CUNY School of Medicine
General Information of CUNY School of Medicine
Overview
The CUNY School of Medicine (CUNY Medicine) is the public medical school of the City University of New York, located in New York City and committed to serving underserved, urban communities through physician training and health equity. It evolved from the historic Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education program founded in 1973, and in its current form opened in 2015-16 to provide a distinctive BS/MD pathway and professional medical education with a strong focus on primary care, community health and social justice.
Students typically enter via the BS/MD track, complete an accelerated three-year undergraduate Biomedical Science degree and then transition into the four-year MD program. Clinical training is integrated in New York City hospitals and community settings, and the curriculum emphasizes working in medically underserved areas, promoting diversity in medicine, and increasing representation of historically under-represented groups. With a suburban-urban campus at The City College of New York (CCNY) and affiliated hospitals across New York City, CUNY School of Medicine delivers a cost-effective, mission-driven education aimed at addressing urban health disparities and forming physicians committed to community leadership and service.
Contact Information
Address: 160 Convent Avenue, Harris Hall, Room H-101, New York, NY 10031, United States
Phone Number: 212-650-7718 (BS/MD Inquiries) medicine.cuny.edu
Email Address: sdadmissions@med.cuny.edu (Admissions Office) medicine.cuny.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2015 (current school form) – following transformation of Sophie Davis program Vikipedi |
| Type | Public medical school (BS/MD and MD) |
| Parent Institution | City University of New York (CUNY) |
| Location | Urban campus, The City College of New York, New York, NY |
| Degrees/Pathways Offered | BS in Biomedical Science → MD (7-year combined); MD; MS in Physician Assistant Studies ccny-undergraduate.catalog.cuny.edu+1 |
| Mission | Increase access to medical profession for under-represented backgrounds; produce physicians for underserved communities medicine.cuny.edu |
CUNY School of Medicine Rankings
| Ranking Organization | National / U.S. Position | Other / Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Opportunity Insights Mobility Index | CUNY (parent) ranked #1 among 369 selective public colleges for upward mobility www1.cuny.edu | — |
| EduRank Overall University Rank | CUNY School of Medicine listed ~#12,500 in U.S. (for entity size) Vikipedi | — |
| Specialized Program Ranking (PA Studies) | MS in Physician Assistant Studies ranked #3 in NY State (by certain sources) ccny-undergraduate.catalog.cuny.edu | — |
CUNY School of Medicine Academics
CUNY School of Medicine Faculties / Departments
The academic structure at CUNY School of Medicine comprises multiple departments designed to provide clinical and community-oriented medical education. These include:
- Department of Clinical Medicine (covering specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics) medicine.cuny.edu
- Department of Community Health & Social Medicine (focusing on public health, primary care, underserved populations) medicine.cuny.edu
- Department of Biomedical Science (undergraduate BS phase)
- Department of Physician Assistant Studies (MS program)
- Office of Curriculum & Educational Innovation
- Community & Urban Health Partnerships Unit
CUNY School of Medicine Courses and Programs / Majors
The school offers distinct pathways including:
- BS in Biomedical Science → MD (seven-year BS/MD track via Sophie Davis program) medicine.cuny.edu+1
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) four-year program following BS phase
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MS-PA) aiming to prepare physician assistants equipped for urban and primary-care settings ccny-undergraduate.catalog.cuny.edu
- Additional pre-health and enrichment opportunities for undergraduates through affiliated CUNY colleges
Online Learning
While the core medical and BS/MD programs at CUNY School of Medicine are delivered in-person due to intensive clinical, laboratory and experiential requirements, the institution may incorporate hybrid or online components for certain didactic modules, pre-clinical learning or PA studies. The emphasis remains on hands-on training in New York City clinical environments and in-person collaboration.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Typical Range / Middle 50% |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate GPA (entering BS/MD students) | Not publicly detailed |
| MCAT Score (MD entrants) | Not directly published; program emphasizes holistic review rather than MCAT metrics International Medical Aid |
| Acceptance Metrics | Extremely selective BS/MD entry and PA program (~2% for PA) medicine.cuny.edu |
Retention and Graduation Rates
CUNY School of Medicine touts strong mission-driven retention and program completion, especially within its BS/MD track that transitions seamlessly into the MD phase. While detailed graduation or retention percentages are not broadly published, the institution emphasizes that it places graduates into NYC health system settings, especially in underserved areas, maintaining alignment with its community health focus. Vikipedi
CUNY School of Medicine Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Applicants to the BS/MD program at CUNY School of Medicine via the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program are selected based on high school academic performance, competency in science and mathematics, demonstrated service or interest in medicine, and alignment with the school’s mission. Standardized test ranges (SAT/ACT) for recent cohorts are not publicly detailed, but the program is described as highly selective and mission-oriented. International Medical Aid
CUNY School of Medicine Acceptance Rate
| Program Level | Approximate Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| BS/MD (Sophie Davis pathway) | Very selective; MS in PA ~2% of applicants accepted medicine.cuny.edu |
CUNY School of Medicine Application Requirements
Applicants must complete dual applications: one to the general CUNY undergraduate admission system and one to the Sophie Davis BS/MD program. Requirements include high school transcripts, evidence of strong performance in sciences and mathematics, personal statement demonstrating interest in medicine and underserved populations, possibly letters of recommendation, and interview. The review process is holistic, focusing on attributes, metrics and experiences, especially service orientation and readiness for medical training. medicine.cuny.edu+1
Application Process
- Submit general CUNY undergraduate application (by January 1) with Biomedical Science BS/MD as choice. medicine.cuny.edu
- Submit Sophie Davis BS/MD program application (by December 1) and additional documentation. medicine.cuny.edu
- Provide transcripts, complete required science/mathematics courses, submit personal statement and required forms.
- Participate in interview or evaluation as part of admissions process.
- If admitted, matriculate into three-year BS phase, then transition into MD program.
CUNY School of Medicine Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program | Deadline Approximation |
|---|---|
| Sophie Davis BS/MD | Application to program: December 1 medicine.cuny.edu |
| General CUNY Application | All CUNY applications submitted by January 1 medicine.cuny.edu |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are asked to describe their personal experiences, qualities and motivations that align with the CUNY School of Medicine’s mission of training physicians for underserved communities. Typically prompts may ask how their background, service commitment, academic preparation and perspectives will contribute to the diversity and mission of the program. International Medical Aid
CUNY School of Medicine Scholarships
The school offers financial-aid options, merit and need-based assistance through CUNY and affiliated programs. Because the BS/MD track is linked to CUNY, tuition and expenses are relatively lower compared to many private medical schools, aligning with the mission of accessibility.
CUNY School of Medicine Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Level | Estimated Tuition / Fees |
|---|---|
| MD Program (Estimated annual tuition) | Approximately $41,911 tuition & fees per year (as of one published estimate) for the MD phase International Medical Aid |
| First-Year Total Cost Estimate | Including living expenses ~$67,000 for year one (tuition ~$41,900 + living ~$21,690) International Medical Aid |
CUNY School of Medicine Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student body at CUNY School of Medicine is characterized by diversity in gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic background. Historical data indicates the school has one of the highest proportions of under-represented minorities among U.S. medical schools and strong representation of women. For example, about 42% of matriculants come from under-represented minority backgrounds.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
CUNY School of Medicine places emphasis on access and social mobility. Its founding mission is to provide opportunities for students from broad socio-economic backgrounds to pursue medicine and serve underserved communities. The institution supports first-generation college students, underserved populations and provides inclusive resources for learners with disabilities or challenges in urban education contexts. medicine.cuny.edu
Student Body
| Category | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Total Students (BS/MD + MD + PA) | ~500+ students Vikipedi+1 |
| First-Year Matriculants | Not publicly published for MD phase exactly |
University Diversity
Diversity is at the heart of the CUNY School of Medicine’s mission. The institution intentionally recruits and supports students from historically under-represented backgrounds, urban communities and first-generation college students, aiming to reflect the populations they will serve. The curriculum and clinical placements emphasize community health, primary care and work in medically underserved areas of New York City. Consequently, students engage with diverse patient populations, urban health systems and interdisciplinary teams in Chelsea, Harlem, the Bronx and Staten Island. This emphasis on real-world urban healthcare, social determinants of health and culturally competent care prepares graduates to practice in diverse settings and contribute to reducing health disparities. The setting within CUNY’s broader public university system further reinforces a culture of access, diversity and mission-driven education, fostering inclusion and representation in medicine.
Average Earnings
Graduates of the CUNY School of Medicine’s MD program primarily enter residency training in U.S. hospitals, where first-year resident salaries typically range in the $60,000-$70,000 range. Over time, as physicians complete residency and pursue practice in primary care or specialty settings—often in underserved or urban communities—earning potential increases significantly. Because CUNY graduates often pursue primary-care fields and service-oriented roles, earnings may initially be lower than high-paid specialty tracks but are balanced by strong mission alignment and opportunities for leadership in public health, academic medicine and community clinics. The school’s emphasis on training for underserved care may also correlate with loan forgiveness and public-service incentives, enhancing long-term career value.
CUNY School of Medicine Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty and staff at CUNY School of Medicine include physician-educators, community health specialists, clinical preceptors, biomedical science instructors, physician assistant program faculty, student-services staff, admissions and advising teams, and partnerships with affiliate hospitals and community clinics. With over 100 faculty members, the school delivers clinical education at New York City hospitals, leverages community-based health-care partners, and supports students from BS through MD phases. Vikipedi+1
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at CUNY School of Medicine bring expertise in primary care, urban health, community medicine, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine and public health. The Department of Community Health & Social Medicine emphasizes health-equity research and teaching, and many faculty are actively engaged in urban health initiatives and underserved population care. This blend of scholarship and service underpins the school’s unique mission and prepares students to lead in urban health delivery and research. medicine.cuny.edu
CUNY School of Medicine Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Students at CUNY School of Medicine are based at The City College of New York campus in Harlem (Harris Hall) but also engage considerably in clinical rotations and community health experiences across New York City—including the Bronx and Staten Island. While many students begin on campus, the curriculum emphasizes community-based learning and clinical immersion rather than a traditional residential undergraduate lifestyle. Housing is typically off-campus in New York City neighborhoods, with students often living in Harlem, Manhattan, Bronx or nearby boroughs. The urban environment encourages immersion in city life, public transit, community engagement, service learning and urban clinical care—with the added advantage of strong academic resources and research opportunities in the city’s healthcare systems.
Transportation
New York City’s public transit offers excellent access for CUNY School of Medicine students. The campus is served by subway (multiple lines), buses and commuter rail, enabling students to commute to campus lectures, laboratories and clinical sites in Manhattan, Bronx or Staten Island efficiently. Clinical clerkships across affiliated hospitals in the city are accessible via transit, and students often leverage the urban mobility to engage with patient populations in diverse neighborhoods. Parking is limited in the dense urban setting, so many students plan for public transport, biking or ride-sharing rather than personal vehicles.