We have collected our most frequently asked questions about the Heritage College to make sure you are well informed before you start the application process.
What are the minimum MCATs and GPAs needed to apply?
All Ohio residents will automatically receive a secondary application. Out-of-state applicants with at least a 495 MCAT score AND at least a 3.0 science GPA will receive a secondary application.
Please note that applicants with an MCAT score below 500 will likely not be considered for an interview. Applicants with MCAT scores between 495 and 500 are encouraged to retake the MCAT. To be considered competitive, applicants should have metrics closer to a 3.60 science GPA and a 504 MCAT.
For the entering class of 2025, the average science GPA was 3.6; non-science, 3.78; and overall, 3.68. The average MCAT score was 503.46, with a range of 490 (from our Pathways Programs participants) to 522.
What are some of the other factors you consider in addition to grades and test scores?
Clinical experience, volunteer activities, demonstrated leadership qualities, strong letters of recommendation, grade trends, strength of curriculum, maturity and dedication to osteopathic principles and practices are just some of the other attributes that we look for in our candidates.
What are the demographics of your entering class?
For the entering class of 2025:
Class size – 262
First-generation college – 17.5%
Female – 54.5%
All Minority - 33.7%
Out-of-state – 6.5%
Age – ranges from 20-47
What prerequisite courses are required?
Please review the prerequisite course requirements.
Do I need to have completed my prerequisite courses before applying to the Heritage College?
No, but you must have completed your prerequisite courses prior to matriculating to the Heritage College.
What are your tuition and fees?
This information changes annually, and all rates are subject to change by action of the Ohio University Board of Trustees. For 2025-26, First-year medical student Ohio resident tuition and fees were $42,334, and non-resident tuition and fees were $61,834.
Is the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine a state-supported medical school?
Yes. Because we are a state-supported school, we give preference to Ohio residents in our application process. However, we encourage applications from all candidates who feel they can contribute to the dynamic learning environment and mission of the Heritage College.
What types of research opportunities are available?
The Heritage College faculty, staff and students on each campus engage in a wide variety of research. From diabetes research and the Virtual Haptic Back project to our annual Research Day showcase, we are committed to trying to understand the mysteries of science and health so that we can improve the lives of our patients.
Check out more information about research opportunities at the Heritage College.
Where do your students complete their clinical rotations?
Students are assigned to a clinical education cohort to complete their clinical education during years 3 and 4 of medical school. Students meet the clinical curricular requirements through a variety of experiences and locations, including inpatient hospital-based, outpatient ambulatory settings, residency programs/clinics, private practices, and other community-based providers.
Generally, Cleveland campus students will complete clinicals in northeast Ohio; Dublin campus students will complete clinicals in central Ohio; and Athens campus students will complete clinicals throughout the remainder of the state.
Check out more information about our clinical education sites.
What about residencies? Where do your graduates go?
In a word – everywhere! Through our statewide clinical campuses, our students have a wide variety of residency opportunities available right here in Ohio. From Level 1 trauma centers to community hospitals and from metropolitan and suburban areas to rural regions, our statewide clinical education network offers it all. Graduates completing residencies outside of the clinical campuses have gone to Cleveland Clinic, the Dallas/Forth Worth Medical Center and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, just to name a few.
Check out more information about the Heritage College and graduate medical education.
Is there any opportunity to earn a dual degree?
Yes. One of the many advantages of being part of a major university is the opportunity to earn dual degrees. Through Ohio University, you can earn the following degrees in addition to your D.O.: Ph.D., M.B.A., M.G.H. and M.B.M.E. These dual-degree programs can add two to three years to your undergraduate medical education.
Where do the medical students live?
Medical students typically reside within a community closest to their campus location. We encourage medical students to find roommates, as sharing housing expenses can help keep your educational budget in check. Accepted students will be invited to join the incoming class GroupMe, where housing opportunities will be posted. The Office of Admissions can also be a resource to find housing.
What types of support can I expect as a Heritage College student?
We take very seriously our attention to students here at the Heritage College. You will be able to find support through many avenues. Faculty/staff mentors, COMrades, learning specialists and tutors, embedded mental health counselors, and diversity and inclusion officers are just a few of the ways in which we provide support. The Office of Student Affairs provides many services to our students -- everything from financial aid counseling to facilitating workshops about how to live on a tight med student budget. They also keep our students informed about current medical and legal issues. You may not find a more student-centered medical school anywhere in the nation.
What if I have more questions?
Please contact the Office of Admissions - we are happy to help guide you through this process!
Email: ou-hcom@ohio.edu
Phone: 800-345-1560