Last updated on January 9th, 2026 at 06:28 am

Program Overview & Institution Identity

Official Program Name

The University of Illinois College of Medicine (UI COM) is the official designation for this prestigious medical institution, founded in 1882. The school operates as one of the largest and most renowned public medical schools in the United States.

Program Duration & Structure

UI COM offers a traditional 4-year MD program structured in three distinct phases:

• Phase 1 (Years 1-2): 20-month pre-clerkship curriculum covering foundational basic sciences
• Phase 2 (Year 3): Core clinical clerkships
• Phase 3 (Year 4): Advanced clinical rotations, sub-internships, and electives

The curriculum follows an integrated, organ-system based approach that seamlessly blends basic sciences with clinical applications from day one.

Location and Campus Details

UI COM operates across three campus locations throughout Illinois:

• Chicago Campus: The largest campus located in Chicago’s University Medical District
• Peoria Campus: Central Illinois location
• Rockford Campus: Northern Illinois location

Students are assigned to campuses after acceptance, with the integrated curriculum delivered simultaneously across all three locations. The Chicago campus serves as the primary location with over 800 students and 900+ faculty members.

Accreditation Status

UI COM has been fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) since the LCME’s inception in 1942. The school underwent its most recent full survey for re-accreditation in April 2018 and is preparing for its next comprehensive review in 2026. This accreditation ensures graduates are eligible for residency training throughout the United States.

Ranking and Recognition

• US News Medical School Rankings: #77 among research medical schools
• Largest Medical Schools: #2 nationally by enrollment
• Public Medical Schools: #37 nationally
• Research Excellence: Ranks in top 1/3 of NIH-funded institutions
• Carnegie Foundation: One of 4 Illinois universities with highest research productivity designation
• Graduate Impact: 1 in 6 physicians in Illinois received training from UI COM

Admission Requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Minimum Degree Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree: Required from an accredited US or Canadian college or university prior to matriculation
• Credit Hours: No specific minimum, but must complete all prerequisite courses
• GPA Requirement: No minimum GPA requirement, though successful applicants typically maintain competitive grades

Required Courses

Biological and Physical Science Prerequisites:

• Two courses of general biology with laboratory
• Two courses of general chemistry or equivalent with laboratory
• Two courses of organic chemistry with accompanying laboratory*
• One course of biochemistry (must be completed at a four-year institution)
• Two courses of general physics with laboratory
• One course of advanced-level biology (junior/senior level at four-year institution)

*The second semester of organic chemistry can be waived if not required for biochemistry at your university.

Behavioral/Social Science Prerequisites:

• Three courses in behavioral/social sciences (Psychology, Ethics, Economics, Gender Studies, Sociology, etc.)

GPA Requirements

• No minimum GPA requirement specified
• Average admitted student GPA: 3.77 (median: 3.8)
• Competitive range: Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.6
• Science vs. Overall GPA: Both calculated and considered in holistic evaluation

Standardized Testing

MCAT Requirements

• MCAT Required: All applicants must take the MCAT
• Score Validity: MCAT scores cannot be more than 3 years old at time of enrollment
• Average MCAT Score: 512 (median)
• No minimum MCAT requirement, though scores are used in holistic evaluation
• Multiple Attempts: Best eligible score used for admission consideration
• Valid Test Dates: For 2025-2026 cycle, tests from August 2023 through final 2025 test date accepted

Additional Testing

UI COM does not require additional standardized tests such as:

• CASPer (Situational Judgment Test)
• GRE
• Other institutional assessments

Extracurricular Activities & Experience Requirements

UI COM employs a holistic evaluation system that considers:

• Clinical Experience: Direct patient care exposure valued
• Research Experience: Both basic science and clinical research considered
• Volunteer Work: Community service and healthcare-related volunteering
• Leadership Experience: Demonstrated leadership in various capacities
• Diversity of Experiences: Well-rounded applicants preferred

State Residency Preferences: As a public institution, UI COM shows strong preference for Illinois residents, with approximately 66% of seats reserved for in-state applicants.

Application Process & Timeline

Application System

UI COM participates in AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service), the standard application system for MD programs.

Key Deadlines

• AMCAS Application Deadline: November 1, 2025
• Secondary Application: Sent to eligible candidates after initial screening
• Interview Season: Invitations typically sent beginning in fall, continuing through spring

Required Documents

• Primary Application: Complete AMCAS application
• Transcripts: All post-secondary coursework verified through AMCAS
• Letters of Recommendation: Required number varies by campus
• Personal Statement: Standard AMCAS personal statement
• Secondary Application: School-specific supplemental application

Application Fees

• Primary Application: Standard AMCAS fees apply
• Secondary Application: Additional fee required upon invitation

Interview Process

UI COM utilizes various interview formats depending on campus assignment. Interview invitations are extended on a rolling basis throughout the application cycle.

Admission Statistics & Success Rates

Overall Acceptance Rate

3.09% – UI COM maintains a highly competitive acceptance rate with 297 students matriculating from 9,610 applicants in the most recent cycle.

Application Volume and Class Size

• Total Applicants: 9,610 (2025 admission cycle)
• Matriculated Students: 297
• Interview Invitation Rate: 1.64%

Demographics of Admitted Students

Geographic Distribution

• Illinois Residents: 195 students (65.7%)
• Out-of-State Students: 102 students (34.3%)
• Acceptance Rate by Residency:
  • Illinois residents: 11.67%
  • Out-of-state: 1.28%

Gender Distribution

• Male Students: 120 (40%)
• Female Students: 173 (58%)
• Male to Female Applicant Ratio: 43:57

Academic Statistics

• Average GPA: 3.77
• Median GPA: 3.8
• Average MCAT: 512
• Median MCAT: 512

Comparison Data

Compared to national averages:

• UI COM acceptance rate (3.09%) vs. National average (4.02%)
• UI COM MCAT (512) vs. National average (513)
• UI COM GPA (3.77) vs. National average (3.84)

Tuition & Financial Information

Current Tuition Rates by Residency Status

2025-2026 Academic Year Costs

• Illinois Residents: $48,450 (tuition) + $6,095 (fees) = $54,545 total
• Out-of-State Students: $82,350 (tuition) + $6,095 (fees) = $88,445 total

Total Cost of Attendance (COA)

Chicago Campus – 2025-2026

Illinois Residents:

• Tuition & Fees: $54,545
• Living Costs: $24,000
• Books & Supplies: $2,100
• Personal Expenses: $4,800
• Transportation: $2,150
• Total COA: $87,595

Out-of-State Students:

• Tuition & Fees: $88,445
• Living Costs: $24,000
• Books & Supplies: $2,100
• Personal Expenses: $4,800
• Transportation: $2,150
• Total COA: $121,495

Peoria & Rockford Campuses

Similar structure with slightly lower living costs ($20,400 vs. $24,000).

Program Length Cost Analysis

Total 4-Year Program Cost:

• Illinois Residents: Approximately $350,000-$380,000
• Out-of-State Students: Approximately $485,000-$515,000

Financial Aid Options

• Federal Student Loans: Stafford and Grad PLUS loans available
• Need-Based Aid: Limited institutional need-based assistance
• Merit Scholarships: Competitive merit-based awards available
• Work-Study: Limited opportunities available
• External Scholarships: Students encouraged to pursue outside funding

Average Federal Loan Fees: Added to COA for borrowers

• Graduate PLUS Loan Fees: $1,200
• Stafford Loan Fees: $400

Living Expenses

Cost of Living in Chicago: Higher than Peoria/Rockford campuses

• Housing options near campus available
• Public transportation readily accessible
• Urban amenities increase overall living costs

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Curriculum & Program Structure

Program Duration and Structure

UI COM follows a traditional 4-year curriculum divided into three phases:

Phase 1 (Years 1-2): Pre-Clerkship – 20 months, 74 credit hours

Block Courses:

• Block 1: Body Systems & Homeostasis I (5 credits)
• Block 2: Pathogenesis (6 credits)
• Block 3: Skin Muscle & Movement (5 credits)
• Block 4: Circulation & Respiration (7 credits)
• Block 5: Digestion & Homeostasis II (5 credits)
• Block 6: Brain & Behavior (8 credits)
• Block 7: Regulation & Reproduction (4 credits)

Supporting Courses:

• Doctoring and Clinical Skills (DoCS): Hands-on clinical skills training
• Synthesis Course: Integration and reflection
• Medical Colloquia: Professional development and healthcare systems

Phase 2 (Year 3): Core Clinical Clerkships – 44 credit hours

Required Core Rotations:

• Internal Medicine: 8 weeks
• Surgery: 8 weeks
• Pediatrics: 6 weeks
• Obstetrics and Gynecology: 6 weeks
• Psychiatry: 6 weeks
• Family Medicine: 6 weeks
• Neurology: 4 weeks

Phase 3 (Year 4): Advanced Clinical Training – 38 credit hours

Graduation Requirements:

• Sub-Internship: 4 weeks (primary patient responsibility)
• Acute Care (ICU/Emergency Medicine): 4 weeks
• Physician-Assessed Patient-Facing Courses: 12 weeks
• Transition to Residency: 2 weeks
• Open Electives: 16 weeks

Educational Philosophy and Teaching Methods

• Integrated Approach: Basic sciences integrated with clinical applications
• Problem-Based Learning: Emphasis on clinical reasoning
• Technology Integration: State-of-the-art simulation facilities
• Three-Campus System: Simultaneous curriculum delivery across locations
• Diverse Clinical Exposure: Urban and rural healthcare settings

Clinical Training

Early Clinical Exposure: Clinical skills training begins in Year 1 through DoCS
Hospital Partnerships:

• University of Illinois Hospital (Chicago)
• Multiple affiliated hospitals across three campuses
• Community clinics and healthcare centers

Geographic Distribution:

• Urban settings (Chicago)
• Rural settings (Peoria, Rockford)
• Diverse patient populations

Special Programs

• Rural Medical Education Program (RMED)
• Urban Medicine Program (UMED)
• Global Medicine Program (GMED)
• Innovation Medicine Program (IMED)
• Clinical Executive Medicine (CEMED)

Combined Degree Options

• MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program)
• MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
• MD/MBA (Master of Business Administration)
• MD/MS in Clinical and Translational Science
• MD/MS in Biomedical Engineering

Residency Preparation

UI COM offers 28 residency programs and 82 fellowship programs across its three campuses, providing numerous opportunities for graduates to continue training within the UI system.

Pre-Medical Preparation

Undergraduate Program Recommendations

Major Flexibility: No preferred major – UI COM values diverse academic backgrounds
Science Foundation: Strong performance in prerequisite science courses essential
Liberal Arts: Encourage broad educational experiences beyond sciences

Academic Planning

Course Sequencing:

• Complete prerequisites early to allow for MCAT preparation
• Take biochemistry at a four-year institution (required)
• Advanced biology course must be upper-level at four-year institution

GPA Optimization:

• Maintain strong performance in prerequisite courses
• Consider academic rigor in course selection
• Address any academic deficiencies proactively

Clinical Experience Requirements

Direct Patient Care: Seek meaningful clinical exposure
Healthcare Settings: Hospitals, clinics, volunteering opportunities
Duration: Quality over quantity, but sustained involvement preferred
Documentation: Maintain detailed records of clinical experiences

Research Experience

UI COM values research experience but does not mandate specific requirements:

• Basic Science Research: Laboratory-based investigations
• Clinical Research: Patient-oriented studies
• Public Health Research: Population-based studies
• Publications: Not required but can strengthen application

MCAT Preparation

Test Timeline: Allow adequate preparation time (3-6 months minimum)
Score Validity: Remember 3-year limit on score validity
Retake Policy: Best score used for evaluation
Preparation Resources: Utilize diverse study materials and practice tests

Gap Year Considerations

UI COM welcomes non-traditional applicants:

• Career Changes: Previous professional experience valued
• Academic Enhancement: Use gap years to strengthen credentials
• Experience Building: Clinical, research, or volunteer experiences
• Prerequisites: Undergraduate coursework remains valid (no expiration)

Frequently Asked Questions