Best Medical Schools in Louisiana

According to Statista, 28,337 students graduated from medical schools across the United States in 2021, including 492 graduates from Louisiana. 

Making a decision and applying to medical school is a challenging process. Anyone can get stressed by the high tuition fees and competitive admissions process, but earning an MD degree in more affordable locations like Louisiana can be a good option.

There are only three medical schools in the state. We have researched all three schools’ academic and financial information to help guide you in the admissions process.

Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA

Founded in 1834, Tulane University is the 15th oldest medical school in the United States. It is a private university accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, a nationally recognized accrediting authority for medical education programs. 

Tulane University School of Medicine is popular among students in the South because of its excellent academics and extracurricular opportunities. The institute’s flexible MD paths are one of the factors contributing to its popularity. 

Besides the traditional four-year MD program, Tulane students can complete an accelerated four-year program to earn a dual MD/MBA, MD/MPH, and MD/Ph.D. degree.

Although Tulane University isn’t at the top of the rankings in the US, it has many medical school graduates who successfully match into highly competitive specialties each year. Tulane could be a good medical school for you if your ultimate goal is to get matched into your chosen specialty.

• Acceptance Rate: >1% (Class of 2025)
• Annual Tuition: $25,500 per year plus fees
• US News National Ranking: 42

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center – New Orleans | New Orleans, LA

Louisiana State University is a public university founded in 1931. It has about 800 students in the School of Medicine, and 914 residents and fellows are completing their training in LSU Health Sciences Centers all around Louisiana. 

The institute is renowned for its diverse environment and highly qualified faculty, which promotes a positive learning and social experience. The four-year MD program is offered at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, along with opportunities for combined degrees. 

Each student is required to take Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing (USMLE) Examination after completing their second year and Step 2 of USMLE in their fourth year. The school assists graduating students in obtaining internships and residencies.

LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans uses a variety of teaching methods to provide the best education to students, including lectures, seminars, conferences, outpatient dispensaries, and diagnostic clinics.

• Acceptance Rate: 52.1% (2020-2021)
• Annual Tuition: $32,936.95 (resident), $61,114.29 (non-resident)
• US News National Ranking: N/A

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center – Shreveport | Shreveport, LA

Founded in 1965, LSU State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport is a public university located in Northwest Louisiana. It has 583 students enrolled in the school of medicine and offers 43 fully accredited residency and fellowship programs each year.

The school provides various research opportunities for students, including a combined MD/Ph.D. program and research electives. Its primary teaching hospitals are located in Shreveport and Monroe, although many teaching sites around Louisiana are accessible for students and staff.

Related: Is LSU Shreveport A Good Medical School? (Major Pros & Cons)

In fall 2021, the School of Medicine had a faculty of over 500 with a class size of 150. The faculty, staff, and students have recently been honored for their contributions and efforts to the state’s health sector.

• Acceptance Rate: >80%
• Tuition: $15,192 (residents), $26,960 (non-residents)
• US News National Ranking: N/A

Admission Requirements for Medical Schools in Louisiana

Like the rest of the country, medical school admission in Louisiana is also competitive. You must get high test scores and meet the three medical schools’ average score standards.

You must hold a bachelor’s degree in science majors (biology, chemistry, and physics). The other required documents include:

1. Three letters of recommendation.
2. A statement of purpose.
3. Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for international students.

Below are the average scores, interview success rates, and application costs (across the state) that you should keep in mind.

GPA	3.3 to 3.9
MCAT	506 to 516
Interview Rate	14% to 34%
Application Fee	$50 to $125

Financial Aid in Medical Schools in Louisiana

Medical schools in Louisiana are expensive, so students often need some type of financial aid to afford their education. Fortunately, the following medical schools offer various scholarships and grants to students.

Tulane University of Louisiana

Tulane considers all applicants for scholarships, but only a limited number of scholarships are awarded to students. It offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships. You must submit a FAFSA application along with all required documents to the financial aid office.

1. AMA Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship – $10,000 (in the final year of medical school)
2. Minority Medical Student Award Program (MMSAP) – $5,000 stipend
3. Osmosis Health Education Impact Scholarship – $1,000 

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center – New Orleans

LSU Health New Orleans provides a variety of financial aid to make education affordable. Students can apply for grants, scholarships, loans, fee waivers, and stipends. The school is generous with institutional grants and scholarships, as well.

1. Louisiana Go Grant – $1500 per semester, $3000 per academic year
2. Completers Grant – $500 to $2000
3. LSUHSC Hardship Waiver – Award amounts vary

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center – Shreveport

The financial aid office at LSU Health Shreveport assists students in removing any barriers to education. It provides aid through fee waivers, stipends, student loans, veterans benefits, and scholarships.

1. Louisiana’s Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) – $7,182.56 
2. MD/Ph.D. Waiver – Tuition and non-resident fee are waived (for third and fourth-year medical students)
3. LSU Board of Supervisors Scholarship – Tuition fee

What Is the Cost of Living in Louisiana?

The cost of living in Louisiana is 7 percent lower than the national average. You may need anywhere between $1,600 to $2,500 to live comfortably in New Orleans, but the living cost is cheaper in Shreveport.

It’s a place with a rich culture, delicious food, and a lot of festivals that are mostly budget-friendly. Your financial worries will not grow too much if you move to Louisiana!

Related: How Do Medical Students Pay For Living Expenses? (Crucial Money Saving Tips)