December 9, 2025
Written By
Michael Minh Le
Subscribe to the Premed Catalyst Newsletter
Getting into dermatology isn’t about luck. It’s about choosing the right path early. Students looking into colleges for dermatology are really asking: which medical schools will give me the research, mentorship, and match power to land one of the most competitive specialties in medicine? Because let’s be honest: dermatology isn’t just hard to get into. It’s cutthroat.
This article breaks down exactly what makes a dermatology program elite. From research output and hospital affiliations to match rates and mentorship access, we’ll cover the criteria that matter. Then we’ll break down the 15 colleges that dominate dermatology year after year.
Ready to take the first step to becoming a dermatologist? Our Application Database includes 8 full AMCAS applications that earned acceptances at schools like UCLA, UCI, and more. These aren’t just stats. They’re real personal statements, activities, and more. Plus, access is completely free.
Get your free resource here.
Dermatology is one of the most competitive specialties in medicine, and where you train can either open doors or quietly close them. You’re not just picking a school; you’re choosing your clinical foundation, your research environment, your mentors, and, frankly, your odds.
So what exactly makes a dermatology program elite?
If you want to be taken seriously in derm, you need to be part of the schools that are setting the pace in dermatologic research. Think NIH grants, clinical trials, and high-impact journal publications. Elite programs aren't just participating. They’re leading.
You’ll want a school where students are publishing alongside faculty, and where labs are pushing the boundaries of what we know about skin disease, immunotherapy, and cosmetic innovations.
Dermatology isn’t a field you can fake. You need to see it, do it, and be challenged in real-world scenarios. The top programs offer intensive hands-on clinical rotations, dermatopathology exposure, and procedural dermatology opportunities long before residency. Great programs give you reps. Elite ones make sure those reps are world-class.
If your med school is affiliated with a top-tier academic hospital, you’ll be learning in an environment that attracts complex cases, cutting-edge treatments, and diverse patient populations. These hospitals don’t just polish your resume. They sharpen your clinical judgment.
This is a big one. Dermatology is competitive, and you’ll need letters from giants in the field. Elite programs are stacked with faculty who are editors, textbook authors, and national speakers. More importantly, they make time for students. Mentorship can be the difference between matching or not.
Whether you want to go into pediatric derm, Mohs surgery, or academic dermatology, the best programs offer pathways to explore and build that niche. This means electives, subspecialty clinics, student-run interest groups, and even dual-degree options. A program that only supports general derm limits your future.
Let’s talk results. The ultimate test of a dermatology program’s quality? How well its students match into derm residencies. Elite programs consistently see their grads land top residencies across the country. That’s not luck. It’s the product of everything above: the research, the mentorship, the training, the network.
What sets these programs apart isn’t just name recognition or location. It’s their ability to deliver in five key areas: clinical training, subspecialty exposure, faculty mentorship, competitive metrics, and career outcomes. If you’re serious about derm, these are the schools that consistently create successful applicants.
Clinical training: Deep and diverse, spanning multiple Harvard-affiliated hospitals that expose students to rare conditions and complex cases.
Subspecialty focus: Includes dermatopathology, procedural and pediatric derm, offering students early and extensive hands-on experience.
Notable faculty/hospital ties: Faculty across Mass General, Brigham and Women’s, and Beth Israel Deaconess provide elite mentorship.
Admissions stats: Median MCAT of 520+ and GPAs near 3.9.
Financial aid: Robust, especially for those pursuing academic medicine.
Alumni outcomes: Few schools match Harvard’s track record for placing grads into the most selective derm residencies.
Clinical training: Rigorous and patient-centered, built around world-class teaching hospitals.
Subspecialty focus: Includes medical dermatology, cutaneous oncology, and complex inpatient care.
Notable faculty/hospital ties: Faculty are active in research and clinical innovation.
Admissions stats: Average MCAT near 521 and GPA over 3.9.
Financial aid: Generous support available.
Alumni outcomes: Graduates regularly match into top-tier residencies thanks to mentorship and scholarly output.
Clinical training: Top-tier education with rotations through Stanford Hospital and the VA system.
Subspecialty focus: Extensive, with strengths in immunodermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and digital health.
Notable faculty/hospital ties: National leaders in skin biology and translational medicine.
Admissions stats: MCAT 522+ and near-perfect GPA expected.
Financial aid: Generous, reducing debt for high-need students.
Alumni outcomes: Excellent match outcomes, especially in academic and innovation-driven careers.
Clinical training: Elite, across top-tier West Coast medical centers.
Subspecialty focus: Especially strong in HIV dermatology, immunodermatology, and complex medical derm.
Notable faculty/hospital ties: Faculty mentors publish regularly in leading journals and invest deeply in student success.
Admissions stats: MCATs around 518–520, high GPAs.
Financial aid: Solid, with strong support for in-state students.
Alumni outcomes: Outstanding match record with frequent placement into elite derm residencies.
Clinical training: Comprehensive, covering general dermatology to complex surgical procedures.
Subspecialty focus: Strong in Mohs surgery, pediatric dermatology, and dermatopathology.
Notable faculty/hospital ties: Includes renowned mentors from Penn Medicine and CHOP.
Admissions stats: Average MCAT 521–522.
Financial aid: Substantial scholarship support, especially for dual-degree students.
Alumni outcomes: Consistently strong match results with placements in prestigious programs.
Clinical training: Exceptional, with high patient volume and hands-on learning.
Subspecialty focus: Includes procedural dermatology, autoimmune skin disease, and teledermatology.
Notable faculty/hospital ties: Faculty are nationally involved and accessible to students.
Admissions stats: MCAT around 520, GPA above 3.85.
Financial aid: Competitive aid and lower cost of living.
Alumni outcomes: Excellent match rates, often within Mayo or other prestigious programs.
Clinical training: Strong clinical exposure paired with a heavy emphasis on translational research.
Subspecialty focus: Emphasizes academic dermatology, dermatopathology, and immunodermatology.
Notable faculty/hospital ties: Access to top-tier mentors at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
Admissions stats: Average MCAT near 521 and GPA ~3.9.
Financial aid: Offers strong need-based aid packages.
Alumni outcomes: Yale grads often pursue academic dermatology or high-impact research careers.
Clinical training: Intense and broad, with exposure through Barnes-Jewish Hospital and other affiliates.
Subspecialty focus: Solid training across all derm subspecialties, including surgical and pediatric derm.
Notable faculty/hospital ties: Strong academic faculty engaged in national research initiatives.
Admissions stats: MCAT averages ~522, GPA ~3.9+.
Financial aid: Strong scholarship support available.
Alumni outcomes: Consistent success matching into top programs nationwide.
Clinical training: Comprehensive exposure through Michigan Medicine and outpatient clinics.
Subspecialty focus: Dermatopathology, procedural dermatology, and pediatric derm are strong suits.
Notable faculty/hospital ties: Mentorship from well-published faculty and leaders in academic dermatology.
Admissions stats: Highly competitive with MCATs ~518–520.
Financial aid: Substantial aid available, especially for in-state students.
Alumni outcomes: Excellent placement into top derm residencies with research support.
Clinical training: Strong urban training environment with extensive patient diversity.
Subspecialty focus: Balanced exposure to general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
Notable faculty/hospital ties: Partnership with Northwestern Memorial ensures clinical excellence.
Admissions stats: Average MCAT 520+, GPA near 3.9.
Financial aid: Good aid packages for high-need students.
Alumni outcomes: Graduates often match into respected derm programs, especially in the Midwest.
Clinical training: Offers a balanced mix of inpatient and outpatient derm training.
Subspecialty focus: Emphasizes medical dermatology and research-driven practice.
Notable faculty/hospital ties: Affiliated with UPMC, a major academic medical center.
Admissions stats: Competitive MCATs (~518) and high GPA required.
Financial aid: Generous support for qualified students.
Alumni outcomes: Strong match rates with increasing national recognition.
Clinical training: Exceptional access to diverse patient populations across Los Angeles.
Subspecialty focus: Includes cosmetic derm, medical derm, and HIV-related skin conditions.
Notable faculty/hospital ties: Connected with top faculty at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
Admissions stats: MCAT ~517–520, GPA ~3.8–3.9.
Financial aid: Public tuition benefits and aid for California residents.
Alumni outcomes: Strong placements across California and nationally competitive programs.
Clinical training: High-volume clinical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Subspecialty focus: Emphasizes surgical dermatology and community-based care.
Notable faculty/hospital ties: Affiliated with Jackson Memorial and the VA system.
Admissions stats: MCAT ~514–517, GPA ~3.8.
Financial aid: Multiple scholarship programs for in-state students.
Alumni outcomes: Strong regional match outcomes and increasing national presence.
Clinical training: Known for solid foundational derm education with strong clinical immersion.
Subspecialty focus: Well-rounded exposure, including dermatopathology and procedural derm.
Notable faculty/hospital ties: Faculty are accessible and involved in national derm education.
Admissions stats: Competitive with MCATs ~515 and GPA ~3.85.
Financial aid: Affordable tuition, especially for residents.
Alumni outcomes: High match success into both academic and clinical residency tracks.
Clinical training: Robust training across Grady Memorial and Emory Healthcare facilities.
Subspecialty focus: Includes surgical, cosmetic, and pediatric dermatology.
Notable faculty/hospital ties: Strong academic faculty and research mentors.
Admissions stats: MCAT ~516–519, GPA ~3.85–3.9.
Financial aid: Competitive scholarships and need-based aid.
Alumni outcomes: Graduates match successfully into a wide range of derm residencies.
While the top 15 schools dominate the dermatology conversation, several others are making impressive strides or offer niche strengths that make them worthy of serious consideration.
Columbia University is rising fast thanks to its investment in translational dermatology and its strong NYC hospital network.
Mount Sinai (Icahn School of Medicine) stands out for its strengths in skin cancer research and aesthetic dermatology.
University of Texas Southwestern has made major gains in dermatopathology and hosts a highly regarded residency.
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) provides top-tier exposure in rural and teledermatology, giving students an edge in underserved care.
University of Rochester may not top national rankings, but its commitment to mentorship and student research in derm is consistently praised.
Case Western Reserve University offers strong access to diverse patient populations and early clinical involvement in dermatology electives.
These schools might not carry the national brand power of the top 15, but they’re producing competitive derm applicants every year. If you’re looking for a balance of opportunity, mentorship, and real patient impact, don’t sleep on these honorable mentions.
Getting into a top dermatology program doesn’t start with your med school application. It starts years earlier. From high school through undergrad, the most successful applicants are already building a track record of academic excellence, clinical exposure, and long-term interest in healthcare.
Dermatology might be years away, but your preparation can start early. Aim for the strongest possible GPA and take a rigorous science-heavy course load, especially AP Biology and Chemistry.
Get involved in healthcare-related extracurriculars like hospital volunteering, Red Cross clubs, or health science competitions. Shadowing any kind of physician, even outside dermatology, shows initiative.
If you can, attend summer programs at local universities or hospitals that offer research or pre-health experiences. These early steps won’t get you into derm school tomorrow, but they’ll build the foundation that top colleges love to see.
Once you’re a premed, every decision matters. Choose a major that aligns with your strengths, like biology, neuroscience, or even public health are all great, as long as you maintain a high GPA (think 3.8+ for top med schools).
Clinical exposure is key: shadow dermatologists, scribe in clinics, or work as a medical assistant. Research, especially related to dermatology or skin science, is a powerful differentiator. Leadership roles in pre-med clubs, community health initiatives, or mentorship programs will set your application apart.
The goal? Show med schools that you’re academically prepared, clinically experienced, and deeply committed to the field, even before you apply.
Once your undergrad foundation is strong, the med school application is where you prove you're ready.
Your personal statement is your narrative. It should tell a focused, compelling story about who you are, what you care about, and the doctor you’re becoming. You can’t just say what you’re passionate about, though. You need to show it through your experiences.
Secondary essays test your fit with each school. Don’t recycle generic answers. Address the school’s mission, values, and opportunities, especially if they align with your derm goals.
Letters of recommendation matter more than you think. Get strong, specific letters from people who know you well, like professors, research mentors, or physicians you've worked with. A letter from a dermatologist isn’t mandatory, but it can be a powerful bonus.
Finally, the interview is your chance to show emotional intelligence, clarity, and commitment. Know your application inside out. Be ready to discuss your motivations, your experiences, and how you handle challenges.
Getting into a college that sets you up for dermatology is a big win, but it’s just the beginning. Let’s talk about what comes after: the dermatology residency.
Dermatology residency is where you stop preparing to be a doctor and actually become one. It's a three-year crash course in everything from diagnosing rare autoimmune conditions to performing cosmetic procedures with surgical precision.
You’ll spend your time in the clinic honing your diagnostic eye. You’ll learn to spot everything from eczema to melanoma with just a glance. You’ll master skin biopsies, cryotherapy, excisions, and cosmetic procedures like Botox and fillers. Each week brings new pathology, new patients, and new procedures, making residency fast-paced, hands-on, and highly specialized.
On the academic side, you’ll dive deep into dermatopathology, immunodermatology, and the latest research in biologics and laser medicine. Conferences, journal clubs, and grand rounds will sharpen your thinking and keep you current on innovations in the field.
Dermatology has more career paths than most specialties. Whether you're drawn to clinic life, research, aesthetics, surgery, or education, dermatology gives you options
Medical Dermatology is the core of the field. You’ll treat chronic conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema, and skin cancer. It’s patient-focused, clinic-based, and often allows for a balanced schedule with long-term patient relationships.
Surgical Dermatology is for those who love precision and procedures. You’ll remove skin cancers, perform excisions, and if you pursue a fellowship in Mohs surgery, you'll specialize in removing skin cancers layer by layer with microscopic accuracy.
Cosmetic Dermatology is where medicine meets aesthetics. This path involves procedures like Botox, fillers, laser therapy, and skincare management. It's one of the most lucrative areas in derm, and it blends artistry with anatomy.
Pediatric Dermatology focuses on treating children with genetic, infectious, or inflammatory skin conditions. This subspecialty requires a strong understanding of both dermatology and pediatric care.
Dermatopathology is ideal for those who love diagnostics. You’ll interpret skin biopsies under the microscope and work closely with clinicians to confirm diagnoses. It requires an additional fellowship but offers a more lab-based career with deep intellectual engagement.
Academic Dermatology allows you to teach, research, and see patients. If you're passionate about pushing the field forward or mentoring the next generation, this might be your lane.
Dermatology isn’t just one of the most competitive specialties in medicine. It’s also one of the most well-compensated. But like everything in medicine, your earnings depend heavily on the path you choose after residency.
General dermatologists in private practice often earn between $300,000 and $500,000+ per year, depending on location, patient volume, and how many procedures they perform. In high-demand urban or affluent suburban areas, it’s not uncommon for seasoned derms to earn even more.
Cosmetic dermatologists, especially those offering high-end elective services like lasers, fillers, and skincare regimens, can make $600,000 or more annually, with some crossing into seven-figure income territory. This path typically involves less insurance billing and more out-of-pocket payments, which increases earning potential but requires strong business acumen and marketing.
Mohs surgeons, after additional fellowship training, often earn $500,000 to $700,000+, given their highly specialized skill set and high reimbursement rates for skin cancer surgeries.
Academic dermatologists tend to earn less, typically between $200,000 and $300,000, but gain benefits like research funding, job stability, and the chance to teach or conduct clinical trials.
Dermatopathologists, who split their time between reading slides and seeing patients, can expect to earn in the $300,000 to $500,000 range, depending on case volume and practice setting.
And regardless of the subspecialty, most dermatologists enjoy a favorable work-life balance, low overhead (compared to surgical fields), and steady demand across urban and rural settings.
You want to be a dermatologist. That means you need to get into medical school, and not just any med school, but one with the research, mentorship, and clinical horsepower to launch you into one of the most competitive specialties out there.
The truth? Most premeds aim high but apply blind. They write essays in a vacuum, guess what activities matter, and hope their stats are enough. But hope doesn’t get you into med school. Strategy does.
That’s why we built the Application Database. It’s a free resource with 8 full AMCAS applications that actually worked. You’ll see real personal statements, work and activities sections, and more, from students who were accepted at places like UCLA, UCI, and other top-tier programs.
If you want to become a dermatologist, it starts with getting in. So don’t guess.
Get your free resource here.
