Choosing the right medical school is a big decision that requires careful consideration. If you're thinking about attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) for med school, we’re here to help you make an informed choice.
In this guide, we'll answer some common questions you might have, such as:
How many HBCUs offer medical school programs?
Which HBCU has the best* medical school program?
How much does it cost to attend an HBCU medical school?
What MCAT score do you need to get into an HBCU medical school?
What are the potential pros and cons of choosing an HBCU for your medical education?
(*Note that “best” is something to think about more in terms of best for you and your goals—we’ll talk you through what to consider.)
But before we dive into the details, let's start with a brief look at the historical importance of HBCU medical schools in the United States.
History of HBCU Medical Schools
Historically Black Colleges and Universities trace their roots back to the nineteenth century, when racial segregation was the norm in the United States. These colleges and universities provided educational opportunities, including medical education, for Black students who were not allowed to study at other academic institutions.
In 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War, the first HBCU medical school emerged as a response to the racial disparities in healthcare. Since then, HBCU medical schools have trained thousands of Black healthcare professionals to serve their communities and address the healthcare needs of underserved populations.
In 2022, only 5.7% of medical professionals identified as Black or African-American. However, 70% of Black doctors in the US are HBCU graduates. HBCU medical schools are not only helping to create a diverse and highly skilled healthcare workforce but also conducting vital research that has benefited society as a whole.
How many HBCU medical schools are there?
There are over 100 HBCUs. However, only four of them offer medical school programs:
Howard University College of Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine
Meharry Medical College
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
What are the four HBCU medical schools?
Below, we share essential information about the four HBCU medical schools, including the estimated annual cost of attendance and the minimum MCAT scores for applicants.
Howard University College of Medicine
Founded in 1868 and the oldest HBCU medical school, the Howard University College of Medicine has awarded medical degrees to more than 4,000 living graduates. Around 70% of the student body comes from underrepresented minorities.
The core values of the Howard University College of Medicine are deeply rooted in the mission to train physicians committed to providing healthcare to underserved communities, focusing on eliminating healthcare disparities.
Quick facts
Location: Washington, D.C.
Estimated annual cost of attendance: $90,000+
Minimum MCAT score: 494
Morehouse School of Medicine
The Morehouse School of Medicine, founded in 1981, has awarded medical degrees to over 1,400 graduates. It’s home to several world-renowned research centers and institutes, including The Cardiovascular Research Institute, The Center of Excellence on Health Disparities, and The National Center for Primary Care.
The medical school’s core mission is to train healthcare professionals committed to addressing health disparities and improving the overall health and well-being of underserved urban and rural populations in Georgia, the nation, and the world.
Quick facts
Location: Atlanta, GA
Estimated annual cost of attendance: $98,000+
Minimum MCAT score: 506
Meharry Medical College
Established in 1876, Meharry Medical College is the South's first medical school for African Americans. It has also earned national recognition for being a leading producer of African-American Ph.D. graduates in biomedical sciences.
Meharry Medical College is dedicated to the advancement of health equity. The medical college actively seeks to drive progress and address health disparities through pioneering research, transformative educational programs, delivering compassionate health services, and influential thought leadership in policy.
Quick facts
Location: Nashville, TN
Estimated annual cost of attendance: $96,000+
Minimum MCAT score: 500+
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Established in 1966, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science has gained recognition for its significant contributions to health disparities research. The institution places a particular emphasis on education, training, and treatment in areas such as cancer, diabetes, cardiometabolic conditions, and HIV/AIDS. The majority of CDU students (over 80 percent) and faculty (over 71 percent) come from communities of color.
The university is committed to providing a unique and specialized education that nurtures the growth of future leaders in the medical and healthcare professions. Graduates learn to not only conduct empirical research but also to effectively translate their work into tangible progress for social justice and health equity.
Quick facts
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Estimated annual cost of attendance: $117, 110
Minimum MCAT score: N/A
The two new HBCU medical schools
Two new HBCU medical school programs are on the horizon, aiming to contribute to the rich legacy of healthcare education in underserved communities. Here’s what we know so far about these new programs.
Xavier University of Louisiana
In 2025, Xavier University of Louisiana plans to establish a Graduate School of Health Sciences and Medical School. This news comes with excitement, given that Xavier is one of the top three undergraduate universities for Black and African-American students who go on to apply to MD-granting medical schools in the United States.
Morgan State University
In 2024, Morgan State University plans to open a College of Osteopathic Medicine in partnership with Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore. The university plans to enroll around 700 students in the medical school. They also plan to strongly emphasize population health, working with communities to prevent health problems.
“Top” HBCU medical schools
When determining the "top" HBCU medical school programs, it's crucial to approach the question with a nuanced perspective. While medical school rankings like those found in the U.S. News and World Report can offer some guidance, they only provide a snapshot of a school's performance. The ranking criteria may also not align with your individual goals, values, and preferences. So if you’re going to use rankings, we’d highly recommend reading about their ranking methodology so you can get a better sense of how well those rankings actually work for you.
That being said, among the HBCU medical schools, Howard University College of Medicine consistently emerges as one of the most respected and renowned medical schools. Another notable HBCU med school is Morehouse School of Medicine, which was recently recognized as a top institution among U.S. medical schools for its social mission.
Still, it's essential to consider your personal aspirations and career objectives to determine the “top” HBCU medical school for you. Factors like location, the expertise of the faculty, the availability of resources, and especially specific programs offered seem likely to carry more weight in your decision-making process than overall rankings.
Should I attend an HBCU medical school?
No matter where you choose to apply for med school, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Here, we discuss some potential pros and cons of attending an HBCU medical school.
The pros
Sense of belonging and confidence. Recent research has shown that Black medical students at HBCU medical schools reported a greater sense of belonging and higher confidence in their abilities compared to those attending medical schools at predominately white institutions (PWIs).
Higher residency confidence. In the same research study, HBCU students also indicated higher confidence about being accepted into top residency programs, potentially expanding their career opportunities.
More inclusive and supportive environment. The research findings also suggest that Black medical students at PWIs may experience more everyday discrimination, leading to reduced perceptions of their ability to succeed within medical school. Black students attending HBCU medical schools may find it easier to avoid this problem.
Legacy and history. HBCUs have a rich history of contributing to the fight for racial equality and civil rights, offering a unique opportunity to carry on that legacy in the medical field.
The cons
Financial considerations. HBCU medical schools may have fewer financial resources than medical schools at large PWIs, potentially impacting the availability of scholarships, research funding, and updated facilities.
Rankings and perceptions. HBCU medical schools may not be perceived to hold the same prestige and recognition as well-known medical schools at PWIs (important note that we’re not saying this is justified—just that, sadly, perceptions of prestige continue to play a role in society). This difference in perception could influence potential employers or residency program directors.
Smaller alumni network. Compared to larger and older medical schools, HBCU medical schools may have a smaller alumni network, potentially affecting post-graduation networking and career advancement opportunities.
Final thoughts
To state the obvious, it’s essential to conduct thorough research before deciding to apply to any medical school. When deciding whether to attend an HBCU medical school, consider the advantages and disadvantages we've discussed.
Ultimately, the right choice for you will align with your career goals, personal values, and priorities.
If you're looking for personalized guidance, we recommend speaking with our graduate school admissions consultants. We can help you craft a strong personal statement and navigate the medical school application process.
Schedule a consultation and begin taking the next step in your medical school journey!
Ameer is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
Top values: Growth / Diversity / Empathy
