University of New Mexico School of Medicine Admissions, Tuition & Student Feedback

School Overview

Degrees: MD
Ownership: Public Non-Profit
Program Length: 4 years
Total Enrollment: 100
Founding Year: 1964
Accreditation Year: 1964

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SDN Insights

Cost of Attendance: $226,105

Estimate repayment

Estimated loan burden for UNM 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: Near national average cost of living

Albuquerque, NM is close to the national average for cost of living. In the debt estimate, the government-derived local cost adjustment keeps the $3,000 monthly allowance at about $2,880 per month. Treat this as a city-level budgeting estimate, not the school's official cost of attendance.

Environment: Urban

Students at UNM benefit from a very walkable setting, with many services and eateries just steps away. While biking is possible, the environment is best suited to those who prefer to get around on foot.

Interview Feedback

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 38% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did okay.

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Secondary Essays for UNM

1. Community, Diversity, and Equity

At the UNM School of Medicine, we are committed to creating a dynamic, productive, and positive learning environment while promoting cross-cultural and cross-racial understanding among students with...

2. Understanding and Commitment to Medicine

Mentorship and clinical experience are integral to developing an understanding of the challenges and rewards of being a physician. Reflecting on your journey to applying to medical school, what...

3. Geographic Connection and Commitment

There is a physician shortage in New Mexico. What is your understanding of the factors contributing to this problem, and what ideas do you have to address it?

4. Understanding and Commitment to Medicine

What aspects of public health do you believe should be emphasized in the UNM SOM curriculum, and why?

5. Personal Experiences and Challenges

Please describe a personal or professional challenge or conflict you have experienced. How did you resolve it? What skills, resources, and/or strategies did you employ? Please do not write about the...

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About the School

The University of New Mexico School of Medicine (UNM SOM), established in 1961, is the state's sole MD-granting institution. Located in Albuquerque, it operates under the UNM Health Sciences Center and is affiliated with the University of New Mexico. The school is recognized for its strong programs in rural and family medicine, consistently ranking among the top nationally. In 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked UNM SOM 4th in Primary Care and 2nd for Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas.

Curriculum

The MD curriculum at UNM SOM spans four years and is divided into three phases. Phase I is a 23-month preclinical phase focusing on foundational sciences integrated with clinical skills. Phase II consists of a 12-month clinical clerkship phase covering seven core specialties, including Family Medicine and Pediatrics. Phase III is the final 12 months, offering clinical and non-clinical electives, a required Sub-Internship, and community-based clinical experiences. The program emphasizes early and consistent clinical exposure, professional identity formation, and personal well-being.

Facilities

UNM SOM's primary teaching facility is the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH), the state's only Level I trauma center and home to New Mexico's only dedicated children's hospital. The Domenici Center for Health Sciences Education houses the Leonard M. Napolitano Ph.D. Anatomical Education Center and the Interprofessional Healthcare Simulation Center, which offers simulations in acute care, inpatient, outpatient, and pharmacy settings.

Demographics

As of Fall 2018, UNM SOM had an enrollment of 1,574 students. The MD program admits approximately 106 new students annually, with a strong preference for New Mexico residents. In the 2024–2025 academic year, 1,736 applicants applied, with 103 matriculants, 88.3% of whom were New Mexico residents. The student body comprises 179 male and 262 female students, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Last Updated: Oct 09, 2025