US News & World Report ranks CMU College of Medicine in top 20 for serving in rural and underserved areas

The Central Michigan University College of Medicine has earned a place among the top 20 medical schools in the country for placing graduates in rural areas and in health professional shortage areas according to the most recent US News & World Report.  This is a tremendous and unprecedented accomplishment for a young medical school that has been established for just over 12 years. These results are a strong testament to the College’s mission-driven commitment to serving underserved communities.

The 2025 survey included 170 medical schools and showed an impressive increase in ranking over the College’s already remarkable results in 2024.  The CMU College of Medicine moved from #43 to #20 for placing graduates in rural areas and jumped from #67 to #17 for placing graduates in health professional shortage areas (HPSAs).  The College also maintained a high ranking of #52 for placing graduates into primary care positions.

2024 to 2025 comparison

• Ranked #17 of 170 (up from #67) for placing graduates in HPSAs.
• Ranked #20 of 170 (up from #43) for placing graduates in rural areas.
• Maintained rank of#52 of 170 for placing graduates in primary care positions.

“This is more than a ranking; this is a reflection of who we are,” said George E. Kikano, M.D., dean of the College and executive vice president for Health Affairs at CMU. “To be recognized nationally for putting physicians in areas where they are needed most is a powerful validation of our mission and the devotion of our students.  It is an immense source of pride to see our students match into residencies and go on to serve in communities that struggle to provide adequate health care access to meet the demand.  These learners live our mission and they are our legacy. Now, as I prepare to transition out of my role after 10 years, I am honored to have led such an amazing team of faculty and staff and I am confident that the institution is on the path toward longstanding excellence.”

In 2024, the US News & World Report survey made a significant adjustment to its methodology to include a focus on social mobility and an emphasis on student outcomes.  The survey results are based on objective data gathered from schools across the nation.  You can learn more about how the rankings were calculated here.

The College’s upward movement in the rankings can be attributed to strategic partnerships with rural health systems, a focus on primary care and community-based learning, and intentional recruitment of students passionate about making a difference in medically underserved areas.  It comes on the heels of an outstanding 100% residency match rate for the Class of 2025.  This is the second year in a row that the College’s graduating class has achieved a 100% match, demonstrating the strength of the College’s program and the demand for its graduates nationwide.