Loma Linda University School of Medicine Admissions, Tuition & Student Feedback

School Overview

Degrees: MD
Ownership: Private Non-Profit
Program Length: 4 years
Total Enrollment: N/A
Founding Year: 1905
Accreditation Year: 1942

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SDN Insights

Cost of Attendance: $484,960

Estimate repayment

Estimated loan burden for LLU using 4 years of in-state tuition, $1,500 annual fees, $3,000 monthly living expenses, government-derived local cost-of-living adjustment, $1,000 loan fees, and an 8.5% interest assumption.

Cost of Living: Above national average cost of living

Loma Linda, CA is about 1.06x higher than the national average for cost of living. In the debt estimate, the government-derived local cost adjustment raises the living allowance from $3,000 to about $3,180 per month, mainly reflecting rent, food, transportation, and day-to-day expenses. Compare this with your own housing plan before treating it as exact.

Environment: Urban

Situated in a moderately accessible neighborhood, LLU offers a mix of walking and biking options. Students may find that many daily needs are reachable without a car, though longer trips still benefit from alternative transportation.

Interview Feedback

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 28% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.

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Secondary Essays for LLU

1. Other

What makes LLUSM particularly attractive to you?

2. Community, Diversity, and Equity

Our medical curriculum integrates spiritual, ethical, and relational issues from the Christian perspective into the practice of medicine. Religion courses and weekly chapel services are part of this...

3. Motivation and Fit

What personal attributes make you a desirable candidate for admission to LLUSM?

4. Community, Diversity, and Equity

Identify experiences in your life that illustrate your service to others.

5. Other

Discuss how your spiritual origins, development, and experiences have influenced and been integrated into your daily life.

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About the School

Founded in 1909, Loma Linda University School of Medicine (LLUSM) is a private, faith-based institution located in Loma Linda, California. It is part of Loma Linda University, which is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The school emphasizes whole-person care, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual health into its medical education. LLUSM offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program and combined degree options such as the MD/PhD. The school is known for its commitment to service, with students participating in community outreach and international mission trips.

Curriculum

LLUSM’s curriculum spans four academic years, integrating basic and clinical sciences throughout. The first two years focus on foundational medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, complemented by studies in human behavior, ethics, and religion. Clinical exposure begins early, with students engaging in patient care settings. The third and fourth years are dedicated to clinical rotations across various specialties, such as surgery, pediatrics, and psychiatry, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Facilities

LLUSM boasts state-of-the-art facilities to support its educational mission. The Clinical Skills Education Center, located in the Centennial Complex, features 18 examination rooms, cardiac teaching laboratories, and advanced simulation technology to enhance hands-on learning. The Medical Simulation Center offers an 8,000-square-foot virtual hospital environment where students can practice procedures using high-fidelity manikins. Additionally, the school provides access to specialized research centers, including the Center for Genomics and various core facilities equipped with advanced imaging and bioinformatics tools.

Demographics

According to the 2022 Entering Class Profile, LLUSM received 6,239 applications and conducted 303 interviews, resulting in a class size of 176 students, including three MD/PhD candidates. These students hailed from 32 states and seven countries, reflecting a diverse student body. While the school is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, it welcomes students of all faiths who are committed to its mission of whole-person care.

Last Updated: Aug 24, 2025