Jonathan BensonBrooklyn, New York, is one of the most vibrant healthcare education hubs in the United States. Home to world-class hospitals, research centers, and teaching institutions, Brooklyn offers aspiring doctors access to high-quality medical education, diverse patient populations, and extensive clinical exposure. Studying medicine in Brooklyn also provides proximity to Manhattan’s elite medical ecosystem while benefiting from Brooklyn’s rich cultural and academic environment.
This guide explores the top 10 medical schools in Brooklyn, including tuition fees, programs offered, strengths, and why each institution stands out. Whether you’re aiming for an MD, DO, or a pathway into clinical medicine, these schools represent some of the best medical training opportunities in New York City.
Top 10 Medical Schools In Brooklyn
1. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University – College of Medicine
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is the most prominent medical school in Brooklyn and one of the oldest public medical schools in the United States. Located in East Flatbush, the College of Medicine is known for its strong commitment to urban healthcare, public service, and medical research. The school trains a significant percentage of New York State’s practicing physicians, particularly those serving underserved communities.
The MD program emphasizes early clinical exposure, problem-based learning, and community engagement. Students benefit from affiliations with major hospitals such as University Hospital of Brooklyn, Kings County Hospital Center, and NYC Health + Hospitals. The institution also has strong research programs in neuroscience, cardiovascular disease, and infectious diseases.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
- In-state: $40,000 – $45,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $65,000 – $70,000 per year
SUNY Downstate is ideal for students seeking affordable public medical education with high clinical exposure in a diverse urban environment.
2. SUNY Downstate – School of Public Health (Medical Pathways)
Although not a traditional medical school offering an MD alone, SUNY Downstate’s School of Public Health provides dual-degree pathways such as MD/MPH and advanced medical research training. These programs are designed for students interested in combining clinical medicine with public health leadership, epidemiology, and health policy.
The curriculum focuses on population health, preventive medicine, biostatistics, and global health challenges. Students pursuing medical careers benefit greatly from this integrated approach, especially those interested in healthcare systems reform, public service, and academic medicine.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
- In-state: $25,000 – $30,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $40,000 – $45,000 per year
This option is perfect for future physicians who want to expand beyond clinical practice into public health leadership.
3. Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Harlem & Brooklyn Affiliations
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) has a strong presence in New York City, with clinical training affiliations across Brooklyn hospitals. While its primary campus is in Harlem, many students complete rotations in Brooklyn medical centers, making it a popular choice for Brooklyn-based medical training.
TouroCOM offers a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree with a holistic, patient-centered approach. The curriculum integrates osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), early clinical exposure, and primary care training. Graduates are well-prepared for residencies in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
- $60,000 – $65,000 per year
TouroCOM is ideal for students seeking osteopathic medical education with strong Brooklyn clinical exposure.
4. New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) – Brooklyn Clinical Network
NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine is one of the largest osteopathic medical schools in the U.S. While its main campus is on Long Island, NYITCOM has an extensive Brooklyn-based hospital rotation network, making it a major player in Brooklyn medical education.
The program emphasizes technology-driven medicine, research, and interprofessional collaboration. Students benefit from simulation labs, early patient contact, and rotations in Brooklyn hospitals serving diverse populations. NYITCOM graduates consistently achieve strong residency placement across the United States.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
- $62,000 – $68,000 per year
NYITCOM is a strong option for students who want modern osteopathic training with Brooklyn clinical experience.
5. Long Island University – Brooklyn Campus (Pre-Med & Medical Sciences Pathway)
LIU Brooklyn does not award MD or DO degrees directly but is a top feeder school for medical programs in New York. Its medical sciences, pre-medicine, and biomedical programs prepare students for entry into medical schools across Brooklyn and NYC.
The university offers strong advising, MCAT preparation support, and partnerships with local hospitals for clinical exposure. Many graduates successfully matriculate into SUNY Downstate, TouroCOM, and other New York medical schools.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
- Undergraduate/Medical Sciences: $35,000 – $40,000 per year
LIU Brooklyn is ideal for students looking to build a strong foundation before entering medical school.
6. Brooklyn College – City University of New York (CUNY)
Brooklyn College is a highly respected public institution offering pre-medical and biomedical science programs that serve as pipelines into medical schools in Brooklyn and beyond. Its affordability and academic rigor make it a popular choice for aspiring doctors.
Students benefit from research opportunities, faculty mentorship, and access to CUNY’s medical school pathways. The college has strong science departments and partnerships with nearby hospitals for volunteering and clinical observation.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
- In-state: $8,000 – $9,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $18,000 – $20,000 per year
Brooklyn College is one of the most affordable routes toward a medical career in Brooklyn.
7. Kingsborough Community College – Health Sciences Pathway
Kingsborough Community College offers associate and pre-medical health science programs that serve as entry points into long-term medical education. While it does not grant medical degrees, it plays an important role in preparing students for transfer into four-year pre-med and medical science programs.
The school emphasizes anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry, along with academic advising for medical school preparation. Many students transfer to Brooklyn College, LIU Brooklyn, or other institutions on the medical track.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
- In-state: $5,000 – $6,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $10,000 – $12,000 per year
This is an excellent option for students seeking a cost-effective start toward medical school.
8. SUNY Empire State University – Brooklyn Learning Centers (Medical Preparation)
SUNY Empire State University supports non-traditional and adult learners pursuing medical and health science pathways. With Brooklyn learning centers and online flexibility, it’s popular among working professionals transitioning into healthcare.
The university offers bachelor’s degrees in health sciences and biology that align with medical school prerequisites. Personalized learning plans and faculty mentorship help students prepare for MD and DO programs.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
- In-state: $8,500 – $10,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $20,000 – $23,000 per year
SUNY Empire is ideal for career changers pursuing medicine in Brooklyn.
9. Medgar Evers College – CUNY (Pre-Medical Studies)
Medgar Evers College is a key institution serving Brooklyn communities with pre-medical, biology, and health science programs. It focuses on increasing diversity in medicine and healthcare professions.
Students receive strong academic support, research exposure, and advising tailored to medical school applications. The college’s location provides access to nearby hospitals and clinics for volunteering and clinical experience.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
- In-state: $8,000 – $9,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $18,000 – $20,000 per year
Medgar Evers is a strong choice for students seeking inclusive and community-focused medical preparation.
10. St. Francis College – Brooklyn Heights (Pre-Med Track)
St. Francis College offers a well-structured pre-medical program designed to prepare students for medical schools in Brooklyn and New York City. Small class sizes and personalized advising are major strengths.
Students complete rigorous coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics while gaining clinical experience through partnerships with Brooklyn hospitals. The college boasts strong medical school acceptance rates for committed pre-med students.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
- $38,000 – $42,000 per year
St. Francis College is ideal for students who value individualized attention and strong medical school advising.
Conclusion
Brooklyn offers a wide range of medical education pathways, from full MD and DO programs to affordable pre-medical and biomedical science options. Whether you are seeking a public medical school like SUNY Downstate, an osteopathic route through Touro or NYITCOM, or a cost-effective pre-med foundation at a CUNY institution, Brooklyn provides exceptional opportunities.
When choosing a medical school in Brooklyn, consider:
- Tuition and financial aid options
- Clinical exposure and hospital affiliations
- Class size and learning environment
- Residency placement and board pass rates
With the right choice, Brooklyn can be the launchpad for a successful and impactful medical career.