Last updated on January 9th, 2026 at 06:29 am

Program Overview & Institution Identity

Official Program Name: Tulane University School of Medicine

Program Duration: 4-year MD program structure
The Tulane School of Medicine follows a traditional four-year MD program curriculum designed to prepare students to become compassionate, skilled, and socially responsible physicians. The program provides a strong foundation in both basic and clinical sciences, emphasizing early clinical exposure, hands-on learning, and opportunities for research and community engagement.

Location and Campus Details: New Orleans, Louisiana | Private Institution | Urban Campus
Located in the heart of downtown New Orleans, Tulane’s medical school campus offers students the unique opportunity to train in one of America’s most vibrant and culturally diverse cities. The urban setting provides extensive clinical training opportunities across various healthcare settings throughout New Orleans and the surrounding region.

Accreditation Status: LCME Accredited
Tulane University School of Medicine is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the nationally recognized accrediting body for medical education programs leading to the MD degree in the United States. LCME accreditation ensures the program meets established standards for medical education while promoting continuous improvement. Tulane’s next LCME site visit is scheduled for February 22-24, 2027.

Ranking and Recognition: Unranked in US News Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, Tulane University School of Medicine is currently unranked in both the Best Medical Schools: Research and Best Medical Schools: Primary Care categories. However, the school maintains a strong reputation for training physicians committed to public health, community service, and working with underserved populations, with particular emphasis on tropical medicine and community-based care.

Distinguished History and Mission: With more than 175 years of experience in medical education since its founding in 1834, Tulane University School of Medicine stands as one of the oldest medical schools in the southern United States. The institution is recognized for its strong clinical training, experienced faculty, and long-standing focus on community health.

Admission Requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Minimum Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Applicants are highly encouraged to earn an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution by the time of matriculation. Online courses and degrees from regionally accredited schools are acceptable for meeting academic recommendations.

Required Courses: No Strict Prerequisites
Unlike many medical schools, Tulane University School of Medicine has no mandatory prerequisite courses. However, the school strongly recommends that applicants have a solid background in the sciences to prepare for the MCAT and medical school curriculum.

Recommended Courses Include:

• Biology (with laboratory experience)
• Chemistry (with laboratory experience)
• Physics (with laboratory experience)
• Mathematics
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Biochemistry
• Statistics
• Genetics
• Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Expository Writing

These courses help prepare students for the MCAT examination and provide the foundational knowledge needed for medical school success.

GPA Requirements:

• Median GPA of Admitted Students: 3.81 (Class of 2028)
• Average Overall Undergraduate GPA: 3.61 (Class of 2028)
• GPA Calculation: Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate courses are calculated together in the cumulative GPA, while graduate degree programs are considered separately

Standardized Testing

MCAT Requirements:

• Median MCAT Score: 512 (Class of 2028)
• Average MCAT Score: 509 (Class of 2028)
• Competitive Range: Students should aim for scores that align with or exceed the median to be competitive
• Test Validity: MCAT scores must be current and valid at the time of application

Due to changes in the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), preparation should include social sciences and psychology content areas in addition to the traditional biological and physical sciences.

CASPer and DUET Testing:
Tulane University School of Medicine encourages (but does not require) all MD program applicants to complete:

• CASPer Test: 100-120 minute online, open-response situational judgment test
• DUET Test: 15-minute value-alignment assessment

These assessments help evaluate personal and professional characteristics beyond academic metrics. Applications are reviewed with or without CASPer and DUET results, and interview invitations are extended regardless of test completion status. Results are valid for one admissions cycle.

Extracurricular Activities & Experience Requirements

Holistic Evaluation System: Tulane uses a comprehensive approach to evaluate applicants, considering research experience, clinical exposure, community service, and leadership equally alongside academic achievements.

Research Experience: The Class of 2028 completed more than 202,000 hours of research prior to matriculation, indicating the value placed on research involvement.

Community Service: The incoming class accumulated more than 120,000 hours of community service, demonstrating Tulane’s commitment to training physicians who serve their communities.

Diversity and Backgrounds: Tulane welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, with majors ranging from traditional sciences to liberal arts, including history, anthropology, biomedical engineering, and architecture.

State Residency: As a private institution, Tulane does not give preference to in-state applicants and accepts students from across the United States and internationally.

Application Process & Timeline

Application System: AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service)
Tulane University School of Medicine participates in AMCAS, the centralized application service used by most U.S. medical schools.

Application Deadlines:

• Primary Application Filing Earliest Date: June 1
• Primary Application Filing Latest Date: October 1
• Early Decision Application Latest Date: August 1
• Secondary Application and Supporting Documentation Latest Date: November 1 (August 1 for Early Decision)

Application Timeline:

• June 1: AMCAS applications become available
• July-February: Interview invitations sent in blocks throughout the cycle
• August-March: Interview season
• October 1: Early Decision acceptances
• October 15: Regular acceptances begin (rolling thereafter)
• April 30: Deposit due to hold place in class
• August 1, 2025: Orientation begins
• August 6, 2025: Classes begin

Required Documents:

• AMCAS verified transcripts
• Letters of recommendation/reference
• Personal statement
• Work and activities descriptions
• Secondary application (sent after primary verification)

Secondary Applications: School-specific secondary applications are sent to applicants once their primary AMCAS application has been verified. The secondary application must be completed by November 1.

Interview Process:

• Interview Invitations: Emailed July through February
• Interview Format: By invitation only
• Timeline: Interviews are conducted August through March
• Review Process: Applications are reviewed and interview invites sent chronologically
• Post-Interview: Tulane strives to provide acceptance or rejection notice within 4-6 weeks of the interview

Admission Statistics & Success Rates

Overall Acceptance Rate: Highly Competitive
For the most recent application cycle, Tulane received 13,443 AMCAS applications for 190 available seats, resulting in an acceptance rate of approximately 1.41%, making it one of the more competitive medical schools in the country.

Application Volume Trends:

• Total Applications: 13,443 (Class of 2028)
• Available Seats: 190
• Applications per Seat: Over 70 applications per available position

Class Size and Demographics:

• First Year Class Size: 190 students
• Age Range: 20-55 years
• Geographic Distribution: 30 states and seven countries represented
• Top States: Louisiana, California, Texas, and New York
• Undergraduate Institutions: 100 colleges and universities represented

Academic Statistics of Admitted Students:

• Median MCAT Score: 512
• Average MCAT Score: 509
• Median GPA: 3.81
• Average Overall Undergraduate GPA: 3.61

Advanced Degrees: Many students enter with previous graduate education:

• 63 students with Master of Science degrees
• 7 with Master of Public Health degrees
• 4 with Master of Arts degrees
• 1 with a PhD

Diversity Metrics:

• 13 first-generation college students in the Class of 2028
• Degree types: 84% Bachelor of Science, 16% Bachelor of Arts
• Top Majors: Biology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Psychology, Public Health, Economics

Tuition & Financial Information

Current Tuition Rates:

• Annual Tuition (2024-2025): $75,824 for all students
• Private Institution Status: Same tuition rate for in-state, out-of-state, and international students

Total Cost of Attendance:

• Tuition and Fees: $75,824
• Estimated Total Cost (including living expenses): $111,868 per year
• 4-Year Total Investment: Approximately $447,472

Additional Fees:

• Technology fees
• Student services fees
• Health insurance
• Laboratory fees
• Equipment costs
• Clinical rotation fees (if applicable)

Financial Aid Options:
Tulane offers comprehensive financial assistance including:

• Merit-based scholarships determined by academic achievement
• Need-based financial aid programs
• Service-based scholarships (including ROTC Scholarship Program)
• Federal loan programs (subsidized and unsubsidized)
• Work-study opportunities
• External scholarship opportunities

Living Expenses: Students should budget for cost of living in New Orleans, Louisiana, including housing options near the urban campus, transportation, and personal expenses.

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Curriculum & Program Structure

Program Duration and Structure: 4-Year MD Program
Tulane follows a traditional four-year curriculum structure designed to provide comprehensive medical education combining foundational sciences with extensive clinical training.

Educational Philosophy: The curriculum emphasizes early clinical exposure, hands-on learning, and opportunities for research and community engagement. Students benefit from training in diverse healthcare settings across New Orleans and beyond, preparing them to serve patients locally, nationally, and globally.

Pre-Clinical Years: The foundational years focus on basic and clinical sciences, providing students with the essential knowledge base for medical practice. The curriculum integrates various teaching methods to ensure comprehensive understanding.

Clinical Training: Students gain extensive clinical experience in various healthcare settings throughout New Orleans and the surrounding region, offering exposure to diverse patient populations and medical conditions.

Combined Degree Options:

• MD/PhD: For students interested in becoming physician-scientists
• MD/MBA: For students interested in healthcare administration or private practice
• MD/MPH: Combining medicine with public health expertise
• MD/MS in Bioethics and Medical Humanities: Focusing on ethical and social complexities in healthcare

Residency Preparation:

• 2025 Match Results: 157 fourth-year students matched in residency programs across more than 25 states
• Local Retention: 28 students remained in Louisiana, with 22 staying at Tulane for training
• Top Specialties: Internal Medicine (21), Surgery (14), Pediatrics (13), Anesthesiology (13), Family Medicine (11)
• Geographic Distribution: Strong placement across the country, with particular strength in Louisiana, Texas, California, New York, and Florida

Pre-Medical Preparation

Undergraduate Program Recommendations:
Tulane values diverse academic backgrounds and welcomes students from various undergraduate majors. While science majors are common, the school appreciates students from liberal arts backgrounds who bring different perspectives to medicine.

Academic Planning:

• Focus on building a strong foundation in recommended science courses
• Maintain competitive GPA (aim for 3.8+ to be competitive)
• Develop strong critical thinking and communication skills through diverse coursework

Clinical Experience Requirements:
While Tulane doesn’t specify minimum clinical experience requirements, successful applicants typically have substantial exposure to healthcare settings. Quality of experience is valued over quantity.

Research Experience:
The Class of 2028’s extensive research background (over 202,000 hours collectively) indicates that research experience is highly valued. Students should seek meaningful research opportunities that demonstrate scientific curiosity and methodology.

Extracurricular Planning:

• Community Service: Strong emphasis on community engagement (Class of 2028 completed over 120,000 service hours)
• Leadership Opportunities: Seek positions that demonstrate leadership potential
• Long-term Commitment: Show sustained engagement rather than superficial participation

Standardized Test Preparation:

• Plan MCAT preparation well in advance
• Consider CASPer and DUET testing to provide additional assessment data
• Retake policies: Check current MCAT retake policies

Frequently Asked Questions