Medical Schools in Texas: Insider’s Look at All 16

June 25, 2025

Written By

Michael Minh Le

Subscribe to the Premed Catalyst Newsletter

Weekly Advice to Stand out from 50,000+ Applicants
Get weekly emails designed to help you become competitive for your dream school.

Medical Schools in Texas: Insider’s Look at All 16

If you're looking at medical schools in Texas, you're not alone. Thousands of premeds zero in on the Lone Star State every year, lured by its low tuition, powerhouse programs, and unique application system. But with so many options and a completely different process than the rest of the country, how do you know where to even start? Whether you're drawn to Baylor’s prestige or UT Southwestern’s clinical reach, this guide will break it all down.

This article dives into some of the top medical schools in Texas, including Baylor, UT Southwestern, McGovern, Texas Tech, and UTMB, with overviews of all the rest. We'll also give you a glimpse into the cost of going to med school in this state, the best places to live, the TMDSAS system, and how to know which school is right for you.

We’ve been where you are: scrolling forums, second-guessing school lists, and wondering if our applications were even good enough. That’s why at Premed Catalyst we pulled together 8 full AMCAS applications that earned real acceptances to top med schools like UCLA. You’ll get an inside look at the activities sections, personal statements, secondaries, and more so you can see exactly what worked. Use them to craft a cohesive, compelling application that AdComs can’t ignore.

Get your free resource here.

The Texas Medical School Arena

Texas isn’t just big in size. It’s massive in opportunity when it comes to medical education. With a centralized application system (TMDSAS), a mix of public and private institutions, and significantly lower tuition than the national average, it’s no wonder so many premeds set their sights here. 

But navigating the Texas landscape comes with its own challenges, like understanding how MD vs. DO paths align with your goals and figuring out which schools you actually have a shot at.

MD vs. DO: How to Choose

MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degrees both lead to the same destination: you become a licensed physician. But how you get there and what philosophy of care you embrace along the way differs. 

MD schools in Texas are often more research-focused and tend to have slightly higher academic averages. DO schools emphasize holistic care and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which can be a great fit for those drawn to primary care or rural medicine. The key is knowing your learning style, long-term goals, and where your stats align best.

Texas Medical School Snapshot: Here Are Your Choices

Texas is home to sixteen medical schools and all of them are competitive with their own unique strengths. From research powerhouses like Baylor and UT Southwestern to community-centered programs like Sam Houston State, there’s a wide range of missions, class sizes, and training environments to explore.

Here’s a snapshot of all sixteen schools:

Baylor College of Medicine

Located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Baylor College of Medicine is a private health sciences university recognized for its excellence in education, research, and patient care. Consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the country, BCM attracts students from across the globe who are passionate about advancing medicine. Its relatively small class sizes, early clinical immersion, and close affiliations with some of the best hospitals in the world make it a prime choice for future physicians seeking a high-impact medical education.

History & Mission

Established in 1900 as the University of Dallas Medical Department, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) became affiliated with Baylor University in 1903. In 1943, it relocated to Houston to join the newly formed Texas Medical Center. By 1969, BCM became an independent, nonsectarian institution. Today, its mission is to create knowledge and apply science and discoveries to further education, healthcare, and community service locally and globally.

Academic Stats

Admission to BCM is highly competitive. The average GPA was 3.94, and the average MCAT score was 519. BCM received approximately 6,688 applications for 226 available spots. That means you're facing an acceptance rate of about 4.1%.

Notably, Baylor College of Medicine accepts both in-state and out-of-state applicants fairly equally, with roughly 50% of students coming from Texas and the other 50% from out of state. This makes BCM somewhat unique among Texas medical schools, which often heavily favor in-state applicants.

Curriculum Format

BCM's MD program offers a four-year curriculum that integrates foundational sciences with clinical experiences. The first 18 months focus on foundational sciences, followed by core clinical clerkships in various specialties, including Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Neurology, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Family and Community Medicine, and Surgery.

Clinical Exposure

Students gain hands-on clinical experience at several renowned institutions within the Texas Medical Center, such as Ben Taub Hospital, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center, and Texas Children's Hospital. These diverse settings provide exposure to a wide range of patient populations and medical conditions.

Unique Strengths

Early Clinical Exposure

Baylor integrates clinical experiences starting in the first year, allowing students to develop patient interaction skills and clinical reasoning early in their training. This head start enhances confidence and prepares students for clerkships more effectively than traditional models.

Patient-Centered Learning

The curriculum is built around a patient-centered philosophy, emphasizing communication, empathy, and ethical decision-making. Students are trained to treat not just the illness but the person behind it

Commitment to Research and Innovation

Baylor College of Medicine pulls in over $174 million a year in research funding and collaborates across the entire Texas Medical Center. That means students don’t just study science. They get to build it, from benchwork to clinical trials.

Unmatched Location

Situated in the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, BCM students benefit from daily exposure to a wide spectrum of healthcare settings, specialists, and research institutions. This unique environment fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and offers a training experience few schools can match.

Dual Degrees & Research Opportunities

BCM offers several dual-degree programs, including:

  • MD/Ph.D.
  • MD/M.B.A. (in partnership with Rice University and Baylor University)
  • MD/M.P.H. (with the University of Texas School of Public Health)
  • MD/M.S. in Biomedical Informatics (with UTHealth Houston)

BCM is a leading institution with over $174 million in annual research funding. Students have access to a wide array of research opportunities across basic science, translational, and clinical disciplines.

Student Life & Facilities

Baylor College of Medicine offers an enriching student experience anchored in the dynamic Texas Medical Center. Students have access to a state-of-the-art Wellness Center with a basketball court, fitness areas, and wellness programs like snack and meal services during exams. 

BCM supports over 70 student organizations ranging from specialty interest groups to cultural and community service clubs, encouraging leadership and connection beyond the classroom. The campus provides secure, 24-hour badge access and is surrounded by world-class hospitals and research institutions, enhancing both clinical exposure and lifestyle.

UT Southwestern Medical School

Located in Dallas, Texas, UT Southwestern Medical School is a nationally recognized leader in medical education, clinical care, and biomedical research. As part of the UT Southwestern Medical Center, the school offers unmatched access to major hospitals like Parkland Memorial and Clements University Hospital. 

Known for its academic rigor, low tuition, and influential faculty, including multiple Nobel Laureates, UT Southwestern trains students to become compassionate, competent, and forward-thinking physicians in one of the country’s most diverse and medically dynamic environments.

History & Mission

UT Southwestern was founded in 1943 to serve the growing healthcare needs of North Texas. Originally a wartime medical training facility, it has since evolved into one of the country’s most prestigious public medical schools. The school’s mission is to improve health and build a healthier society by providing transformative education, advancing innovative research, and delivering compassionate care.

Academic Stats

For the entering class of 2028, UT Southwestern Medical School received approximately 5,527 applications for 232 available spots, resulting in an acceptance rate of about 4.2%. The average GPA of matriculants was 3.89, and the average MCAT score was 516

The class comprised 87.1% Texas residents and 12.9% out-of-state students, reflecting the school's priority of serving the state's healthcare needs while still welcoming diverse perspectives.

Curriculum Format

UT Southwestern’s curriculum combines a strong scientific foundation with early clinical experience. The pre-clinical phase lasts about 18 months and integrates basic science with clinical reasoning, followed by core clerkships in major specialties. The school uses a “colleges” system where students are grouped for mentorship and career guidance, fostering close faculty relationships and peer support. Distinction tracks in areas like global health, research, and medical education let students customize their training based on their interests.

Clinical Exposure

Students at UT Southwestern gain hands-on clinical experience at several renowned institutions, including Parkland Hospital, Children's Medical Center Dallas, and William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital. These settings expose students to high-acuity trauma, underserved patient populations, and complex specialty care, all under the mentorship of leading physicians.

Unique Strengths

Top-Ranked for Value

UT Southwestern is consistently ranked among the most affordable medical schools in the U.S., offering top-tier education with relatively low tuition and cost of living. For Texas residents especially, it delivers an unmatched return on investment.

Parkland Memorial Hospital Training

Students rotate through Parkland, one of the nation’s busiest public hospitals, gaining exposure to high-acuity, diverse cases that most med students won’t encounter until residency.

Nobel Laureate Faculty

The school boasts six Nobel Prize-winning faculty members and a culture of academic excellence. This depth of expertise makes it a hub for discovery, and students benefit directly through mentorship and access to pioneering research.

High Residency Match Rates

UT Southwestern students routinely match into top residency programs across the country. The school's rigorous training, strong reputation, and extensive clinical exposure prepare graduates for competitive specialties and prestigious institutions.

Dual Degrees & Research Opportunities

UT Southwestern offers dual-degree options, including an MD/PhD through its prestigious Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), as well as an MD/MPH in collaboration with its new School of Public Health. 

The school’s commitment to research is reflected in over $500 million in annual research funding and a strong infrastructure that supports student involvement in both basic science and clinical research. There are structured summer research programs, scholarly concentration tracks, and the option to graduate with distinction in research.

Student Life & Facilities

Student life at UT Southwestern centers around wellness, community, and opportunity. The Bryan Williams, MD Student Center includes a full gym, basketball courts, and group fitness classes. More than 70 student organizations cover everything from specialty interest groups to community outreach and cultural clubs. 

The Dallas campus is modern and walkable, with a shuttle service between major hospital systems. Students benefit from career advising, academic support, mental health services, and a city filled with professional opportunities, affordable housing, and a growing healthcare ecosystem.

McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

Situated in the heart of the Texas Medical Center in Houston, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston stands as one of the largest medical schools in the United States. Established in 1969, the school is renowned for its commitment to serving diverse communities, emphasizing primary care, and integrating humanism into medical education. 

With a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, McGovern Medical School offers students a dynamic and inclusive environment to develop into compassionate and competent physicians.

History & Mission

Founded by the Texas Legislature in 1969 to address the shortage of physicians in Houston, McGovern Medical School enrolled its first class of 19 students in 1970. In 2015, a transformative $75 million gift from the John P. McGovern Foundation led to the school's renaming, honoring Dr. McGovern's dedication to humanistic medicine. 

The school's mission is to educate a diverse body of future physicians and biomedical scientists dedicated to the highest ideals of their profession, provide outstanding patient-centered care, and conduct innovative research that benefits the health and well-being of Texas and beyond.

Academic Stats

For the 2024 entering class, the school received 5,699 applications for 240 spots, resulting in an acceptance rate of approximately 4.21%. The average GPA of matriculants was 3.92, and the average MCAT score was 513. The class comprises both Texas residents and out-of-state students, reflecting the school's commitment to serving the state's diverse population while embracing a broad range of perspectives.

Curriculum Format

McGovern Medical School's curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education rooted in scientific and clinical excellence, coupled with compassionate patient care. The program integrates classroom instruction, small group sessions, clinical experiences, and simulation-based learning. Students engage in early clinical exposure and have opportunities to participate in various scholarly concentrations and electives that align with their interests and career goals.

Clinical Exposure

Students at McGovern Medical School gain hands-on clinical experience at several renowned institutions within the Texas Medical Center, including Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, and MD Anderson Cancer Center. These diverse settings provide exposure to a wide range of patient populations and medical conditions, enhancing students' clinical skills and understanding of healthcare delivery.

Unique Strengths

Emphasis on Primary Care and Community Service
McGovern Medical School has a strong commitment to primary care and serving underserved communities, preparing students to address healthcare disparities effectively.

Integration of Humanism in Medicine

The school emphasizes the importance of empathy, ethics, and professionalism in medical practice, fostering a culture of compassionate care.

Diverse Clinical Training Opportunities

With affiliations to multiple hospitals and clinics, students experience a broad spectrum of medical specialties and patient demographics.

Research and Innovation

Students have access to extensive research opportunities across various disciplines, supported by collaborations with institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Dual Degrees & Research Opportunities

McGovern Medical School offers several dual-degree programs to cater to students' diverse interests:

  • MD/PhD through the Medical Scientist Training Program in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center.
  • MD/MPH. in partnership with the UTHealth School of Public Health.
  • MD/MBA in collaboration with the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
  • MD/MS in Biomedical Informatics with the McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics.

Student Life & Facilities

McGovern Medical School offers a vibrant student life enriched by its location in Houston. The Learning Resource Center provides over 10,000 square feet of study space, including individual carrels and group study rooms, supporting both independent and collaborative learning. 

Students have access to fitness facilities, including the McGovern Medical School Fitness Center and the UTHealth Recreation Center, promoting wellness and work-life balance. A variety of student organizations and support services are available, fostering a sense of community and professional development.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Established in 1969 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) is dedicated to addressing the healthcare needs of West Texas and beyond. With campuses in Lubbock, Amarillo, and Odessa, the school offers a community-focused education emphasizing primary care, rural medicine, and interprofessional collaboration. Students benefit from diverse clinical experiences, innovative research opportunities, and a commitment to serving underserved populations.

History & Mission

Founded by the 61st Texas Legislature in 1969, TTUHSC School of Medicine was created to improve access to healthcare in West Texas. The school's mission is to enhance the health of communities by providing high-quality education, patient care, and research, with a focus on primary and specialty care in underserved areas.

Academic Stats

For the 2025 entering class, TTUHSC School of Medicine received approximately 5,500 applications for 182 available spots. That’s an acceptance rate of about 3.3%. The average GPA of matriculants was 3.93, and the average MCAT score was 512.

The school maintains a strong focus on training Texas physicians. Of the 2025 matriculants, 91.2% were Texas residents, while 8.8% were from out of state.

Curriculum Format

TTUHSC offers a flexible curriculum that includes both a traditional four-year MD program and an accelerated three-year Family Medicine Accelerated Track (FMAT) for students committed to primary care. The curriculum integrates basic sciences and clinical experiences from the early stages, emphasizing interprofessional education and community engagement. Students have opportunities to participate in various scholarly concentrations and electives that align with their interests and career goals.

Clinical Exposure

Students at TTUHSC gain hands-on clinical experience at several affiliated hospitals and clinics across its campuses, including University Medical Center in Lubbock, Northwest Texas Healthcare System in Amarillo, and Medical Center Hospital in Odessa. These diverse settings provide exposure to a wide range of patient populations and medical conditions, enhancing students' clinical skills and understanding of healthcare delivery.

Unique Strengths

Focus on Rural and Underserved Communities

TTUHSC is committed to addressing healthcare disparities by training physicians to serve in rural and underserved areas, particularly in West Texas.

Accelerated Family Medicine Program

The FMAT program allows students to complete their medical degree in three years, reducing educational costs and addressing the need for primary care physicians.

Interprofessional Education

With multiple health profession schools under one roof, TTUHSC fosters collaborative learning among medical, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health students.

Community Engagement

Programs like "Medicine on the Move" and telemedicine partnerships extend healthcare services to remote areas, providing students with unique community-based learning experiences.

Dual Degrees & Research Opportunities

TTUHSC offers several dual-degree programs to cater to students' diverse interests:

  • MD/PhD through the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, preparing students for careers in academic medicine and research.
  • MD/MBA in collaboration with Texas Tech University's Rawls College of Business, equipping students with leadership and management skills in healthcare.
  • MD/MPH in partnership with the Julia Jones Matthews School of Population and Public Health, focusing on public health and preventive medicine.

Student Life & Facilities

TTUHSC provides a supportive and resource-rich environment for students across its campuses. Facilities include modern classrooms, simulation centers, and fitness centers. Students can participate in various organizations and community service initiatives, such as the Student National Medical Association's "Docs for a Day" program, which inspires youth to pursue careers in medicine. 

The Office of Student Affairs offers comprehensive support, including academic advising, career counseling, and wellness resources, ensuring a balanced and enriching medical school experience.

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB)

Established in 1891 as the first medical school in Texas, the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston has a longstanding tradition of excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. Located on Galveston Island, UTMB offers students a unique blend of historical significance and cutting-edge medical training within the Texas Medical Center.

History & Mission

UTMB was founded in 1891 to address the healthcare needs of Texas and has since grown into a comprehensive academic health center. Its mission is to improve health for the people of Texas and beyond through innovative education, advanced training, cutting-edge research, and exceptional patient care. 

The institution is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It strives to educate skilled physicians and scientists who reflect the populations they serve and are prepared to meet the challenges of an evolving healthcare landscape.

Academic Stats

For the 2023–2024 academic year, UTMB's John Sealy School of Medicine received 5,097 applications and enrolled 230 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of approximately 4.51%. The average GPA of matriculants was 3.87, and the average MCAT score was 513

While specific data on in-state versus out-of-state enrollment is not provided, UTMB, as a public institution in Texas, primarily serves Texas residents.

Curriculum Format

UTMB employs an Integrated Medical Curriculum (IMC) that combines basic sciences and clinical experiences throughout the four-year program. The pre-clerkship phase focuses on foundational sciences integrated across organ systems, while the clerkship phase offers hands-on clinical training in various specialties. The curriculum emphasizes early clinical exposure, interprofessional education, and the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Clinical Exposure

Students rotate through clinical sites, including John Sealy Hospital, a major trauma and teaching hospital; UTMB Health League City and Angleton Danbury campuses, which offer suburban and semi-rural community care; and the Galveston National Laboratory, one of the few high-containment research labs in the U.S. This variety exposes students to everything from high-acuity emergency medicine to continuity care in outpatient settings.

Unique Strengths

Integrated Medical Curriculum

The IMC offers a cohesive learning experience that integrates basic sciences with clinical practice, fostering a comprehensive understanding of medicine.

Diverse Clinical Training Sites

Affiliations with multiple hospitals and clinics provide students with varied clinical experiences across different healthcare settings.

Research Opportunities

UTMB offers extensive research opportunities in various fields, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and collaborations with renowned institutions.

Commitment to Community Health

The institution emphasizes serving underserved populations and addressing healthcare disparities through community engagement and public health initiatives.

Dual Degrees & Research Opportunities

UTMB offers several dual-degree programs to cater to students' diverse interests:

  • MD/MPH in collaboration with the School of Public and Population Health, allowing students to complete both degrees within four years. 
  • MD/PhD through the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, preparing students for careers in academic medicine and research.
  • MD/MBA in partnership with the University of Houston-Clear Lake, equipping students with leadership and management skills in healthcare.

Student Life & Facilities

UTMB provides a supportive and resource-rich environment for students. The Lee Hage Jamail Student Center offers various services, including study rooms, fitness facilities, and student lounges. The Moody Medical Library, the oldest medical library in Texas, provides extensive resources for study and research. While UTMB does not offer on-campus housing, the Office of Student Life assists students in finding suitable accommodations in Galveston.

Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM)

Located in Conroe, SHSU-COM is dedicated to addressing the shortage of primary care physicians in Texas, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The college offers a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care.

For the 2024–2025 academic year, the average GPA of enrolled students is 3.65, and the average MCAT score is 506. The program admits approximately 108 students annually, with a strong preference for Texas residents.

SHSU-COM integrates early clinical exposure and osteopathic manipulative treatment into its curriculum. It stands out for its explicit commitment to training students who plan to stay and serve in East Texas and similar regions. If you're a Texas resident with strong ties to rural health, this is one of the few programs designed from the ground up with you in mind.

Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) at UNT Health Science Center

TCOM at UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth is one of the highest-ranked DO schools in the country. For the 2023 cycle, the average GPA was 3.83, and the average MCAT score was 508. The acceptance rate was approximately 5.5%, with 231 matriculants from over 4,200 applicants. A striking 93% of admitted students were Texas residents, reinforcing the school's mission to serve the state.

TCOM is nationally recognized for producing primary care physicians and has extensive rural training pathways like the ROME program. Students benefit from both a strong osteopathic curriculum and access to a robust clinical network in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. If you're interested in getting a DO and serious about primary care, TCOM is a top-tier option.

University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM)

UIWSOM, a private Catholic-affiliated DO school in San Antonio, has an average GPA of 3.60 and an average MCAT of 504. The school does not publicly release its acceptance rate, but with small class sizes (~162 students) and thousands of applicants, competition is real. Approximately 73% of matriculants are Texas residents, though the school is more open to out-of-state applicants than most TMDSAS schools.

UIWSOM emphasizes social accountability, community engagement, and culturally competent care. Its curriculum is built around integrated systems and early clinical immersion. For students passionate about holistic care and equity in medicine, especially in underserved communities, then UIWSOM is a solid fit.

Burnett School of Medicine at TCU

TCU’s Burnett School of Medicine, located in Fort Worth, is a private MD-granting institution with a strong focus on innovation and compassionate care. The average GPA is 3.66, and the average MCAT is 509. The school’s acceptance rate is approximately 0.73%, with just 60 students admitted from more than 8,000 applicants. It does not participate in TMDSAS, instead using AMCAS.

The school features Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships, small class sizes, and a strong emphasis on patient communication. With backing from TCU and deep ties to local hospitals, it offers personalized mentorship and a forward-thinking curriculum. It’s a great choice for students looking for a private school feel with Texas clinical access.

Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine (University of Houston)

This relatively new MD program in Houston admits around 30–60 students per class. While official acceptance rates are not available yet, the school received nearly 6,000 applications in its inaugural year. The average GPA is around 3.75, and the MCAT average hovers near 505. The school strongly favors Texas residents committed to community and primary care.

What makes Fertitta College of Medicine unique is its mission-driven curriculum centered around social determinants of health, underserved communities, and interprofessional education. Students begin clinical experiences in the first semester, often in community clinics. If you're passionate about health equity and grassroots medicine, this school was built with you in mind.

UT Tyler School of Medicine

The newest public MD school in Texas, UT Tyler admitted its first class in 2023. The average GPA is 3.84, MCAT is 505, and its acceptance rate was a razor-thin 0.86% (40 students from 4,649 applicants). As expected for a state school, in-state preference is strong, with nearly all accepted students being Texas residents.

This school was founded specifically to serve the underserved East Texas region. The curriculum includes early community-based clinical exposure and a strong focus on primary care. For applicants who want to practice in smaller Texas towns or who hail from rural backgrounds, UT Tyler offers a unique chance to train and stay local.

UTRGV School of Medicine

Located in Edinburg, UTRGV SOM offers an MD program designed to meet the healthcare needs of the Rio Grande Valley. For the 2023 entering class, the average GPA was 3.79, and the average MCAT score was 507. With an acceptance rate of just 1.22% (55 matriculants from 4,494 applicants), it is among the most selective in the state. The school has a strong preference for Texas residents and applicants with a demonstrated commitment to the region.

UTRGV excels in culturally competent care, public health integration, and research in border-related health issues like diabetes and infectious disease. Its location and mission make it an ideal school for students interested in public service, bilingual care, and addressing systemic healthcare disparities.

Life as a Med Student in Texas

Texas is one of the most attractive states in the U.S. for pursuing a medical degree, combining nationally recognized training programs with a remarkably low cost of attendance, especially for in-state students.

Cost of Attendance Breakdown

The average tuition and fees for public medical schools in Texas are approximately $28,350 for residents and $40,411 for non-residents for the 2024–2025 academic year.

Beyond tuition, students should budget for additional expenses, including housing, food, transportation, books, supplies, health insurance, and personal costs. For example, at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the estimated total cost of attendance for the 2024–2025 academic year is $64,601 for Texas residents and $78,216 for non-residents.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated annual costs for Texas residents at UT Southwestern:

  • Tuition and Fees: $25,372
  • Books and Supplies: $1,500
  • Laptop: $2,500
  • Health Insurance: $3,568
  • Housing and Meals: $25,100
  • Transportation: $2,740
  • Personal Expenses: $2,500

Best Cities for Training & Living

Texas is home to several cities that offer excellent medical training opportunities combined with a high quality of life. Here are some of the top cities for medical students:

Houston: As the location of the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, Houston provides unparalleled clinical and research opportunities. The city's diverse population offers exposure to a wide range of medical conditions and patient backgrounds.

Dallas: Home to UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas offers a robust healthcare ecosystem with numerous hospitals and research institutions. The city's cost of living is moderate compared to other major U.S. cities, making it an attractive option for students.

San Antonio: With institutions like UT Health San Antonio, the city emphasizes primary care and serving underserved communities. San Antonio's rich cultural heritage and lower cost of living enhance the student experience.

Austin: Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin focuses on innovation in medical education and healthcare delivery. Austin's vibrant music scene, outdoor activities, and tech industry presence make it a dynamic place to live and study.

Galveston: Home to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston offers a unique coastal environment. The city's relaxed atmosphere and historic charm provide a distinctive backdrop for medical training.

How to Navigate the TMDSAS

If you're applying to Texas medical schools, you’re stepping outside the AMCAS and AACOMAS systems most premeds use and entering TMDSAS territory. The Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) is its own ecosystem with its own rules, deadlines, and quirks.

Here’s what sets it apart:

  • Earlier Timeline: TMDSAS opens in early May, earlier than AMCAS. Submitting early is critical, especially since Texas schools emphasize rolling admissions even more than most.
  • Different Essays: While AMCAS relies heavily on one personal statement, TMDSAS requires three: a personal characteristics essay, a personal statement, and an optional essay that’s often treated like a required one if you want to stand out.
  • No “Most Meaningful” Activities: TMDSAS doesn’t ask you to rank or elaborate on your top three experiences. That means it’s entirely on you to tell a cohesive story through your activities section without the help of bolded labels or extra characters.
  • Match System: After interviews, TMDSAS uses a match system where both schools and applicants rank preferences. It’s not quite as intense as residency match, but it still adds a layer of strategy that most other med school applicants don’t have to deal with.
  • In-State Favoritism: Texas schools are legally incentivized to accept Texas residents. That means if you're from out of state, you’ll need an application that’s not just competitive but undeniable.

The only exceptions to this rule are the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, which uses AACOMAS, and Texas Christian University and the University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Medicine, which uses AMCAS.

Which Texas Med School is Right for You?

Let’s be real: no school is “the best” across the board. But there is a best school for you. Picking the right Texas med school comes down to knowing what kind of training environment pushes you to grow and what kind of doctor you want to be when all the white coat ceremonies and Step exams are behind you.

If you want to be thrown into the deep end fast with real patients, high-acuity cases, and the kind of hospital intensity that turns impostor syndrome into confidence, then UT Southwestern or UTMB might be your scene. You’ll learn on the job, and you’ll learn fast.

If you care about research and national prestige, and want your mentors to include Nobel Laureates and global health pioneers, Baylor College of Medicine delivers, especially with its position in the Texas Medical Center.

If your heart beats for underserved communities, rural medicine, or primary care, Texas Tech and McGovern were built for that. Their missions align with boots-on-the-ground medicine. You’ll spend less time talking about health disparities and more time actively doing something about them.

And if you’re looking to shake things up with innovative curriculum, leadership development, rethinking what medicine even is, then Dell Med in Austin is where you’ll find the disruptors and designers.

Bottom line: Don’t get caught chasing prestige. Chase fit. Chase the kind of training that makes you uncomfortable in the best way because that’s where real growth happens.

Why You Should Still Look Beyond Texas

Texas med schools are incredible with low cost, strong training, diverse patients, and match outcomes that hold up anywhere. But even if you’re a Texas resident, don’t make the mistake of applying with blinders on. Limiting your school list can box you into a narrow set of outcomes and leave you without options.

 Here are guides to help you figure out if another state might be your perfect match:

New York

California

Florida

Oregon

Arizona

New Jersey

Georgia

Model Your App After Real AMCAS That Earned Acceptances

Texas is a goldmine for med school with low tuition, strong clinicals, and name-brand programs that compete nationally. But let’s be honest: the application process here is a maze. The TMDSAS system throws off even the savviest premeds. And with sixteen schools and thousands of equally hungry applicants, it’s hard to know where you stand or how to stand out.

At Premed Catalyst, we put together a free resource with 8 real AMCAS applications that got accepted to top schools like UCLA. You’ll see exactly how students structured their personal statements, filled out their activities sections, and more. So, if you’re tired of guessing and want to model your app after what actually works, grab the resource and start building an application that holds up anywhere, Texas included.

Get your free resource here.