Osteopathic Medical Schools Earn Top Marks in U.S. News Rankings

The American Osteopathic Association celebrates the strong performance of osteopathic programs in the latest national rankings.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:14pm

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A minimalist, glowing neon outline of a stethoscope against a dark background, conceptually representing the energy and innovation of the osteopathic medical field.Osteopathic medical schools shine in national rankings, highlighting their growing influence in training the next generation of compassionate, patient-centered physicians.Chicago Today

The American Osteopathic Association is applauding the strong performance of osteopathic medical schools in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. Several osteopathic programs were recognized among the top-ranked medical schools in the country, underscoring their vital role in training the next generation of physicians.

Why it matters

Osteopathic medical schools have historically been underrepresented in national rankings, so this recognition highlights the growing influence and quality of osteopathic education. As the demand for primary care physicians continues to rise, the success of osteopathic programs is crucial for expanding access to care, especially in underserved communities.

The details

The U.S. News & World Report rankings evaluated medical schools across a variety of metrics, including research activity, faculty resources, and student selectivity. Several osteopathic programs, including those at Michigan State University, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Western University of Health Sciences, were ranked among the top medical schools in the country.

  • The U.S. News & World Report rankings were released on April 14, 2026.

The players

American Osteopathic Association

The American Osteopathic Association is the professional organization representing osteopathic physicians and medical students in the United States.

U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is a media company that publishes news, opinion, consumer advice, rankings, and analysis.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to see osteopathic medical schools receive the recognition they deserve in these prestigious national rankings. This is a testament to the exceptional quality of osteopathic education and the vital role our physicians play in delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.”

— Kevin Klauer, Chief Executive Officer, American Osteopathic Association

The takeaway

The strong performance of osteopathic medical schools in the U.S. News & World Report rankings underscores the growing influence and quality of osteopathic education, which will be crucial for addressing the nation's primary care physician shortage and expanding access to care, especially in underserved communities.