Texas is home to some of the best medical schools in the United States. Whether you’re an aspiring doctor seeking world-class training or looking to specialize in cutting-edge medical research, Texas has options that can suit every need. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 15 medical schools in Texas, their programs, admission criteria, and tuition fees, helping you make an informed decision.
Top 15 Medical Schools In Texas And Fees
1. University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (UTSW) – Dallas
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas is one of the nation’s leading institutions for medical education and research. Known for its strong emphasis on biomedical research, UTSW offers students access to top-tier hospitals and research centers.
Programs Offered: MD, PhD, combined MD/PhD
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state: $22,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $45,000 per year
Why Choose UTSW: Cutting-edge research opportunities and highly ranked faculty make it ideal for students seeking a research-oriented career in medicine.
2. Baylor College of Medicine – Houston
Baylor College of Medicine is renowned for its exceptional clinical training programs. Located in Houston, a hub for healthcare innovation, students gain access to world-class hospitals like the Texas Medical Center.
Programs Offered: MD, MD/PhD, Master’s Programs
Tuition & Fees:
- $27,000 per year (in-state)
- $27,000 per year (out-of-state, Baylor charges a flat rate for all)
Why Choose Baylor: Strong focus on clinical experience, research, and community service. Graduates are highly sought after for residencies.
3. University of Texas Health Science Center – Houston (UTHealth McGovern Medical School)
UTHealth McGovern Medical School is a top destination for students interested in both clinical medicine and biomedical research. Its partnerships with Houston’s medical institutions provide exceptional training opportunities.
Programs Offered: MD, PhD, Dual Degree Programs
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state: $21,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $35,000 per year
Why Choose UTHealth: A collaborative environment with excellent research facilities in Houston’s Texas Medical Center.
4. University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston (UTMB)
UTMB Galveston is known for its strong focus on public health and tropical medicine. With a long history dating back to 1891, it is one of the oldest medical schools in Texas.
Programs Offered: MD, PhD, Master’s Programs in Public Health
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state: $20,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $40,000 per year
Why Choose UTMB: Ideal for students looking to combine clinical medicine with public health initiatives.
5. Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine – College Station
Texas A&M College of Medicine emphasizes rural and primary care, preparing physicians to serve communities across Texas and beyond.
Programs Offered: MD, Dual Degree Programs
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state: $22,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $45,000 per year
Why Choose Texas A&M: Strong community-based medical education and leadership programs for aspiring healthcare leaders.
6. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine – Edinburg
UTRGV School of Medicine focuses on addressing healthcare disparities in South Texas. Its curriculum integrates community engagement with clinical training.
Programs Offered: MD, MD/PhD
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state: $17,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $35,000 per year
Why Choose UTRGV: Affordable tuition and strong community-focused medical education make it ideal for students interested in underserved areas.
7. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Lubbock
Texas Tech University’s medical school in Lubbock is recognized for its focus on primary care and rural medicine. Students receive comprehensive training across various healthcare settings.
Programs Offered: MD, MD/PhD, Master’s Programs
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state: $20,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $38,000 per year
Why Choose TTUHSC: Perfect for students aiming to work in underserved rural communities with strong hands-on clinical training.
8. University of North Texas Health Science Center – Fort Worth
UNTHSC in Fort Worth emphasizes osteopathic medicine and holistic patient care. Its medical programs combine rigorous academic training with clinical experience.
Programs Offered: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), PhD, Master’s Programs
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state: $28,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $35,000 per year
Why Choose UNTHSC: A strong DO program that focuses on preventive medicine and patient-centered care.
9. University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School
Dell Medical School is one of the newer medical schools in Texas, but it has quickly gained a reputation for innovation in healthcare delivery and medical education.
Programs Offered: MD, Master’s in Health Care Delivery Science
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state: $21,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $40,000 per year
Why Choose Dell Medical School: Innovative curriculum emphasizing value-based care, technology integration, and community health.
10. University of Texas Health Science Center – San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio)
UT Health San Antonio is recognized for its programs in geriatrics, cancer research, and clinical medicine. Students benefit from hands-on experience at multiple affiliated hospitals.
Programs Offered: MD, MD/PhD, Master’s Programs
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state: $21,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $41,000 per year
Why Choose UT Health San Antonio: Excellent opportunities for research and clinical exposure, particularly in community medicine and specialized care.
11. Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine – Fort Worth
TCOM focuses on osteopathic medicine with a strong emphasis on primary care. It has consistently ranked among the top osteopathic medical schools in the nation.
Programs Offered: DO, Dual Degree Programs
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state: $27,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $33,000 per year
Why Choose TCOM: Ideal for students seeking a holistic approach to medicine and strong primary care training.
12. University of Houston College of Medicine
University of Houston College of Medicine is designed to train physicians to meet the unique healthcare needs of urban populations. It emphasizes innovation, research, and community service.
Programs Offered: MD, Dual Degree Programs
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state: $20,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $35,000 per year
Why Choose UH College of Medicine: Strong urban medicine focus with innovative curriculum and community-based training.
13. Sam Houston State University – College of Medicine (Proposed/Partnership Programs)
Sam Houston State University collaborates with other institutions in Texas to provide medical education opportunities. Its programs are growing and offer unique research partnerships.
Programs Offered: MD (partnerships), Research Fellowships
Tuition & Fees: Varies by program ($18,000–$30,000 per year)
Why Choose Sam Houston State: Emerging opportunities for research and specialized medical training.
14. University of Texas at El Paso – Health Sciences Center (UTEP HSC)
UTEP HSC is a growing institution with a strong commitment to addressing healthcare challenges in the U.S.-Mexico border region. It offers medical education and research opportunities tailored to regional needs.
Programs Offered: MD, Public Health Programs
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state: $18,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $32,000 per year
Why Choose UTEP HSC: Community-focused medical training in a culturally diverse environment.
15. Texas Southern University College of Medicine (Proposed/Expansion)
Texas Southern University is expanding into medical education with a focus on training minority and underserved populations. It aims to reduce healthcare disparities in Texas.
Programs Offered: MD (proposed), Pre-med Programs
Tuition & Fees: Estimated $15,000–$25,000 per year
Why Choose Texas Southern University: Focus on diversity, inclusion, and serving underserved communities in Texas.
Conclusion
Texas offers an impressive array of medical schools tailored to various career paths—from primary care and osteopathic medicine to research-focused MD/PhD programs. When choosing a medical school, consider tuition costs, program focus, research opportunities, and clinical exposure. Schools like UT Southwestern, Baylor, and UTHealth are highly competitive, while newer institutions like Dell Medical School and UTEP HSC offer innovative approaches to healthcare education.
Whether your goal is to become a researcher, primary care physician, or specialist, Texas has a medical school to fit your ambition.