Medical Schools Give In-State Priority Applicants & Matriculants

For the 2025-2026 admission cycle, across reporting U.S. medical schools (99,833 students total), matriculants are on average 59.50% in-state and 40.51% out-of-state.

• Matriculants (average): 59.50% in-state, 40.51% out-of-state.
• Public schools matriculants: 14,276; Private schools matriculants: 8,952.
• Schools matriculating ≥99% in-state (according to reporting data): 5 schools

Schools with near-exclusive in-state matriculation

Reporting data for 2026 indicates that 5 medical schools matriculated 99% or more in-state students. Institutions that show this pattern commonly have a state-focused mission or statutory/resident-preference policies; as a result, out-of-state applicants typically face very limited admission opportunities. Prospective applicants should confirm current residency/admissions policies directly with each school.

• Mercer University School of Medicine (GA) — It is a private medical school that prioritizes applicants from Georgia and its defined service area of 159 counties across Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. Applicants must have established Georgia residency at least 12 months prior to matriculation. For full admissions requirements and details, visit the Mercer University School of Medicine Admissions Process.
• Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (IL) — It does not accept out-of-state applicants. Only Illinois residents are allowed to apply to the M.D. program at SIU School of Medicine. For more information, visit the SIU School of Medicine Admissions page.
• The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University (NC) — It does not explicitly state its policy regarding applicants from outside the state; available information indicates that out-of-state applicants are not accepted. The The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Admissions page states: Legal residents of North Carolina or individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a UNC System institution within the last five years are eligible for admissions consideration.
• University of Mississippi School of Medicine (MS) — It primarily accepts applicants who are residents of Florida. Applicants must have been residents of Florida for at least 12 months prior to matriculation. For more information, visit the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine MD Program Admissions page.
• Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine (WA) —

Data reflect institutions reporting for the selected year. Admissions and residency preference policies change; always verify details on the school's official admissions pages.