The coastal city of Baltimore, Maryland rests scenically on the Atlantic Ocean and is a gateway to the Northeast region of the United States. Less than an hour north of the nation's capital, Baltimore is more than just crab cakes. The city is home to two medical schools both ranked in the top 50 by U.S. News & World Report.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine was ranked the third-best medical school in the country for the 2010 academic year by U.S. News and has enjoyed the No. 1 spot several times, an honor than often goes to Harvard. Founded in 1887, Johns Hopkins has been a perennial leader in research and medical practice. Also, Johns Hopkins Hospital ranks No. 1 in several specialties, including ear, nose and throat; gynecology; and neurology.
University of Maryland
University of Maryland School of Medicine ranks 40th in the nation and is another accomplished program. Founded in 1807, the University of Maryland is older than Johns Hopkins and is the fifth-oldest medical school in the country. Though it is ranked significantly lower than its counterpart, the University of Maryland is a state-funded school and takes advantage of federal benefits.
Admissions and Enrollment
Getting into either Johns Hopkins or the University of Maryland is tough. Johns Hopkins' acceptance rate is a slim 6.8 percent, while Maryland is slightly better at 7.2 percent. Both schools, however, are diverse and accept a proportionate number of women and minorities. Both schools require an official application, specific undergraduate coursework and MCAT scores. Maryland gives its residents an incentive that makes tuition about $10,000 cheaper than for out-of-state students. Johns Hopkins costs roughly $45,000 a year as of 2011, but both schools offer financial aid and scholarships to those who qualify.
Uniformed Services University
The Uniformed Service University of Health Sciences is a federal medical school less than an hour south of Baltimore in Bethesda, Maryland. If you are a member of the Armed Forces or have made a commitment to serve in a particular branch of the Armed Forces, then your education is free. Considering the amount medical school costs and the time it takes to pay off student loans, this may be an appealing option.
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