Study in USA

MD in USA: Top University, Cost, Eligibility, Career

Blog Summary Pursuing an MD in USA offers significant career benefits, including high salaries and job security. The U.S. boasts top-tier medical institutions with advanced facilities and pioneering research opportunities. International students typically need a bachelor’s degree, strong English skills, and scores from exams like the MCAT or USMLE. Tuition fees range from $50,000 to $75,000 per year, with additional living expenses. Scholarships are available to help manage costs. The MD program lasts 4-6 years, followed by a residency. Graduates can pursue various high-paying medical specializations, such as cardiology, dermatology, and surgery.

The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts a 3% growth in the overall employment of physicians and surgeons from 2022 to 2032. They also state this profession to be one of the highest-paying occupations with an average annual salary equal to or greater than $239,200. 

Now pursuing an MD in the USA seems like an attractive opportunity, doesn’t it? Moreover, the USA has some of the best medical schools in the world! If you are interested in knowing more about the cost of studying MD in the USA for international students, scholarship opportunities or course duration, keep reading!

Overview of MD in the USA for International Students

A Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a postgraduate degree that provides students with advanced medical knowledge and abilities. It is a challenging and comprehensive curriculum aimed to prepare students for a career in many medical specialisations. Pursuing an MD in the USA is a rigorous yet rewarding path, offering significant career benefits, including high salaries, job security, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the medical field.

Studying in USA provides exceptional benefits. The United States is well-known for its top-tier medical institutions which offer advanced types of equipment and access to pioneering research. A medical degree in the USA is internationally recognised and leads to great employment prospects in both clinical and academic settings. Also, US medical schools provide broad clinical experiences, exposure to the most recent medical developments, and the opportunity to collaborate with prominent specialists in a variety of medical specialities. 

MD in USA: Overview

Parameter

MD in USA Course Details

Type of Degree

Postgraduate

Duration

4-6 years

Entrance Exams

MCAT, USMLE

Average Tuition Fees for International Students

50,000 USD to 70,000 USD per annum

Intakes

Varies by university (usually Fall intake)

Top Universities to Study MD in the USA

If you want to pursue a medical degree in USA you must be aiming for the best in terms of learning opportunities and career possibilities. Here is a list of the top MD colleges in the United States, together with their QS World Rankings.

MD in USA University

QS World Ranking 2024

Harvard University

4

Stanford University

5

Johns Hopkins University

28

University of Pennsylvania

12

New York University

=38

Yale University

16

Columbia University

23

University of California

10

Duke University 

57

Explore more universities in the USA with aecc Search 

Eligibility and Documents Required for MD in the USA

To pursue an MD in USA, you must complete particular eligibility requirements and submit a variety of documentation. Here's a full look at what's needed. Meeting these standards and properly preparing your materials will boost your chances of admission to a top MD programme in the United States. Please contact AECC specialists for more extensive information and support.

Educational Qualification

International students normally require a bachelor's degree to apply to MD programmes in the United States. For Indian students, this entails holding an MBBS degree. Along with your degree, you must provide complete academic transcripts from both high school and your bachelor's programme. This highlights your educational background and qualifications.

Language requirements

International students must have strong English skills. You must provide scores from English proficiency examinations such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Most colleges demand an IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0. These results demonstrate that you can successfully communicate in English, which is necessary for your studies and interactions while pursuing a Master's in USA.

Entrance Exam

To begin a medical degree in the USA, you must first take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) or the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination). The MCAT has four portions, and the median average score is about 511. Students planning to pursue residency in the United States frequently choose the USMLE.

Additional requirements

Aside from the essential credentials and examinations, you will have to provide:

  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs): These should come from academics or experts who can attest to your academic and personal abilities.
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP): In this essay, you should explain why you want to pursue an MD in USA, what your professional ambitions are, and how this programme fits into those plans.
  • Work Experience: Relevant clinical or research experience can greatly improve your application.
  • Resume: Update your resume to include any relevant employment or volunteer experience.

These materials help the admissions committee understand your history, motivations, and preparation for the demanding MD programme.

Cost of Studying MD in The US

When tuition and living expenses are included, the total cost of studying for an MD in the United States can vary between $70,000 and $110,000 per year. Studying for an MD in the United States can be a major financial commitment. Tuition fees and other living expenses account for the majority of the cost. Here's an in-depth look at what to expect:

Cost of Studying MD in USA for International Students:

Tuition prices for MD programmes in the United States vary greatly per university. On average, international students should expect to pay between $50,000 and $75,000 per year. Here are the tuition prices for some of the leading medical schools:

University

Approx. First-Year Tuition Fee (USD)

Harvard University

69,300

Stanford University

84,996

Johns Hopkins University

62,850

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

84,125

University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

57,369

Yale University

64,990

Columbia University

45,520

University of Pennsylvania

71,935

Duke University 

62,000

Aside from tuition, there are additional expenses to consider, such as accommodation, which may cost anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000 per year depending on location and kind. Meals often cost between $3,000 and $5,000 per year. Transportation expenditures vary by region, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per year. Books and materials should be budgeted between $1,000 and $3,000 each year. International students must have health insurance, which can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 per year. Personal costs such as clothing, entertainment, and other incidentals might cost an additional $2,000 to $4,000 each year.

MD in the USA Duration

An MD duration in USA is typically four years. After receiving the MD degree, students must attend a residency programme that normally lasts three to seven years, depending on the selected specialisation. This residency is an essential component of medical training in the United States, offering hands-on experience in a clinical setting. During the MD programme, students might choose to specialise in a certain medical discipline. Those who desire to become Osteopathic Doctors (DO) must complete an extra 200 hours of study in osteopathic manipulative medicine. Alternatively, students can choose to become allopathic doctors, which needs only the MD degree and no further osteopathic training.

Scholarships to Study MD in USA

Though the cost of studying MD in USA for international students is high, thanks to a variety of scholarships and incentives, you can pursue your dreams without facing much financial stress. Here are some prominent financial help alternatives available to pursue an MD in the USA:

Scholarship MD in US

University

Award

BoardVitals Medical School Scholarship

University of Pennsylvania

Tuition fees + other expenses

Physicians of Tomorrow Awards

Stanford University

Full expenses

USA Medical and Surgical Scholarship Program

Johns Hopkins University

Tuition fees

Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarship

Harvard University

Tuition fee waiver

Yale International Medical Student Scholarship

Yale University

Tuition fees + living expenses

Columbia Medical Scholarship

Columbia University

Tuition fees + educational expenses

Career Opportunities after Pursuing MD in the USA

After finishing your MD in the USA, you will have access to a wide range of professional prospects. These occupations provide high pay, employment stability, and the opportunity to have a big effect in the field of medicine. Below are some of the top employment prospects for MD graduates, along with their typical salaries:

Job Profile

Average Salary (in USD)

Family Physician

192,000

Surgeon

247,000

Paediatrician

183,000

Cardiology Specialist

430,000

Dermatologist

230,000

Plastic Surgery Specialist

471,000

Urology Specialist

407,000

Clinical Psychologist

292,000

Anesthesiologist

428,700

Neurologist

213,180

Oncologist

234,350

Medical practitioners in the United States are among the highest-paid, with specialities such as plastic surgery and cardiology earning very attractive pay. The continual need for medical professionals provides job security and stability.