June 26, 2025
Written By
Michael Minh Le
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Looking at med schools in Georgia and feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Whether you’re in-state and want to stay close to home or applying from across the country, figuring out which Georgia med school is right and how to actually get in can feel impossible.
This article dives deep into all seven of Georgia’s medical schools. You’ll get a clear breakdown of their missions, admissions stats, curriculum formats, and more. We’ll highlight what makes each program distinct, whether you’re looking for cutting-edge research, a strong primary care emphasis, or early clinical exposure. By the end, you’ll know which Georgia school fits your goals and how to stand out in your application.
At Premed Catalyst, we’ve been through the stress of med school applications ourselves. That’s exactly why we created a free resource to show you what it really takes to get into schools like Georgetown, Emory, or MCG. You’ll get access to 8 full AMCAS applications that earned acceptances to top programs like UCLA, UCSF, and more.
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Let’s talk facts. If you’re applying to med school and haven’t seriously considered Georgia, you’re probably making a mistake and not just because Emory flexes its name on every US News list. The real reasons to consider Georgia run deeper than rankings.
1. Clinical training that’s actually clinical. Georgia’s mix of urban and rural populations gives students hands-on exposure to real medicine early. Whether it’s trauma in Atlanta or primary care in underserved counties, you’ll see what textbooks can’t teach.
2. Cost. Period. Public medical schools like MCG (Medical College of Georgia) offer in-state tuition that’s thousands less than private programs. That financial freedom means fewer years stressing over debt and more freedom to choose specialties for passion.
3. Emory. Grady. CDC. The triad that makes Georgia a research and public health powerhouse. Want to get published? Interested in global health or infectious disease? The infrastructure here is already in place.
4. Southern Hospitality is real. Long nights are just a little easier when you're surrounded by a culture that values kindness and community. That vibe translates into collaborative med school environments and tight-knit student bodies that don’t feel like you’re fighting to the death.
5. Residency match power. Georgia med schools consistently match students into top programs nationwide. You don’t need to train on the coasts and stay on the coasts. But if you want to stay in the South? Georgia’s got plenty of competitive residencies right in your backyard.
Georgia offers a diverse array of medical schools, each with its own strengths and focus areas. From top-tier research institutions to schools dedicated to serving underserved communities, Georgia's medical schools provide a range of opportunities for aspiring physicians.
Below is an overview of these institutions, including their degree offerings, average GPA and MCAT scores, and whether they are public or private.
Note: The average GPA and MCAT scores are based on the most recent available data and may vary slightly by year.
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Emory University School of Medicine is one of the top-ranked medical schools in the Southeast and for good reason. It’s known for strong clinical training, early patient contact, and access to major institutions like Grady Hospital and the CDC. Whether you're pursuing a single MD or a dual degree in public health, research, or business, Emory offers the infrastructure, faculty, and clinical access to support serious ambitions.
Founded in 1854 as Atlanta Medical College, Emory University School of Medicine has evolved into one of the Southeast's premier private medical institutions. Situated in Atlanta's historic Druid Hills neighborhood, the school is committed to excellence in education, biomedical research, and patient care.
Emory's MD program is highly competitive. For the Fall 2024 class:
Notably, 86% of the incoming class are non-traditional students, having taken at least a year off after college before matriculating.
Emory's MD curriculum is structured into four phases over four years:
This structure allows students to integrate basic and clinical sciences early and gain hands-on clinical experience sooner than many other programs.
This is where Emory flexes. From day one, you’re not just shadowing. You’re showing up. Students rotate through some of the most high-volume, high-acuity hospitals in the South, including:
You’ll see everything from complex tertiary care to safety-net medicine. That kind of diversity doesn’t just pad your résumé. It shapes you into a real doctor who can handle whatever walks through the door.
Early Clinical Experience: Students begin seeing patients in outpatient clinics during the early months of medical school, fostering hands-on learning from the beginning.
Research Opportunities: Emory's affiliation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other research institutions provides students with ample opportunities for research in various fields.
Diverse Patient Population: Training in Atlanta exposes students to a wide range of medical conditions and patient demographics, enhancing cultural competence and clinical skills.
If you want to treat patients, change policy, run hospitals, or push the frontiers of science, there’s a track for that:
These aren't vanity add-ons. Emory structures most of them to fit within med school timelines, so you're not adding years, just value.
Yes, you’ll be busy. But Emory makes sure you’re not just surviving but thriving.
The Medical College of Georgia (MCG) at Augusta University is Georgia's only public medical school and one of the oldest in the nation. If Emory is the sleek research machine, MCG is the mission-driven giant quietly pumping out more physicians for Georgia than any other institution.
It has a statewide campus system, a streamlined curriculum that lets some students finish in three years, and a tuition price tag that’s more affordable compared to the state’s private schools.
Founded in 1828, the Medical College of Georgia is the 13th oldest medical school in the country. Its mission? Train excellent doctors and send them to the parts of Georgia that need them most. MCG is about impact: real care for real people in real communities. It’s the school you go to when you want to get trained and get to work.
MCG has one of the largest class sizes in the country, but don’t let that fool you. This place is still selective.
MCG is a public school, and it doesn’t pretend otherwise. Its admissions process clearly favors in-state applicants, with over 90% of seats reserved for Georgia residents. That’s not shade, it’s mission alignment. The school exists to train physicians who’ll serve Georgia, especially in rural and underserved areas.
MCG runs a tight ship. The curriculum is organ-system-based and designed to get students into clinical rotations fast, typically by early Year 2. For the hyper-efficient: there’s the MCG 3+ track, which lets high-achieving students shave off a year and go straight into residency or a dual degree.
MCG doesn’t do the “one hospital, one city” model. You’ll train at clinical campuses across Georgia, from Augusta to Athens to Savannah to Albany. That means inner-city trauma, rural family med, community hospital nights. It’s all fair game.
This setup isn’t just good for variety. It’s a reality check. You’ll learn how to care for everyone, everywhere, with whatever resources are available. That's real-world training.
Statewide Campus System – You train across Georgia, not just in Augusta.
Affordability – One of the lowest tuition rates in the country, especially for in-state students.
Fast Track Options – The 3+ program is designed for students who want to hit the ground running.
Strong Primary Care Pipeline – MCG consistently sends grads into family med, pediatrics, and internal medicine.
MCG isn’t all primary care and rural rotations. There’s academic firepower here, too.
The Medical Scholars Program also gives you a shot at mentored research without committing to a full dual degree. You want options? MCG’s got them.
Life in Augusta is quieter than Atlanta, but that’s kind of the point. Lower cost of living, less noise, more focus. On-campus housing is available, and the simulation center and research labs are as good as any.
But don’t worry, it’s not all stethoscopes and study guides. There’s a growing community, student orgs for every interest, and plenty of coffee shops, trails, and hangout spots.
Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) is Georgia’s homegrown solution to the state’s rural healthcare crisis. MUSM is laser-focused on training physicians who will serve Georgia’s underserved and rural populations. With campuses in Macon, Savannah, and Columbus, MUSM offers a community-centered, patient-based curriculum that prepares students for real-world medical practice.
Mercer University School of Medicine was established in 1982 with a clear mission: to educate physicians and health professionals to meet the primary care and healthcare needs of rural and medically underserved areas of Georgia. Over 60% of MUSM graduates practice in Georgia, with more than 80% serving in rural or underserved areas.
MUSM is intentionally exclusive to Georgia residents, reflecting its commitment to serving the state's healthcare needs. Out-of-state applicants are not considered.
Here are the numbers you need to know:
Mercer’s curriculum skips the passive lectures and puts you in the middle of the action early. It’s Patient-Based Learning (PBL): small group, case-driven, and clinically relevant from the jump. You learn anatomy, pharmacology, and pathophysiology by solving real patient cases in teams, not by memorizing PowerPoint slides.
The structure emphasizes competencies, not just content. It’s a model that builds clinical thinking fast, and it sticks.
Mercer doesn’t limit you to one hospital or one city. With clinical campuses in Macon, Savannah, and Columbus, you’ll train across the state in hospitals and clinics that reflect the communities you’ll one day serve.
Expect early patient contact and a ton of hands-on learning. Whether it’s a rural health clinic or a regional medical center, you’ll leave Mercer knowing what it’s like to provide care where it’s needed most.
Georgia-only admissions — Mission integrity. By only accepting Georgia residents, they ensure every student has roots in the state and a reason to stay. It’s not just a med school. It's a homegrown physician pipeline.
PBL Curriculum — real-world learning from day one. Small groups work through actual clinical scenarios, integrating everything from anatomy to ethics. It trains you to think like a doctor, not like a trivia champ.
Early Clinicals — At Mercer, you start seeing patients fast. This isn’t a shadow-and-smile program. It’s hands-on. That early exposure builds confidence, communication, and competence while your peers at other schools are still behind a desk.
Three Campus System — Broad exposure to different communities and care systems across Georgia. Each location offers a different lens on medicine in Georgia: urban, rural, resource-rich, and resource-limited.
Mercer isn’t huge on academia-for-academia’s-sake. But if you’ve got the drive to go deeper, they’ve got the tracks:
You’ll also find plenty of research opportunities in areas like rural health, clinical outcomes, and community interventions. The vibe here is: research that solves problems, not just fills journals.
Mercer’s campuses are built for balance. You won’t find luxury lounges or futuristic sky bridges, but you’ll get modern simulation centers, strong student support, and small class sizes that make it easy to actually know your classmates and professors.
There’s housing near each campus, and a strong emphasis on community both inside and outside of medicine. It’s a place where students help each other, not just compete. And if wellness matters to you (and it should), Mercer takes it seriously with real support for mental, physical, and academic well-being.
Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) stands as a beacon for those committed to health equity. Situated in Atlanta, Georgia, MSM has a storied history of producing physicians who serve underserved communities. With a curriculum that emphasizes primary care and a mission deeply rooted in social responsibility, MSM offers a unique medical education experience.
Established in 1975 as a two-year program at Morehouse College, MSM became an independent institution in 1981. Its mission is clear: improve health outcomes, especially for people of color and underserved communities across Georgia and the nation. It’s about training doctors who don’t just practice medicine but close gaps in access and equity. MSM also pushes to diversify the healthcare workforce and backs it up with real programs in education, research, and service.
MSM isn’t just looking for high scores. It's looking for commitment. Commitment to service, to equity, and to the communities most often left behind. That being said, here are the numbers:
MSM's curriculum is designed to produce physicians proficient in both the science and art of medicine:
This approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern healthcare.
MSM provides students with diverse clinical experiences through affiliations with several healthcare institutions:
A National Leader in Health Equity – Every class, clinic, and community program is designed to train physicians who know how to treat patients in marginalized and under-resourced settings.
One of the Top Producers of Black Physicians – Year after year, MSM ranks among the top U.S. medical schools for graduating Black MDs.
Primary Care-Focused with Strong Match Outcomes – While many grads pursue primary care, MSM also matches students into competitive specialties. The foundation is strong no matter where you want to go.
MSM offers several dual-degree programs to cater to students' diverse interests:
These programs are designed to be completed within the standard timeframe of medical education, with dedicated periods for research and coursework.
MSM's campus in Atlanta offers a supportive environment for students:
The school's location in Atlanta also offers access to a diverse cultural scene, numerous healthcare institutions, and a variety of recreational activities.
PCOM Georgia brings PCOM’s “whole person” philosophy to the Southeast, offering a comprehensive medical education with a focus on serving the health needs of Georgia and surrounding states. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to interprofessional education, PCOM Georgia prepares students to become compassionate, competent healthcare professionals.
PCOM Georgia opened in 2005, but the DNA goes back to 1899 when the original PCOM started teaching medicine with its signature osteopathic twist. This campus was built to tackle a big issue: Georgia’s growing demand for healthcare professionals who understand the science and the person behind the symptoms.
The mission is simple and consistent: train doctors who treat people, not just diseases. The Georgia campus takes that to heart with a curriculum and culture that lean hard into service, empathy, and community-based care.
PCOM Georgia doesn’t drop its full data publicly, but here’s what we do know:
The DO curriculum at PCOM Georgia is built around systems-based learning and early clinical relevance. In other words, you won’t be sitting in lecture halls for two years wondering when it gets real.
It’s:
You’ll also start learning Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) from the jump. That means by the time you’re in rotations, you’ll be using your hands to treat musculoskeletal issues.
PCOM Georgia isn’t tied to a single hospital system. Instead, it uses a decentralized clinical model, meaning you’ll rotate at sites all across Georgia and the Southeast. Urban. Rural. Private. Public. You’ll see it all.
You’ll start with standardized patients and clinical scenarios on campus. Then, by your third and fourth years, you’re out in the field treating real patients. This model gives you massive variety and prepares you for the unpredictability of real-world practice.
Whole-Person Training – You’re not just learning how to read labs. You’re learning how to listen, observe, and understand patients as complete people.
OMM from Day One – Unlike some DO programs that treat it like an afterthought, PCOM Georgia makes OMM central to your training
Tech-Forward Facilities – Think simulation labs, ultrasound training, and a fully outfitted OMM clinic all on-site. It’s new, it’s polished, and it works.
Interprofessional Learning – You’ll cross paths with pharmacy, physical therapy, and other health students, learning to collaborate before you ever hit the wards.
If you’re looking to expand your training, PCOM Georgia offers:
And if you’re curious about research? You’ll find opportunities in clinical studies, biomedical science, and public health.
PCOM Georgia sits on a 25-acre suburban campus that’s modern without being overwhelming. You get clean, tech-equipped classrooms, a full sim center, and access to the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center.
There’s no on-campus housing at PCOM Georgia, but Suwanee makes up for it with plenty of affordable rentals just minutes from campus. It’s quiet, safe, and student-friendly. Campus life itself is tight-knit. Whether you’re into specialty medicine, public health, or just want to give back through community outreach, there’s a student org for it.
PCOM South Georgia, located in Moultrie, is the youngest branch of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, opening its doors in 2019. Despite its recent establishment, it carries the legacy of PCOM's commitment to osteopathic medicine, focusing on serving the healthcare needs of South Georgia and the Southeast. With state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum designed to address rural healthcare challenges, PCOM South Georgia offers a unique medical education experience.
PCOM South Georgia opened its doors in 2019, not to compete with Atlanta, but to serve the part of the state most med students forget about. Its mission is straightforward: train osteopathic doctors to serve rural Georgia and the Southeast. That means early clinicals, community rotations, and a curriculum tailored for real-world medicine in places that don’t have easy access to specialists or multi-hospital systems. It’s grassroots and intentional.
Don’t expect this to be a backup plan just because it’s newer. PCOM South Georgia is building a name and it’s selective.
They’re looking for future DOs who actually want to serve underserved communities. Stats matter, but mission fit matters more. And if you’re out of state? You can still apply and get in, but the farther you are from Georgia, the stronger your narrative needs to be. They want people who are building roots here, not just passing through.
The curriculum here mirrors PCOM’s other campuses which means it’s hands-on, systems-based, and patient-centered. You won’t spend two years buried in PowerPoints. Expect more of this:
Bottom line: you’ll learn how to treat the body, understand the person, and be ready for day-one rotations in tough, real-world settings.
Clinical years don’t lock you into one city. PCOM South Georgia places students across the region with small hospitals, rural clinics, and outpatient sites that reflect the communities they’re training you to serve.
New Campus Energy – This isn’t an aging facility with 90s tech. It’s a brand-new, 75,000-square-foot building packed with sim labs, OMM tables, and small-group learning spaces.
Real Relationships – Small class sizes mean you’ll know your faculty. They’ll know your name, your strengths, and how to push you.
Ground-Level Community Ties – This isn’t about flying in for a rotation and flying out. You’ll train in the communities you’re meant to serve, and you’ll feel the impact.
The main dual-degree option here is the DO/MS in Biomedical Sciences. It’s perfect if you’re interested in bench research or academic medicine.
But what stands out more is the community-driven research. You won’t just be doing lab work for publication. There are real opportunities to study local health challenges, help clinics improve care delivery, and design solutions that actually change outcomes in real-time.
PCOM South Georgia isn’t a commuter campus. You’ll actually build a life here. Students live nearby, study together, and build tight bonds fast. On-campus housing is available at the Meta Christy House, and the facilities are spotless: modern classrooms, sim centers, an OMM clinic, and quiet places to recharge.
Clubs and student orgs are growing, and because the class sizes are small, the support system is real. The culture is collaborative and Moultrie gives you just enough small-town calm to keep your head clear while you grind through med school.
The AU/UGA Medical Partnership isn’t your typical med school setup. It’s a collaboration between two academic powerhouses—Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia and the University of Georgia—designed to bring medical training to Athens.
But this isn’t just a satellite campus. It’s a full four-year program with small class sizes, early clinical exposure, and a serious focus on community-based care. If you want big-school resources with small-group mentorship and a med school that embeds you in the real healthcare needs of Georgia, this program delivers.
Founded in 2009, the AU/UGA Medical Partnership was created to expand medical education opportunities in Georgia and alleviate the state's physician shortage. By integrating MCG's medical curriculum with UGA's academic environment, the partnership aims to produce well-rounded physicians equipped to serve both urban and rural communities. The mission focuses on providing high-quality medical education, fostering research collaborations, and enhancing healthcare delivery across the state.
Admissions to the AU/UGA Medical Partnership are processed through the Medical College of Georgia's centralized application system. Applicants can indicate a campus preference, but assignments are based on multiple factors, including availability and institutional needs. The program maintains a strong preference for Georgia residents, reflecting its mission to serve the state's healthcare needs.
Here’s the breakdown for the 2025 cycle:
The AU/UGA Medical Partnership offers a hybrid curriculum that combines traditional lectures with small-group learning and early clinical experiences. The first two years focus on foundational sciences and clinical skills, while the third and fourth years involve clinical rotations across various specialties. The program emphasizes a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, fostering personalized instruction and mentorship.
Students at the AU/UGA Medical Partnership gain clinical experience through rotations at over 150 active clinical sites in Northeast Georgia, supported by nearly 400 clinical faculty members. These sites include hospitals, clinics, and community health centers, providing diverse patient care experiences. The program's community-based approach ensures that students are well-prepared to address the healthcare needs of various populations.
Collaborative Environment: The partnership between MCG and UGA fosters interdisciplinary learning and research opportunities.
Community Engagement: Students participate in initiatives like the Clarke Middle Health Center, providing primary care services to underserved populations.
Research Opportunities: Access to UGA's extensive research facilities allows students to engage in translational and clinical research projects.
Personalized Education: Small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio promote individualized learning experiences.
The AU/UGA Medical Partnership offers several dual-degree programs, including:
Students also have access to research opportunities through the Clinical and Translational Research Unit, facilitating studies that aim to improve human health.
Located on UGA's Health Sciences Campus, the AU/UGA Medical Partnership provides students with access to modern classrooms, laboratories, and study spaces. The campus features historic buildings and green spaces, creating a conducive learning environment.
Students can engage in various extracurricular activities supported by the Office of Student Affairs, which organizes faculty advising, student interest groups, and student government initiatives. The Athens community offers a vibrant cultural scene, enhancing the overall student experience.
Let’s cut through the confusion. Georgia has six very different medical schools, and picking the right one isn’t about “best overall.” It’s about best for you. Here’s how to think about it:
Want research prestige and access to places like the CDC?
Go Emory. It’s top-tier, high-MCAT, research-heavy, and loaded with dual-degree options. But it’s also competitive, expensive, and high-pressure.
Want clinical depth and incredible value as a Georgia resident?
MCG is your move. It’s big, efficient, statewide, and built to funnel doctors into every corner of Georgia. You’ll get excellent training without drowning in debt.
Want small-group learning and the feel of a liberal arts campus?
The AU/UGA Partnership in Athens gives you MCG-level training with a tighter, community-focused experience.
Want to treat underserved communities and change the face of medicine?
Morehouse is mission-first. It’s about equity, diversity, and showing up where other doctors don’t.
Want DO training with early patient exposure in a polished, modern setting?
PCOM Georgia in Suwanee delivers. It’s tech-forward, team-based, and hands-on from day one.
Want to stay local, serve rural Georgia, and become the doctor your hometown needs?
PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie is purpose-built for that. It’s new, focused, and mission-locked on fixing the physician gap in underserved communities.
Georgia offers a diverse range of medical schools, each with unique strengths and missions. However, exploring options beyond state lines can provide additional opportunities that align with your career goals, educational preferences, and financial considerations.
You don’t just want to understand Georgia med schools. You want to get in. And knowing what AdComs actually say yes to makes all the difference.
That’s why we built a free resource that shows you exactly what a successful application looks like, not in theory but in practice. You’ll get full access to 8 real AMCAS applications that earned spots at top schools like UCLA and UCSF. Use these applications to reverse-engineer your own.
Get your free resource here.
MD programs (like Emory, MCG, Morehouse, and the AU/UGA Partnership) follow the allopathic path—think traditional medicine, strong emphasis on research, and often more competitive entry stats.
DO programs (like PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) train you in osteopathic medicine, which includes everything MDs learn, plus a focus on holistic care and hands-on treatment through Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). Both lead to the same residency match and licensing, but the philosophy and training experience can feel very different.
Not many. Georgia schools are heavily in-state focused, especially the public ones:
Yes, and they offer very different vibes.
Athens: Home to the AU/UGA Medical Partnership, a smaller, community-based MD program tied to the Medical College of Georgia and UGA.
Savannah: Hosts third- and fourth-year clinical rotations for MCG students as part of their statewide campus system. There’s no separate Savannah-based med school, but it’s an important clinical hub.
Three schools lead that charge:
PCOM South Georgia: Built from the ground up in Moultrie to train DOs who will stay and serve rural Georgia, and it shows in every part of the program.