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Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

Charleston, SC

Allopathic Medical Schools Public Non-Profit

🩺 School Overview

Tuition (In State): $27,551

Tuition (Out of State): $47,117

Accreditation Status: Full

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Total Enrollment: 162

Degrees: MD

Founding Year: 1824

Accreditation Year: 1942

Website: https://www.musc.edu

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📄 Application Information

Applications Received: N/A

Interviews Granted: N/A

Admitted: N/A

Average MCAT: 513

Average GPA: 3.57

Male: N/A

Female: N/A

Underrepresented:N/A

Interview Feedback Summary

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 24% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did well.

School Review Summary

Insufficient reviews to generate a summary. Add your review!

5 Most Common Secondary Essay Questions for MUSC


  • 1. Other – Please discuss your primary interest in attending the Medical University of South Carolina. (2000 characters)
  • 2. Other – Please share any important aspects of your background, identity, and/or experiences that have impacted your ability to relate to and work with diverse communities. (3000 characters)
  • 3. Personal Attributes and Characteristics – For re-applicants: Describe what you have done since last applying to strengthen your candidacy for medical school. (2000 characters)
  • 4. Motivation and Fit – Please discuss your main reason for wanting to attend the Medical University of South Carolina.
  • 5. Academic and Research Experiences – Please describe the type of research you wish to pursue in graduate school.

About the School

Established in 1824, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Medicine is the oldest medical school in the Deep South and forms part of the state’s only comprehensive academic health system. Situated in Charleston, MUSC encompasses six colleges and educates over 3,100 students annually, including more than 720 medical students. The institution is a leader in federal and National Institutes of Health research funding within South Carolina and operates an extensive health system comprising 16 hospitals, approximately 2,700 beds, over 350 telehealth sites, and nearly 750 care locations statewide.

Curriculum

The MUSC College of Medicine offers a flexible curriculum designed to accommodate diverse student goals. While the traditional four-year Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program remains standard, the college also provides a three-year accelerated M.D. track—South Carolina’s only such program—for select, academically gifted students. Additionally, MUSC offers dual-degree options, including M.D./Ph.D., M.D./Master of Public Health (MPH), M.D./Master of Business Administration (MBA), and M.D./Master of Science in Clinical Research, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career paths.

Facilities

In December 2024, MUSC initiated construction of a new 186,000-square-foot College of Medicine building—the first dedicated facility for the college in over a century. This state-of-the-art building will feature active-learning classrooms, student study and relaxation areas, faculty and staff offices, and wellness spaces, providing a centralized hub for medical education. The facility is scheduled to open in summer 2027. Beyond this, MUSC’s campus includes specialized centers such as the Hollings Cancer Center, Ashley River Tower, and the Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, all contributing to a comprehensive clinical training environment.

Demographics

The MUSC College of Medicine is committed to serving South Carolina’s healthcare needs. In 2023, the college received approximately 4,000 applications for 180 available seats, with 900 applicants being qualified in-state students. The entering class of 2028 comprises 186 students, reflecting a slight increase over previous years. Notably, MUSC retains a significant portion of its graduates within the state; over 47% of alumni continue to work in South Carolina a decade after graduation, underscoring the university’s role in addressing regional healthcare workforce needs.

SDN Insights

Our analysis of MUSC:

💰

Student Loan Burden: $405,274

A student taking student loans for all 4 years of medical school at MUSC, including tuition, fees, locally adjusted cost of living expenses, incidentals, and interest, can expect to have total student loans of $405,274. Estimate repayment with the SDN School Loan Repayment Calculator.

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Cost of Living: Highest 78% Nationally

The cost of living at MUSC is among the top 78% of all medical schools. Take this into consideration when considering loan burden.

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Environment: Urban

Despite limited walkability, the area surrounding MUSC offers good biking infrastructure, making it easier for cyclists to get around. Students who enjoy biking as a primary mode of transport will find the area more accessible than it might seem at first glance.

Why no Tier Rankings?

Although we could tier rank, over the past 25 years we've found no compelling benefit for ranking schools. Students are most successful when they prioritize personal and academic fit over school rank.