Reviewed by:
Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Reviewed: 8/5/22
How many medical schools are in NJ? And how do you ensure your application stands out? If you have your sights set on a New Jersey medical school, read on to learn more!
If you’re looking at medical schools in New Jersey, the state has much to offer.
NJ medical schools offer numerous research opportunities for aspiring medical students. We’ll discuss each medical school in New Jersey and provide tips to help you gain acceptance. We’re here to make your medical school journey a little easier.
New Jersey has five medical schools. The state also has 43 teaching hospitals, providing numerous potential career options for students after graduation. Whether you’re interested in small-town living or the bustle of city life, New Jersey offers both.
There are five New Jersey medical schools and 43 teaching hospitals. Below you’ll find more information about each school in our New Jersey medical school list.
From neuroscience research to cancer oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School offers several opportunities for future doctors. Located in Newark, this school provides an excellent medical education.
As a bonus, you can enjoy the view of the cherry blossoms native to the state as you study.
“Our mission is to prepare students from diverse backgrounds to be collaborative physicians, educators and researchers with a focus on the health of underserved and vulnerable populations.”
Rutgers course prerequisites include:
Other recommended courses include:
Rutgers requires an MCAT score from prospective students. Though the medical school doesn’t set a minimum MCAT score or GPA, a recent class had an average of 3.7 GPA and an average MCAT score of 514.
This school also requires two recommendation letters from science faculty members and one letter from a non-science faculty member.
Although the school doesn’t release acceptance rate data, various sources estimate the Rutgers acceptance rate to be between 2% and 7%.
Tuition at Rutgers Medical School is $44,435 for in-state first-year students. First-year non-residents pay $68,564.
With 34 hospital affiliates, you can get a stellar education at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. This school offers many residency programs and 21 basic science and clinical departments.
“Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is dedicated to transforming health care for New Jersey and the nation through innovation and excellence in education, research, patient- and family-centered care and addressing the health of our diverse community.”
You must take these prerequisite courses to apply:
While Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical school doesn’t set a minimum GPA and MCAT score, recent class data shows that the average GPA of students is 3.64, and the average MCAT score is 512. The school requires three letters of recommendation.
Rutgers doesn’t release acceptance rate data. The only data the school released states that 60% of the incoming class obtained their bachelor’s degree more than a year before they started med school.
First-year New Jersey residents pay $44,435 annually. Out-of-state students pay $68,564 for their first year.
In 2012, the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University emerged as the first new New Jersey med school in over 35 years. Cooper Medical provides a wealth of research opportunities.
“Cooper Medical School of Rowan University is committed to providing humanistic education in the art and science of medicine within a scientific and scholarly community in which excellence in patient care, inclusivity, innovative teaching, scholarly activity, and service to our community are valued.”
To get into the Rowan University medical school, you must fulfill these course requirements:
Although not required, other recommended courses include:
Though Cooper Medical School doesn’t have a minimum GPA or MCAT score requirement, the school is interested in students with a greater chance of success with their curriculum.
Low GPAs or MCAT scores don’t necessarily count you out, but the admissions team is less likely to accept students because they may be more likely to struggle. This school also requires a minimum of three letters of recommendation.
Cooper Medical School doesn’t provide exact data. However, more than 5,000 students applied in a recent cycle, and 112 students enrolled. Based on this data, the acceptance rate is 2.2% or higher (likely higher).
Annual tuition for NJ residents is $42,503. Non-residents pay $67,452 per year.
If you’re looking for New Jersey DO schools, there’s only one: the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. The school offers numerous research opportunities, residencies, and fellowships.
“Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine prepares future physicians and scientists who are committed to improving health in New Jersey and throughout the nation.”
You must complete these courses to apply:
Other recommended courses include:
This university’s GPA and MCAT requirements are 3.5 and 500, respectively. Your BCPM GPA should be at least 3.4. Students must provide two letters of recommendation from any science faculty members.
The school’s acceptance rate is 4.7%
Annual tuition is $42,503 for residents and $67,452 for non-residents.
With an emphasis on medical education and the importance of community, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine is an excellent option. Hackensack offers research opportunities for both medical education and the local community.
“To develop our students, residents, faculty, and healthcare environment to deliver the highest quality care for all.”
Required courses to apply to Hackensack are:
Although not required, other recommended courses include:
Students must provide three letters of recommendation:
Various sources have estimated that Hackensack’s acceptance rate ranges between 2.5% and 5%.
Tuition is the same for residents and non-residents: $67,595.
Medical schools are known for their selectivity: med schools in NJ are no exception.
If you’re ready to apply to any medical school in New Jersey, these tips can improve your chances of acceptance.
While only New Jersey’s DO school sets minimum requirements, this doesn’t mean you can expect to get in with any GPA or score. Looking at the class profile data of every NJ med school, you should aim for a 3.7 GPA and 514 MCAT score to meet or exceed averages.
If you have a low MCAT score, consider retaking the test. A lower GPA can be remedied by retaking courses or enrolling in a post-baccalaureate program after graduation.
Two of the above mission statements directly reference commitment to the NJ community. Ensure you show your commitment to the NJ community in your application: don’t skip over your local volunteer activities or other ways you’ve gotten involved.
You can show your involvement in your AMCAS activities section, personal statement, or secondary applications.
Unless a school specifically states they give no preference to in-state students (and even then), residents are generally more likely to get accepted than non-residents with the same qualifications. If you’re an out-of-state student applying to a medical school in NJ, be sure to:
Although it may or may not be more challenging to get into these schools as a non-resident, spending more time on your application boosts your chances.
Do you still have questions about NJ medical schools? Then read on for answers!
New Jersey has five medical schools.
U.S. News World and Report ranks the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School as the best medical school in New Jersey for research.
It depends on your goals and needs. Evaluate offerings and see which aligns best with your professional and educational goals. DO hopefuls should apply to Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. Future MDs can apply to any of the other four schools.
While most NJ schools don’t have a GPA cutoff, you should aim for a GPA of 3.7 or higher to be competitive at every school.
Only one school has an MCAT cutoff. However, you should strive for a high MCAT score: 514 or higher makes you a more competitive applicant at any NJ med school.
Rutgers isn’t considered a top medical school, but it is one of the highest-ranked schools in New Jersey.
There is no minimum GPA requirement, but you should aim for a GPA of 3.7 or higher to be a more competitive applicant.
Applying to medical school can be intimidating. Now that you know more about New Jersey medical schools, you can choose one (or more) to apply to.
Each school has plenty of research and fellowship opportunities for aspiring physicians. Wherever you decide to go for medical school, work hard, study hard, and you’ll succeed. Good luck!
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