The total number of medical school applicants fell to the lowest level since 2017-18

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Earlier this month, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) released data on medical school applicants and enrollment in the 2024-25 academic year. Notably, the number of first-year enrollees (matriculants) in U.S. MD-granting medical schools increased by 0.8% in 2024-25. However, there was a decline in matriculants from racial and ethnic groups historically underrepresented in medicine, most by a percent change in the double digits.

Medical school matriculants had a median undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.86, slightly higher than previous years, and ranged in age from 17 to 55 years old, with 2.8% over the age of 30. The total number of medical school applicants fell by 1.2%, declining for the third consecutive year, now down to the lowest level since 2017-18.

Although, 74.3% of medical school applicants were first-time applicants—a 2.3% increase over 2023. “We are encouraged by the increase in first-time applicants to medical school,” David J. Skorton, president and CEO, AAMC, said in an AAMC release.

“The AAMC and its member medical schools are committed to continuing our efforts to increase the supply of physicians and to increase the range of backgrounds and experiences in the applicant and matriculant pools that are critical to the future physician workforce. Evidence shows that a more varied workforce can improve access to health care and the health of our communities.”

Applicant and enrollee statistics by race and ethnicity

The 2024-25 academic year saw an increase in Black or African American (up 2.8%) and Hispanic, Latino or of Spanish Origin (up 2.2%) medical school applicants. Conversely, there was a significant (down 15.4%) drop in American Indian or Alaska Native applicants.

Matriculants from groups that are historically underrepresented in medicine declined across the board compared to 2023—most by a percent change in the double digits. Black or African American matriculants declined by 11.6%—the third consecutive year in decline. Hispanic, Latino or of Spanish Origin matriculants also fell 10.8%, bringing Black and Hispanic matriculant numbers back to pre-pandemic levels, according to the AAMC.

American Indian or Alaska Native matriculants fell by 22.1% compared to 2023, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander matriculants declined by 4.3%.

Proportionately, total medical school enrollment is more racially and ethnically diverse compared to 2017-18.

• The proportion of Black or African American students increased from 7.9% to 10.3%.
• The proportion of Hispanic, Latino or of Spanish Origin students increased from 9.9% to 12.3%.

Applicant and enrollee statistics by gender

Women accounted for the majority of medical school applicants, matriculants and total enrollees for the sixth consecutive year. In the 2024-25 academic year, 56.8% of applicants, 55.1% of matriculants and 54.9% of total enrollees were women. Despite this majority, women matriculants only increased by 0.2% compared to 2023, representing the slightest increase since the 2010-11 academic year.

Similarly, there was a 1.0% increase in the number of male matriculants in 2024-25, representing the third year in a row in which the number of men did not decline. These past three years come following six years of consecutive declines from 2016-17 to 2021-22.

Applicant and enrollee statistics by socioeconomic status

Medical school applicants with a parent whose highest level of education was less than a bachelor’s degree, or any degree with an occupation categorized as “service, clerical, skilled and unskilled,” fell by 2.2% compared to 2023-24. The number of matriculants from this group declined 2.1%—the third consecutive year of declines for both groups.

The number of first-generation medical school applicants fell by 1.6%, and the number of first generation matriculants declined 2.3% over 2023.

“In the wake of the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision on the consideration of race in admissions and state-level policies ending funding for diversity, equity and inclusion programs, medical schools are operating in a new environment,” said David A. Acosta, MD, chief diversity and inclusion officer, AAMC. “In order to continue to recruit and matriculate strong classes, it is critical that schools support pathways programs and use effective race-neutral admissions practices and tools, such as holistic review. The AAMC and our member medical schools remain committed to increasing the number of students from historically underrepresented groups.”