The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA was established in 1951 as part of the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2002, entertainment mogul David Geffen donated $200 million to the school, resulting in its renaming. The school has grown from a modest beginning to become one of the nation's most prestigious medical institutions, with a strong emphasis on primary care, research innovation, and community service. Founded during the post-war expansion of medical education, UCLA's medical school was designed to serve California's growing population while establishing itself as a leader in biomedical research and clinical excellence.
The David Geffen School of Medicine is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the United States, known for its cutting-edge research in neuroscience, immunology, cancer biology, and stem cell research. The school is home to the UCLA Medical Center, which ranks as one of the top hospitals in the nation. UCLA Geffen excels in both research and primary care education, producing physicians who are leaders in academic medicine, clinical practice, and public health. The school's faculty includes numerous Nobel laureates, National Academy of Sciences members, and pioneering researchers who have made breakthrough discoveries in HIV/AIDS treatment, gene therapy, and medical imaging.
Student life at UCLA Geffen is characterized by collaboration, diversity, and a commitment to serving underserved communities. The school's location in Los Angeles provides unparalleled exposure to diverse patient populations and complex medical cases. Students benefit from small class sizes, extensive mentorship opportunities, and early clinical exposure through the school's innovative curriculum. The Geffen community emphasizes work-life balance, wellness, and social justice, with numerous student organizations focused on global health, LGBTQ+ health, and community outreach. The campus culture promotes interdisciplinary collaboration with UCLA's renowned schools of nursing, public health, and dentistry.
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Founded | 1951 |
| Total students | 1,100 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 2:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 2.4% |
| Graduation rate | 98% |
| Average starting salary | $245,000 |
| In-state tuition | $38,865 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $51,110 |
| Room & board | $24,000 |
| Average financial aid | $35,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.85 |
| Regular deadline | October 1 |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.