Dell Medical School
General Information: Dell Medical School
Overview
Dell Medical School (often called Dell Med) is the graduate medical school of The University of Texas at Austin, established as a bold experiment in rethinking academic medicine and health care delivery. It officially opened in 2016 with its inaugural class of 50 students and was the first new medical school at a top‑tier research university in decades. The institution is grounded in a mission to transform health in Central Texas and beyond by training physician‑leaders who are deeply embedded in their communities, who understand health equity and systems, and who leverage innovation to improve care.
Dell Med is integrated with UT Austin’s broader academic ecosystem, sharing campus infrastructure and facilities, and it sits adjacent to its primary teaching hospital, Dell Seton Medical Center. Its curriculum is deliberately structured into phases that emphasize foundational skills, clinical delivery, growth, and exploration, and students have opportunities for dual degrees, research, and community engagement. As a relatively young institution, Dell Med has rapidly expanded graduate medical education (residency and fellowship programs) in partnership with Ascension Seton, providing rich clinical training opportunities. The health district around Dell Med is part of a larger master plan within Austin, creating a vibrant medical and innovation ecosystem in a central urban setting.
Contact Information
Address (Education & Administration): Health Learning Building, 1501 Red River Street, Austin, Texas 78712
Address (Research Operations): Health Discovery Building, 1601 Trinity Street, Building B, Austin, Texas 78712
Address (Clinical Operations): Health Transformation Building, 1601 Trinity Street, Building A, Austin, Texas 78712
Phone: +1 (512) 324‑7000
Email / General Contact: Administrative and admissions offices (contact email managed via internal Dell Med directories)
School Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2013 (planning) / 2016 (first class) |
| Type | Public medical school (graduate medical school of UT Austin) |
| Dean | Claudia F. Lucchinetti, M.D. (since December 2022) |
| Named For | Supported by Michael & Susan Dell Foundation |
| Campus / Setting | Urban health district in Austin, adjacent to UT campus and Dell Seton Medical Center |
| Teaching Hospital | Dell Seton Medical Center (Level I trauma center) |
| Accreditation | Full LCME accreditation as part of UT’s medical training programs |
Dell Medical School Rankings
Because Dell Med is relatively new, it has chosen not to participate in all traditional ranking surveys, and it is unranked in many categories such as U.S. News research and primary care. However, it is gaining prominence in health innovation and regional reputation. Its specialty programs and hospital partnerships are increasingly recognized. It is often cited as one of Texas’s most selective medical schools, with competitive metrics relative to peer institutions.
Dell Medical School Academics
Dell Medical School Faculties / Departments
Dell Med organizes its academic operations around a model suited to medical education and health systems rather than broad traditional faculties. Key departments or divisions include:
- Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Specialties (e.g. internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry)
- Department of Health Systems Science and Population Health
- Department of Medical Education & Curriculum
- Department of Research & Innovation
- Department of Community Engagement and Health Equity
- Graduate Medical Education / Residency Programs (various specialties)
- Collaborative divisions with other UT Austin units (e.g. design, humanities in health)
Dell Medical School Courses and Programs / Majors
Dell Med offers the following core programs:
- M.D. Program (four‑phase curriculum: Essentials, Delivery, Growth, Exploration)
- Graduate Medical Education (residency and fellowship programs across many specialties)
- Continuing Medical Education (for practicing physicians)
- Master’s degree programs in partnership with UT Austin (e.g. MA in Design in Health, MA in Humanities, Health and Medicine)
- Dual degree pathways for medical students (e.g. M.D. + M.A., M.D. + public health or other interdisciplinary combinations)
Online Learning
While Dell Med emphasizes in-person, hands-on clinical and lab training, it incorporates hybrid and digital learning modalities such as online modules, flipped classrooms, virtual simulations, and remote learning components during the preclinical phases. For continuing education and certain graduate programs, there may be more robust online or blended offerings to accommodate physician learners or professionals.
Average Test Scores
| Test Type | Typical / Average Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GPA | ~3.78 (for matriculants) | According to Texas school statistics |
| MCAT | ~514 | Typical median score for successful applicants |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Published retention and graduation statistics specific to Dell Med’s MD program are limited given the school’s youth. However, the school’s accreditation and internal monitoring ensure high standards for student progression. Enrollment is structured by class cohorts, and the program is designed to support students through the full degree path.
Dell Medical School Admissions
GPA Range and MCAT Range
Dell Med does not enforce strict minimums for GPA or MCAT, considering them as parts of a holistic review. Applicants typically present strong academic records, with many matriculants having GPAs around 3.7–3.9 and MCAT scores in the 510–520 range. The admissions office evaluates course rigor, trends, and contextual factors in individual applications.
Dell Medical School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate / Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall acceptance rate | ~2.3% | Among the most selective medical schools in Texas |
| Out-of-state acceptance rate | ~0.45% | Very limited nonresident slots due to state policies |
| In-state acceptance rate | ~1.08% | More favorable for Texas residents |
Dell Medical School Application Requirements
Applicants must apply through the Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). They must meet prerequisite course competencies before matriculation, submit transcripts, letters of evaluation, a personal statement, and MCAT scores (valid up to five years). The school also requires essays aligned with mission, demonstration of community engagement, and evidence of commitment to health equity, leadership, and systems thinking. All materials are reviewed holistically, with rigorous attention to alignment with Dell Med’s values and objectives.
Application Process
- Submit primary application via TMDSAS
- Submit supplementary essays or supplemental materials as requested
- Undergo holistic review of application by admissions committee
- Receive interview invitations (virtual or in-person)
- Participate in interviews and assessments
- Receive admission decision or waitlist notification
- Complete enrollment requirements (e.g. health clearances, orientation)
Dell Medical School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Stage | Deadline / Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| TMDSAS primary application deadline | Varies annually (typically mid-fall) | As determined by TMDSAS timeline |
| Secondary / supplemental deadline | December 15 (priority) | Dell Med lists Dec. 15 as priority secondary deadline |
| Interview period | Rolling | Interviews occur throughout the cycle |
| Admissions decisions / notifications | Rolling | Offers, waitlist movement over time |
Essay Prompt
Secondary essays often ask applicants to reflect on how their personal experiences have shaped their interest in health equity, describe challenges in access to care, articulate how they would contribute to Dell Med’s mission, and share goals for their professional trajectory. Essays are expected to demonstrate insight, commitment, and alignment with the school’s values.
Dell Medical School Scholarships
Dell Med provides financial aid packages, scholarships, and institutional support, particularly for students with demonstrated need or mission‑aligned profiles. Scholarships may be merit‑based, need‑based, or tied to community service and service commitments in underserved settings. Students can also access federal loans and deferred payment options typical in U.S. medical education.
Dell Medical School Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Residency Status | Estimated Tuition & Fees | Notes / Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|
| In-State (Texas residents) | ~$21,268 per year | As reported in Texas medical school comparative data |
| Out-of-State | ~$35,030 per year | Reflects higher nonresident tuition for Dell Med |
Costs beyond tuition include housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, which in Austin’s cost environment must be factored into budgeting.
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
As of September 2024, Dell Med’s cohort across classes 2025 to 2028 comprises 200 students. Of them, 128 identify as women (64 %) and 72 as men (36 %). In terms of racial/ethnic identity, 37 % of students identify as white, 30.5 % as Asian, 15 % as Hispanic/Latino, 9 % as Black or African American, and 3.5 % as multiracial or other. About 97 % of students are Texas residents, reflecting state allocation policies.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Dell Med emphasizes inclusion and diversity, and has mechanisms to support students from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities. Financial aid, scholarships, support services, and accommodations are integrated into the student support system. The school’s mission and institutional plans articulate a commitment to equity and lowering barriers for underrepresented and underserved learners.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total enrolled MD students | ~200 | Across multiple class years |
| MD graduates since 2020 | 236 | As reported by Dell Med |
| International students | Very limited | Nonresident slots are capped at ~10 % of class |
University Diversity
Diversity at Dell Med is a foundational element of its identity. The school intentionally recruits a cohort reflecting a wide array of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences, with the goal of preparing physicians who can serve diverse communities. Its admissions strategies, community engagement programs, and curricular focus on health equity and social determinants are designed to foster an inclusive environment. The fact that nearly one in three students identifies as Asian, and that there is representation of Hispanic/Latino, Black, and multiracial individuals, shows meaningful effort toward inclusivity. The state‑residency policy ensures that the Texas resident population is well represented, but the small nonresident component also allows for geographic diversity. Over time, the institution continues to refine recruitment, retention, and support systems to ensure that students from underrepresented backgrounds not only enter but flourish in medical education.
Average Earnings
Graduate data on average earnings is not yet extensive due to the relative recency of Dell Med’s first graduating cohorts. However, as medical school graduates typically enter residency positions, their salaries align with resident pay scales initially. Later, as they begin independent practice, earnings vary widely by specialty, location, and practice setting. Given Dell Med’s strong affiliations and reputation in Texas, its graduates are expected to secure competitive residencies and enter well-compensated practice careers. Over time, alumni surveys are likely to produce more precise earnings benchmarks stratified by specialty and region.
Dell Medical School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Dell Med employs a robust set of faculty, clinician-educators, researchers, administrative, curricular, and student affairs staff. Faculty include basic scientists, clinician faculty at partner hospitals, educators in health systems science, and mentors for research and community engagement. Staff support includes admissions, student support services, communications, finance, IT, and research operations. The integration with UT Austin and the medical district ensures access to shared resources and infrastructure.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at Dell Med have expertise across clinical specialties, health systems innovation, biomedical research, public health, health equity, design thinking, and community engagement. Some hold leadership roles in national medical education or professional organizations. The institution has recruited early faculty with grant portfolios, publication records, and translational research endeavors. Because the school is relatively new, many faculty are in the rising phase of their careers, and over time their scholarly impact, grant awards, and recognition are increasing as the institution grows.
Dell Medical School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Dell Med is part of a 16.2‑acre medical district integrated with the UT Austin campus, sharing proximity with allied health, nursing, and innovation facilities. The medical district landscape is planned to foster connectivity, sustainability, and community engagement. While the school does not generally offer centralized student housing specifically for medical students, many students live in off‑campus housing in Austin, often in neighborhoods that offer easy transit access. Housing costs in Austin are among mid- to higher-tier in Texas, so students often budget carefully, share accommodations, or take advantage of local housing resources. Student life includes access to modern academic and research buildings, lounges, wellness amenities, simulation labs, and opportunities to engage in student organizations, civic health initiatives, and interprofessional activities across UT’s broader campus.
Transportation
The Dell Med campus is centrally located in Austin, with street access along Red River and Trinity corridors, and is integrated with UT Austin’s transit infrastructure. Public transportation options include city buses, campus shuttles, and pedestrian pathways. Many students commute by public transit, biking, or rideshare. For clinical years, students travel to partner hospitals via shuttles or transit depending on the sites. On campus, internal mobility is supported by accessible walkways, elevators, and compact layout of buildings in the medical district.