate Medical University. While it’s a respected institution with strong academic programs, it’s important to understand that it strongly favors New York residents.

Historically, SUNY Upstate Medical University has maintained a student body dominated by in-state students—recent data shows that about 80% of its entering class comes from New York, leaving only a small portion of seats for non-residents. 

In fact, past cycles have shown even lower acceptance rates for out-of-state students. In recent years, SUNY Upstate has admitted as few as 10% students from outside New York. This heavy in-state enrollment reflects the school’s mission to train physicians who will serve the region, which naturally limits opportunities for non-resident applicants.

That said, this doesn’t mean that SUNY Upstate Medical University is entirely closed off to out-of-state students—but the competition is steep. If you have exceptional credentials or a strong connection to New York, it may be worth applying. Otherwise, it can be a challenging school to get into as a non-resident.

For those without a compelling reason to apply, it may be worth considering other options, including private medical schools in New York, which tend to be more open to out-of-state students.

University of Minnesota Out-of-State Acceptance Rates

Another university that generates a lot of interest online among OOS applicants is the University of Minnesota Medical School. However, like SUNY Upstate, the University of Minnesota medical school out-of-state acceptance rate is low.

With a strong in-state admissions bias, the school prioritizes Minnesota residents, leaving limited spots for non-resident applicants. The numbers speak for themselves: recent data shows that Minnesota residents have an acceptance rate of around 28%, while out-of-state applicants face an acceptance rate as low as 3%. This means that for every non-resident applying, only a small fraction successfully secures a spot. In a recent admissions cycle, 82.6% of matriculants were in-state students, while only 17.4% came from out of state.

In short, while the school does accept some OOS students each year, competition is extremely intense. Thousands of non-residents apply, yet only a handful are admitted.

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How tuition and residency rules affect costs for OOS students

The most critical factor for students considering out-of-state friendly medical schools is tuition costs. Many applicants wonder how these fees are determined and what drives the price differences. 

The key thing to understand is that public medical schools receive funding from state tax revenue, which allows them to subsidize tuition and offer financial aid—but usually only for in-state residents.

Obviously, out-of-state students and their families do not contribute to that state’s tax base, so they are often required to pay higher tuition fees to compensate for the lack of state funding.

Here’s how tuition differences work:

• In-state students benefit from lower tuition rates because their families have contributed to state-funded education through taxes.
• Out-of-state students pay the full cost of education, often tens of thousands of dollars more per year.
• Private medical schools, on the other hand, do not receive state funding, so their tuition rates are usually the same for all students, regardless of residency.

The tuition gap is significant. However, as we've mentioned, what truly makes the difference are the financial aid programs, tuition waivers, and residency options that each university offers for out-of-state students.

Residency reclassification: can you pay in-state tuition after enrollment?

Since high tuition costs at public medical schools are one of the biggest concerns for out-of-state students, it’s reassuring to know that some of the most OOS-friendly medical schools allow students to establish residency after their first year, making them eligible for in-state tuition in later years.

This option—offered by several schools we’ve discussed—is highly popular among students, as it can save tens of thousands of dollars over the course of medical school.

That said, not all states allow residency reclassification. Each medical school has specific residency requirements, which often include:

• Living in the state for at least 12 months before applying for residency reclassification.
• Obtaining a state driver’s license and voter registration.
• Demonstrating financial independence from out-of-state parents.

Some students plan ahead by moving to a state a year before applying to medical school to establish residency early and qualify for lower tuition rates.

On the other hand, many states prohibit residency reclassification if the primary reason for living there was education. Some medical schools explicitly warn that “you cannot establish residency simply by enrolling in school.” This is why it’s essential to research residency policies carefully before applying.

A Hidden Advantage: Tuition Reciprocity Agreements

Beyond tuition costs, students should also look into Tuition Reciprocity Agreements, an often-overlooked factor that can significantly lower expenses for OOS students.

What does this mean? Some states participate in regional tuition exchange programs, allowing out-of-state students to access reduced tuition rates at participating schools. These programs are designed to expand educational opportunities in fields that may not be available in a student’s home state.

Some of the most notable tuition reciprocity programs include:

• Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): Students from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North and South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming can pay 1.5 times the in-state tuition rate at participating schools.
• Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC): Offers reduced tuition for students in certain Midwest states.
• Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Academic Common Market: Allows students in southern states to enroll in out-of-state programs at in-state tuition rates if that program is not available in their home state.

These agreements help make certain out-of-state friendly medical schools more affordable and reduce financial barriers for non-resident students. Some of the medical schools with the highest out-of-state acceptance rates participate in these programs.

Strategies to Stand Out as an Out-of-State Applicant

For universities that do not explicitly mention that coming from out of state makes no difference even at out-of-state friendly medical schools, there is usually some level of preference for in-state students, whether through tuition benefits, reserved seats, or admission policies.

That’s why, to maximize your chances, your application needs to stand out in every possible way. Here are the key strategies to help you make a compelling case:

Excel in every aspect of your application

It may seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing: having a high GPA and MCAT score alone won’t be enough. Medical schools with high out-of-state acceptance rates receive a large number of OOS applications, so excelling in every part of your application is essential to stay competitive.

How can you stand out?

• Craft compelling personal statements and secondary essays that clearly illustrate why you are a great fit for that specific school.
• Highlight your unique experiences, perspectives, and skills—admissions committees should see you as an applicant worth “importing,” despite being from another state.
• Showcase your passion for medicine through clinical experience, leadership roles, research involvement, and meaningful extracurriculars.

Pro Tip: OOS-friendly medical schools  often explicitly advise against copying and pasting essays from Google Docs or Word. Why? Because your evaluators look at formatting errors. If you're submitting secondary essays, you can opt for Notepad or TextEdit to strip formatting before pasting your responses. It may sound like a tiny detail, but clean formatting ensures your application is legible and professional.

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Demonstrate ties or commitment to the state/region

Public OOS-friendly medical schools prefer applicants who are likely to stay and practice in the region after graduation. If you have connections to the state, make sure to highlight them in your application.

Examples of meaningful ties:

• You previously lived in the state or have family residing there.
• You attended college in that state or completed clinical, volunteer, or research work there.
• You have participated in regional health initiatives, such as rural medicine programs or public health projects.

No direct ties? No problem. Some state medical schools that accept out-of-state applicants will still consider your application if you show a genuine commitment to serving their population. For instance, if a school focuses on rural healthcare, discussing your interest in working with underserved communities can strengthen your case.

Align yourself with the school’s mission

This step is similar to demonstrating regional ties, but it focuses more on your fit with the institution itself. One of the best ways to overcome the out-of-state disadvantage is to prove your alignment with a school’s mission.

How can you do this effectively?

• Research each school thoroughly—understand its mission, strengths, and focus areas.
• If a school prioritizes underserved populations, highlight your volunteer work, clinical experiences, or advocacy efforts that align with their mission.
• If a school is research-intensive, emphasize your research background and how you plan to contribute to its academic community.
• Use specific examples to demonstrate why this school is a perfect match for your goals.

The stronger your case, the more likely admissions committees will view you as an ideal candidate—even if you are applying from out of state.

Apply broadly and strategically

Even the most competitive applicants need a smart strategy when applying to out-of-state friendly medical schools.

Key strategic moves include:

• Targeting schools with high out-of-state acceptance rates – Research each school’s track record with non-resident applicants.
• Balancing your list – Apply to a mix of reach schools, match schools, and safety schools where your stats and background make you a strong candidate.
• Using residency ties when possible – If you previously lived in a state, listing it as your legal residence (if recently moved) may improve your chances at state medical schools that accept out-of-state applicants.

A well-planned out-of-state application strategy not only maximizes your chances of acceptance but also ensures a good fit with your chosen schools.

Common Pros and Cons of Attending an Out-of-State Medical School

We've said it time and time again: choosing between an in-state or out-of-state medical school is one of the biggest decisions pre-med students face. And it’s not just about academics—moving away means leaving behind familiar routines, personal support systems, and everything that shapes your daily life.

While staying close to home can offer financial stability and emotional comfort, attending an out-of-state friendly medical school can open the door to new academic and professional opportunities, broaden your clinical experience, and even improve your positioning for residency programs.

But is it the right choice for you? Let’s break down the advantages and challenges of choosing a medical school with high out-of-state acceptance rates, so you can make an informed decision.

The benefits of attending an out-of-state medical school

Some of the top pros of applying to out-of-state med school are:

• Greater access to top programs – Staying in-state limits your options to a handful of schools. Expanding your search to out-of-state friendly medical schools increases your chances of finding a program that aligns with your career goals, whether in primary care, research, or a specialized field. Many applicants also apply out-of-state out of necessity, as some states have no medical schools or limited spots.
• Diverse clinical and academic experiences – Medicine is deeply tied to the social, cultural, and political landscape of each region. Studying in a different state exposes you to new patient populations, healthcare systems, and clinical training settings. If you’re considering practicing in a different region, attending medical school there can provide early exposure to its medical landscape and help establish valuable professional connections.
• Personal growth and adaptability – Moving to a new state pushes you out of your comfort zone, fostering independence, adaptability, and resilience—qualities that are essential in a medical career and personal development. This experience can help you grow both professionally and personally.
• Broader professional network – Attending an OOS medical school allows you to build connections in a different state, which can be valuable when applying for residency. Schools with high out-of-state acceptance rates often have strong national networks, providing career opportunities beyond the state’s borders. In large cities like New York, an out-of-state medical school can introduce students to a new professional and social life, expanding future possibilities

The challenges of attending an out-of-state medical school

You must also consider some of the cons of moving for your education:

• Higher tuition and cost of living – Public medical schools that accept out-of-state applicants often charge significantly higher tuition for non-residents. While some states allow students to establish residency after their first year, others require four full years of non-resident tuition. Moving costs, higher living expenses, and limited state-funded scholarships can make an out-of-state medical school a more expensive option.
• Distance from family and support system – Being far from home means having less access to your personal support network. Medical school is stressful, and having family nearby can make a difference in managing that pressure. While technology makes it easier to stay in touch, it can’t replace in-person support. Consider that traveling home for holidays or weekends can also be costly and time-consuming.
• Cultural and environmental adjustments – Moving to a new state means adapting to a different culture, climate, and lifestyle. If most of your classmates are in-state residents, it might take extra effort to integrate into the student community. Additionally, navigating a new healthcare system, setting up housing, and handling state-specific requirements (driver’s licenses, voter registration, banking, etc.) can make the transition more challenging.

The right choice depends on your personal and professional priorities. If an OOS medical school offers unique opportunities that align with your goals, it may be worth the investment. If affordability and proximity to home matter more, an in-state option might be the better fit.

No matter your choice, understanding the trade-offs will help you make an informed decision about where to pursue your medical education.

Get on the Road to Your Next OOS Friendly Medical School

Choosing an out-of-state friendly medical school isn’t just about test scores and application essays—it’s a decision that impacts your financial future, career trajectory, and personal growth.

While OOS medical schools can offer broader academic opportunities, high-profile networking, and exposure to diverse healthcare settings, they also come with higher tuition costs, distance from family, and strict state residency policies.

Ultimately, the right path depends on your goals. At Premed Catalyst, we can help you navigate the process and increase your chances of getting into your dream medical school.

Just fill out our quick form (it takes less than two minutes), and we’ll help you take the next step toward that white coat!

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