Residency Match Statistics: Rates By Specialty 2026

NRMP Match Rates by Residency Specialty for MDs

Residency match data has not been released for 2026 as of yet, but we will update it once it’s released in May. 

The table above is based on data from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) 2025 Main Residency Match Report, which summarizes match outcomes for U.S. MD seniors. 

The figures reflect the number of residency applicants, the number of applicants matched to a residency program within the specialty, and the corresponding percentage of positions filled (the match rate).

What Is the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) and Who Benefits From It?

The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program, or SOAP, is a process run by the NRMP that allows unmatched applicants to compete for unfilled residency positions after Match Week results are released. SOAP gives all unmatched applicants (DO, MD, IMG) a second opportunity to secure a position before the cycle ends.

SOAP typically includes unfilled positions in specialties that historically have lower fill rates, such as family medicine, internal medicine, and preliminary or transitional year programs. Applicants with lower overall match rates, including many international medical graduates, often benefit the most from SOAP. 

While matching through SOAP can limit specialty options compared to the main Match, it still provides a viable pathway into residency training and keeps applicants on track toward becoming licensed physicians.

If you want to improve your chances of matching into your preferred specialty the first time, you can work with an Inspira Advantage expert to strengthen your application strategy, refine your personal statement, prepare for interviews, and position yourself as a top candidate.

FAQs

1. What Is a Good Match Rate for Residency?

A good residency match rate is typically above 90%. According to the NRMP, the 2025 PGY-1 match rate was 93.5% for U.S. MD seniors and 92.6% for U.S. DO seniors.

These numbers indicate that the vast majority of U.S. medical graduates successfully secure residency training.

3. Is It Common to Not Match to a Residency?

No, it is not common for U.S. medical graduates to go unmatched, although it does happen.

According to the NRMP, about 6.1% of U.S. MD seniors and 7% of U.S. DO seniors went unmatched in the 2025 Match. This means that more than 9 out of 10 U.S. graduates match into residency programs each year.

4. What Are the Odds of Matching Into a Top 3 Residency?

The NRMP reports that 73.2% of U.S. MD seniors and 76.2% of U.S. DO seniors matched into one of their top three-ranked residency programs in the 2025 Match, meaning most applicants match into one of their top-ranked residency programs. 

Your chances of matching a top choice depend on factors such as specialty competitiveness, application strength, interview performance, and how many programs you apply to and rank. Applicants who apply broadly and rank programs strategically generally have the best chance of matching high on their list.

5. Do MD and DO Applicants Have Different Residency Match Rates?

Yes, MD and DO applicants have slightly different residency match rates, but both groups match at high rates. The 2025 PGY-1 match rate was 93.5% for U.S. MD seniors and 92.6% for U.S. DO seniors, as reported by NRMP. 

While the overall match rates are similar, outcomes can vary by specialty competitiveness and application strategy. MD applicants historically have slightly higher match rates in certain highly competitive specialties, but DO graduates match successfully across a wide range of fields each year.

Both MD and DO graduates are fully qualified to enter residency programs and pursue the same medical specialties after completing accredited training.

6. Do Couples Match at Lower Rates Than Individual Applicants?

No, couples participating in the Match typically have similar or slightly higher match success rates compared with individual applicants.

According to the NRMP, the 2025 couples' match rate was 93.2%, meaning most couples successfully matched together into residency positions.

The NRMP Couples Match allows two applicants to link their rank order lists so they can match in the same geographic area or at the same institution. While coordinating applications and rankings can be more complex, the overall success rate remains high when both applicants have competitive applications and rank programs strategically.